The 5 AM alarm roused Miranda from sleep. She dismissed the annoying chime and curled herself back around the body that was still sound asleep. Her ingrained sense of self preservation kept her from falling back to sleep. After fifteen minutes of lingering in her cozy nest she began to rub Andy's back, gradually increasing pressure to draw her from the realm of dreams. When Andy began to hum in appreciation Miranda switched to a tickling pressure. Andy grabbed Miranda's hand as it stole over Andy's hip. She turned onto her back and drew Miranda's hand to her lips. Miranda smiled at the kiss and leaned down to place one of her own on Andy's cheek. "Good morning, Andréa", she whispered against Andy's skin. "I believe it is time for us to get up and start our day."
"Can't we take a day off from vacation?", Andy pleaded.
"You will have to explain that one to the girls.", Miranda snickered as she rolled out of bed.
"Ugh. Whose idea was it to come here, anyway?" Andy complained.
"Why I believe this spark of brilliance emanated from your very own pretty little head."
"I think I like you better when you aren't so full of yourself." Andy called after Miranda as the woman stepped into the bathroom. Andy gave herself a few moments to reminisce over her night with Miranda before climbing from the warmth of the bed and heading to her room to prepare for the day and the energetic onslaught of the twins.
The Animal Kingdom was an awe inspiring day for the entire family. The girls didn't know what they wanted to do first since there were so many tempting options. Andy deferred to the guide book plans and they marched off to Asia when the entrance rope dropped, heading off to conquer Mount Everest. As they approached the roller coaster mountain, Miranda began to slow down. Andy checked over her shoulder and pulled up to a full stop when she saw Miranda's expression. "Hey", Andy offered, "you can sit this one out."
"Does it go upside down?", Miranda asked, trying to put her game face in place.
"No, but it does go backwards."
Andy waited patiently as Miranda debated her decision. The girls had wandered ahead and had now returned to find out what the hold up was.
"Your mom isn't sure yet." Andy explained.
"Come on mom." Cassidy prodded.
"It isn't all that bad, mom." Caroline piped in. "It doesn't go upside down. And it isn't as fast as Rockin' Rollercoaster."
Miranda looked to Andy for guidance. "Why don't you sit it out first round? You can grab a coffee from that kiosk we passed. I'll let you know how bad it is, if I survive the first trip. Then you can decide if you want to give it a go. I'm sure the girls won't mind riding a second time if you decide to go."
Miranda had to smile at the kindness and protectiveness of Andy. "That would be acceptable." she answered.
Andy offered a last affectionate smile, then turned to collect the twins. "Ok, you guys. We've got a mountain to conquer. We're three for three, so far. No way we're letting this one beat us."
"Yay" the girls screamed in unison. Each grabbing a hand, they dragged a laughing, protesting Andy to their goal- Everest or bust.
They found Miranda sitting on a boulder in the shade of a tree, sipping a warm coffee. She gave them a blinding smile to welcome them back. The girls broke into their ever enthusiastic, moment by moment description of the ride while Andy sat herself next to Miranda and stole her coffee for a fortifying swallow. She offered an innocent smile to Miranda's arched eyebrow. Miranda was distracted when Cassidy grabbed her hand and started pulling. "Come on mom, it really isn't that bad. Even Andy wasn't scared."
"Yeah, mom." Caroline added. "It's real fun and it's over so fast, you wont have time to get scared."
Miranda followed along gamely. "It isn't fear of the ride, dear, but rather fear of the motion sickness." Miranda honestly explained. "But, while you three were on your expedition, I went hunting for some Dramamine."
"Awesome" Cassidy cried. She turned and leaned into her task, pulling Miranda along at a fierce clip.
Caroline turned back to Andy, who was still sitting on the boulder. "Come on Andy, we're going again."
"Oh, yay." Andy muttered. "Alright, I'm coming." She swallowed the last of the coffee and followed along, tossing her cup into a waste bin on the way.
"Can we go again?" Caroline begged.
"You can go with your sister." Miranda allowed. "Andréa and I will wait here on terra firma, if you don't mind."
The girls ran off for round three, while Miranda led Andy back to their boulder. "You're looking a little green around the edges, Andréa. Can I get you something?"
Andy looked up beseechingly into concerned eyes. "Water?" she groaned.
