The Girl In The Purple Robe
© 2017 - William C. Highsmith

The weather was perfect with a brilliant sun shining over sugar white sand. A cool gentle breeze came across the ocean's rolling waves. Alex sat high above the other people on the beach. He was a life-guard and was responsible for the safety of the crowd. This was his third year as a protector. He saw thousands of folk pass beneath his lookout - including a lot of pretty girls. However, his eyes settled on one that made all the rest seem ordinary. He had to meet the girl modestly covered with the purple terry-cloth robe, white straw hat, and wearing aviator style sunglasses! Thankfully, it was 'break time'.

Coming down from the life-guard tower, he made as though he was heading for the boardwalk area. As he passed the blankets, coolers, and umbrellas of the family gathered on the sand, he made eye contact with the girl named Julie!

"Hi! My name is Alex. I see the name Julie embroidered on your robe. Is it your name?"

"Yes! My name is Julie," she answered with a beautiful smile.

It was all he could do to remain coherent. However, he soon discovered Julie was a sophomore at Emory University. Emory University is located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a mid-size four-year private college offering both undergrad and graduate programs. The school has a religious affiliation with the United Methodist faith.

It seems, she was here on vacation at the beach with her family. He learned they lived in Athens, Georgia.

After more small talk, Alex picked up the nerve to ask her to go to dinner tonight. She agreed! She gave him the address where they were staying and an electric smile before he had to go back to his 'perch' overlooking the beach.

The evening went well. Alex discovered that the purple robe had covered a very beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and a ready smile. He was immediately smitten and made arrangements for all of her free time during the rest of their stay. He promised to stay in contact via social media and the telephone. He also told her this would be his last summer as a life-guard as he was to leave for Marines' boot-camp in one month.

This was a summer to remember!

He understood why she wore the color purple. Julie was royalty - she ruled as the Queen of his heart.


By William C. Highsmith - July 3, 2017