A day in the park by: Pent Ghelsburg
Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect is given to their owners. Any similarity to real persons, alive or dead, is purely coincidental. This work contains underaged content. You have been warned.
Ever wanted to be like someone else when you grow up? The desire for betterment even if but a false reality is a part of many peoples lives. Especially when in the prime of youth, it is even more common. A child's desire to be some famous or fictional person can often dominate their own existence. Often acting or dressing like someone that they aren't actually. Such is the playful nature of childhood.
“Dan, my man. What's up?” A young rabbit approached a similar age kitten.
“Just chillin', you?” The feline sat down on a nearby bench outside of the school building.
“Nothin'.” The somewhat chubby rabbit soon joined the other cub on the metal grated surface.
The two had long been friends, since first grade. They would soon be graduating to middle school and neither was too thrilled about leaving elementary behind. But they still had a few months left and decided to leave the issue be until it was a more pressing issue.
“New shoes?” The cat no longer had his gaze cast on floor once he saw the pair next to his own.
“Uhuh...do you like them?” The lapine was always seeking the other boy's approval.
“They look just like mine...” Dan compared the fabric to his own...it was an exact match.
“Yup, yup.” The rabbit smiled at his friend hoping he would like them.
“Sam...that's a bit strange isn't it?” The smaller boy now looked over to the taller one directly into his eyes.
“Naw, I really liked your shoes and I thought it would be cool if we matched.” Sam threw his arm over the other boy and pulled him in softly.
“Whatever... Anyways my dad was planning a trip to the water park this weekend do you want to come?” The kitten rolled his eyes and decided to drop the subject.
“Water park? You mean Raging Waves?” The rabbit had seen it enough on the television to know what it was but had never been before.
“Yup. We're going to go both Saturday and Sunday. We got weekend passes and your welcome to come with if you want.”
“Uh...sure. I'll ask my mom when I get home and call you when I get an answer.” Sam hesitated a bit before he answered the question.
“Cool. I'm sure it will be fun and I'd like to have you along.” Dan slid from underneath his friend's arm so he could make his way towards class as recess was almost over.
“Alright sweet...” The rabbit trailed off as in thought.
Once one of the teachers came out to check the playground, the rabbit snapped to it and returned to class as well. After coming inside the teacher secured the door and made their own way inside. Truthfully Sam was worried about the notion of having to swim. Neither of his parents had taught him when he was younger. Now that he was 11, he was utterly terrified of water. But the fact that his friend, an idol, wanted him to go to Raging waves changed the subject entirely.
Now he had a very real incentive to learn how to swim. However, the problem remained that there were only a few days before the weekend. It was only mid-week but it may as well have been the day off as far as Sam was concerned. Nonetheless, the rabbit decided in that instant, it would become his obsession. He wanted to learn how to swim as quickly as possible. It seemed he had no other choice but to ask his parents.
The rest of the day went by like normal. The two friends shared every class together. Many considered them to be inseparable. The chocolate and sepia colored rabbit with the tan and sand colored tones of his friend's fur put them in contrast to each other. Still, they may as well have been brothers as it was difficult to find them apart whenever they could be together. Only their instructor could manage to separate them but usually didn't as to avoid any fuss.
Once the day ended and the school bell sounded, the crush of children came surging out of the door at the front of the school. Like always Sam and Dan were towards the back of the assembly of kids, as they were not interested in getting run over. Always side by side, they exited the school together before making their way to the bike rack. Neither lived that far from school so instead of taking the crowded bus, they usually took their bicycles, so long as weather permitted.
The day was fair in the weather and wasn't overly warm. They lived right outside of Joliet so it wasn't quite the biggest area in Illinois to live in. At the bike rack, both boys unshackled their transports from their locks. Once they were free, each cub readied themselves for the trip home. Dan was the first one out of the bike lot and his friend wasn't far behind. Sam couldn't help but chuckle at the other boy, always wanting to one-up him.
It was one of the things that the rabbit admired about his friend. The feline always wanted to be the best no matter the situation or the event. Even if Dan wasn't good at it, he always tried his hardest and aspired to be the best. The rabbit began pedaling as fast he could though no matter how fast he did so, he never seemed to be able to catch the smaller boy. Sam chalked it up to being less physically active than his friend.