"Of course. You wait right here. I'll be back in a moment."
Kilimanjaro Safari was a welcome respite to the stomach toss of the roller coaster. They were in luck, since the weather was relatively cool, they were able to get views of all the animals along the excursion. Even the lions were lying out on their "display rock". The girls, sitting at either end of their group seat, were snapping pictures as fast as they could. They would be spending hours at home editing their efforts.
They hiked through the jungle trek where they were entertained by a young gorilla's somersaulting across the field and drinking out of the stream with a bucket. In the Pangani Forest Trail the girls attempted to fill a memory card entirely with shots of the tigers. Andy had to laugh at their enthusiasm.
"Caroline," Cassidy called. "Check this one out. Look at the size of his paws."
"I know. Look at that one. Isn't he cute. I just want to go in there and rub his belly."
"Yeah, and become lunch."
The family caught an early performance of the live action puppetry show, Finding Nemo. Leaving the show the girls were caught up in mimicking the seagulls, "mine, mine, mine…" Miranda could only roll her eyes in good natured exasperation. Andy smiled mischievously at Miranda's annoyance. "Oh, come on, Miranda. You know you loved the show. You have to admit the puppetry was fantastic. It really was an amazing production. I wonder if they'd let Runway do a cover story on it?"
"Telling me what to put in my magazine, Andréa?" Miranda teased
"What?, No! I was just thinking out loud"
"Well, I think it was an interesting thought. Be sure to open your mouth at future meetings. Your stream of consciousness is enlightening, to say the least."
"Really?" Andy doubted Miranda's assessment.
"Yes, really." End of conversation. "Now, why don't we find some lunch."
The girls practically cheered at that idea. They swore they were starving.
The Florida heat index climbed as the day went on. By the time they finished their lunch in a shady, open cabana the temperature had surpassed an un-seasonal 90°F. Caroline was dragging behind the group using her water bottle fan to spritz her face in an attempt to cool off. Cassidy let out a shout of joy when she saw a misting machine up ahead. Grabbing Caroline's hand, she pulled her sister along to get some relief. Andy joined them in the spray, laughing along with them as they danced in the mist.
"Hey," Andy called out to get their attention. "What do you say we do this cooling off thing right?"
"How?", Caroline asked, stopping her modern dance display and staring at Andy with a demanding glare.
"Why don't we go catch a ride on the Kali River Rapids?"
"YEAH!" Caroline screamed. "Let's Go!", Cassidy ordered. Miranda rolled her eyes to the heavens, appealing to a higher power for help. As the girls took off on a run, Andy stepped in close to Miranda to offer support. Locking eyes she encouraged, "It really is not that rough of a ride. If you want to pass, I'd understand, but I don't think you need to."
Miranda's hand surprisingly reached up to pat Andy's cheek. "It's alright, Andréa. I have survived two death defying experiences. I think I should be good for one or two more before you'll have to carry me away in an ambulance." If Andy thought she was surprised by the minimal PDA of a hand on her cheek, she about imploded when Miranda actually leaned in and kissed her other cheek. With a light hearted laugh at Andy's confounded state, Miranda followed after her daughters.
The heat of the day caused the wait line to be a bit longer than their earlier excursions. Caroline had pulled her fan out again and was spritzing everyone in turns to help keep their party cool. While they waited, Andy dug through her back pack and pulled out a Mickey Mouse rain poncho. She offered it to Miranda, "You might want to use this. It can get pretty wet on this one."
Miranda scoffed at the offer. "Please, Andréa. I am not made of sugar, or spice. Nor am I, despite general belief, the wicked witch. I really don't think I'll melt if I get a little bit wet."
Andy shrugged in defeat. "Ok. Whatever. Just don't blame me…"
The family climbed into a raft and stowed their belongings under the tarp. As with most of the rides, Disney perfected the build up. With each "test" drop in the rapids, Caroline and Cassidy whooped and screamed, throwing their hands in the air. The raft was jostled and turned at the mouth of the final drop. Cassidy and Caroline were approaching with their backs toward the precipice. Miranda's eyes widened as she noticed the ground on either side of them had dropped out of view. As the front of the raft tipped over the edge, everyone in the boat screamed. They plunged down the decline, ending in a monstrous splash that came over the raft and drenched Caroline and Cassidy. Andy and Miranda did not survive unscathed, although neither came close to the soaking the girls received.
