Beloved
a short story of Kensington County
Megan Payne
SUNLIGHT BOOKS
Copyright 2012 Megan Payne.
Smashwords Edition.
Editor: C. Payne.
This digital edition published by Sunlight Books for the glory of God. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, except in fair use, by any means without written consent. All rights reserved.
For more stories, please visit www.sunlightbooks.org.
Beloved
Isabelle ran barefoot through the tall grass and wildflower blossoms as big as her own golden head. She spread her arms, certain if she ran fast enough, her feet would carry her right off the ground and into the blue, blue skies above her. She giggled at the tickle of the grass and the flowers and the smell of sunshine and pollen and the sight of the whole world opening up at her feet when she reached the top of the hill behind her family's house. She dropped on her back to roll down to the bottom again in a breathless twirl.
She landed flat on her back, staring up at puffy white clouds. She wiggled her bare toes. It was good to be six years old and alive.
"God," Isabelle said suddenly, "can I have a whole summer of days like today? I think You did an awesome job."
" Belle, my Belle!" a deep, masculine voice called out behind her.
Isabelle scrambled to her feet. "Daddy!" She launched through the air and into his arms.
He caught her up in a big bear hug with his booming laugh and swung her around to peals of giggles. " Talking to an imaginary friend?" he asked.
"Nope." She kissed his cheek soundly. "He's the realest person in the whole, wide world."
Daddy had that indulgent look in his eye that told her he didn't really understand, but he smiled anyway as he carried her back into the house.
~
"Good to see you, Belle," her brother, Justin, whispered in her ear, holding her tight in a warm hug.
"You too," Isabelle whispered back. She pulled away to ruffle his hair. He was too big for that now—they had both grown up—but work had kept her apart from him for too long, and they missed each other. "How's your pretty bride?" she asked brightly.
Justin laughed. "Almost bride."
He looked back to where Sarah sat enthroned among the couple's female friends. She had settled in on the living room recliner while others draped across the loveseat or snuggled amidst the many pillows and cushions on the couch.