The rabbit's home was the first one they stopped at as it was closer than the kitten's. Sam's home was a typical single-family domicile. Two floors with the top half being reserved for living space and the bottom for chores such as cooking and doing laundry.
“See ya tomorrow, bunbun.” Dan waved goodbye as he pedaled off into the distance.
“Alright, cya.” The rabbit waved back with a slight smile.
Once he was gone. The boy made his way quickly inside. Sam could tell his father was already home from work as the man's vehicle sat outside in the parking lot.
The cub made his way indoors, shutting the door behind him, and taking his shoes off near the front.
“Hiya, kiddo. How was school?” His father overheard him entering the home as the door was loudly closed.
“Good. I'm glad your home. I have something I want to ask you.” The young boy wasted no time in getting to the point.
“Yeah, what's that?” The father overlooked his shoulder back towards where his son was standing.
“I want you to teach me how to swim.” The cub pounced over the couch and plopped down next to the larger male.
“You what?”The older male couldn't help but stop himself as if he had heard a ghost.
“I want to learn how to swim.” Sam said perching his body over his father pressing into him.
“What's with the sudden change of heart?” The father couldn't believe what he was hearing and pinched himself just to make sure he was awake.
“My class is going on a field trip and I don't want to look like a fool.” The boy came up with the best possible white lie he could come up with.
“Alright...I guess we can teach you how to swim. It's not that hard.” The older male looked over at his son who had a huge smirk on his face.
“Sweet. When do we start?” Sam didn't want to wait even a single second, his nose pinched in excitement.
“Give me a few minutes to get ready and we can go outside.” The father knew his son had little patience and decided to give in.
“Go get your suit on.” He continued instructing his son.
With that command, the cub made his way to his room. Luckily for him, his family had their own pool in the back. Though they seldom used it except in the warmer parts of the year. It was even rarer for the boy to use it since he was deeply afraid of water. But he would make an exception for Dan. He was compelled to make it happen no matter the cost. Once in his room, he wasted no time in making his way towards his wardrobe.
Sam couldn't remember where he kept his swim trunks as it had been a while since the last he had swum. Going through each of his drawers he finally located his trunks in the second one he searched through. It was at the bottom of the dresser and underneath all of his normal shorts. Pulling them out, they were a light blue pair with a drawstring to adjust the waist length. Now all he needed to do was change into them.
After stripping out of his school uniform and changing into his swim trunks, the cub couldn't help but feel excited. He was a bit nervous as well since his fear would surely set into place once he actually saw the water. But now was not the time to back out, especially since he somewhat opened his big mouth to his father. Already lost in thought, Sam had begun to regret his decision to go through with a swimming lesson.
“Come on, kiddo.” The father yelled from down the hall.
It seemed it was too late to back out. Once his father called to him, Sam wasted no time in darting down the hall. He was expecting to see his father but did not, it seemed he was already in the backyard. The cub continued onward as he approached the kitchen where in the back was a sliding glass door that leads to the outside. Sure enough, the older male was there, with two towels on his left arm. Already the father was getting ready to dip into the water.
Exiting from the home into the outdoors, Sam's now mostly bare body was met by the somewhat warmer climate. It was much easier to bear than when he was in his school clothing. The father meanwhile puts the towels over on the side on top of a lawn chair. It didn't take long before he cannonballed into the water, splashing his son in the process.
“Hey! No fair.” The cub whined before making his own way to the side of the water.
“Get in here, bozo.” The father splashed him a second time making a more aggressive splash.
Now that he was at the poolside, Sam's fear was getting the better of him. His eyes glazed over as he looked into the water.
It didn't take long for the older male to notice. Sam had stopped completely in his tracks. The father soon stepped out of the water in order to coax his boy into the water.
“Come on, we'll take it nice and slow.” The older male began leading the younger one to the stairs leading into the shallow end of the water.
Sam occasionally tried to wiggle away but wasn't nearly strong enough to break from his fathers grasp. Eventually, they made it to the staircase. The cool water touching both of their toes and bases of their paws.
The smaller rabbit's heart began pounding a kilometer a minute. He continued to squirm but his father was intent on seeing this through. Once they made their way into the middle of the shallow end, Sam began to relax a little bit.
“Oh...this isn't that bad.” The cub began to relax slowly but surely.
