Page 28 of See You Next Month

“That was incredible,” Isabella said.

“I can’t believe we actually saw a sea turtle,” Kelsey said, pulling the lunch bag out of her backpack.

“This has been the best day and we haven’t even been to Peaches yet!” Isabella exclaimed then laughed.

They dug into the food the resort had packed for them and talked about all they’d discovered in the water.

“Let’s go again,” Kelsey said. “Only this time we’ll go the other direction.”

“Okay. I’m ready when you are,” Isabella said. “I can’t stop smiling.”

Kelsey chuckled. “Why would you?” She watched Isabella for a few moments and it struck her how free and alive she felt. For so long Kelsey had done what her girls needed, but right now she could do what she needed. As she gazed at Isabella she couldn’t help but wonder if she felt the same way.

“You look so beautiful,” Kelsey said quietly.

Isabella looked over at her and laughed. “Oh, I’m sure I do. My hair is plastered to my head and there are marks on my face where my mask rested.”

“That doesn’t matter. You should see how radiant your smile is and how bright your eyes are.”

“Thanks, Kels,” Isabella said. “Now that I look at you...”

“What?”

“You’re right. We may look a mess in some ways, but it’s just us. We have no real responsibilities except to enjoy this day. That’s what’s on our face. It’s joy,” Isabella said.

Kelsey nodded. “It’s joy,” she said, staring at Isabella.

They stayed like that for a moment, simply staring at each other and smiling.

“Are you ready to go again?” Isabella asked.

“Let’s go,” Kelsey replied, getting up and reaching for her snorkel and fins.

They waded back into the water and, feeling more confident this time, they swam in the other direction. There were so many brightly colored fish and another sea turtle.

Once they were back at their place on the beach Isabella said, “We have to take a picture in our masks and snorkels.”

“We’re not working on the blog yet,” Kelsey said.

“I know that. We have to take a picture for us!” Isabella exclaimed.

Kelsey put the mask back on and sidled up next to Isabella. She took several selfies then put their gear into the backpack.

“Stand by the leaning palm, Kels. I want a picture of you,” Isabella said.

“We both should be in it. Maybe we could get one of them to take a picture of us,” Kelsey said, pointing to a small group walking down the beach.

Isabella waved them over and a woman was happy to snap a few pictures of them by the leaning palm.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for a cold beer,” Kelsey said, sitting back on the towel.

“Oh, that sounds heavenly. Should I text Sylvie and tell her to come get us?”

“Let’s lie back and soak in this beautiful place for a few minutes. Then we can go,” Kelsey said.

“I want to remember everything,” Isabella said, leaning back on the towel next to Kelsey.

9

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