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Adventurous Spirit 23

Ari, Essie and Maria packed their small bags and were on the road early next morning heading for a week to the yacht of Georgios and Delitha.

This was to be a week of fishing, relaxing and shopping. Essie was excited to do all these things.

When they arrived Georgios asked Essie if she would be upset if his attorney had looked into the whereabouts of her cousins that abandoned her.

She said no because even though they had been to uncaring she hoped they were safe.

“Well they are alive and they do feel remorse for what they did and when they get out of the slammer (their words) they will contact you through the attorney.”

“Jail? They are in jail? Why? What happened?”

“My attorney said it was for disorderly, drunken conduct and stealing a car.”

“Stealing a car? Those crazy nuts don't even know how to drive a car. They drive smaller motorcycles, bicycles and scooters. I was their driver on this trip. The night I met all of you I had not rented a car and they just left me out there in the rain all alone.”

“Well my attorney at least told them you were safe but never divulged your whereabouts for your privacy.”

“All I can say is good luck to them, glad they are safe and happy they abandoned me.”

“Why?” asked Maria

“Because I never would have met all of you, have stability in my life and have a whole new happy life with good friends.” replied Essie.

Ari went out on the terrace with tears rolling down his cheeks.

He came back inside and took Essie into his arms and they both stood there and hugged.

Georgios, Delitha and Maria backed away and went into the kitchen where Georgios pretended to show Maria the new kitchen.

“Whew I didn't know cousin was this deep into caring about Essie. I am so happy for them. I also hope they will venture on to the next level.”

“Dear cousin your wife and I knew it right away. Woman's intuition.” said Maria.

Ari popped into the kitchen saying they were going to go for a little walk and hoped there would be food when they returned.

Essie and Ari walked about six miles in total mostly along the beach sometimes in the water. They talked abut each other's childhood and adulthood. Fun things and sad things. On the way back they agreeded that they did care abot each other very much but also agreeded not to jump into a relationship that might not work out. Returning to the other three they told them we have decided to get to know each other and see how the progress goes from there.

“Does this men you are going to give Essie a friendship ring?” asked Maria.

Essie lifted her hand and said :”You mean like this one?”

“I knew it already. Mrs Papadopoulos told me you asked her advice a few weeks ago. She said she gave you Mama's friendship ring and told you it was now or never.”

“And you kept this secret?” asked a surprised Ari.

“Well I sort of said something to Nicky.”

“Maria don't you want your Mama's ring?” asked Essie.

“Nope I have all Mama's jewelry that I ever wanted. Ari and I put the rest in the safe in the food pantry. We did not want to sell it and Mrs Papadopoulos only accepted that gold bracelet she wears all the time. I am so happy to see my most favorite two cautious people so happy.

I feel pretty

Oh, so pretty

I feel pretty, and witty, and bright

And I pity

Any girl who isn't me tonight

Ari started singing a favorite from Westside Story with Maria,Georgios, Delitha helping him out:

I feel charming

Oh, so charming

It's alarming how charming I feel

And so pretty

That I hardly can believe I'm real

See the pretty girl in that mirror there?

Who can that attractive girl be?

Such a pretty face

Such a pretty dress

Such a pretty smile

Such a pretty me!

I feel stunning

And entrancing

Feel like running and dancing for joy

For I'm loved

By a pretty wonderful boy!

Have you met my good friend, Maria?

The craziest girl on the block

You'll know her the minute you see her

She's the one who is in an advanced

State of shock

She thinks she's in love

She thinks she's in Spain

She isn't in love

She's merely insane

It must be the heat

Or some rare disease

Or too much to eat

Or maybe it's fleas

Keep away from her

Send for Chino!

This is not the Maria we know!

Modest and pure

Polite and refined

Well-bred and mature

And out of her mind!

Miss America, a speech, a speech, que hable

I feel pretty

Oh, so pretty

That the city should give me its key

A committee

Should be organized to honor me

I feel dizzy

I feel sunny

I feel fizzy, and funny, and fine

And so pretty

Miss America can just resign!

See the pretty girl in that mirror there

What mirror, where?

Who can that attractive girl be?

Which? What? Where? Whom?