Before Time Runs Out

Chapter 18

"Oh, Carmelita it's beautiful!" Ethel was standing in the foyer of the home, the limestone floor clicking against her heels. She had a straw sunhat on with a baby blue ribbon to match her dress, and she was exploring the entirety of the home. She made her way past all the other rooms to the backyard, coming to a raised patio that matched the marble exterior, the grand stairs of it leading down to a large pool, and only a few meters away from the beginning of the beach and then the blue ocean. One of the maids of the house was setting up the table for brunch, and another sweeping the limestone floor of the parlor. Lancelot had gone and laid down on the rug in the parlor, spreading his fat little body out as wide as he could, much to the maid's dismay.

"Ethel darling, come back inside!" Carmelita called from the doorway to the patio, and Ethel quickly made her way back inside. Carmelita had helped Elise with the luggage, and Ethel had carried the cat. The main hallway was arched, the landing going across the house to the main upstairs rooms. The foyer went up to the ceiling, and the floor plan was open. The double staircase curved around where the archway formed under the landing, allowing straight-through access to the home. Ethel came running back, catching up with Carmelita who had gone back to the front of the home, grasping her hands in hers and spinning around with her. Ethel's joy and excitement was infectious, and Carmelita could not help but laugh with her as they both stumbled. Everything was white or cream-colored, the house feeling light and airy as the breeze from the open windows provided circulation throughout the house. Elise set the last of the bags down, taking Carmelita and Ethel's luggage to their bedroom. Carmelita noticed her trying to lug the bags up the staircase, and quickly made her way up it, taking half of the luggage with her on the way.

"Let me help you with that. Ethel there should be something for you to eat in the kitchen, probably a fruit or something you would like." She trailed off, going out of earshot as she walked into their bedroom, setting the suitcases and bags down and unpacking them with Elise's help.

Ethel looked around at the house, hearing the faint crashing of the waves off in the distance as she sighed. She stared off at the scenery through the back doors, the blue sky and ocean providing a beautiful view. The maid who had been sweeping the parlor glanced up, finally getting a good look at Ethel. A faint flush came over her pale skin, as she studied Ethel's form. Ethel caught the maid out of the corner of her eye, looking over at her with a smile. Ethel slipped her shoes off, enjoying the cool tile on her bare feet as she walked off to the back once again, making her way outside. She made her way to the beach, walking carefully on the warm sand, enjoying the salty breeze. The maid stood in the doorway, watching her closely, admiring her from afar.

"She is quite a beautiful sight, isn't she?" Carmelita had come up beside the maid, startling her. "Although, it isn't polite to stare at someone else's lover." The maid was quickly drawn back, and Carmelita made her way down the steps and to the beach, walking out to Ethel. Ethel noticed Carmelita and with a smile on her face, simply ran further out. Carmelita stopped and sighed, watching Ethel as she took another step back.

"I guess this is the game we're going to play." Carmelita ran after her and she made a mad dash for it and could not help but laugh. She made it about knee-deep into the water before Carmelita caught up to her, and they both soon got knocked over by a bigger wave than they hadn't expected. They both came up out of the water, completely drenched, and looked at each other, and could not help but burst into laughter.

"Girls!" They both looked over at Elise, who had made her way onto the beach, and currently had a quite frustrated look on her face.

"Looks like we're in trouble."

"Oh well, it could be worse." Ethel leaned down, picking up a small shell from the water. It was a conch shell, with a beautiful rose coloration.

"Oh, darling that's gorgeous!" Carmelita studied it, taking it from Ethel's hands and looking it over. "And it's in excellent condition. How about we keep this? A little memento of our trip together." She handed it back to Ethel who gave her a smile in return. Carmelita took her hand in hers, walking to Elise who was waiting with her arms crossed over her chest.