Love In Destin ✔

16 - walking on sunshine

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EVERY PART OF my hair stands straight on edge as I race up the stairs. I feel grand like my rollercoaster just keeps climbing higher and higher. I grab my toiletries and run for the shower. The minute I finish, I'm heading for the wardrobe, the towel wrapped around my figure almost slipping off due to the haste.

I tie my hair into a quick bun, open my wardrobe, and throw on a baby pink bikini. To go with it, I slip on overalls with a white over-shirt and slippers. Letting my hair hang loosely, I grab a bucket hat and snag my pink tote bag with a graphic of Strawberry Shortcake sunbathing on the beach.

When I head back downstairs, I find Aunt Abby just about ready to go out.

"Oh, you're ready, hun," she says, a smile on her freshly glossed lips. "Have something to eat before you leave,"

"I was about to have a fruit," I say, settling my tote bag on the kitchen counter.

"Check in the fridge. I made you a smoothie,"

"Thanks," I gulp half the strawberry smoothie down.

Aunt Abby kisses me goodbye and leaves me with the spare house keys before riding off with her scooter. 

The roar of an engine outside surprises me and forces me to rush out the door. I make sure the door is locked before heading inside the Uber. The driver starts the engine, and the thrill begins, swirling through my system as I roll down the window, letting the wind smack against my face.

The sunlight is just right this morning, soft and warm. It's as if I am the protagonist of some classic movie, riding along, unaware of the hero I will become. My eyes viewing the same scenery feels like rewatching a beloved movie again.

I get lost in the ride, so much so that I barely notice our arrival at the beach.

The place sure is crowded, the happy sounds of laughter echoing around the beach. The seagull's song creeps the air that carries a hint of saltiness. Loud music blasts through the air, people bumping into me as they race around sandcastles. I take my flip-flops off and allow my feet to taste the prickling, warm grains of sand. The sand is the most gentle hue of gold, almost earthen and muted.

Although I want to settle on the sand and bask my body in the summer sunshine, I yearn for the feel of the ocean water against my skin. I quickly slap on some sunscreen and slip off my overalls.

The waves wash the sand in white lace as I run into them. The lapping waves feel warm and cool underneath my feet. My toes wiggle in the water while it rushes back and forth. I remain in the water for a while, scooping the sand that runs like cold lava through my fingers and onto the dry beach.

Eventually, I return to the beach, drying my body and hair. Resting on the beach feels like a cozy hug, only matched by the sunshine-filled sky. I place my earphones in, Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses booming in my ears as I lie back on my towel.

A sudden impact smacks against the side of my cheek, pulling me out of my state of tranquility. It's a volleyball when I sit up to see what hit me, and a shadow settles over my figure.

"Sorry," says a familiar voice.

I look up to see Mark, whose smile begins to broaden. "Mark?"

"Maya!" he says excitedly. He extends a hand out for me and pulls me up as soon as I take it. "Nice to see you here,"