“See? You have nothing to be afraid of.” The boy's father ruffled his head fur.
Gradually they got around to the actual lessons. The larger male first acted as a guide for the smaller one. Making sure he paddled as they floated along.
The boy's mother showed up eventually too, smiling that the boy had finally overcome his fear. Though she did not join them, deciding instead to make a special meal to celebrate. After about 2 hours the two finally ascended from the water. The father felt they had made at least enough progress for him to be semi-independent in the water. Sam was still a shaky swimming but it was definitely better than not knowing how to swim.
“Now make sure to keep practicing for your trip and you will be fine.” The father hugged his son tightly.
“Thanks, dad.” Sam hugged his father back with deep gratitude.
The family celebrated with a rather large feast. Broiled carrots and greens with a side of fresh fruit juice that the mother had recently squeezed. Both the boy and his father were a little tired from the exertion and their fur was still damp. The mother made sure they sat on towels once they were indoors.
“Thanks, Tom.” The mother kissed her husband passionately not caring for the boy in the room.
The man simply nodded as the family finished their dinner. Afterward Sam made cleared the table and his parents retired to their room.
The day was all but over but he still needed to get ready for his trip with Dan. He had another two days to prepare. Each day after school he came home and went directly into the pool. His parents were rather surprised he had turned over a new leaf so suddenly. The mother credited the father and the father certainly didn't protest the accolades. Though he was curious, the older male never looked into the issue and decided to leave it be.
By the end of Friday Sam felt relatively confident enough to swim without any help. Now all that was left was to wait for the weekend. His fear of water had dissipated and he was now very much looking forward to his trip with Dan to the water park. His parents even bought him a new pair of swim shorts that fit him better. Sam retired to his room and took a shower. He couldn't help but wonder how the trip might turn out, hoping to impress Dan with his newly developed swimming skills.
The morning couldn't come soon enough. Despite him turning off the alarm for the weekend, Sam was up by 8 am. The sun greeted him in the morning glazing light over his bed through his blinds. But it didn't bother him. He had to be ready by 9 as that was the time Dan's family was supposed to pick him up. He wasted no time in getting ready, changing into his new suit and choosing the same towel he'd used on the first day when his father taught him how to swim.
Once he was awake he could smell breakfast from his room. It seemed one of his parents were already busy in making the morning meal. Still, his hunger did not deter him from getting ready. Sam felt as if he didn't need to take a shower since he would be swimming anyways. Still, he had to strip in order to change into his swim trunks. After he did so he spent some time applying some suntan lotion. Even with all the dark fur on his body, he needed to protect his skin from getting overly burned.
It was a tedious process but Sam was very meticulous in applying the crème to the entirety of his body. Even to the portions where no sun would go, as if the rabbit suspected mischief to occur even before the day had begun. After he felt his body was sufficiently covered, he quickly put on his new trunks and a simple t-shirt to cover his upper body. Making his way to the kitchen was a rather painstaking process, it seemed the closer he got to the source of the odor the hungrier he got.
Regardless he was able to achieve his task with a great deal of tenacity and trial. He even had to leap over a fallen chair. Though it was half in jest as if he was some track and field athlete, making sure to pick it up once he had cleared it. His mother chuckling as she entered in after her son did. The father already setting the table for the meal. The last touch was some juice which the man had freshly squeezed from his juicer.
They all sat down together and began eating their meal which was toasted grains, oatmeal, and some fruit.
“Ready, champ?” The father was always ready to cheer on his son.
“Yup, sure am!” The boy was excited although he was a bit anxious.
“Got everything ready for your trip?” The mother was always worried about how absent-minded her son usually was.
“Yup, I put on suntan lotion and got my towel.” Sam lifted up his towel as if showing it off to her.
She rolled her eyes looking at the over-sized beach towel. Deciding it could be ignored as a simple oversight. Instead, she disappeared for a moment and returning with some sunglasses for the boy.
“Want some sunglasses or even some goggles?” The older woman asked with a friendly smile.
“I guess some sunglasses wouldn't hurt.” Sam overlooked the pair as they had an elastic band around them to keep them from falling off one's head.
The mother handed it to her son. Now he was properly equipped and she was content that she didn't have to verify his preparation, for once. Perhaps he was finally maturing, she thought.
