Life Is a Gift. Esther Portalatin

do you say?” For a moment, Marisol was speechless. No one had ever offered her anything. She was taken back by the love the Harrington’s had shown her. They had taken her in like family and that made her happy. For once, she had people she could call family. “Wow, really? I don’t know what to say.” “Well then just say yes.” “Yes, I would love to go. Thank you so much Lillian. You have been a true friend in just the short time that I’ve known you. Your stories always spoke of true friendships, but you don’t just write about it, you truly are what you write. Thank you so much.” “Oh and we have notified your son. He will be here in two days. I believe they gave him some time off, so maybe he too can come with us to the farm.” “That would just be the icing on the cake Lillian.” They both smiled. “Right now dear friend, I have to get home to my Skye. I don’t want her to feel I’m neglecting her or not giving her the attention she needs. I’ll be here bright and early.” “Okay, but not too early.” She giggled and closed her eyes to sleep.

      Back at the house, Skye and her dad spoke and laughed about the things that happened in her Health class. She found the class to be hysterical, although informative in some aspects. “What’s all the laughing about?” “Hi mom, we’re talking about the craziness that goes on in my Health class. There’s always something new. The guys are still plain old stupid, very immature and dense, real dense. I miss Ridge Oak High.” “Well, I have a great idea.” Michael and Skye both looked at her at each other. “What is it mom?” “How about we spend the summer in Ridge Oak? I already invited Marisol and her son. What do you think?” Skye was elated at the idea. “I already invited Sarah. Sounds great to me, but wait, Marisol has a son?” “Yes, he’s in the Armed Forces. He’ll be here in two days. They are allowing him to be with his mom for a couple of months due to her cancer.” “Okay so that means they’ll be a guy in the house with us? That’s just great mom.” “What’s wrong with that Skye, its Marisol’s son? He’s a soldier, not like the boys you know. He’s probably very serious and mature.” “Yeah okay we’ll see. One question, is it okay that I invited my friend Sarah? She has no friends. I think the farm air will do her some good.” “If it’s okay with her parents, then it’s okay with us. Michael what do you think?” “But of course! Right now I have to get some rest. These hospital hours are killing me.” “Okay dad. I’m calling Jal right now to let her know the good news. Thanks mom.” Off she went to call her sister. The conversation between her and Jal was always refreshing. She had a great sister who she admired. Jal was the perfect example of “Exceptional” in every way. In her mind she thought, “Jal was already successful at twenty two, a level that many adults were still trying to achieve. Now she was beginning to date a great guy, Thomas Harris, he was cute too. I wouldn’t mind having him for a brother –in-law, maybe someday. She’s was too busy with her designing and a man would probably get in her way. Thinking aloud, Skye thought, “Wow, I can just imagine her wedding. Her dress would be absolutely gorgeous. One like no other, because Jal’s taste is amazing.” She always tried to get me to dress a little better, but I’m comfortable with my jeans and a t-shirt. I’m a true country girl at heart.” When she came back to reality, she realized that she had to complete some of her school work. She picked up her math book, a subject she really loved, NOT, and completed the assigned problems. “What a day”, is all she could say.