The Lounge's Summer Pool Party!!

[Essie1]

One sputtering Essie emerges from under her now capsized lilo, sunglasses floating past. One very upset Bubblequack the Duck paddles furiously after the intruder, only to get lost under the floating top hat

What the.... who was.... you absolute.... I'll give you absent friends, you total....

One indignant muffled quack from under the floating hat

Exactly, Bubblequack, couldn't have put it better myself

 

[DesEsseintes]

Madam, I am so very sorry. <Performs a somewhat squelchy bow.> Had I known there were friends who were very much present, I would have limited myself to a modest pike, double twist. Will you introduce me to your anatidous friend?

 

[Sidney_1]

Madam, I am so very sorry. <Performs a somewhat squelchy bow.> Had I known there were friends who were very much present, I would have limited myself to a modest pike, double twist. Will you introduce me to your anatidous friend?

Erupts with laughter as I enter the pool/ocean and settle my beach bag and towel near the ocean's edge.

"Well done, Sir!"

 

[Essie1]

Sidestrokes to side of pool, towing lilo and watching as the top hat propels itself closer, being driven by a little duck

I was floating on a bright green lilo. Did you not see the bright green lilo? It's bright. And it's green. I am not bright and green. I am pale with brown hair and freckles. I had a duck asleep on my stomach. Perhaps your top hat was cutting off your optic nerves!

Climbs out of pool, bends down and retrieves hat, picking up a still furiously paddling Bubblequack, stroking his feathers

It's okay, little guy. Bubblequack the Guard Duck, Blind Diving Man. Blind Man, Bubblequack.

Holds out top hat to its owner... then realises she is standing dripping wet in her black bra & knickers

Um, Sid? Do you happen to have a spare towel?

 

[Sidney_1]

Laughing, hands Essie a big, white fluffy towel.

Signals to Monroe to bring 2 more.

Looks at Essie's unusual swimwear. . .

"What happened? Where is your swimsuit? I actually want to take mine off and get an even tan today. Sun the buns, so to speak. . ."

 

[Essie1]

Thanks, Sidney, you're a lifesaver. My swimsuit?

Um, well, I don't have one... I was just going to have a drink and soak up some sun... and there was no one here... and I was feeling reckless... so I just took everything off and.... went for a swim

And then people came....

 

[Sidney_1]

Thanks, Sidney, you're a lifesaver. My swimsuit?

Um, well, I don't have one... I was just going to have a drink and soak up some sun... and there was no one here... and I was feeling reckless... so I just took everything off and.... went for a swim

And then people came....

Ahh, what a treat. Well, I think everyone took off, so I'm going to slip everything off and do the same! I'd like an even tan for once in my life. I assume Bubblequack will alert us to any newcomers. I also doubt this crowd would take notice. . .or care.

Signals to Monroe for a limeade and some assistance in applying SPF as I turn happily onto my stomach as the the sun's rays warm my skin.

Have you met Mr. Colt yet?

 

[Essie1]

Yes, well, I guess I'm not quite as carefree as some of the others

Trust me, Bubblequack will let us know. He is also very good at guarding unmentionables so if I have to leave, he will keep an eye on things for you.

Monroe... Monroe... clicks fingers.... I think you've rubbed enough SPF cream in that particular area to protect it from a nuclear blast...

 

[Sidney_1]

Yes, thank you, Monroe, I feel very protected now.

With Essie's departure, and the pool and ocean to myself, I shut my eyes, soaking in the sounds and smells of the ocean atmosphere.

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Returning from the changing rooms, having slipped into something a little more comfortable, Des Esseintes blushes furiously, then averts his eyes somewhat too late, as an unknown, ravishing form catches his eye. He clears his throat.>

Ah...good day, madam. I am sorry that, on my return, I disturbed your evident wish for privacy - I would have slipped away without a word, were it not that I did not wish to be considered a voyeur. Please accept my apologies for having inadvertently cast my eyes on a beauty lovelier still than hers who launched a thousand ships. I shall, of course, withdraw.

<Still blushing, he moves away. His eyes are so resolutely downcast that he fails to notice the jacuzzi on the western side of the pool and, with the chilling inevitability of a Greek tragedy, falls in.>

 

[Essie1]

Emerging from changing rooms clad only in big white fluffy towel, smaller towel turban round hair

I'm still here, Sidney, just went for a quick shower and... oh you're asleep.

Hearing loud quacking and worried flapping of wings by the jacuzzi

What's up, Bubblequack? Are the bubbles frightening you? Who the heck is... oh for the love of God, what is it with you and falling into water and scaring the poor little ducky?