The three continued to eat their meal and before long it was finished. Sam made himself useful by cleaning the table while the two adults retired to the living room. The cub had come clean about his white lie the other day, so they knew the trip was just with Dan and not the entire class. Surprisingly they weren't mad about it. Rather they were happy he was getting out of the house instead of just playing video games the entire weekend.
Another 15 minutes or so passed and there was a knock at the door. It seemed it was time for Sam to go.
“Honey, your friend is here.” The mother answered the door, calling her son.
“Thanks for letting Sam come, Mrs. Cottontail.” Dan was always respectful to his elders.
“No problem, Danny boy.” The larger woman stepped aside as Sam appeared at the door.
“Go get em, champ!” The father made sure to see him off as well.
“Bye Mom and Dad!” Sam waved as he made his way to Dan's parent's car.
The two boys filed into the back seat of Dan's Mom's sedan. The feline entered first followed by the lapine boy. Once the door was shut they were on their way. Raging Waves was about a 40-minute drive from where they were so the boys decided to play silly car games since neither had thought of bringing their portable gaming devices. They began by playing “Punch bug”, a game that involved hitting each other when they saw a VW Beetle.
But towards the fourth round of it, Dan's mom became angry at them and forced them to stop. They had no paper in order to play tic-tac-toe or hangman so Dan then suggested a game of I spy which would serve as their entertainment for a good portion of the trip. Eventually, the cat's mother grew tired of that too and ordered that they stopped again.
“Are you in a bad mood, mom?” Dan asked a bit concerned about her.
“Nope, I got a better idea!” The mother turned on the radio to a karaoke station.
Her mood seemed to greatly improve once she herself became involved. Several songs were sung between the lot of them. Most of them of the Disney variety. Ranging from the Lion King to Mulan, the entire car joined in the chorus. Before long the water park was in sight and the car quickly stopped their choir and remarked on their presence.
“We're here!” Dan mentioned as his excitement was quickly perking up.
“Yeah....” Sam became even more anxious once he saw the size of some of the larger slides.
“Come on, it will be fine!” The cat tried to ease his friend up, sensing his discomfort.
Once they parked and made their way to the entrance, Dan's mother bought them all day passes. She had already decided she would only begin the day by lazing about as she had no interest in doing the rides herself.
“Let's start with the Tasmanian Sisters so we can go down at the same time!” The cat suggested to his friend in a competitive manner.
“Uh...alright.” Sam looked around at all the other people, they seemed content enough at least to sate his fears a little.
The Tasmanian Sister ride was towards the back of the park but Dan didn't seem to mind. His mother let them go on their way while she sunned near the wave pool. Each boy headed towards a different line once they arrived at the ride. It was filed into two with each line designated for either the blue or yellow slide.
“The first one down wins alright, Sam?” Dan continued his desire to be the better cub.
Sam simply nodded as they broke into their lines and began waiting. It was the weekend so there were some people but it was nothing like the summer or even spring break. The wait was about 20 minutes before they got to the top. The top of each slide could see the other and sure enough, Sam could see Dan waving at him before being coaxed over by an employee who was watching over the slide. The lean human teen pointed at him and then back to the slide. It seemed it was his turn.
Sam felt the crush of nervousness as the other boys and girls looked on at him. Then the added pressure of the makeshift lifeguard only made the situation even more pressing. Some of the other kids began complaining once they sensed the cub hesitating.
“Come on, move or lose it.” One of the girls in the line loudly shouted as if to spur him on.
“Now or never, bunny boy.” The human teen guided him over to the top of the slide.
There wasn't much to see down the dark plastic slide as it was enclosed. But once he was in the opening the teen pushed him in.
With that small gesture of efficiency, the rabbit was off like a bullet. There wasn't much to see as Sam plummeted down the watery snaking slide. His body easily shifted from one side to the other inside the confines of the slide. Soon his fear was placed by outright excitement and he began to enjoy himself. Instead of screaming in fear, he was yelling in excitement. Before long he plunged into the water below with a sizable splash as he tried to recover from the activity.
After swimming to the side of the pool, he could see that Dan was waiting for him. Dan had a huge smirk on his face, clearly satisfied that his friend had gone through with it. Sam decided to not let him in on the trepidation that had previously taken him.
