CHAPTER 80 : SANDY TOES AND SALTY NOSE

With breakfast done, Kira headed to the sitting room and sank into the couch. She did not have much to do, and so she decided to watch a movie. The sounds from the movie she was watching filled the room, while her body settled into the couch.

In no time, she laid down, enjoying her movie. She felt so relaxed after eating, being satisfied and now resting and enjoying a movie.

Thirty minutes later, she was already muttering to herself, "Just a few minutes," as her eyes were fluttering shut.

Her breathing started getting slowed, her body finding comfort and relaxation on the couch. It didn't take long before her body melted into the couch and she drifted off.

She slept for hours and woke up with a groggy stretch later on. Blinking a few times, she picked up her phone which was with her on the couch to check the time. It was already one in the afternoon.

"Mmm," she groaned softly, rubbing her eyes with her hand. "That was needed, though."

Her movie was still on, it seemed to have even ended and replayed itself. Kira had no idea what was happening, she just laid there a bit longer, enjoying the calmness, before she finally sat up. When she sat up, she leaned over to grab the remote, which she had placed on the table, and switched off the television.

Yawning, she stretched her arms above her head, then let her hands drop to her sides. She got up from the couch, picked up her phone, and left the sitting room. 

As she climbed the stairs, going upstairs, Kira rolled her neck to ease some stiffness she was feeling. She also brought her hand and gave it a few rubs.

By the time she reached the top, she smiled and went inside the room. "Maybe a little more rest wouldn't hurt," she said to herself, falling down onto the bed as she lay on her stomach.

"So softtttt," she murmured and let out a contented sigh.

She tried sleeping again, but it was not coming, so she just turned and laid on her back, staring at the ceiling. She could just close her eyes, even though she was not sleeping.

And that was what she ended up doing, until a knock interrupted her calm and peaceful moment.

"Kira?" Elara's voice came from the other side, warm and sweet. "Can I come in, sweetheart?"

"Of course, come in! The door's open," Kira called, sitting up.

Elara entered the room with a loving smile. "I didn't want to disturb you earlier while you slept. But, I noticed you were awake when I went to check on you and was wondering if you would like to join us to go to the beach. The sun is out and perfect for a beach day."

Kira paused, considering the invitation. "The beach? Hmm…" She mused. "Well, it's not like I have anything to do, and I would love to go to the beach with both of you. Sounds amazing!" A quick smile broke through on her face.

Elara clapped her hands in excitement. "Wonderful! I'm so glad you accepted. But do you have a bikini or something to wear?" She asked.

Kira shook her head softly. "No, I don't."

"That's okay," Elara said to her, walking closer and cupping Kira's cheeks in her hand. "Nothing to worry about. We will stop by a store on the way and pick you up something divine. It will be fun! Now hurry and get ready!"

"Yes ma'am!" Kira smiled back.

Kira smiled and stood up from the bed, going to stand in front of the mirror after Elara had left. She immediately loosened her tight braid, brushed her hair and tied it in a low, messy bun. After that, she washed her face and patted it dry.

"I should have done this before doing my hair," Kira said to herself, "but that's okay…so…" she muttered and looked through her wardrobe, "A beach gown it is."

Then she pulled out a light, flowy dress with soft floral prints. "This is perfect."

Kira slipped it on, slid on her sandals, then grabbed her phone, small bag, and made her way downstairs.

When she reached the front door, she spotted the sleek black car waiting outside. Orion was already in the driver's seat, sunglasses perched on his nose. The sunglasses gave him a cool look, he himself gave some aura.

"Ouuu," Kira grinned as she stepped forward, not able to hold back her compliment. "Dad, you are looking goooodd! Mom is going to fall in love with you all over again."

Elara, who was standing nearby, scoffed playfully and rolled her eyes. "Sweetheart, please. He is the one falling in love with me again. Watch this."

Elara went on to twirl, her beach cover-up swirling around her.

"Whoaaa!" Kira burst into laughter, clapping her hands, "Ouulala, hot, hot, hot!"

Orion, who watched his wife, raised his sunglasses with two fingers, and winked at Elara.

Kira caught this and could not believe what she was witnessing as she gasped dramatically. "Wow! You two are on a whole different level."

Elara chuckled as she opened the front passenger door. "Come on, let's get going!"

Kira laughed softly and slid into the back seat, as Orion drove them off. Before getting to the beach, they made a quick stop at a boutique to get a bikini for Kira.

"What about this one?" Elara held up a bold, black bikini. "And you can use this, to cover yourself," she said, also showing Kira a black sarong.

"Sounds perfect." Kira agreed with a smile.

"I'm sure you will look spectacular," Elara told her as she tried it on.

After trying it on, they mutually agreed it was perfect. And so Kira took it off, then they paid for it and left the place. But before they left, Kira decided to put on the bikini and wear her gown on top.

Soon, the warm sun greeted them as they arrived at the beach. The ocean, laughter from other beach goers, everything was amazing.

"I'm so glad I came," Kira whispered as she stood at the shoreline, her eyes closed and the waves licking her feet. "Mmmm… I love this feeling."

After she was done enjoying the feeling, she walked back to a nice spot they had found, spread out their towels, and set their things at. 

"How about a swim?" Elara asked them. She was so happy to be out.

"Sure," Orion accepted.

"Of course," Kira agreed almost immediately, slipping off her dress and following Elara who had also removed her cover up and gone into the water.

It was so much fun, with them floating on their backs, the sun warm on their faces as the waves carried them along. Playing games in the water, splashing each other and so on. As Kira was having this much fun, she remembered when she had visited the beach with her parents, it was wonderful. 

After their refreshing swim, they returned to their towels and ordered chilled tropical juices from a beach vendor.

"Mango," Kira said, taking a sip of the cold juice, "What did they put in it?" She asked and sipped some more. "So refreshing."

"Told you this would be fun," Elara said to Kira, giving her a knowing smile.

Kira laughed softly, "You were right. I also needed this."

As the sun dipped lower, they decided to wrap up their day. They all dressed up and Kira helped gather their things.

They chatted lightly during the ride home, the joy of the day still fresh in their hearts and minds.

"Thank you both for today," Kira said as they stepped into the house. She turned and hugged them both, feeling very happy, "This really meant a lot."

Elara and Orion both pecked the sides of her head, smiling widely. "We are glad sweetheart," Orion said, "You are like the daughter we never had, and we will do everything and anything for you."