Amy's Vacation-Part 1
Exhausted from finals, Amy slept through the entire three hour flight from Calgary to O'Hare, woke long enough to hustle through the Chicago airport to get to their terminal and gate by departure time, only to fall asleep again for much of the three hour flight to Norfolk.
Upon landing roughly, Amy was jarred from sleep with a start. "What?" She looked around.
"Hey sleepy head." Alicia said as they taxied downed the runway to their arrival gate.
Amy rubbed her eyes, stretching slightly in her window seat. "Mmmm. What time is it?"
Turning off airplane mode on her phone, Alicia checked the time. "Nearly 7pm. We have one more flight to Kitty Hawk then a short drive to our rental. If all goes as planned we will be there at 8:30."
She yawned. "Okay. Could we get something to eat? I'm starved." Her stomach growled suddenly, affirming her statement.
"Not sure we have time if we want to catch the charter." She said, offering her two bags of pretzels and a small bottle of water. "Here. It's not much, but hopefully they'll do for now."
"Thanks. This will do." She accepted a bag of pretzels, ripped it open, shoved a twisted pretzel into her mouth.
"I have a couple apples in my purse too if you want one."
Amy swallowed. "Maybe later."
The phone in Alicia's hand vibrated. Her eyes dropped to the screen.
"Let me guess. Mouse?" Amy suggested.
"I wish." Alicia frowned as she read the message. "It's Outer Banks Aviation. They cancelled our flight."
"Seriously?" Only slightly concerned, Amy popped another salty twist into her mouth.
"I'll just call and see there's another flight. If all else fails, we'll rent something here instead of Kitty Hawk. It's just a two hour drive to Corolla." Not surprisingly, Alicia took control of rerouting the plans.
By the time they dragged their carry-on luggage off the plane, through Terminal B, over the pedestrian bridge into the Arrival Terminal, Alicia had called the airline and all eight rental companies located at the airport.
"Okay. Thank you. Could I put you on hold for a moment, please?...thanks." Alicia put the call on mute, then pulled Amy aside. "Okay. This is the last rental company. It's a small, independent one that I've never used. Anyhow, they only have one 4 wheel drive vehicle available. It's a Jeep."
"We only need one." Amy smiled at her serious faced friend.
"Right. Here's the deal, it's a manual. You'll have to drive the entire time." Alicia advised her, her expression did not change.
"No problem. Let's get it."
"It doesn't have a roof. Not even a soft top."
"We wanted a convertible, right?" She retorted.
"Right. But, we'll have to drive down the interstate topless. And, it's supposed to rain tomorrow night."
"We won't blow away or rust." Amy countered.
Alicia nodded slowly, saving the worst caveat for last. "The exterior is camouflage." Her disgust was evident, her nose wrinkled, her lip curled. "We can get a car instead. Or an SUV."
Amy laughed, rolled her eyes. "Who cares if it's camo? We'll just make a statement everywhere we go."
"That's what I'm afraid of." Alicia was glum.
"Oh, come on. We'll likely never see these folks again. Plus, you know the saying, What happens in Corolla, stays in Corolla!" She reasoned, conjoled. "Think of the fun we'll have tooling around in a camo Jeep."
"Fine." She gave in, unmuted her phone. "Yes. We'll take it. We'll be there in two minutes."
Standing behind the counter, the rental agent, a older man, fatherly type, seemed apprehensive as he looked at the two petite women before him. "Ladies, are y'all sure this is what y'all want to rent? We have plenty of other vehicles." He asked in his Virginian accent, trying to be helpful, but coming off as patronizing.
"We're sure. We need a 4 wheel drive vehicle." Amy answered without hesitation while Alicia frowned, but held her tongue. "Unless you have another 4WD vehicle..."
"No. This is it." His polite smile faded from his lips. After checking driver licenses and securing signatures and payment, he handed Amy the keys and contract.
Walking around the counter, he said. "Miss Amy, Miss Alicia, please follow me. There are a few things I'd like to show y'all about the vehicle before y'all driving off."
Amy gave Alicia an encouraging glance, before turning to join him, dragging her suitcase. Dragging her own, Alicia followed a few steps behind, still reticent. Leading them into the parking garage, the agent walked past rows and rows of rental vehicles of every make and model, towards the far corner.
He stopped in front of a Jeep, parked at an angle taking up 2 spaces. "Here she is."
Wrapped completely in a desert-colored camouflage print, the Jeep was encased in reinforced steel roll bars, lifted off the ground by massive tires with deep treads, topped with a heavy duty gear rack. Mounted to the top, above the windshield, was a light bar crowded with spotlights emblazoned with the letters KC. Attached to the oversized bumper was a intimidating brush guard, winch, toe hooks and fog lights. The Jeep resembled a monster truck, but shrunk only slightly.
His eyes darted between the women as their wide eyes were affixed to the rugged, off-road vehicle before them, taking in the full effect.
When neither uttered a word, he just asked. "What do y'all think?"
"It's a lot to take in." Alicia admitted, transfixed by the mass of metal and gadgets covered in camo.
"We're sticking with this." Straightening from inspecting the well equipped bumper, Amy spoke up, not at all intimidated.
He exhaled deeply. "Okay then. How about we walk through the features?"
"That'd be great." Amy replied.
"Ladies, what we have here is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. It has 4 wheel drive with a 3.6 Liter V6 engine with 285hp and 260lb-ft of torque. 6 speed manual transmission with a 3500lb towing capacity. Up top is a gear rack. As y'all can see, it's equipped with a front end winch as well. 9500lb capacity." He explained, then added. "This vehicle has everything for extreme off-roading and more."
Amy smiled appreciatively. "Yep, everything we need and more. Much more."
Walking around to the driver's side, Alicia gasped, struck by the doors, or lack there of. "There aren't any doors." Her eyes were bigger than diner plates.
"Those are doors. They are just off-road metal tubulars." Stepping up behind her, he explained as he opened the door, comprised only of metal tubes bent and welded unto a frame and hinged to the Jeep. "The metal tubes are made of reinforced steel and provide safety while maximizing air flow."
"But, we're driving on the highway. Is that even legal? Driving without doors?" Alicia shuddered.
"Yes ma'am. These doors are perfectly safe, perfectly legal, even on the highway. You can even take these off and still be within the law. Seatbelts are required in Virginia, on or off road." He replied, trying again to reassure her.
Alicia looked to Amy. "Amy, what do you think?"
Standing by her side, Amy seemingly unfazed, reasoned with her friend. "Well, between the seatbelts, doors and roll bars, it's safer than riding a horse...especially a wild one."
Catching the insinuation about Silvie, Alicia could only sigh and nod.
"Where did y'all say you were going?" The agent asked.
"We didn't." Amy replied calmly. "We're going to Corolla."
"Ah. Just Corolla or are you going north to the National Wildlife Refuge and Carova Beach too?"
"Alicia?" Amy deferred to Alicia, who replied.
"We're actually staying in Historic Corolla Village but going to the refuge and beaches in Corolla and Carova."
"Well, y'all need a 4 wheel drive for certain if y'all are going up north." He then asked Amy. "Miss Amy, you're the driver, right?"