“How was it?” The soaking wet feline looked down at his friend as he climbed out of the water.
“It was great!” The rabbit's body was still surging with adrenaline, he couldn't wait for the next ride.
“Sweet! Alright, where should we go next?” Dan decided to let his friend choose.
“I'm not sure I haven't been here before.” Sam had no idea what other attractions the place had.
“Well we could do the Platypus Plunge together or if you're up for a real thrill we could do PJ's plummet.” The cat smirked as he said the latter ride.
“Hmm, we can start with PJ's and then do Platypus after?” The rabbit made a suggestion that included both sides.
“Sure. Let's go.” Dan led towards the next platform which was literally right next store to the ride they'd just gotten off.
Like the ride before the slide was blue and yellow but instead of being a solid color it alternated. Once they ascended the stairs, they had to wait another half hour before they got to the top.
Dan decided to be nice and let the rabbit go first. Like before there was another teen watching the slide from the side. This time it was female and she didn't seem as intimidating to the rabbit as the
woman coaxed him over with a much softer and more gentler approach.
“Come on, little guy. It's your turn.” The woman's soft voice was soothing and reassuring for the cub.
Sam filed onto the slide and laid down. Fortunately like the last ride, this one too was covered. But what he didn't know is that it opened up about halfway down.
“Go for it.” The woman signaled for him to go.
The rabbit shot down the slide, as fast if not faster than the ride before. Within seconds the slide opened up to the outdoor heat and the blazing light that was the sun. This caught the rabbit off-guard as now he could see where he was going. His heart soared and in another instant, his body rushed into cascading water spouts as his body came towards. He knew Dan would be next so he quickly moved out of the way for his friend to rejoin him.
Another few moments passed and Sam watched as his friend experienced the same thrill he just had. Dan filed off as his face was just as starstruck as the rabbits was just moments ago. Some of his fur was sticking up as if he had gelled it recently.
“Haha! You look funny like that.” The taller cub jested and pointed at the other boy slight misfortune.
“Big deal. I'll just fix it.” Dan used his left paw to team his make-shift mane.
Dan then reached his paw out and messed with Sam's head fur.
“Hey, no fair!” The rabbit protested as he tried to fix it.
“Now we're even.” The feline giggled lightly at his friend's expense.
“Alright well let's go do Platypus and then we can do lunch after?” Sam suggested remembering his friend's idea from earlier.
“Sure, that sounds good,” Dan responded as he again headed off leading towards the ride.
Platypus' Plummet was but a single platform back and was one of the higher energy group rides on the park. However not many experienced it since from at a glance it appeared to be a shorter ride.
But the two boys didn't seem to mind. More interested in sharing the experience. This time they had to collect a raft at the bottom of the ride before going up the stairs. Dan was handed the plastic inflatable as the two made their way up the stairs. The wait here was about half of that of either of the previous rides. It felt like nothing in comparison as the ride's watcher guided them over. This time it wasn't a human. Instead, it was a female duck which was semi-fitting for the name of the ride.
This one actually seemed interested in their job but didn't seem to say much as she approached Dan to take the raft and hold it in the pool of water so that each of the boys could get inside of it. It was shaped like an eight so they were separated by bulky plastic once they were both inside of it. The lady soon guided them to the lips of the slide and with that, they were off. As like the Tasmanian sister ride, it was completely enclosed.
Despite the size of the raft it rocketed through the tunnels of plastic. The boys rotated around and round as it twisted and turned down the rather short ride. By the time they were at the bottom, Sam was at the bottom of the tube and Dan was at the top. Completely opposite of how they started. They were guided down the pool by the lifeguard as they exited and deposited the raft back at the pick-up station.
“That was kinda short.” Dan remarked, being more keen on the high thrill rides.
“Yeah, but at least we got to ride together.” Sam commented then approached Dan within arms reach.
“Thanks for inviting me this has really been fun.” The rabbit continued before hugging his friend.
“N-no problem. Dan hesitated a moment before responding as the action caught him off guard.
The larger cub took the smaller one by his hand and the feline allowed it. The two walked together paw and paw. It had been a fun day and it wasn't even over yet. But the fun had to subside as they were both hungry. Upon returning to Dan's mother, she couldn't help but smile as she looked upon them. It was really sweet to see how close they had grown.