Scoops up the ducky, stroking his little head and soothing ruffled feathers

Did the naughty man scare you? It's okay, little ducky, Essie's here...

 

[DesEsseintes]

Bubblequack, I really am sorry. I assure you it was an accident. Please accept this handful of corn in wholly inadequate recompense.

<Sotto voce> But, Essie - if your duck is frightened of water there may be something wrong with it. Did you keep the receipt?>

 

[Essie1]

Fixing him with a steely glare, going toe to toe

There is nothing wrong with the duck.

What is wrong is when somebody dives into a pool without checking completely whether they are about to capsize a lilo, causing said duck to be catapulted out of a very peaceful sleep.

What is wrong is when the normally calm and placid jacuzzi waters turn into a bubbling broth of silk and limbs, causing said duck to worry and get agitated in case something is wrong, for he is the most noble and decorated guard duck you will ever meet.

Does that clarify things for you.... sir?

Turning smartly on her heel, walking over to the bar and downing a freshly prepared vodka and lime, with Bubbleduck quietly munching on corn next to her

 

[DesEsseintes]

I am crushed. Please believe that I feel awful. I shall leave you in peace.

 

[Essie1]

It's all good. Just don't scare the duck

 

[Sidney_1]

Rolls over and dons top, hearing a ruckus, and not wanting to startle anyone.

Aw, stay, Des, we know you're just having fun. . .I want to see some more dives.

 

[Essie1]

Gives Sidney a kiss on the cheek

Time for this ducky and this chicky to hit the road, my lovely. Will get changed and slip out the back way.

Sneaking a glance at the crestfallen Des in his sopping silk robe

Maybe get Monroe to mix up another hot toddy, looks like he needs it!

 

[prettyserpentine]

catches snippets of the conversation with a roll of the eyes and a soft shake of the head, before helping Jean out of the water and giving him a hug, thus getting her nice floor length white dress all wet

Looks like you're getting quite the scolding, my friend.

glances around, smiling at everyone else

What say you and I have a little catch up, and maybe something nice to drink? It's been a while, and I need to catch up on what I've missed...

 

[Niceandbrutal]

saunters up to the bar and notices Bubblequack's agitated state. Bubbles comes running over, quacking all the while.

M-hm? You don't say? Catapulted you into the water!? Oh my...

Gently strokes Bubblequack's head.

Well it's a good thing you're such a fierce guard duck then, Bubbles.

Bubblequack flaps his wings and emits a loud quack before sprinting towards the pool and jumps in feet first. The splash is decidedly underwhelming, but Bubbles doesn't care. He swims around with a confident look and bold quacks.

 

[fr33ks33k]

He finds himself at the pool, hoping for a good swim and some relaxation. There appear to be several other guests, so he tips a polite nod and a wave in their direction before ambling over to the bar. The barkeep looks at him oddly for a moment when he requests his drink, but sure enough they have it in stock. He slips the barman a large-denomination bill and takes the entire bottle, crystal clear though studded with bioluminescent jellyfish. The glass is chilled, leaving condensation in the wake of his hand's grip.

A small swig is taken as he settles himself at the pool's edge, testing the water with his feet. A smirk crosses his face as he notes the duck splashing and quacking in the middle of the pool.

 

[DesEsseintes]

<Glances around cautiously, checking for stray ducks, geese, or any other animals he might inadvertently annoy. Tiptoes over to chaise longue furthest from the pool, and settles himself quietly to do a crossword. Later, he thinks, a jigsaw might be in order. Discerning his mood, like the outstanding barman he is, Monroe brings over a mug of cocoa.>

 

[prettyserpentine]

wanders around the people in the poolside area with a tray of decadent sweeties

Chocolate truffles, anyone?

 

[Sidney_1]

Donning a cover-up, I amble up to Monroe for a cappuccino, hoping it will help energize me.

It's a bad sign when you're reading a book about energy and you end up napping, right?

Waves to Des.

"That was quite an entrance and a dive. Have you taken diving lessons?"

 

[DesEsseintes]

They look ridiculously good, Ms. Serpentine. Did you make them yourself?

That picture reminds me of this brilliant observation by Mr Dylan Moran, on French cakes.

 

[Sidney_1]

wanders around the people in the poolside area with a tray of decadent sweeties

Chocolate truffles, anyone?

Oh, that will go perfectly with my cappuccino. Thank you! Caffeine and sugar, oh yes.