She nodded in response.
"How experienced are you with a stick?" He probed.
"I drive a 1957 GMC 9300 flatbed every day. Learned to drive on it." She said casually, a hint of pride touched her tone.
"No kidding? That's quite a truck." He said, clearly impressed, then dug deeper. "How about off-road driving?"
"Does driving in the Rocky Mountains and muddy foothills in Alberta count as off-road driving?" She replied.
He laughed lightly, clearly relieved. "Yes ma'am! You shouldn't have any trouble then driving this on the paved, on the beach or anywhere else."
"Good." She pursed her lips. "Question. Should I lower the tire pressure before I drive on the beach?" Her question hinted at her experience driving off-road. "We do that at home when we cross the river or a particularly boggy field in the spring."
"Yep. Same concept. Go low and go slow." He chucked at the saying. "Air down to about 20 PSI. It's best to drive at low tide, at the water line where the sand is packed. Folks don't realize that and get stuck there or in the salt marshes. Sometimes even in the ocean or sound."
"Makes sense. Is there an air pump and gauge?" She inquired, showing a bit more of her knowledge.
"It does. There's a portable inflation kit and gauge in the back." He motioned to follow him to the back of the truck. There he swung open the rear gate, fitted with a spare tire. Unlocking cargo hold, he lifted the lid. He pointed to a black canvas bag inside the cargo organizer.
"That's it." Pointing to a large duffle, he said. "And, that's the recovery kit. Everything y'all need to tow or winch. A couple of pairs of safety gloves, D-shackles, weigh blankets, block, winch remote, tie downs, tow and hook straps. Plus, flashlights, first aid kit, tire jack and small shovel. You name it, it's in there."
Feeling a bit more at ease with the Jeep especially with Amy driving, Alicia made a small joke. "So, everything, but the kitchen sink, huh?"
"Yeah, well. Can't be too prepared." He allowed, than asked. "Where's your luggage?"
Alicia pointed toward the front of the Jeep, he wheeled around to look. "Y'all travel light for ladies."
Not taking offense, Alicia quipped. "I'm gonna take that as a compliment."
"As you should, Miss Alicia. Let's get them bungeed on the rack." He gave her a quick smile, walking toward their carryons.
Luggage strapped down on top, Amy wondered aloud. "Do you think we'll come across a lot of stuck vehicles?"
"Probably a few. And driving this, folks won't hesitate to ask for a tow or a winch. Guaranteed." He responded.
"I've towed horse trailers plenty. So I'm comfortable with that. And, I've seen a winch being used, but have never done it myself. Can you show us how?"
"Sure thing." He retrieved the winch remote, then led her to the Jeep's front bumper and the winch. Alicia followed along. "First and foremost, wear gloves at all times. This winch has steel cabling which can do some serious and lasting damage."
"Okay."
"It's important to know your winch and it's capabilities and limitations. Like I said, this one's rated at 9,500 lbs. That's a max. Keep that in mind when you're sizing up a vehicle to winch, determining length of the cable, and formulating your plan."
When he finished the demonstration, peppered with scenarios and solid advice, he asked. "Any questions?"
Oddly, Alicia spoke first. "Seems like we'd use the winch when we want to lift a vehicle stuck in the sand or mud then move it a short distance. Basically, out of harms way. And, we'd use a tow more as brut force pull and haul type of thing. Is that right?"
Delighted, his head bobbing up and down, he was surprised at her comment, but pleased. "Exactly Miss Alicia. You catch on quick."
"Quick? Not so sure about that." She blushed, then went on to explain. "Growing up, we had a hand crank winch on our boat trailer. We'd use that to pull our boat out of the lake and onto the trailer. It was always a three person job. One manned the winch, one steered the boat and one handled the truck." She shrugged. "Anyhow, I think this is same principle."
"Yep." He agreed.
"Alicia. You are officially in charge of the winch!" Amy declared.
"Oh god. Hopefully, we won't have the need to use it." Alicia said, humbly.
"Well, if you do, I have no doubt, y'all will be prepared." He handed Alicia the winch remote. "Any other questions?"
"Yes. Is there a route to Corolla without highways?" Her eyes cut to Alicia, who gave her a grateful smile.
"The best route is down 168 to 158. Both are undivided highways with a max speed of 50. Y'all be fine. It's a Monday night. Shouldn't have much traffic." He advised. "Jeep has GPS to help navigate."
"Good. And, how about a healthy place to grab dinner?" Amy asked.
"Yeah. We're starved." Alicia added.
"They're a terrific little place on your route in Tidewater. Bernice's Cafe. Norfolk is known for Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab. And, Bernice's Blue Crab cakes are out of this world." He checked his watch. "She's open til 8:30 so y'all have time. Tell her, Mack sent y'all."
"Will do. Thanks Mack for everything." She grinned, excited to get behind the wheel.
"My pleasure." He lowered his forehead, establishing eye contact first with Amy, then with Alicia. He handed each his business card. "Y'all have fun but be careful. Remember, any sign of trouble call me. That's our emergency number and my direct number is on the back."
"We will, Mack. Thanks." Amy promised, shook his hand, then climbed up easily into the Jeep. Alicia did the same, though a little less gracefully.
Amy started up the engine, she turned to Alicia. "Ready to get this vacation on the road."
"More than ready."
She laughed, effortlessly juggling the clutch, shifter, brake and gas, then smoothly eased out of its space. Waving to Mack, they drove away.
Walking into Bernice's Cafe, both women were glowing and giddy from the short, yet exhilarating open air drive on that warm summer evening, despite their messy, wind blown hair and growling stomachs.
"Welcome to Bernice's Cafe." An older woman behind the counter called to them with a buttery soft, southern drawl as they entered. "Y'all can sit wherever."
The cafe's atmosphere was reminiscent of the Roasted Beet's, homey, warm, and relaxed in an old neighborhood store front. Excepting the decor and the old timey country music quietly played in the background instead of jazz.
"Thanks." Alicia replied with a smile. The two settled onto stools at the old marble topped counter in the mostly empty restaurant.
"Menu's on the chalkboard behind me." Standing before them, her pen was poised above her pad. Her blue eyes were tired, a few strands of wispy, silver hair had let loose from its bun, framing her handsome, freckled face. She wore a spotless, but worn white cotton shirt rolled at the sleeves, black pants and a white waist apron with blue crabs running skiing its bottom hem. Her name tag said, Welcome to Bernice's Cafe. I'm Bernice!
"Let me know what I can git y'all."
"Hi Bernice. Mack sent us." Amy replied.
Her expression softened as she chuckled. "My cousin called to say y'all might be coming by... Let's see, Miss Alicia and Miss Amy?" She pointed to Alicia first.
"Good guess." Alicia joined in.
"Not much of guess, Mack Reed told me what y'all looked like. I also understand you're driving to the Village tonight."
"Yep."
"So, let's git y'all fed and on your way. What can I git y'all to drink? Sweet tea? A coke?"
"Sweet tea, please." Alicia requested. "It's southern tradition, right?" Alicia knew from her research that it was.
