Chapter 12
"I read once that this was a popular spot to sprinkle the cremated remains of loved ones. Do you think that's true or just an urban legend?"
Bella's words cut through the spooky theme music and my eyes fluttered open. Had I really fallen asleep while riding the Haunted Mansion?
I stretched my arms over my head dramatically and grinned at her with sleepy eyes.
"In case you were wondering, I'd like to be buried in my garden. By the tomatoes."
Bella laughed adorably as the lap bar was raised, inviting us to step onto the moving platform to our right.
"We'll see," she teased.
It was hour number seven at the Magic Kingdom. I had indeed been roused at dawn by a very enthusiastic 24 year old who was waking up for the first time in the happiest place on Earth. We had managed to make it to the park before some of the employees. Every ride had been ridden at least once and we had even been front row participants for two performances of the Country Bear Jamboree.
"Well that was just the greatest thing I've ever seen," Bella declared after the first show. She had then proceeded to buy herself and Alice matching coon skin caps from the adjacent gift shop. One of those hats was currently perched on her head, causing rivers of sweat to meander down her sun-kissed forehead. I'm not going to lie. It was hot.
"Where's the fire, Davy Crocket?" I called out as Bella skipped 6 paces ahead. I had run marathons less taxing than a day at Disney with this woman.
"No worries Mr. Brandon!" She teased, running back and taking my hand in both of hers. "I'm taking you back to the hotel for a nap. You snored through that second ride on the Haunted Mansion." Her look was disapproving. She gave a me a quick wink before turning her attention back to the magic happening all around her. I never wanted that expression to leave her beautiful face.
I squeezed her hand. "Some of us didn't sleep well because others of us kept waking up every hour to see if it was an acceptable time to be voluntarily vertical," I teased, smacking her playfully on the backside. The truth was, I had spent most of the night watching Bella sleep; the light of the castle shadowing her perfect features. I regret nothing.
Bella turned again to face me, still managing to move forward. She blew a tendril of wet hair out of her face. "Normally I would say, 'sleep when you're dead!' But we're drinking around the world tonight and I'm going to need your full cooperation."
"Yes Ma'am"
A monorail was waiting as we ascending the ramp to the platform. The cool conditioned air was a welcome reprieve as I collapsed into the plastic seat. Tired parents sat shell shocked across the aisle, their sticky, sunburned offspring asleep in strollers in front of them. I remembered trips to Disney World with Alice. Ever the precocious one, she would sit with itinerary in hand as young as six, making sure we saw everything. Her zest for living a life free from regret had aways inspired those around her to live better. She reminded us all that there are no particular do-overs for this life and that was her great gift to the world.
I don't remember much about the walk back to the hotel or even getting into bed, but when I woke up the sky was just beginning to darken and I could hear the sound of the shower.
"No solo showering!" I shouted. "Think of the planet!"
I crossed the room and turned the knob, meeting unexpected resistance. Locked? Strange. I tapped the door with the back of my hand.
"There will be no communal showering tonight," Bella informed me through the door. "No peeking! I'm getting cute in here!"
"Not fair!" I answered. "You're much better at that than I am!"
I wandered back into the room and surveyed my options. Digging around in bag I passed an assortment of cargo shorts and concert tees, some of which dated back to the late seventies. I was about to give up when my fingers grazed paper. I pulled a shopping bag from the bottom of the suitcase and read Alice's dainty script. 'Just in case you need to dress like an adult. Love, Your Only Daughter XOXO'. Inside the bag was a pair of gray pants and a very light turquoise linen button up shirt. An additional note, inside the bag, indicated that I should leave the shirt untucked and button all but the top 3 buttons of the shirt. I opened my phone and sent a quick text.
"Where's the gold chain to nestle in my chest hair?"
I tossed the phone on the bed and pulled on my new clothes. Perfect fit, of course. My phone dinged.
"What chest hair? LOL! Enjoy your night!"
A/N Ok, 1,000 words to get us started. I swear if I have even a single reader for this chapter I will continue on. I outlined the rest of this story in my head this morning, so I do know where it's going. Give a shout if you are willing to continue reading about these two love birds.