She closed her eyes, and heard a pitter-patter of feet. She turned around and saw Kelly. Kelly gave her a stunned smile, and opened her mouth to speak, but said nothing.
She must be wondering why I'm here, Marie thought sadly, also smiling.
After a few seconds, Kelly finally regained composure. "Hi...uhh...Marie, I wanted to know if you wanted to come to dinner with me and my mom." Kelly stuttered over the word "mom."
Marie pushed her palms into the sand, sliding onto her feet. "I would like to, Kelly, but I gotta do something," she said, dusting her hands on her goose-pimpled legs. Marie gave Kelly a reassuring smile, and dove into the water.