Page 80 of Until You (Forgive Me)

“Hello, everyone. My name is Isabella King, and I’m pleased to be here to talk to you about my job. As Skylar said, I’m a yoga instructor. I run a yoga retreat in Thailand where people come and practise yoga and meditation with myself, my business partner and our team for their holidays.”

The class sat and stared. Skylar stood next to her.

Taking a deep breath, she continued. “Has anyone here heard of yoga?”

Two children raised their hands. “What do you think it is?”

The children gave her some answers. She loved it when the boy raised his hand and told him his mum did yoga in front of the telly, in her yoga pants, another telling her that some poses had animal names.

Isabella felt her body relax. The children were just smaller versions of the guests that stayed at the retreat. They talked about yoga coming from ancient times when people were looking for ways to calm their minds in meditation. She showed them Pranayama, and got them to practice some of the breath regulation techniques they used, before they practised some of the meditation chants she used.

“Take a big breath in through the nose, then imagine you are blowing out candles or blowing bubbles,” she said, amazed even the boys seemed engaged.

It was Laura who spoke up. “I can see this breathing being really useful if you’re stressed or angry.”

Isabella nodded at her. “It is. If any of you feel angry, this breathing technique is perfect.”

Before she left, she spread the class out to try some of the yoga poses themselves. The children were amazing. Like Skylar, their bodies were naturally flexible. Isabella moved between them, careful to not touch but to tell each child how they could improve their position. Before she knew it, the hour session was over.

Laura stepped forward and reclaimed the class.

“Can we all say a big thank you to Ms King for giving up her afternoon and coming to see us?”

All the children let out a cheer. Skylar threw her arms around her waist. “Thank you, Isabella,” she said. “Can we do some more yoga next time I come to stay?”

Isabella smiled down at her, “Of course we can. You’re a natural.” Skylar beamed from ear to ear. “I will see you soon. Goodbye, everyone.”

Star and Isabella left the classroom and made their way to the front of the school.

“Thank you so much,” Star said. “Having you come in meant the world to Skylar. You’ve made quite the impression.”

Isabella felt the colour rise in her cheeks. “She’s an amazing girl. A credit to you.”

“Thank you. As you saw, she has a strong sense of right and wrong,” Star said, clearly pointing out the opening comment the boy had made.

Isabella grimaced. “I’d not thought about that. I’m sorry if it was awkward.”

Isabella was a little taken aback when Star laughed.

“Please don’t apologise,” she said, holding her bump as she laughed. “Skylar and I invited you. Skylar is very protective. I always knew she would close down any comments. She’s well respected in her class. No one was going to try anything. I think the comment was more out of interest.”

Isabella smiled back at Star. If she wasn’t worried, then who was she to overthink it? The last thing she wanted to do was embarrass Star, Skylar, or Christian. She was only here temporarily, that thought, leaving a heavy feeling around her heart.

“Shall we grab a drink? There is an amazing coffee shop around the corner,” Star asked suddenly.

“That would be lovely,” Isabella said.

She enjoyed spending time with Star. She was not who she’d expected in the beginning, instead she’d been warm and welcoming.

They decided to walk.

Star had been right. The coffee shop was close to the school. Isabella got their drinks, making Star sit down. Her bump was getting bigger every time she saw her.

“Only two months to go,” Star said when Isabella finally sat down. “I can’t wait to meet this little bundle. He or she is determined to keep me up most of the night.” She complained, but her eyes sparkled. “Skylar is so excited, I think she’s fit to burst. She wants to be a big sister so badly.”

“It’s an exciting time for you all,” Isabella said.

“I’m going to be nosy,” Star said. “What’s the latest?”

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