"It is, indeed."
"Ditto for me then. Mack said your blue crab cakes are out of this world. So I'll have those." Amy ordered her dinner.
"Same." Alicia chimed in.
"Spicy Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Cakes then. Those come with a saffron aioli, corn salad and fried okra. Sound good?"
"Very." They said in tandem.
"To go?" She asked. "Or eat in?"
"We'll eat here, unless you need to close." Amy answered.
"Heavens, no." She shook her head, No. "Y'all still got time. I'll start your order." She disappeared behind a swinging wooden door with a brass plate.
A minute later, Bernice brought their iced tea, full of crunched ice, lemon wedge and a straw on the side. "Let me know if you need more sweetener. Your blue cakes will be ready in a bit." She disappeared again.
"So...what do you have planned for us over the next two days?" Amy asked.
"Not much, just relaxing." Alicia said, holding back. She took a draw of her tea. "Oh, very sweet!"
Amy did the same. "That is sweet." She smacked her lips, took another sip. "Relaxing sounds good. I'm planning on sleeping in tomorrow. But, I know you. You have bigger plans than that."
"You do know me." She grinned.
"So, let's hear them.."
"Well, in no particular order. Kayaking on the Currituck Sound. Or we can paddle board, your choice. Our place is above Coastal Kayaks so we can decide tomorrow."
"That sounds fun."
"According to Josh, there are very friendly dolphins in the sound that will swim right along."
"Dolphins? Really? I would love to see some."
"Me too."
"Who's Josh?"
"He and his brother Brent own the kayak place and the place we're renting. He seems real nice and helpful. Apparently they grew up there. Anyhow, I already let him know that we'd be a bit late arriving."
"Good. What else do you have planned?" Amy took another sip of tea, then commented. "This tea is growing on me."
"Yeah. Me too...Let's see. There's the ocean and beach in Corolla. We can drive it, walk it, ride bikes, look for shells, swim in it or set-up beach chairs and just read. The world is our oyster. Or maybe crab!"
"Hmm. I won't be sitting around reading. I've done enough of that this semester." Amy wrinkled her nose, then quickly added. "Of course you can, if you like. It's your vacation too."
"I plan to...or at least some. There's local bookstore named the Island Reader that supposed to be fabulous. I want to check that out."
"You might have to go there on your own!" She smirked.
"Hmph...There's a Village Market that has lots of local shops. Might be a good place to get gifts or mementos. There are a bunch of historic houses, one called Whalehead, and an old chapel we can tour. A museum and Currituck Lighthouse too. We can visit Kitty Hawk on our way back to the airport on Wednesday, if you like. For a more off-road adventure, there's national wildlife refuge and Carova Beach. And for food. Tomorrow morning we are going to Firefly Bakery for lunch and Riptide BBQ for dinner. The BBQ place has live music tomorrow night. Or we can go Sandbar for seafood and the Village Idiot for Pizza."
"Village Idiot, huh?" Amy chuckled. "Well, it all sounds great. But, that's a lot to cram into two days."
Alicia broke into a huge grin. "That's not even the best part."
"Oh really. What's the best part?"
"Here ladies." Bernice interrupted, setting their white plates mounted with food in front of them. "Spicy Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab cakes, corn salad, and fried okra. Oh and, a cheese biscuit. Enjoy!"
"This looks fantastic, Bernice. Thank you." Alicia said, picking up an okra covered in a golden cornmeal coating with her fingers, blew on it a few seconds before putting it in her mouth. "Hmm. I've never had okra before. It's so good. Crunchy."
"Yum!" Amy echoed her enthusiasm as she ate a forkful of a crab cake slathered in the spicy saffron aioli. "Oh Alicia, taste the crab cake. It's out of this world. Buttery, but spicy."
"Glad it's to your liking." Bernice replied. "Need anything else?"
"Um. Bernice. Could you tell Amy the best thing about Corolla Beach?" Alicia could barely contain herself.
"I reckon you mean the wild horses?" Bernice replied matter of factly.
Amy snapped to attention. "Wait! Really? Wild horses? Are you serious? Where?" Amy looked from Bernice to Alicia who was grinning and nodding.
"Surprise!" Alicia said as Amy leaned over and hugged her friend. "You've worked so hard this summer with school and work and everything. I really wanted something special just for you."
"Oh my gosh. I can't believe it. Thank you!" Her grin was ear to ear.
"Amy, here, is a genuine expert of wild and domesticated equine." Alicia explained to Bernice. "Essentially, she's been a horsey girl since birth. She's even called the Miracle Girl in Canada."
"Well, heavens to Betsy, you don't say." She pressed her fingertips to her lips. "Guess that's why y'all picked Corolla." Bernice remarked.
"Dr. Alicia, organizer extraordinaire, here planned the whole trip..." Amy admitted, turning to her friend. "Thank you, by the way."
"Bernice, where's the best place to see the horses?" Alicia asked.
"Some are at the Currituck Refuge. But, mostly they just roam the beaches in Corolla and north to the state border to Carova Beach. Sometimes, they stroll through the Village to eat grass. There aren't that many any more, maybe a 100 or so. So y'all be lucky to see any."
"I really hope we do." Amy was more than intrigued. "Any advice on upping our chances?"
"In Carolla? Best bet is to go to the dunes at first and last light. The horses feed on the beach grass growing there."
"Okay, that's when we'll go then." Amy decided.
"Bernice, tell Amy the origin of the horses."
She leaned against the counter, her behind resting halfway on a stool, and began. "Way back the 1500s, Spanish ships carrying explorers, colonizers and their horses came to the Americas, arriving on the Outer Banks. But, the shallow of the coast and shifting sandbars caused many a shipwreck. So much so that stretch of coastline is called the Graveyard of the Atlantic." She paused, bowed her forehead slightly in reverence. "Many men perished but the horses were able to swim ashore and somehow survived. Ever since, the Colonial Spanish Mustangs have been living wild there."
"That's really fascinating."
"There's a wild horse museum in the Village with the entire history. And a farm that manages captured horses. Y'all should visit them." She looked up, waved to exiting customers, thanked them, then turned here attention back. "Where were we?...oh right the farm."
"We might visit there, if we have time. Mostly, I just want to see the horses in their native habitat." Amy confessed.
"It really is something to witness them firsthand." She agreed, then warned. "Now. Don't get too close and touch them. Or even feed them. Laws prohibit that. If you do, you'll get a citation along with a hefty fine."
"We won't." Amy promised, then hummed. "It's really great that there are laws here to protect the wild horses." She grimaced. "Wish that were the case at home in Alberta."
"So, you have wild horses too?" Bernice seemed surprised.
"Yes. There are bands of wildies, some of Spanish descent, that roam the eastern foothills of the Rockies. One herd likes to graze on my grandfather's land." She explained, then pressed her lips. "The government and some ranchers consider the wildies to be a nuisance because they graze on public lands and compete with cattle for vegetation. So instead of protecting the horses, our government issues permits to individuals to cull the herds." Amy showed her distain of the practice.
"That's awful sin to harm god's noble creatures." Bernice tisked.
