TWIN TAILS of Mason Beach: TWIN TAILS Series Book One

By Cindy M (CILLYart) BOWLES

What led Mateo and Marnie Perez to the greatest treasure they could hope for?

Twin baby girls come into their life in the most extraordinary way, but they soon find out that their discovery is even more mystical than they thought! Join the Perez family in TWIN TAILS of Mason Beach as they learn first-hand about love and family-and how to p

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cindy M Bowles dba CILLYart4U
• Release date: Jun 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9780998595511

Cindy M (CILLYart) BOWLES

Cindy Millet Bowles (pen-name: CILLYart) has been creating picture stories and enjoying children's books, especially fairytales, since she can remember! Her family called her silly Cindy as a young child because she loved being silly, having fun, and helping family and friends laugh with her goofy antics. She has always loved drawing silly, "cute-sie" pictures for herself, her six children, and many others. Silly art spelled with selected letters of "Cindy" and "Millet" became her pen-name as the author-illustrator CILLYart, and represents her passion for art, illustration, storytelling, writing, and love of learning. Now a retired teacher with experience in elementary education and teaching English as a second language, she has used her delight of reading, writing stories and illustrating them, to strengthen the reading and learning of her students and other people too. SOOTYcinders...A Cinderella Tale, A MAGICAL MAIDEN and A MINSTREL, TWIN TAILS of Mason Beach, and TWIN TAILS: Song of the Siren are her first four published children's books. She hopes each brings great joy and imagination to her readers and inspires dreaming of other wonders and adventures they can experience! [e-mail]

Book preview

Chapter 1

Song of the Sea Breeze

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DO YOU HEAR THAT? Mateo asked Marnie, holding her hand in their walk through cool sand. The loose strands of his wife’s glossy brown hair danced lightly about her face.

No, she said, smiling up at him. I just hear the sea breeze blowing over waves and rocks. Why? What do you hear?

Funny as it sounds, I hear a song in that breeze, he said. Gazing out over the waves, he pointed. It seems to be coming from out there.

What does it sound like? she asked.

Mateo chuckled lightly. You actually want me to sing? His eyes now stared out over the darkening water. "I hear…a charming melody about…about babies in a large concha…a shell…rocking to the musical waves of the sea."

That sounds like an odd lullaby, Marnie said as Mateo pulled her along in their sandy stroll. The sunset’s vibrant colors lit up the tips of incoming waves.

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And something about…about the concha resting against boulders…the boulders of the Carolinas, he spoke more slowly now, as if in a trance.

Our Carolinas boulders? The ones right there? Marnie asked him, surprised. In that moment, she saw some movement against the rock formation constantly battered in the waves. Already holding Mateo’s hand, she shook it. Mateo! There is something out there! Something is lodged between the boulders…bouncing in the waves! Mateo! Snap out of it!

He turned to look at her dreamily. Then, realizing what she had said, his eyes followed her pointing finger. Gazing, he focused on the large boulders just off shore.

What’s that? Mateo squinted. Come on, let’s check it out before it gets too dark, he said. She laughed nervously and, kicking off their shoes, they jogged out into the cold waves. They waded deeper, partly walking and partly swimming to the boulders.

Oh, my gosh! Marnie shouted excitedly. Mateo, do you see that? She pushed harder to reach the boulders.

"It is a giant concha! Mateo was amazed, being now just a foot or two from the huge rocks. It’s just like the song I heard in my head!" As the concha dipped slightly downward in a wave, they could see inside of it. It…It can’t be! he exclaimed. Reaching back for his wife’s hand, he pulled her through the water to his side.

Babies! Tiny, sleeping babies! Just like your sea breeze song, Mateo! Marnie and Mateo quickly grabbed the giant shell. Carefully, they pulled it away from being wedged between the boulders. Moving it slowly to shallow water, they guided it to the safety of the beach. Staring, they both knelt down in the sand to get a better look at the shell’s contents.

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The babies began to move and yawn, stretching their chubby arms and legs.

