Sea Legs (Updated 09*21*19)

The morning after returning Karlie woke bright and early. Something about sleeping in your own bed always makes you feel more refreshed. Noticing Shari filling Piggy Girl's bowl, Karlie said "Mom! I'm glad your up, want to run a quick errand with me?" and soon the girls set out. They drove the short distance across the small island and Karlie pulled up along side of the road and walked down a driveway to an adorable little beach house made from a combination of brightly colored shipping containers. "Who's house is this?" Shari asked. "I'm suppose to be meeting someone here but..." Karlie trailed off as she stepped onto the porch
https://i.imgur.com/eYic5YT.jpg



"Doesn't look like they're here yet." she said peering into a large window. "Karlie Ana Golderberg!" Shari scolded "Patel" Karlie corrected. "Ugh! Karlie Ana Patel stop looking into people's windows!" Karlie giggled.
https://i.imgur.com/VEJkcwF.jpg


"Looks like we're waaaiting" Karlie said in a sing-song voice when no one responded to the doorbell and bounded down the steps toward a swing set nestled off to the side.
https://i.imgur.com/p5Tpohj.jpg


While they swang, Karlie confided in her mom. "I'm not sure I'm ready to open the Sands tomorrow." "Oh?" her mom questioned. "Even with all the renovations, it still doesn't feel like it's mine, not like Aléjate does. And I'm still not at all happy with the buffet room." Karlie lamented. "Well I think it's gorgeous, honey. You did an incredible job updating that place. I'm so very proud of you babygirl." Karlie's whole face beamed. "Thanks mama, that means a lot to me." After a minute of silence Karlie said "Well" hopping of the swing "I'm going to go have a look in back. C'mon, you gotta see this."
https://i.imgur.com/yKnskH5.jpg



They stepped onto the deck running along the back of the house, as they passed a row of windows Shari couldn't help but glance in. She noticed that the place was almost barren, save a large beautiful dinning set and a quaint little breakfast table under the windows. She felt her cheeks turn red as she remembered scolding Karlie only minutes before for the same exact thing and she quickly turned away... and was so stunned by what she saw she gasped
https://i.imgur.com/90iqmou.jpg


Before them was arguably the most incredible view in all of Isla Paradiso. "Woww.." she whispered. "I know, right? Lucky ducks." It made Shari miss Sunlit Tides a little more and little less, as if that made any sense. Shari was just thankful that she was moving to somewhere as beautiful as Isla Paradiso to be near her daughter rather than some crowded and noisy like Bridgeport. Though she was sure she'd have to find a place to rent in town until she could save enough for a car, hopefully the money she'd save on car payments and gas would be enough to actually buy a small place someday. Maybe a houseboat like the kids, but smaller. Or a cute little beach shack.. Shari's thoughts were snapped back to the here and now when Karlie sighed in frustration and excused herself to make a phone call. "This might take a minute mama, why don't you sit and drink in this amazing view" and then stepped back down to the front of the house for some privacy.
https://i.imgur.com/yUQHgIT.jpg


Shari sat back in the lounge chair. She did drink in the amazing view and her thoughts drifted to Karlie's father, her alhabu. "He would have realllly been wowed by this" she let herself think before she shook his image from her mind. Better to let those ghosts go and live here and now with Karlie than to even remember them... If she could even survive remembering them both.. She closed her eyes and let the warmth of the sun and the sound of the waves soothe her..
https://i.imgur.com/WuIdVwJ.jpg



It wasn't long before she drifted off into a little cat nap until the sound of footsteps climbing up onto the deck woke her. She hopped up, startled but was relieved to see Karlie... But Karlie still looked frustrated...
https://i.imgur.com/KFAk1z8.jpg


"Are they not coming?? Who's house is this, anyway??" Shari asked. "Well, that's the thing, Mama..."
https://i.imgur.com/5cVI8bm.jpg



".. It's yours" Karlie said, all signs frustration being replaced by a giant mischievous and joyous smile. "Whattt?" Shari asked, dazed. "No really, why are we here??"
https://i.imgur.com/MdGfRpB.jpg