"Oh man, we are sopping." Caroline laughed.
"We should have worn our bathing suits." Cassidy added.
"Well, at least you both can skip baths tonight." Andy proffered.
They trudged through the park on their way to the exit. They had ended their day with the live action Lion King extravaganza. Miranda had, once again, been enthralled with the costumes. The colors and detail were nothing short of amazing. As they wove through the crowds, Miranda distractedly pondered possible layouts for Runway. Andy, understanding the trance like workings of Miranda's artistic mind, guided Miranda with a hand resting on the small of her back. Andy was also focused on keeping track of the girls.
Unable to lose the yoke of efficiency, Andy had texted the driver before the show, so the car was waiting for them just outside the exit. Climbing into the air conditioned car, they all emitted sighs of relief. As they pulled away from the curb, Miranda gifted Andy with a relaxed, genuinely happy smile of gratitude. When Andy smiled back Miranda expressed her thoughts verbally. "Thank you, Andréa. This has truly been a wonderful vacation. I am grateful for your efforts."
Mentally stumbling from the shock Andy simply murmured, "You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it."
They arrived back at the hotel early. They had a couple hours to waste before their dinner reservations, so Andy took the girls to the pool while Miranda remained to get a little work done. An hour later the girls crashed into the suite, running to their room in a race for the shower. Miranda jumped from the sudden intrusion on her peace and quiet. Andy eventually followed the girls through the door, hauling all their pool supplies. She looked up after closing the door to find Miranda waiting for her with a glass of wine. "You look like you could use this." Miranda smirked.
"I could probably use something stronger, but this'll do for now." She accepted the glass and raised it in salute before taking a long sip. "Thank you."
They stood in the kitchenette reconnecting through eyes sparkling with joy, mischief, and love. Caroline slammed out of her room calling out as she ran through the suite, "Mom, I'm gonna use your shower."
Miranda distractedly replied, "That's fine, dear", as her eyes grew darker in response to Andy's.
It was a careful, quick, chaste kiss, followed by a second. The third was slow, lingering and reaffirming. It did not get over heated with lust. It did not evolve to a battle for dominance. It was simply a welcoming, shared bond. Finally breaking the kiss, they remained within each other's embrace, Miranda combing her fingers through Andy's damp hair. Through a peaceful smile Andy breathed, "Hi."
"Hi, yourself", Miranda smiled back.
They stayed with each other, lost to the world outside. The quiet was soothing, enveloping their union in bliss, until Cassidy emerged from her bedroom. "Geez, get a room." she accused. Andy jumped and pulled away, Miranda turned an angry glare at her daughter, "You watch yourself, Cassidy Marie."
"Sorry. I was only joking."
"And where did you hear a joke like that?" Miranda demanded.
"I saw it on t.v." she confessed.
"I take it you were not watching a documentary at the time?" Miranda accused.
"Nah," Cassidy grinned, understanding her mother was not really angry. "It was a sit-com."
"Mmmm. Perhaps we need to adjust your viewing habits." Miranda reached out and took hold of Andy's hand, tugging her closer. She turned Andy so she could wrap comforting arms around her from behind. Nuzzling into the side of Andy's neck, Miranda effectively changed the rules. They would not be hiding from the twins. Miranda's commitment was complete. Andy sighed into the warmth.
Caroline appeared, wrapped in a towel from the shower. Puzzlement ghosted across her face as she picked up on the atmosphere of the room. "What's going on?" she queried.
"Mom and Andy are dating.", Cassidy announced.
"Oh. So can we go to dinner now? I'm starved."
And just like that, Andy was granted acceptance.
"We may go", Miranda smiled, "Although you may want to get dressed first."
Caroline grinned, "What? Don't you think towels are trés chic?"
"Why don't you wear that iris print sundress?" Miranda called to her as Caroline followed Cassidy into their room.
"I guess I better get ready to go", Andy stated as she pulled out of Miranda's embrace. She was stopped by a hand clutching at her own.
"Are you all right with this?", Miranda asked once Andy turned to look questioningly at their linked hands.
"Which 'this' are you referring to?"
"All of it. But specifically, being outed to the girls?"
"I'm fine", Andy stated simply.
"Are you sure?"