"I agree. They are so beautiful. It's hard to imagine that anyone would want to do that.." Amy added. "But they do."
"Amy spent the summer rehabbing this gorgeous, wild horse that was attacked by a cougar." Alicia mentioned with pride. "Silvie's now halter trained and saddle broke. And, she's as gentle as can be." She nudged her friend. "Right?"
"Y'all should go by the farm then. The Wild Horse Fund does that type of work too. They might put you to work."
"We will." Amy said, changing her mind. "I'd like to see that."
"Bernice. How do you know so much about the area?" Alicia asked.
"Growing up, us cousins, Mack Reed, John Paul and me spent the summers out there with our Meemaw and Pops, running wild, roaming the beach and dunes, looking for horses, seashells and starfish. When Mack Reed turned 16 and got his first Jeep, we would pile into that front seat, me always in the middle, cruising up and down the coast, acting the fool, getting stuck and unstuck." Her eyes glistened. "Boy, we made us some memories."
"So, that's how Mack knows so much about 4WD vehicles?" Amy surmised.
"Hmm yeah. Back then, he had a bright yellow CJ-5 that made the girls swoon and the guys jealous. We went everywhere in that thing. Bet he's had a dozen or more since then. He's a Jeeper." She said. "Hear y'all rented yourselves a wrangler."
"Yeah, and it's so much fun. High off the ground, open air." Alicia said, tickling Amy with her new found enthusiasm for the monster Jeep parked outside.
After dinner, they waved goodbye, climbed into the Jeep, then headed south.
The waxing gibbous moon was high in the darkened, cloudless sky, a shining beacon as they drove the 90 miles from Norfolk to their destination on the North Carolina coast. The day's summer heat lingered on, despite the sun's departure to the west, keeping them warm and contented in the open air.
At a quarter past ten, they entered the tiny town of Historic Corolla Village from the south. From Ocean Trail at the towering red brick Currituck Lighthouse, they turned left onto a sandy road. Though well past nightfall and quiet, the quaint town was lit by flickering gas lampposts. Driving slowly, they gazed at each hundred year old house and business, renovated to their former glory, sheltered by sprawling live oak trees, surrounded by wide spans of yard and gardens, lined by sidewalks and white picket fences.
"It's pretty here." Alicia said, her words soft and dreamy.
"Hmm. It's like going back in time." Amy echoed her sentiment. "This is perfect, Alicia. Thank you for arranging all this." She patted her best friend's knee.
After a quick detour through the village, they headed west on narrow road through a thick grove of live oaks, their crooked branches, spooky, arching over them. Leaving the grove behind, the view above opened to the dark sky, three quarter moon and an abundance of shimmering stars.
Softly lit at the road's dead end was a sign that read Coastal Kayaks and Bikes and two identical houses that sat side by side, a wide wooden walkway in between. Each small, two story house was shingled with cedar shakes, weathered grey by the salty air. Each had a covered porch, no more than 25 feet wide, spanning its entire width with centered steps leading to a green, paned glass door and flanked by a wide window on either side. Instead of a lawn, a single, large concrete patio, with wooden benches, potted flowers and surrounding flowering shrubs, stretched across the front of both properties, making a comfortable gathering place.
"The GPS says we're here." Amy said, staring through the windshield. "Where's our place?"
"Supposedly, there's a gate on the left hand side of the kayak place and a set of stairs leading to the studio apartment." She pointed.
"Okay. Let's park and get our stuff."
As Amy stepped up onto the running board to retrieve their luggage from the cargo rack, an old, topless Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 rolled to a stop next to them. The parking brake creaked loudly as it was set.
The driver hopped-out, then approached them. "Hey there young ladies!" The curly headed man said, his southern draw lengthening his syllables. "Are y'all Alicia and Amy?"
"Josh?" Alicia guessed.
"Close. I'm Brent Jones, Josh's better looking brother." Brent looked to be his thirties, with slight, but fit build. He sported a easy smile.
"Oh Brent. Hi. I'm Alicia Kennedy and this is Amy Fleming." She introduced them.
"Pleased to see y'all." He shook hands with each. "Y'all just now arriving? Y'all been up to the studio yet?"
"No, we just got here. Our flight got canceled so we drove in from Norfolk." Alicia informed him.
"Bummer. Good thing y'all had a sweet ride." He surveyed their Jeep, clearly impressed. "Y'all must be planning some extreme off-roading." His brow raised.
"Something like that." Amy replied. "Mostly we want to see the wild horses."
"Best bet in Corolla is just before sun rise and set. Heard that a few been hanging around at the end of Schoolhouse Lane of late. Take that road or Carotank Drive to the beach and go north. They like the sea oats and sedge grasses growing on the dunes."
"What do you do? Drive or walk?" Alicia asked.
"Oh, well, that depends on my mood and how much time I have." He shrugged. "Reckon I might should carry the luggage up. Least I can do." He easily reach up, grabbing both suitcases. "Ladies. Follow me."
A suitcase in each hand, Brent led them towards a wooden gate on the far left, up a flight of stairs, to a wooden deck, high above the ground, that stretched across the entire back. A couple of rocking chairs and a side table were placed there, facing west. In the distance, the sound and surrounding marshlands were barely visible in the dark, but a lovely breeze blew off of it.
"Wow. This is really nice." The two women stood at the rail, looking outward.
"That's Currituck Sound." He set the luggage down by the door, then joined them at the rail, standing next to Amy. "Best seen at sunset."
"I bet. Is that a boardwalk I see over there?" Amy pointed.
"Yeah. It's our private walkway to the sound for the kayak business. It's starts downstairs between bikes and kayaks. As guests, y'all welcome to use it. The keypad code is in your arrival email."
"Okay. Thanks." Alicia then asked about the neighboring building, it's deck not more the 15 feet away. "Is that a rental too?"
"Yes. But we had a last minute cancel. So, it's empty." He looked at his watch. "Listen, I'm gonna take off and let y'all get settled. Call if you need anything."
"We will." Alicia replied.
"Just so you know, we have a midnight paddle so y'all might hear some voices downstairs." Brent informed them. "Don't be scared. It's just us."
"Midnight paddle?" Amy asked.
"Kayaking on the sound. Normally we only go on a full moon." He peered upward, then his eyes settled back on Amy. "But it's a clear night, the moon is high and we got a request, so we made an exception."
"Sounds like fun."
"Y'all are welcome to join. We can take a couple more. It's an hour and half and 60 a piece."
Amy turned to Alicia. "What do you think?"
"Why not? I'm still on mountain time. I'm not sleepy yet."
She turned back to Brent. "We're game."
"Great. See y'all downstairs at 11:45. We'll register y'all then."
"See you later."
He stepped toward the stairs, then turned around. "Oh, and, it gets a little chilly on the water at night so y'all might should wear a light, waterproof jacket." He suggested. "Or something to break the breeze. Something water wicking is best."
"Okay. We will."
"See y'all." He disappeared down the steps.
