Myself and I by Earl Sewell

her lips a little as we turned and walked up my driveway.

five
    Spring had definitely arrived, because the sun was beaming brightly and it was fairly warm and breezy. Maya and I walked onto the patio to relax. She brushed off a few leaves and small twigs that had landed on one of the seat cushions of the patio furniture. She placed her book bag on the wooden table and unzipped it.
    â€œWe’re going to have so much fun this summer,” Maya said, beaming with certainty. “My mom was a lifeguard when she was my age and she says that it was one of the best jobs she’d ever had because she walked in the door in a supervisory position. For the most part she was her own boss, and get this… She said she spent a lot of time lounging around reading books. When she mentioned it, I immediately thought about you, Keysha, because I know how much you love to read. Just think of how cool it’s going to be sitting around reading books and getting paid for it.”
    â€œThat does sound better than what I’d planned on doingwith my time this summer,” I admitted. “Would you like something to drink?”
    â€œYeah, what do you have?” Maya asked.
    â€œWell, if Mike hasn’t drunk it all we should still have plenty of Kool-Aid. Barbara made some yesterday and hooked it up by throwing some sliced lemons in the mix.”
    â€œThat works for me,” Maya said. I told her to sit tight while I ran inside. When I opened the refrigerator, I was glad to see the glass pitcher of Kool-Aid was practically full. “Mike must’ve overlooked it,” I said aloud. I grabbed the pitcher and removed two glasses from the cupboard. I placed a few ice cubes in each glass, then grabbed one of the trays from a separate cabinet. I placed everything on the tray and walked back outside. I couldn’t believe I’d allowed Maya to talk me into taking a lifeguard-certification class. After reading what was required, I freaked out.
    â€œMaya, how am I supposed to learn all of this stuff? What in the world is active and passive drowning victim rear rescue? And what in the world is front and rear head-hold escape? I don’t know, girl, this stuff sounds too complicated.”
    Maya held up the palms of her hands. “Keysha, relax. It’s not as difficult as it sounds, at least I don’t believe it is. I think it’s just a fancy name for a really simple maneuver,” Maya tried to assure me.
    â€œHow do you know? I mean, I’ve never seen you do any of this stuff, and you’ve certainly never talked about it.”
    â€œOkay, I’ll admit some of this stuff is new to me as well, especially all the first-aid stuff that we’re going to learn, but I’mwilling to give it a shot,” Maya admitted as she removed a pen from her bag and began filling out some of the paperwork.
    â€œMaybe you should just work there and I can come hang out on the days that you work,” I said, completely convinced that I’d never be able to do any of the stuff listed on the sheet, even though I’d never heard of it or tried it.
    â€œKeysha, stop being such a baby and try something different for once in your life. I mean, honestly, how could you not want to try it?”
    â€œBecause it sounds like hard work and I don’t want to do anything that’s difficult. I just want to chill over the summer.” I took a sip of my drink as I leaned back in my seat.
    â€œI’ll make you a deal,” Maya said.
    â€œA deal? There is no deal that needs to be made. Besides, why are you trying so hard to get me to do this?” I questioned her motive as a horrific image entered my head. My hair would look like a wet and tangled mess if I were to spend an unnecessary amount of time swimming.
    â€œBecause I don’t want to do this alone, okay? You’re my best friend, and this is the sort of thing that friends do with each other. Come on, Keysha, it’s not