The girls were finally together in the newly renovated stands at the football game. Sophia's mom, Loren, sat behind them with a cooler of drinks and snacks.

"I like these new seats. Did the principal win the Irish Sweepstakes?"

Sophia responded to her mom, "Our Director, Father Brennen, said an 'angel' benefactor donated the money, and we're to pray for him."

"Well, I'll say a prayer too. You can't beat a padded seat with a supported back and a drink holder." Smiling, Lauren semi-yelled over the din of the game and the noise in the stands.

As the first half ended, the band started en mass to leave the stands and prepare for their half-time performance. Our Lady of the Sea (OLS for short) has a strong music program.

When the band was in the shape of a seal and played the school song, many sang along and did the Seal's clap. (Clapping the forearms together and barking like a seal.)

The half-time show concluded with a roar from the OLS crowd, and soon Corey was back in the stands.

"Can we talk about tomorrow night?" Corey bubbled as she sat in the middle of the group.

"+1 is here. Are we on for the sleepover at my house to celebrate Seana's birthday?"

"What time are we meeting at your house?" inquired Seana.

"My mom says, please come over at 6:30 so she can feed us. You all know how she is about food. Food is 'LOVE'.

A chorus of yeses responded.

As the crowd cheered, everyone looked toward the field. Jack Anderson, a junior at OLS, is running down the field with defenders falling behind every second. Then, he crossed the goal line. The band started playing the school song. Blue and gold pom-poms danced in the air. The kicker got the ball between the goalposts. Game. Over 14 -0. The stands emptied, and the girls separated and yelled, "See you tomorrow."

***

Seana lives with her mother outside of town, in a chalet-style house, with a wall of windows in the front. Seana's mother, Lucy, is the best seamstress in the area. She loves the wall of windows for the light so she can do her hand sewing. All the ladies want a one-of-a-kind Lucy dress for their special occasions. Lucy has a workroom in the back next to Seana's bedroom.

Saturday morning arrived, and Seana woke at her usual time, 6:00 AM. She was already awake when the piercing sound of the alarm startled her. Fighting out of her jumbled covers, she realized it was raining closer to a deluge than a sprinkle. One of those soaking rains gardeners love.

Seana sat on the side of the bed, elbows on knees and head in hands.
This day is not starting well; rain means no five-mile jog to clear her head.
Boo Boo ran into the room, taking a running leap onto Seana's lap, knocking her back on the bed, and licking her face.

"Boo Boo, stop!" Laughing Seana pushed him away from her face.
I know you are disappointed, but no run today, big boy"

Boo Boo is a black and white Dalmatian that was Seana's tenth birthday present. It was love at first sight. As they both grew, BooBoo was relegated to her dog bed. Seana's twin brass bed was not big enough for both of them. Seana wasn't willing to give it up.

"Ok, Boo Boo, you will help me pick an outfit for the dance."

Seana put on the navy blue dress with ballet flats and her silver necklace with the sea shell charm.

"Mom, can you come here a minute?" Seana yelled.

"Be right there."

Seana stood in front of her mirror, turning this way and that.

Lucy, Seana's mom, came walking into the room. She stopped suddenly, "Oh Seana, you look beautiful. Lucy held out her arms, and Seana walked in for a hug."

They rocked in each other's arms, sometimes laughing, crying, savoring the moment. as a mom and daughter. Both knew this was a special moment. All the angst between them melted away.

"Happy Birthday, my daughter."

***