Entering charming and surprisingly spacious studio apartment, a fresh cross breeze of ocean and sound air gently blew through, swaying the curtains. A single lamp had been turned on, casting light around the room, its soft gray on the walls, high ceiling, wide plank wooden floors, white trimmed doors and windows. Centered on the south wall, a top a rug of muted colors, a queen bed was dressed in fine linens of white and blanket of watery blues. A small kitchen with stainless steel appliances and marble counters hugged the opposite wall. In front of that, a tall pub table with two stools sat on a small sisel rug. Around the room were wickered chairs, festooned with cushions in muted cool hues, side tables, two dressers and original works of beach art.
"This is incredible. It's like a beach spa, all clean and fresh. So zen-like." Amy gushed.
Pleased at her reaction, Alicia breathed a sigh of relief. "It's even better than the pictures."
"Look. They left us a welcome basket." Amy said, crossing to the pub table. Opening the accompanying note, then read it aloud. "Alicia and Amy. Welcome to the Historic Corolla Village. We hope you enjoy your stay and the many wonderful things this paradise offers. We are just a call away if you need anything. Enjoy. Brent and Josh."
"How nice. What's in the basket?" Alicia said, walking through the apartment, opening doors and cabinets, checking things out.
"Let's see. Two bottles of wine, one red, one white." Amy sifted through the goodies. "A baguette from that bakery you mentioned. A jar of strawberry fig jam. Chocolates, spiced nuts. Oh, a brochure on Coast Kayaks and Bikes and a couple maps."
"Nice." She said, her mind clearly focused elsewhere. "Hey. Let's go sit on the deck, check out the stars and have a glass of wine." Amy shot her a look.
"I know, you don't like wine. Maybe there's bottled water or something else in the fridge." Alicia said casually, trying to keep a straight face. "Why don't you see?"
Amy shrugged, opened the refrigerator door, bent to look in. "Hey. There's a bottle of champagne in here." Straightening, bottle in hand, she turned to see Alicia grinning.
"Surprise! Let's have a little celebration to kick off our vacation."
"Can't turn that down." Amy grinned in return.
A few moments later, they had settled into the rocking chairs on the front deck. Alicia popped the cork with a bit of fanfare. With the bubbly poured, Amy held up her glass to Alicia.
"Alicia. To you. For all your research, planning, organizing and packing you had to do to make this trip to this beautiful place happen. Thank you. May this be the first of many vacations we take together. Cheers."
"Cheers." Alicia chimed in, their glasses clinked together. They both took a sip.
"Mmm."
"Oh! That's good."
"Okay. My turn." Alicia wiggled in her rocker, cleared her throat, then raised her glass. "To Amy. Congratulations on completing your first semester of college while working with Scott and gentling a wild horse. You worked your butt off. Before you know it, you be a full fledged vet. I am so very proud of you! To you!"
They clinked glasses again, took another sip.
"Alicia. I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for always being there for me. So. To you too."
"To best friends." Alicia countered.
"Best friends." Amy agreed as they tapped glasses once more, and took another sip.
Both women relaxed, leaning back in their chairs, rocking slowly. The rhythmic creak of the rockers against the deck was soothing as they looked out into the dark night.
"Beautiful night." Amy said dreamily.
"So many stars." Alicia murmured. "As far as the eyes can see."
"Yeah."
"Oh look, a shooting star...make a wish." She sat up in her chair.
"I wish for my grades and MCAT score to be good enough to get into vet school." Amy breathed through her nostrils, still staring upward.
"That is not a wish, that's a given." Alicia retorted. "When do you find out?"
"Tomorrow late or Wednesday." She took another taste. "Dr. Singh said he's going to email me."
"Hmm. Waiting is always hard."
"Yeah, it is." The conversation faded, a comfortable silence took hold, as the two friends slowly rocked and star gazed.
"More champagne?" Alicia asked. With Amy's nod, she topped her glass, then her own.
"Thanks." She put her glass on the side table, turning to Alicia. "I didn't ask. How was your dinner at Hy?"
"Nice. No, perfect." She sighed contentedly, a gentle smile played on her lips. She said no more, she didn't have to.
"So happy to hear." She meant what she said.
The rocking stopped as Alicia shifted in her seat, squaring her body to Amy, leaning in slightly. "Amy. Michael's the one." She proclaimed with certainty. "We're even flying out to my parents in a couple of weeks so they can meet."
Not at all surprised, Amy smiled, reached over, touched her friend's hand, encouraging her to continue.
"I love him." She giggled, hearing her own words, ones that were still very new. "I really do. Michael is more than I ever imagined. And everything I ever wanted. I can see spending the rest of my life with him."
"He's so wonderful, and kind, and sweet. He always looks at the bright side of everything." She began to fiddle with the ends of long, dark hair, lost in her happiness.
"He's so smart too. We have these great conversations, about anything and everything, sometimes it's serious, sometimes silly. One minute we're discussing the spike of influenza deaths in Alberta in 2014 and how most were unvaccinated and had collateral bout of sepsis."
"Uplifting topic. Either Samuel was right and Michael's a doctor or he's a mortician who had a good 2014." Amy quipped.
"Funny girl. He has a great sense of humor too. Earlier this week, we were debating who is smarter Batman or Superman."
"Oh that's easy." Amy jumps in. "Superman, no doubt. He wears glasses."
"Exactly!" She laughed. "It doesn't matter what I say, he listens, really listens. He looks at me with his incredible gray eyes, like I'm something special."
"You are something special. And, you deserve to be listened to, adored and loved. I'm so happy for you, Alicia. You deserve to be happy. Always."
"I am. Very much so." Her rocking gently resumed as she nestled back in her chair.
Despite the dark, Amy could see that Alicia was glowing. She cleared her throat, tried to act all serious. "As your best friend, I have two questions."
"Oh you do?" Alicia played along.
"I do. One. When do I get to finally meet the comedic mortician who stole my best friend's heart? And two. Does he have a friend? Preferably a good looking doctor!" She laughed as she pulled out her phone. "I'm gonna call Michael right now and demand answers. You gave me his number. We can FaceTime."
Her rocker stopped mid rock. Alicia grimaced, grew quiet and still, closing her eyes.
"Alicia." Amy knew right away that she upset her friend. "I was only teasing. I wouldn't just call him like that. Promise."
Drawing all her courage, she took a deep breath, opened her eyes. She turned to her. "Amy. I have something to tell you."
"Okay...I'm listening." Amy focused on her friend, not knowing what to expect.
"I've been wanting to tell you for a while, but I didn't know how." She tried to explain. "And, with your school and work, I just didn't want to upset you."
"For a while...?" The tiny vertical lines between her eyebrows deepened. "Is he married?" She guessed.
A tiny laugh involuntarily escaped her throat. "No, he's never been married."
"Is he in prison? Am I related to him?" She threw out the worst things she could imagine. "Have I dated him before? Has Lou?"
"No, not exactly."
"Not exactly? What does that mean?" She never liked surprises. "Come on, tell me."
"Michael's full name is Dr. Michael David Barnes." She said without pause, bracing for Amy's reaction.
"That's it? Well, its good to know his last name and that he's not a mortician. Unless you can get a PhD in death." She chuckled at her attempt at humor. "So, Dr. Michael David Barnes, huh?" She repeated, not making the connection. "I guess I can at least Google him now. See what he looks like."
