<em><strong>Kaspar in Ocean headed to Patio</strong></em><br/><br/>Kaspar was glad he had opted for the quick swim.  The relentless pounding of the waves had cleared the cobwebs from his brain and allowed him to find his old self again.  He thought back on his friends and was glad, as always, that he was here another year with such a tremendous group.<br/><br/>Victoria was a wonder.  She could occasionally have hard edges, especially when she was dealing with work, but once in his arms, she was nothing but loving.  He knew that she would make a wonderful wife.  Although, he feared that if his acting career got off the ground, the separation might wear on her.  Maybe he'd find a chance to discuss that with her during this vacation.  She'd be in a good mood for it, anyway.<br/><br/>Jason and Cassie were great friends...opposites and each others' foil.  The ladies man and the librarian.  Constantly flirting, because opposites attract after all.  But he hoped they wouldn't get any more serious, since he didn't believe it would last, they were too different, and the resulting break-up would probably rip their group apart.  Hannah and Joe were a problem to be dealt with later and Kaspar decided not to stress any more about them.<br/><br/>Alex, the nerdling.  Kaspar was always a bit jealous of Alex.  Kaspar wasn't a bad student, he did well, but by the time he got his mind around a problem, Alex had always had it solved already.  The thing was, it never got him mad.  He was able to concede that Alex would always be smarter than him.  There were just times when Alex wasn't around that Kaspar wished he were quicker at solving things.  And Alex didn't know it, yet, but Kaspar was going to ask him to be best man this weekend.<br/><br/>Kaspar dragged himself out of the surf and walked, dripping water all the way, back to the patio to re-join his friends.  He realized as he got closer that everyone was out there.  The alcohol had been opened and the party was starting.<strong>"Couldn't wait for me to take a quick swim, huh?  Well, don't stop now, pour me one of whatever is flowing and let's have another toast."<br/></strong><br/><strong>"To amazing friends.  I may not say this often enough, but I love every one of you, from my wonderful and gorgeous fiance to the best nerd a jock could ever have...and I know you all love me as well..."</strong>Unable to continue with a serious toast, Kaspar joked,<strong>"...especially in your dreams at night.  But seriously...To a great vacation and a chance to reconnect.  Proost!"</strong><br/><br/>Kaspar lifted his glass, clinked with those near him and took down the sweet elixir, feeling it's healing warmth already start to course through his system.<br/>