”I heard their main courses are incredible.” Dylan cuts in as her and Helena sit across from me, Kit, Rachel and the kids.

”If it is as good as breakfast was this morning, you can count me down for more, girl.” Kit says

”Mom, where is Mama T?” Angelica asks tapping on my arm.

”I’m sure she won’t be long baby girl.”

”So how did you find today?”

”The hike was very pretty.”

Angelica says with a smile.

I smile at her and then look towards the door to see Tina and only Tina.

”Mama T!” Angelica says with more smiles.

”Hey my girl.”

”Hi mommy!” Cole follows.

”Where is Danielle?” I ask.

”She, uh, she wasn’t feeling up to it.” I notice the lie in her eyes.

As Tina sits down slightly across from me she gives me the look that I have seen many times before.

Her body was telling me she was upset and frustrated.

”Maybe she got sick from the heat, Mama T.” Angelica says.

”Probably so baby girl.” Tina pulls a smile then says. ”She’ll be fine and we’ll see her later.”

As the meal gets placed in front of us, I continue to glance at Tina.

”I’m excited for tonight.” Alice says aloud.

”The fireworks should be beautiful. I spoke with a gentleman outside earlier and this is his fourth time on the resort and the fireworks still amaze him.” I butt in.

”We’ll also be serving plenty of drinks so prepare your liver ladies.” Peggy cuts in after me.

”Who will be watching us Mama B?” Angelica looks at me.

”Peggy has a friend, her name is Susanne. She is a nice lady and will take you guys after the fireworks are over for some board games before bed.”

Angelica nods.

…

As everyone leaves the restaurant dinning room and I watch as Angelica and Cole follows Rachel. I quickly stop Tina.

”I couldn’t help but notice you all through dinner. What happened?”

”It’s nothing.”

”Do not start with that. I want the truth.”

”You aren’t the boss of me Bette. I don’t need to tell you anything.” She turns to walk away.

”I care for you T.”

I watch as her body stops in its tracks and silence fills us.

”You don’t have to anymore Bette.” She then turns the corner.

I wait a couple of minutes before making my way back to my room.

…

”What time is it Mama?” Cole asks pulling on my skirt.

”In another 10 minutes we’ll leave and go to the beach.”

Cole runs off towards the patio and I step into the washroom with Rachel.

”Will you be drinking tonight?” I ask her.

”I’m not sure if I’m ready for more alcohol.”

I laugh and lean in to kiss her on the cheek.

”That was your own fault.”

She smiles back at me through the mirror.

”I got too excited being here.” She says to me.

—

Instead of making my way back to the room to face Danielle. I had decided to take a walk around to let myself cool down.

I pace myself slowly back to the room.

When I enter there is no sound, not even a creek, just quietness.

I slowly walk around but see no one.

I feel a sudden urge to start checking the drawers of the furniture in the room.

I make my way over and begin to open the first drawers of her side to discover nothing but emptiness.

My heart races and I quickly start opening the others without closing them.

I step back and then come to the realization that she had left.

I step backwards until I reach the bed and sit.

I suddenly feel something under me and I turn to see a piece of paper that has been folded into.

”I’m sorry.” – Danielle.

I take the piece of paper and clench my fist until it falls to the floor.

—