Alicia didn't respond, waiting for the realization that was sure to come. And, slowly it did.
"Wait. You mean, Dr. Michael Barnes, the professor I met at UC? At the Vet School?" She wanted confirmation, though she already sensed the truth.
"Yes." She replied, her head nodding.
Amy didn't skip a beat. "Oh Alicia. That's wonderful. I really like Michael."
"Really? So, you're not upset?" A glimmer of relief washed over her.
"Upset? Why would I be upset?" She shook her head. "Alicia. Michael seems like a good guy. And, more importantly, he makes you happy." Again, she didn't make the connection. "I can really see you two together."
Alicia smiled weakly, knowing she'd have to spell it out, connect the dots. "Amy. Michael is best friends with Ty."
"Oh..." Not expecting to hear his name, certainly not in this context, she was left stunned and speechless. She leaned back in her chair, letting the news sink in.
Alicia wasn't surprised as she had the same reaction once she figured out the connection between Michael, Ty and Amy. Stunned. Speechless. Torn. As much as she liked Michael, a lot, she didn't want to betray her best friend or even upset her. So on their third date, halfway through dinner, she ended things with Michael, right then and there, walking out of the restaurant. He ran after her, begged her to reconsider, told her that things aren't always what they seem, confessed that he had feelings, strong ones, for her. So, from a park bench that evening, they started over, from the beginning, sharing everything about their best friends and themselves, piecing together what each knew, what had been torn apart and what could have been. They talked all night and most of the morning, then went and got lunch at the Beet. And, came up with a set of rules.
"That's why I didn't tell you. I didn't want to upset you with school, work and everything else going on. I wanted to be sure about Michael first."
"So he knows?" She asked somewhat cryptically.
"Michael?" Alicia asked, hopefully.
Amy nodded, not ready to think about ramifications of anything else.
"Well, he knows now. But, neither of us realized it, until our third date." She gave a little laugh. "It took a long while but we pieced it together."
"What do mean? What did you have to piece together?"
"How we came to meet, of course." She said, trying to deflect anything else. "The Sunday evening we met, he actually had an appointment with Scott to check on Silvie. But Scott had to cancel. You two were running late, remember?"
"I remember. But, Scott didn't mention an appointment with Michael. He would have said and I would have remembered that. But, why would Michael need to check Silvie anyhow? Scott is her vet." She asked, still trying to follow the story.
"On Sundays, Michael volunteers with WHOAS, ah, the Wild Horses of Alberta Society." She explained. "You know them, right?"
"Of course, they do such great work with wild horses. So he volunteers with them? That's pretty cool." Amy was clearly impressed.
"He vetted Silvie right after she arrived at WHOAS sanctuary with those cougar wounds. Actually, you two met later that same day. When Old Blue broke down."
"I remember that day well."
"He had his horse, Gwendolyn, in his trailer."
"Yeah. She is a such beautiful horse. He told me that he got her as a wild filly from a cull at Pike River."
"Yeah. Gentled her." She paused, then continued on with her story. "Anyhow, he was with...um, away that next week when Silvie's infection took a turn for the worse. So Paul Tibbits, the WHOAS director, called Scott."
"I went with Scott to the sanctuary that day and met Paul. That's when we brought Silvie back to Heartland." Amy added her side of the story.
"Right, so the following Sunday, Michael went to WHOAS as usual, and wanted to see Silvie. So, Paul set up the appointment with Scott at his clinic. When Scott cancelled, Michael was already in Hudson so he stopped at The Beet for dinner. The rest is history."
"That's just crazy. It's like the stars aligned just right for you and Michael to meet." Amy was caught up in Alicia's excitement.
"I know." Alicia agreed. "We feel very lucky. And, to think, Silvie was the one that brought us together."
"No wonder you have a special affinity for her."
"I do. But, it's more than that, Amy. Silvie and I have this thing between us, something that I can't explain."
"You do have a strong connection." Amy conceded.
"Amy, please don't sell her to any one else." She asked for the umpteen time.
"I won't." She grimaced knowing she was about to disappoint her best friend. "Alicia, as much as your riding has improved and Silvie is saddle broke now, she is too much horse for you. She's still fairly wild and can run like there's no tomorrow. I can barely hold on when I ride her." Tiny goosebumps rose on her arm thinking about their midnight rides.
Alicia knew what was coming.
"And, as much I want you to have her, I don't want you to get hurt. If that were to happen, I could never live with myself. So I can't let you have her. At least not now."
"I know. You're right. My riding skills need a lot of improvement." She conceded, then revealed. "But, Michael offered to help me."
Amy's eyes cut upward, as though a little light bulb went off. A tiny knowing smile played on her lips.
"What are you thinking? Do you have a plan?" She knew her friend.
"Will you invite Michael to join us for Monday night Beet when we get back?" Amy replied, not answering her question.
"Yes. But, are you sure? That's our night."
"Yes, of course." She explained. "But, before we go to dinner, the three of us are going to go for a nice, long ride. Michael on Silvie, you on Harley and me on Spartan. Over dinner, we can come up with a training plan and schedule for you and Silvie that Michael can follow at Heartland."
"Are you serious?" She couldn't believe her ears.
"Only if you are seriously willing to put in the time and hard work to learn how to ride a wild horse."
"You know I am."
"And, Michael has agree too."
"He will. He knows how important you are to me. Silvie too."
"Good." Amy said then confessed. "Truthfully, if I get into Vet school, and that's a big if, as much as I'd love to work with you and Silvie both, I won't have the time. If Michael can step in, work with you both at Heartland, then everyone wins. Especially Silvie."
She considered this a big win for herself as well. It gave her a chance to get to know Michael better and the two as a couple. Gaining another friend instead of losing her best friend.
"Thank you. Thank you." Alicia jumped up, hugged Amy. "I'm so glad you aren't mad at me."
"Who says I'm not mad?" Amy teased, making light of the situation.
Not buying her attempt at humor, Alicia sat down on the side table next to her. "Amy. I am sorry."
"There's no need to apologize. You met the man of your dreams. That's a good thing."
She took her hand. "Alicia, listen to me. You and Michael's relationship is no one's business but your own. But, if you love each other, and want to make a life together, you gotta stand up for it and for each other. You got let your friends and family know. Don't hide it away, because you're worried how we will react."
"You're right."
"You know Grandpa always says, keeping secrets from the people we love, never ends well." She tisked. "Too bad he didn't take his own advice when he hid his marriage to Lisa from us, supposedly to spare our feelings. What a mess. It only caused heartache and heartburn, especially for Lisa. It all could have been avoided if he had only been honest."
"Okay. I hear you loud and clear."
"Good." She sighed. "I appreciate that you worry about me. I do. But, I am a grown woman who deserves to know the truth, no matter what. I am not a child that needs to bubble wrapped. I can handle the truth. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Um. Does Ty know?"
Alicia shook her head No. "Well, he knows about me and Michael, but not about you. Michael and I agreed that I would tell you first. I wanted to wait until after your finals were over."
