30 Red like Ariel

Shirley was lost in thoughts that she did not realize when she passed Sam and moved ahead. It was only when someone tapped on her shoulder and she turned to look at the person, Shirley realized her mistake. Sam was standing there, hands folded over her chest, one foot tapping on the floor with a smile on her face.

Shirley felt guilty. She was too involved in her thoughts that she missed Sam and wandered ahead. Truth to be told, if Sam had not interrupted her she might have kept walking and forgot about her. She knew that Sam, for real was not angry at her but her smile looked more threatening as each second passed. Shirley thought that if she did not say anything soon she might die of embarrassment.

'I… you… what are you waiting for, let's go! Our time has already been enough wasted by some stupid people. So, come let's go, go, go.' Shirley stuttered but then quickly regained her wit. She smiled widely, hooked her arm in Sam's and started walking towards the gate.

Sam was amused by her friend's behavior. It was cute. She voiced out her thoughts to Shirley.

'Do you think that being cute will help?' Sam asked with fake indignation.

'I will buy you an ice cream.' Shirley bargained.

'Hmmm. But only, if it is Dark Belgium Chocolate with nuts.' Sam declared with full authority.

'Deal' Shirley chimed and then both of them laughed at their antics. The matter was solved just like that. Shirley mused over her silly notion, that ice cream can solve almost any matter.

Her father used to say that to her.

Whenever her mom would be angry with her father or brother or herself, a pint of her favorite mango flavored ice cream was the easiest solution. By the time mom would be done with the ice cream, her anger would have been diffused by the cold treat. They would laugh and be forgiven.

Even though her mom was a heart surgeon and clearly knew the drawback of eating too much sugar. Nobody could stop her from eating what she desired when it came to sweets. She had a sweet tooth and was proud of it.

'What are you smiling about?' Sam asked when she saw a melancholic smile on her face.

'Just some past memories'

'Good ones, I hope.' Sam said softly. She did not want Shirley to feel sad.

'Yeah'

'Someday we will sit back and talk about ourselves. It would be just us and lots of food to binge on. Okay.'

'Done'

'Good, as for now be prepared for the most relaxing day of your life. You will loosen up to the bone.'

Shirley did not catch the meaning behind her words but she was sure it would be something good.

The first thing they did was scuba diving. Shirley has always been fascinated by the world underwater. It was her first time going underwater she was thrilled and a bit scared. Thousands of things could go wrong but she wanted to try it.

So with an extra bit of caution, she dove in. It was a different world altogether, a magical place that she always wished to explore. 

Shirley's favorite Disney movie as a kid was Little Mermaid. She could not remember how many times she has watched that movie. Even now and then she watches it whenever her mood strikes. She was crazy about Ariel and in a fit of idol worship, she has dyed her hair red.

When her mother saw the condition of her hair she could not decide between the two- to laugh at her or to scold her for doing something so silly. They had just painted their house and she has found the red color paint that was leftover. Using her hands she had painted her hair red to show her love for her favorite Disney princess. The mess she has created in the whole process was too much to bear.

She had decorated the newly painted white walls with the splatter of red color. Her tiny handprints and half faceprint were all over the wall. Her hands were red along with her hair and left part of her face. The paint could not be easily removed. It had taken a whole two weeks to get the paint out. So for two whole weeks, she had flaunted her Ariel look.

What was funnier?

Despite her looking like an obvious loon later on her friends had also joined in. After her first day at school with bright red hair, her best friend, Sara, next day came with exact same shade of red-colored hair and half side of her face painted red. Shirley was surprised and pleased afterward more of her friends had joined in such a crazy fashion trend.

Going out for scuba diving, Shirley felt like she has reunited with her long lost wish. After a very late lunch that could also be said as early dinner, they had walked around for a while. Then Sam has taken her to massage and hot spring. It was really as relaxing as Sam has promised. The natural hot water spring has proven like a soothing balm for Shirley's scorched soul. Both of them had enjoyed it to the fullest. They had taken a taxi to come back to their respective hotel as they did not want to come out of that comfort induced mild lazy state.

Now Shirley was lying in her bed reminiscing about her day as her eyes were heavy with sleep. She could feel her body humming with pleasure and in no time she was off to dreamland.