"Miranda, honestly, I'm fine. More than fine, even. I'm relieved we don't have to hide our feelings from the girls. I'm ecstatic that there is something to hide in the first place." Andy stepped in and gave Miranda an innocent peck on her lips. "and… I really hope I don't screw it up."
A shadow slid over Miranda's eyes, extinguishing the spark that was there. In a deflated voice she said, "I think, of the two of us, I would be the one to ruin it."
Andy grabbed her in a crushing embrace. A sucking kiss to Miranda's neck just under her ear caused the older woman to shiver.
"Don't go there" Andy whispered. "This is new. It's really different. And, we will both need to work on it to make it last." She pulled back from Miranda's immediate space. "We have a lot to talk about- intentions, and all that. But for now, let's just enjoy our beginning and celebrate our time here with Caroline and Cassidy."
"Yes, let's". The spark was back with a mischievous smirk added for good measure.
"Ok. Good." Andy nodded. "Now I really have to get ready."
"Yes, you do. I took the liberty of choosing an outfit for you tonight. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all. Give me thirty minutes and I'll be good to go." Andy disappeared into her room, only to reemerge with the chosen outfit in hand. "Miranda, what is this?"
"It's the dress you liked from Japan." Miranda answered innocently.
"I recognize it, but how did you know…?"
"I am a very observant person, Andréa. I thought you knew that." Miranda teased.
"Yeah, but I think it should be 'eerily observant'."
"Yes, well, go get ready. Our reservation is in forty minutes."
"Hurry up, Andy.", Cassidy called "We don't want to be late."
"I'm going, I'm going."
Andy emerged from her room a half hour later. The dress was pretty on the hanger, but on Andy, it was dazzling. With her hair pulled up in a casually untidy bun, and her makeup applied with just the right amount of finesse, Andy became a mouth watering display of cross cultural beauty. The bodice was cut to offer an enticing hint of cleavage and fit snuggly enough so an admirer would not have to strain their imagination much. The skirt was fitted to accentuate a woman's hips and there was a small slit at the back of the hem to again tease admirers. She opted for a pair of strappy sling back, four inch heel Miu Mius to lengthen her legs, which somehow added a note of mystery to the ensemble.
Miranda's glance cast over Andy, her eyes darkening by the second. Her lips thinned with her struggle for control as she gave Andy an affirming nod. Caroline offered a wolf whistle while Cassidy relied on the safety of the bland "Wow Andy, you look real nice."
"Thank you, Cassidy. I think your sister could stand to learn some manners from you." she smirked with the jibe. "Shall we go?" she asked everyone.
"What?", Caroline protested.
"You know 'what'.", Miranda answered. "With manners like that, you'll be working in construction in no time." The family shared in the laugh as they headed off to dinner.
Dinner was at the African restaurant, Boma and Andy was a little concerned with the idea of Miranda Priestly dining at a buffet. When Miranda realized what was happening, she simply arched her brow in expectation and Andy was explaining and apologizing all over again.
"I know, Miranda, but I thought it would offer a better opportunity for the girls to try samples of all the different foods instead of just getting a single dish. You don't have to do anything. I'll be happy to get a plate together for you…"
A hand on her arm silenced Andy's verbal diarrhea. "This is fine, Andréa. I think it is a wonderful idea to offer the choices to the girls. Thank you, again, for thinking of them."
As it turned out, it really was a wonderful idea. Caroline and Cassidy couldn't seem to get enough. They each made three trips to the line. They first sampled the soups and salads. Then they made return trips for the main dishes, each repeating a serving of the peanut rice. Miranda followed suit, although a serving for her was pretty much a single fork full of each item. For dessert, the twins raided the line, returning with a large plate heaping with delicacies. Miranda's eyes grew large from astonishment.
"You are not going to eat all of that", she half asked, half ordered.
"Nah", Cassidy explained, "we brought enough to share with everyone."
They did share, although there was a small battle with spoons between Andy and Caroline over the bread pudding with caramel sauce.
On their return to their suite, Andy and the girls made it to the couch and collapsed, stuffed beyond the point of comfort.
"Ohhh, I can't believe we ate so much", Caroline whined.
"I think we're going to explode," Cassidy added.
"I warned you both to take only small portions." Miranda gently admonished.
'But it was all so good", Caroline countered.
