Frieda's Cotton Candy

Frieda's Cotton Candy, acrylic, 24 x 24

Elizabeth W. Seaver

In which we see how Frieda keeps her svelte figure bikini ready -- careening up and down the boardwalk wearing a crab weight.  

* * * * * *

Before Frieda left their waterfront condo for a day in the sun and surf, her mother cautioned her, "Make sure to wear your bathing cap today, dear.  You must maintain your coiffure for tonight's ball.  We won't have time for another visit to the Curl Up and Dye between now and then."

"Yes, Mother," Frieda called on the way out the door.

Her mother needn't have reminded her.  Frieda liked wearing her new flowered bathing cap.  Her mirror never lied.  She knew it made her look fetching.  No one else had one quite as fancy as hers.  Frieda had seen the envious looks of other birds her age and how they whispered behind their hands as she passed.  

Frieda hopped on her bike, excited to be at the beach for their summer vacation.  There was nothing like riding.  The world whirled by, making her feel giddy.  If she closed her eyes, she could imagine she was flying. 

She stopped for cotton candy at her favorite vendor, then got back onto the boardwalk, whizzing along at quite a clip.  Good thing it was early--fewer bikers and pedestrians about.  She still cringed every time she thought of Mrs. Birdwell from last summer.  The dignified lady's toes would never be the same.  At her mother's insistence, Frieda had written six apology letters this winter.  She hoped not to run into the lady again this summer.

Just then, in the distance, Frieda spied the most virile creature she'd ever seen.  He pedaled toward her on the boardwalk.  He had an ice cream cone in one hand, and oh, what a cute feather adorned his lovely, egg-shaped head! 

Did she dare ask his name?  Perhaps a tiny bike crash would facilitate an introduction. 

She must find out whether he would be attending the 23rd Annual Beach Ball tonight.