Snippet #1051122

She was not looking at him anymore, but at the small island floating in the ocean. The water crashed against her feet and she tipped her head up to the sun smiling as if she held some great secret. In a whirl she turned to him " we all wish sometimes to be someone else" and then she smiled once more and began to walk away with her pail in her hand.

Her steps were straight in a line with one foot in front of the other and her skirt fluttered with the wind. All over the beach her name was written in long loopy letters.
"Josephine"

The dunes were high with vines that grew purple flowers and sea grass and sea oats. The clouds were quickly moving across the bay with the song of the wind and the cries of the seagulls. She remained still her face was concentrated and finally she continued to move. Soon shouts were heard "Jo! Jo! Jo where are you?"

She looked as if she was about to flee , like a deer ready to spring but then her posture relaxed and she turned around.
"my parents can't seem to leave me alone" but her tone was light and cheery. She moved to where the shouts were coming from. She smiled at him apologetically.
"it seems we ruined your fishing trip"
Jo walked away reluctantly , wishing she could stay more and soak up the sun and feel the salty water on her skin. Her pail swung at her side and carefully she hefted it to her other hand.
"Coming Mama!"
"oh Jo I was so worried" Her mother called running down the strip of beach. She was wearing white caprice pants and a pink shirt "I been looking all over for you"
Josephine stopped as her mother checked her face, looked at her hands and inspected her all over "you should wear a sweater, the wind is cool and you could get sunburned"
Her mother turned to look at the boy standing by his boat "Oh hi! Sorry I am taking her now"
Jo followed her mom and her voice was clear and light as she reproached her mother "Oh I was all right mama. look I collected seashells and sand-dollars! Don't worry too much mama I was fine."
"You could get sick Jo" Her mothers voice turned stern.
"Now mama you promised me! You promised me!"
Jo said but now her voice was low and sad.
Her mother nodded her head and took her hand in hers.
All around them the water came to shore and took her name from the sand.