"Yes, well it appears 'good' is feeling pretty bad right now. I would send you to bed, but I don't want you trying to sleep in this condition." Miranda stressed. "Maybe you should take a walk down to the savannah and chat with whomever is on duty this evening."
"Yeah, ok.", Cassidy agreed. "Come on, Caroline. Maybe we can use the night vision goggles to see the animals."
The twins left the "boring" adults for the excitement of wild animals. Andy collapsed across the space they left open on the couch. Miranda moved to join her. Tapping Andy's head so she would lift up, Miranda sat and allowed Andy to use her lap as a pillow. Miranda began to play with Andy's hair, massaging her scalp and tugging gently at the strands. Andy instantly began to drift in and out of sleep limbo, the state between being fully awake and sound asleep. As she floated into the arms of Morpheus, Andy started to babble, "That'snice. Feels realgood." Then with a deep, sigh she mutterd, "godiloveyou".
Miranda's hand stopped mid stroke. Andy's breathing had gone deep and even. She was sound asleep. Miranda couldn't stop the grin that crept across her face. The words were spoken, and although Andy was not fully coherent, Miranda knew the sentiment was the honest truth. She allowed her mind to wander, playing over their odd relationship. From their very first meeting, to their first end. On to her second chance. The chance to create something between them. 'If this is what love feels like, then I don't think I was ever in love before. How could you possibly find anything about me to love? A beautiful, caring, giving woman like you, should by all rights be with a prince charming. And yet, it seems I am the one who found the glass slipper that fits. Oh lord, I have been engrossed in Disney World far too long.'
The twins announced their arrival an hour later. "Hey, mom," Caroline shook Miranda's shoulder. "Mom, what are you doing?"
"Isn't it obvious?", Miranda queried. "Up to a moment ago, I was sleeping."
"Yeah, but you'll get a crick in your neck. You should go to bed."
"Thank you, bobbsey. I will take your advise under consideration." She smiled up at her daughter. "Now, speaking of bed…"
"Yeah, yeah, we're going."
"Did you enjoy the savannah?" Miranda asked, stopping the girls from their dismissal.
"Yeah, it was cool.", Cassidy answered. "The warden on tonight was this girl from South Africa. She was real neat. They get a year here with the program. Her assignment is split up into three month sets. First as a trainee, then as a trainer for the next person. Then she transfers to Kidani Village and repeats it all there. The funny part is she wasn't even into animals. She studied sport's medicine at college. Not even biology or anything. She was real neat."
"Cass has a crush on her", Caroline accused.
"I do not. I just thought it was real interesting talking to her."
"Girls, do not start fighting." Miranda warned "You'll wake Andréa."
"I'm already awake." Andy mumbled. "Sounds real interesting, Cass. I think I would've liked talking to her, too."
"She kind of reminded me of you, Andy", Cassidy remarked.
"Yeah? Why's that?"
"I don't now. She was just real easy to talk to. She didn't talk down to us just cause we were kids. She was real cool, and honest, and stuff."
"Sounds like she's pretty smart." Andy added. "Well, you two better get to bed."
"Ok. Goodnight Andy, night mom", Cassidy gave both adults a kiss on the cheek.
"Good night, bobbsey. Sleep well." Miranda grabbed Caroline's arm as she leaned in for a good night kiss. "Stop teasing your sister." she warned in her "don't screw with me" voice.
"Ok." Caroline acquiesced. "I promise."
"Good. Now give me a kiss." Miranda playfully demanded.
Caroline gave the kiss and added a hug. Then she leaned down and gave Andy a kiss, too. "Good night" she announced as she headed to her room.
As the door closed behind Caroline, Miranda breathed, "Alone, at last."
"We've been alone," Andy retorted, "and look how we used the time."
"I know. I think we're a bit over tired. Come on," Miranda pushed at Andy, "let's go to bed."
"You are such a smooth talker" Andy snickered as she sat up.
"Years of practice." Miranda stood and then helped to pull Andy from the couch. "Some day, you too will be able to ensnare some unsuspecting young beauty."
"Why would I want to do that?" Andy puzzled. "I already have the beauty of my dreams."
"See?" Miranda quipped. "You're already catching on."
Staying awake long enough to complete their evening ablutions, Miranda and Andy crawled into bed, curled around each other, and abruptly fell asleep.