"We've been waiting for the moving truck with your things from home, er, our old house, but it looks like they won't be here until tomorrow. There are some things inside. I ordered a few things and it looks like the old owners left a few things. Wanna go in?" Karlie said coyishly. "What, what?? Are you serious?? Are you kidding??" Shari couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Comes with the job" Karlie said. "What job??" "Who else am I going to trust to run Aléjate Shores while I'm focused on making the Sands run smoothly?" Karlie mocked incredulously.
https://i.imgur.com/F2CTfpk.jpg



"Oh my sweet girl!" Shari wrapped her arms around Karlie. "Of all of the beautiful souls in this universe, I'm so lucky yours was the one I got to raise."
https://i.imgur.com/4O8630j.jpg



"Lead the way, dear. Give me the million dollar tour" Shari said, still fighting back tears a little.
https://i.imgur.com/UBy9ZuE.jpg


"So, uh, this is your new TV. Your furniture was suppose to be here. I had the real estate agent take measurements and everything should fit perfectly.
https://i.imgur.com/5rm0Y0e.jpg


"I ordered this dining set so we could all come over for dinner but this cute little kitchenette must have been left behind."
https://i.imgur.com/xGV7z7G.jpg



Shari whistled "There's that view again
https://i.imgur.com/gK7Dkjd.jpg



Upstairs they stopped by the second bedroom. "This all was left too I guess. I can have the guys swing by tomorrow and grab anything you don't want, but I was thinking this would make a good guest room or even an office if you like."
https://i.imgur.com/uC459kx.jpg


"And tada! Your all new bedroom! This set just called your name to me." "It's just perfect Karlie, truly."
https://i.imgur.com/F9qLhpi.jpg


"Listen Mama, I hate to gift and run but I've got to meet Raj at the stadium for some charity event he's doing for sick kids. You're welcome to stay at the houseboat tonight if you want to wait until your furniture comes, but there are a few groceries in the fridge and should be a bottle of wine that Niella made on the counter. There's just one more thing... We all talked it over and we think we'd all feel better if you brought Piggy with you - that is if you want to! She loves you, and this is sooo close. I'm going to be SO busy with the Sands and Ni and Connor are doing their own things, having babies and writing books and saving the oceans and whatnot. And most importantly she deserves a yard."
https://i.imgur.com/ZcBT52N.jpg


"Really?? Are you sure?? I mean, you can for sure see her whenever you want! I will spoil her so much!" Karlie giggled at her mom's reaction. "So," Shari asked "should I just bring her here tonight with me in a taxi or did you guys want to drop her off or..." Karlie slapped her forehead and then gestured downstairs "I almost forgot! That cute red pickup truck in the garage is yours too, keys are in the visor! But really Mama, I have to split, I'm going to be late as it is!"
https://i.imgur.com/1kqKPKO.jpg



Shari couldn't stop herself from one last giant hug through tears and Karlie was out the door.
https://i.imgur.com/mxj5mkz.jpg


Shari returned to the houseboat and packed the few things she had in the guest room.
https://i.imgur.com/HZGmxUq.jpg


"How 'about it girl? You ready for flowers and bugs and grass?"
https://i.imgur.com/a7H9Fj7.jpg


"I guess this means yes" Shari chuckled
https://i.imgur.com/DqeouIR.jpg



Back at her new house, Shari unloaded her stuff and then ran a bath for a nice long soak, something she hadn't been able to do in far too long.
https://i.imgur.com/jGiPHWG.jpg


Remembering spotting an old rocking chair sitting in the corner of the garage, Shari dragged it in front of her new fancy schmancy TV. She didn't feel guilty about her daughter's indulgence. After all, Karlie was a self made millionaire and she knew all Shari had given up to give Karlie the best life she could. With Piggy girl already snoozing in her doggy bed, Shari clicked on her TV... Her TV... The first night here and she already felt like it was home.
https://i.imgur.com/FfqK0x8.jpg




To be continued :)