Oh! Oh, Mateo! Marnie began to cry. She gently touched the green, looped wrappings. I think this is sort of a seaweed blanket. Tears of happiness began running down her cheeks.

I…I can’t believe it! Mateo said in awe. It is as if we were meant to find them!

The babies looked identical, except one had skin the color of milk chocolate and black hair in tight curls. The other had peachy skin with wispy curls of pale yellow. The babies then opened their eyes, displaying the bright color of aquamarine.

Marnie could not stop herself. She picked up the closest baby to snuggle and play with the curls. Mateo took the other infant, cuddling and cooing at it.

Girls, Mateo! Both of them! But how? How did they get here? Where did they come from? Marnie wondered. This is a dream come true! We finally have a—a family, Mateo!

Marnie, I know this is a truly magical way to find children, but we can’t keep them. We’ll have to turn them over to the police, he told her softly.

I know…I know. But we can offer to be their foster parents—at least until their family is found! Marnie smiled. After all, we do have a lot of experience as foster parents. Perhaps if…if their family cannot be found, then we can adopt them! Her warm brown eyes shone with hope. The years longing to have their own children stirred deeply in her heart.

"What kind of a family sends their babies adrift on the ocean inside a giant concha?" Mateo wondered.

The baby girls began making little noises at Marnie and Mateo’s smiles. They cooed sweetly back to both babies and hugged and rocked them. After a few minutes, Marnie and Mateo switched babies and continued.

They will be getting hungry soon…and will also need diapers and clothing, Marnie reminded Mateo.

Oh, yes…and I suppose we’d better get them over to the police station. No one is going to believe it—how we found them, Marnie. He shook his head.

I know, she nodded, grabbing his arm, but all we can do is tell the truth, she said firmly. They stood up cradling the infants who were still partly wrapped up in seaweed. Mateo dragged the concha shell behind him as they walked back to their little house.

Chapter 2

Expansion of the Pérez Family

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AN INCREDIBLE STORY! Judge Leeds shook his head. Mateo and Marnie stood cuddling the infant girls before the judge. Chief Albert and Detective Dana of the police force stood behind them. The head of the local social services department, Mrs. Chung, stood beside them.

So, with your recommendations, Mrs. Chung, I grant Dr. and Mrs. Pérez temporary custody of the twin infant girls. This custody shall be effective until we can find their family or they become adoptable. It is noted that Dr. and Mrs. Pérez have put in a request to adopt the babies.

Marnie and Mateo gave each other excited smiles and winks. Judge Leeds grunted to clear his throat. We will need frequent updates on the search for their biological family, Chief Albert and Detective Dana.

Yes, sir! both policemen responded quickly.

 Mrs. Chung, I expect you and Dr. and Mrs. Pérez will keep me informed as to how the babies are doing.

Yes, your honor, they all replied.

Another important thing, Judge Leeds warned. The unusual details of this case are to be held in strict confidence. These details will be of great help in finding any possible leads to the family of these infant girls. Understood?

Yes, your honor, they said in unison.

One last thing, the judge smiled at the newly formed foster family. I think that Dr. and Mrs. Pérez should give the girls names…at least temporarily. Have you thought of some names for them, Mrs. Pérez?

Oh, yes, your honor, Marnie said, who seemed unable to stop smiling. Since we found them floating upon the sea…well, we thought we’d call them Marina Ola and Perla Ola. Judge Leeds appeared puzzled.

Meaning Marine Wave, Mateo said, holding up the darker twin.

And Pearl Wave, Marnie smiled as she held up the lighter twin.

Well done! What do you think, Mrs. Chung? the judge asked.

Judge, I agree with you. These names fit the girls, and Spanish names fit well with the Pérez family. Mrs. Chung winked at the foster parents.

Then, until further notice, this case is adjourned. Judge Leeds tapped the gavel lightly. Now, let’s go home! he said, noticing his watch showed 11:00 p.m.

Congratulations! Mrs. Chung hugged her friend, Marnie.

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 Thanks so much, Lindy! Marnie hugged her