"Well. He needs to know."
"I'll have Michael tell him tomorrow."
"Good." She pondered for a moment. "But that's it. He doesn't need to know the details of my life."
After their almost break-up, Alicia and Michael had decided to keep their friendship with Amy and Ty separate from their own growing romantic relationship. They didn't want to be the go between. So while they promised to be open and honest with each other and share everything, they also agreed to not share the details of Ty's life with Amy and vice versa.
They agreed too that they wouldn't try to get the two back together or keep them apart, since they held very different opinions on the matter. They decided that Amy and Ty had to figure it out for themselves, whatever it was. But, they also knew that was easier said than done.
"We don't want to lose either one of you as best friends. You both are too important to us. But, we don't want to be in the middle or the go between you two either. So we are going to be Switzerland. Whatever happened or will happen between you and Ty is between you and Ty. Leave us out of the equation."
"Makes good sense. If something comes up with me or my family and he needs to know, I will tell him directly. Please don't feel like you need be my messenger." She was more than agreeable.
"Good. I appreciate that."
"And, I would assume the same goes for Ty." She started, then snorted a cynical laugh. "But then who am I to assume anything when it comes to him."
Her words, their bitterness, sucked the air right out of her lungs.
"Amy." Alicia whispered.
"Sorry. I guess I'm still trying to take everything in. But, that's no excuse." Her eyes darted away, embarrassed by her outburst.
"It's a lot to take in..." Alicia suggested, cutting her some slack.
The muffled sound of voices downstairs interrupted the tension.
Amy glanced at her phone. "It's 11:30. We better get ready for kayaking." She stood, walked to the door, disappearing inside without another word on the topic.
Brent and Noah, another guide, led the group of seven tourists, each outfitted with a headlamp, life jacket and a long double bladed paddle, down the wide, quarter mile boardwalk to the sound. Alicia and Amy, side by side, brought up the rear, lagging slightly behind the others, taking in the dim sights and sounds around them, mostly non-conversant.
"It's really dark out here." Alicia said in a near whisper.
"Yeah."
"Do you think there are sharks out there?"
"Probably."
"Do you think they'll bother us?"
"Doubt it. Would you rather we get a double?" Amy offered.
"Maybe." Alicia said reticently. "What if one attacks us?"
"We'll use these paddles then." She waved hers around, pretending the the 8 foot paddle was a sword. "En guarde!"
Alicia laughed.
"Come on. Let's catch up with everyone. You'll be fine. We both will. We'll get through this." She said, but clearly meant something else.
"Hope so." Alicia knew what she meant.
Last of the paddle group to get into the water, Amy sat on the edge of the dock, her feet dangling just inches above the solo kayak, floating at the water's surface. As Brent held the vessel steady, parallel to floating dock, Amy gingerly stepped in, careful to keep herself centered, to not rock the boat.
"Good. Now. Slowly lower yourself into the seat there." Amy did as she was told. "Good. Now lean back against the rest, straighten your legs all the way out and then bring them back one footwell. You should a small bend in your knee."
Now seated, she looked to Brent. "How's this?"
"Perfect. You're a natural." He said as he handed her the double bladed paddle. "When I let go of the kayak, use the tip of the paddle to push off the dock. Then start paddling, like we practiced, toward the group. Slow and easy. Dip one end into the water just ahead of your toes, then pull back along side the vessel to your hip, lift then dip the other end in. I'll be right behind you."
"Okay." Amy pushed off, the dipping the right end of paddle first into the dark water, it's surface rippling, glistening in the light from her headlamp. Awkward at first, she held her paddle too high, sending droplets of water onto her pants. Recalibrating, she concentrated, her eyes watching the paddle, side to side as it dipped into the water. Her strokes soon evened, smoothed out.
From behind her, Brent came up on her left. "Looking good." He encouraged her as they joined the others, who were waiting near a buoy.
"Listen up." He yelled, his words dissipating into the water ripples. "Noah's gonna lead us around the sound and I will take up the rear. Watch for the light on his vessel and follow behind. Should you have any trouble, shout and we will come to you."
Noah assumed the command, giving instructions, then paddled west. The parade of kayaks, spotlighted by headlamps, followed, proceeding to the sound center, visible despite the midnight hour. Once there, Noah stopped, calling to the others to gather, kayaks side by side, facing southwest.
"Everyone! We have quite a show tonight. So turn off your headlamps, get comfortable, lean back and look up." The night sky was brilliant with stars, reaching to the horizon in every direction. An indiscreet murmuring of ahs and ohs rose as the paddlers gazed upward.
"Tonight, we have a waxing three-quarter moon and a bevy of stars. Among them, four planets are visible. From right to left, look for Venus. It is by far the brightest." He pointed. "See it?..." A murmur rose from the paddlers. "Next in line is the very bright Jupiter, then Saturn. There and there."
He paused, letting them enjoy the view. "And, see that brilliant red-orange orb? That's Mars." Again, voices raised up then dissipated.
"Now as you look up, take in the beauty, the majesty, the vastness of nature beyond human words. Breathe in deeply, let your mind reap the wonderment of grandeur of the midnight sky before you." A hushed silence fell over the group.
Amy had never seen the sky so boundless, so endless, so full of twinkling possibilities. At home, though just as beautiful, the mountains limited sky's reach. Here, the sky enveloped her in a dome of contradicting darkness and light, nothingness and everything. Mesmerized, she took Noah's direction, took in its immensity, its vastness. At first she felt small and insignificant in comparison. Little by little, her worries ebbed, floated away. A freeing sense of calm and peace prevailed, quieting her mind, relaxing her body. She breathed in deeply, taking in the salty air as the water lapped against the kayak gently rocking her.
As her eyes wandered, points of light assembled, their pattern emerged into known constellations and those yet to be named, for a moment until the next ensemble took shape and caught her eye. Within the sanctity of her kayak, Amy's mind began to wander too, pondering the alignment of stars in connecting people.
A shooting star jettisoned across the sky, burning out almost instantaneously. Amy made a silent wish to be open to possibilities and connections offered by the cosmic powers.
"Amy!" Brent's voice startled her. "Ready to go? We're paddling."
"Oh, okay." She sat up, began to paddle, falling in line with the others as Noah led them down series of canals, around its sheltered islands, stopping only to look at the town and its landmarks dressed in shimmering light and a pair of sea turtles making their way to the marshes to feed.
Returning to their apartment at nearly 2am exhausted, Amy and Alicia changed into pajamas, fell into bed, and were asleep before their heads hit the pillow.
Rising with the sun, Amy dressed in her paddling clothes from the night before, left Alicia a note, then headed to the beach on foot via Schoolhouse Lane. Passing huge houses on either side, the sandy lane narrowed into a well worn foot path cut between tall dunes, covered with green grasses, sea oats and low shrubbery that swayed in the breeze.
