My Mother's Gift: The Diary of Peggy Caples

A Pact

The drive from Salisbury to Ocean City went beyond a mere distance; it was a memory-laden pilgrimage into the depths of what was and what could be. Winter had stripped the trees bare, leaving them to stand like somber sentries, whispering tales of the years gone by. Each wood and tendril seemed dipped in time, embedded with the essence of ancestral roots. Interspersed among the farmland, chicken houses dotted the landscape like quaint reminders of rural life. Above them, the dusk sky was ablaze with fiery oranges and placid lavenders, a watercolor masterpiece.

Ralph navigated the car—a sturdy Ford,—with easy confidence. He frequently stole glances at Peggy, who occupied the passenger seat, her profile outlined by the waning light. The route shrunk beneath their steady progression, miles disappearing as if the very landscape conspired to nudge them closer in spirit.

The grandeur of the recently built memorial bridge loomed ahead. Ralph eased the car onto the solid structure, and a sense of exhilaration swept through them; each steel beam and concrete span resonated with the boldness of an era on the brink of new frontiers.

The chorus of seabirds rang through the air, merging with the thrum of the car's engine—a modern-day chariot guiding them toward Ocean City's welcoming gates. Ralph's fond gaze was one of unvoiced affection, his eyes crinkling at the edges.

"I wish it could always be like this," he mused, his voice carrying weight in the cool evening air, tinged with a blend of hope and remembrance.

Shirley sat in the back seat, her smile radiant, "Me too".

Peggy's laughter, light and mirthful, interlaced the moments following, a declaration of joy amid the majesty surrounding them. "Then we ought to make a pact, here and now. To always find a way back to these moments, where everything happens just so".

They exchanged looks and knowing smiles, etching their pact in the lingering light that poured from the retreat of the sun. The future lay before them, unfurled like a magnificent tapestry woven from their shared aspirations; the past was a warm hearthstone kept alive in their collective memory.

Upon arriving in Ocean City, they found the streets cloaked in the solemn beauty of a winter's calm. Though the crowds had thinned, the veins of the town still pulsed with vigor, especially around local mainstays. The Lagoon, a quaint diner held dear by many, was their beacon in the chill night air. Its welcoming glow stood against the darkening shades of evening, promising the comfort of familiarity and good food.

The soft, flickering lights of the boardwalk, silent now and waiting for the summer to awaken its vibrant heart, drew their gaze as they passed. And then there was The Lagoon, its appearance evoking the same warmth as the hearty chuckles that often followed the best of jokes shared within its walls.

After parking the car, each of them paused to relish the conclusion of their modest journey. The diner's door swung open to meet them, ushering them into an ambiance brimming with the essence of the times—an inviting, gentle hug from the warmth inside.

Oozzie sat waiting, her presence radiant, like something borne from the fantasies spun by the nostalgic din of a classic vinyl, the sensual aroma of coffee blending with the chatter. Her golden locks fell about her face, shimmering in the soft light that bathed The Lagoon. Oozzie's lips, painted a vivid ruby red, stretched into a welcoming smile, lighting up her face and accentuating her striking hazel eyes, which sparkled with joy at the sight of her friends. Her little button nose only added to her enchanting appearance, making her seem almost perfect in the homely setting of the inn.

Oozzie sprang up from her seat as her friends approached, her energy palpable even from across the room. With quick steps, she closed the distance, "It's been too long!" she exclaimed, her voice a melody of happiness and reunion.

Peggy, always quick to connect dots, turned towards Oozzie with a spark in her eye, "You remember my sister, Shirley, right? From my parents' place on the boardwalk last summer?" Oozzie's face brightened with recognition, her smile widening, "Of course, how could I forget? It's wonderful to see you again, Shirley!"

"The pleasures all mine hon" said Shirley with a polite smile.

With the pleasantries and reintroductions out of the way, they made their way to a familiar booth that seemed to await their stories and shared laughter. As the waitress approached to take their order, Peggy, with a playful yet appreciative tone, remarked, "Can you believe we're on this side of things now? Sitting here, ordering, instead of rushing around taking orders?"

Oozzie, responding with a joyful chuckle, leaned in slightly, "It feels almost surreal. I'm just so glad we're here, eating, and not waitressing."

Ralph, who had been listening quietly, soaking everything in, interjected, "Speaking of surreal, I've got that big basketball game tomorrow night, and looks like I'm actually starting! It would mean the world to me if you all came to watch."

Oozzie quickly kicked Ralph under the table, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gave him a look that wordlessly said, And...? Her playful gaze hinted at an unspoken expectation, encouraging him to include the one detail he had conveniently omitted.

Ralph paused for a moment, his cheeks reddening slightly as if collecting his courage. He then turned to Peggy, his gaze a mixture of hope and slight nervousness. "And, um, there's also the Buckingham High School Winter Waltz right after the game," he said, his voice carrying a hint of shyness that was uncharacteristic of his usually confident demeanor. "I was wondering, Peggy, if you... uh, would like to go with me?" His eyes searched hers for a response, a blend of anticipation and vulnerability on display.

Peggy felt her heart skip a beat, warmth spreading through her as she hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by Ralph's invitation. Up to this point, she hadn't been sure how their reunion would unfold, given the months they'd spent apart. Deep down, she harbored hopes that Ralph would see her as more than just a friend, that their connection could blossom into something deeper. His invitation to the winter waltz, hesitant yet sincere, seemed to be the very opportunity she had been longing for—a chance for them to explore the potential of their relationship beyond the bounds of friendship.

Peggy's eyes brightened as she met Ralph's gaze, a mixture of surprise and delight painting her features. For a moment, she allowed the significance of his invitation to wash over her, feeling a swell of emotions she had cautiously guarded. Then, with a voice imbued with sincerity and a hint of excitement, she responded, "Ralph, I would love that."

Note:: Above is an actual picture of The Lagoon during the era of the story which was located near 9th street in Ocean City Maryland.