Alberta

Chapter Thirty Six: Camp

As my eyelashes flicker open to the early morning light, my eyes are drawn instantly to the red strands of hair beside my cheek, and the gentle rise and fall of a chest against mine. Alberta.

If I was to go to the gates of heaven at this moment, and to be asked as I was met, "what was the greatest moment of your life" I would answer quite honestly "the moment I woke up and she was still there. The moment a dream drifted into morning and became reality"

Usually my dreams would be flooded with Allie. I would wake up feeling such sorrow that it was always just a dream, but now she is here and I am complete. I am so complete I wondered how I had survived on half a heartbeat for so long.

I gaze over her as she sleeps soundly, and a contented smile lifts my lips. She is so beautiful, so peaceful, and so perfectly placed against me.

I wish I could capture this moment and keep it forever.

Her finger tips stir slightly and her little finger lightly rakes down my flesh, of its own accord, falling down until it lands on the curve of my hip and stops. I take her hand and remove it slowly, placing it back down beside her, removing myself gently from under her, and placing her down on the pillow. I quietly creep out of the room, grabbing my robe on the way out of the door. I walk down to the kitchen and make some coffee, put on some toast and pick the paper up from the doormat. I chuck the paper down on the breakfast bar and pour a hot cup of coffee, adding a touch of milk and stirring it mindlessly as I gaze out of the window.

"Hey" Harper announces coming into the kitchen beside me.

"Hey little bird..." I acknowledge with a smile "how was your first night"

"Good" she yawns.

I grabbed the toast and racked it up, placing it and the butter beside the paper, and I jumped up onto the stool.

"There's orange juice, cereal, tea and oatmeal... whatever you fancy help yourself"

She opens the refrigerator and pulls out a carton of orange juice, taking off the lid and pouring some into a glass on the side.

I looked at the paper whilst simultaneously buttering the toast. "Cereal is in the cupboard above your head" I inform her.

She opens it and takes out a bowl, pouring her cereal and adding cold milk before coming and sitting beside me.

"So what's the plan today Aunty Willa"

I take a bite from my toast. "You meet the other girls today" I reveal, turning to her.

She smiles nervously "What are they like"

I swallow my mouthful, and put my arm around her before briefly squeezing her shoulder. "Dont be nervous... nobody knows anyone okay. You are all brand new and come from so many areas of the country... but by the end of the five weeks you won't want to leave each other. You girls are going to be bonding pretty quickly..."

"Do we get to play a little basketball today" Harper asks, as she spoons some cereal into her mouth.

"Yes.. we will start off with a little casual game to see how you all move together as one. I want to see what I'm working with. Teddy will take half of you and I will take the other half"

Harper looks to me with raised eyebrows "can I be on Teddy's team" she asks.

I frown "oh great...she's replaced me already" I return jovially, and she laughs.

"We are picking names from a hat. No personal preferences little bird... but I'm sure Teddy would be happy to have you. You are doing great on the court... especially for someone newer to it... I'm impressed Harps"