Across the Pond

Chapter 58

My eyes blink up at the building before me.

Horizon Spa.

"You brought me to a spa?!" I ask Remi in a shocked tone.

"Uh-huh," she smiles, proud of herself for coming up with the idea. "What do you think?"

"Rem, I can't afford this."

"Well, it's a good thing that you don't have to...and that I got my allowance yesterday."

"You're not spending your allowance on me," I tell her.

"B, would you just shut up and say thank you? We could both really use this. Especially me, I've got a freakin' knot on the right-side of my back that needs to come undone," she says as she rubs at the spot, and I can't help but giggle.

"Thank you, Rem. This is very sweet of you."

She smiles. "You're welcome. Now, can we please go inside? I can't wait any longer."

"Let's go!" I tell her, and she pulls me by my arm.

"I got super lucky with reservations. Nabbed the last two spots."

"Wow," I say as we walk into the dimly lit lobby. Relaxing music that sounds like waves crashing plays in the background, which complements the wall fountain that's going on behind the tall auburn counter where a lady dressed in all white stands.

"Hi," Remi greets her as I stand to the side.

"Hello!" the woman says back. "How can I help you today?"

"We have reservations at 2 PM. Under Remi Baker."

The woman starts typing, then skims the computer screen. "Ah, yes. Miss Baker. 2 Spa Massages and 2 Manicures/Pedicures. Is that correct?"

I tug at Remi's shoulder. "Remi, we don't have to do all that."

"Bella, what did I say?"

I press my lips together. "Sorry, you're right...thank you!"

"That's better," she nods, before facing the lady. "That's correct."

"Great. We'll have you wait over there," the lady says, gesturing to the white sofa. "Your technicians will be with you shortly."

"Thank you!" Remi and I both say.

I'm not much of a massage person, so I could've done without it, but Remi is really the best for setting this day up. She always goes above and beyond when she knows that I'm hurting, and this spa day was definitely that.

I opt for the Marshmallow nail color and take a seat at the pedicure chair next to Remi's.

"What color did you decide on?" I ask her.

"Red...duh." She looks at the polish in my hand and rolls her eyes. "Typical," she states of the basic color that I ended up with.

"You're right, Rem. This day was very much needed."

"Told ya. Are you relaxed?"

"Way more than I was this morning, that's for sure."

She looks me over and presses her lips together. "How you holding up?"

I open my mouth to say something, but then I pause, trying to figure out the best way to answer that. "I'm hanging in there," I tell her truthfully.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, B. I promise you, you'll come out of this stronger."

"I know. It's just hard to imagine that right now, feeling what I'm feeling.

"What's the hardest part about all of this?"