Emerging from the dunes, a wide beach, with sand the consistency of fine sugar, stretched before her, the ocean roaring beyond that. The new sun, huge and bright white, lit the horizon afire with deep oranges and pinks casting morning rays on the water. The sight took her breath away. The ebb and flow of the waves pulled her. Taking off her shoes and rolling her pant legs, she walked to the water's edge and stared outward, taking in its beauty, its rhythm, its roar. Though the tide was receding, a rogue wave pushed further, past her ankles, sinking her feet into the moving sand beneath, making her laugh as she fought to keep her balance.
Heading north in the compressed sand, Amy searched for signs of the wild horses, in the dunes and surf, hoping for a glimpse. Along the way, she spotted a sand dollar, somersaulting in an incoming wave and rescued it. As she walked, she spied other things, a small piece turquoise sea glass which she pocketed, a crab with one claw scurrying back to the surf, and piece of drift wood rubbed smooth. But, no signs of horses.
When the first vehicle made its way down the sand, at half past 7, she turned back towards home. Brent, sitting on the front porch of his kayak business, called to her.
"Morning Amy."
"Morning Brent." She answered, as she stood at the bottom of the stairs.
"See any survivors?"
"Survivors?"
"That's what we locals affectionately call the wild horses. They survived for over 500 years on our shores drinking salt water and eating sea oats." He replied.
"Makes sense. But, no. I didn't even see a trace."
"Think I heard they headed north. Y'all should take that wrangler of yours for a spin that way. Y'all will have better luck."
"Will do."
"We have y'all down for kayaking or boarding at 9. Did y'all decide which?"
"Nope. I'll need to check with Alicia. She's in charge." Amy replied. "Better go. See you at 9."
"Make it 8:45."
Climbing through stairs to their apartment, Amy found Alicia was sitting on the deck drinking coffee, already dressed in shorts and a bikini top. "Morning. Sleep good?" She greeted her friend.
"Like a baby. You?" Alicia answered.
"Me too."
"Find any horses?"
"Nope. But, I found these." She put the sand dollar and sea glass in Alicia's hand.
"Pretty." She murmured as she looked them over, rubbing her fingers over each piece.
"Brent says we need to drive north to see the horses. Maybe we can go at sunset?"
"Maybe." She answered, noncommittal.
"He also says we have reservations at 9. Kayaking or paddle boarding?" She asked.
"Let's try the boards." Alicia suggested. "We've already kayaked."
"Good. I'm starved."
"Coffee, toast, fig jam and yogurt inside. Some berries too. Help yourself." Surveying her outfit, she added. "You might want to put on something cooler. I packed you some shorts and a tank."
After paddle boarding for a couple of hours, they showered and changed into sundresses and sandals. Their noses, cheeks and shoulders were already kissed by the sun's rays. Walking in the village center, they stopped to have lunch outside at the local bakery then perused the many shops including the bookstore. Loaded with books and trinkets, they headed back to the apartment to change once again, this time into two piece swimsuits and sarongs for the beach. They took the southern Carotank Drive route to the beach.
Together they walked along the water's edge, finding seashells and sea glass, until they found a good place to spread their blanket. Alicia was contented to just sit and read the paperback she purchased at the book store. Amy, on the other hand, became antsy after thumbing her way through the book, The Wild Horses of Corolla. She wanted to see the survivor horses, not just read about them.
"Mind if I take a walk while you read?"
"Be my guest." Alicia looked up from beneath her wide brimmed straw hat, sunglasses perched on her nose.
"Okay. I'll be back in about an hour, before high tide at 5:30."
"Good we had dinner reservations at 6:30 at the bbq place. That will give us some time to shower and get ready."
"Sounds good." She said, tying the muted blue and turquoise sarong around her waist.
"Put some more sunscreen on before you go." Alicia advised, handing her the tube of SPF-50.
As she applied the sunscreen to her shoulders, Amy mentioned. "I was hoping to come back at sunset to look for the wild horses. I checked, sunset is at 7:54. Do you think we could do that? Maybe driving instead of walking?"
"They're having music at the restaurant tonight..."
"I don't want to miss that. What time does that start?" Amy asked, trying hard to act like she was interested in the music.
"9."
"We could be back by 9... please?" Amy gave her best smile to her best friend.
"Maybe we could get someone to save our seats." Alicia offered. "Who could resist saving seats for two cute Canadians?"
"No one!" They both laughed. "Perfect. See you in a bit."
Wearing her Ray-Bans, Amy once again strolled north along the water's edge, barefoot. At the half hour mark, she turned around, somewhat disappointed at not seeing any wild horses, and headed back to their blanket. As she neared Alicia, she caught a glimpse of what looked like a horseshoe print heading south in the wet sand, before it was wiped away with an incoming wave. Looking around, she searched in vain, but found no more signs.
"Alicia!" Amy called excitedly as she approached her as she laid on her stomach on the blanket.
"Oh. You're back." She sat up, rubbed her eyes.
"Did the horses come by here? I think I saw a horseshoe print."
"Um. I don't know. I fell asleep." She confessed. "The sun felt so good."
"Look." Amy pointed. Up ahead, maybe 30 feet, was a pile of horse manure. She ran to inspect it. Crouching down on her hunches, she looked closely at the pile. "It's horse manure and it's fresh. They must have come by here." She called to Alicia who was assembling her things.
Hands on hips, she stood looking around, but saw nothing. So she walked back to Alicia and their blanket.
"I must have missed them." Her expression showed disappointment.
"Sorry." Alicia offered. "Well, at least we know they're around. Maybe we'll see them after dinner." From inside her satchel, her phone vibrated. She pulled it out, looked at the screen. "It's Michael."
"You go ahead. I'll get the blanket. I'll meet you at the apartment." Amy suggested, knowing that Alicia would want some privacy.
"Thanks!" She stood and walked quickly toward the Schoolhouse Lane footpath. "Hey there." Amy heard her say before she disappeared behind the dune.
Reaching down, she grabbed the corners of the blanket, shaking the sand. As she folded the blanket, she took in the ocean view, raising her sunglasses to the top of her head to get a clear view. Now past 5:30, and at high tide, the beach was covered with water, void of sunbathers.
Tucking the blanket under her arm, she too headed towards the footpath to head home. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw what appeared to be a young horse nose peeking out of the shrubbery, just a few yards away, before vanishing again. Amy froze.
Listening carefully, she heard a horse snort, then another. A few minutes later, a mare unceremoniously stepped out of the bushes, her mouth busily chewing on grasses, her eyes focused toward the water. Her chestnut fur was thick like a winter coat. Her mane was a blond as were her socks and streak on her nose. Her legs were short, as was her back, her body rather stocky. Amy had read that like most Spanish mustangs, the horses of Corolla had fewer vertebrae than most other horse breeds.
Not long after, a colt no more than a few months old, stepped out of the bush as well, clinging to his mother's side. The two were nearly identical. Amy watched as the two meandered into the water, splashing with every step.
She heard Alicia's footsteps coming down the footpath. Eyes only on the horses, she muttered. "Aren't they beautiful?"
"Yes, you are." The voice answered. Amy wheeled around.
Hey readers. Hope you liked this latest chapter. For those in the US, Happy Thanksgiving. Please know I am thankful for you, faithful readers.
SBR
ps. Made some grammatical and spelling corrections. Thanks LifeIn3d.