THE MUSIC FESTIVAL
A/N: This is in answer to the challenge set by Scarlet Sky's forum. I hope it's okay. This is the first time I've done one of these challenges.
"Karen!" Elli yelled, running up to her friend's room. "We're in trouble!"
Karen looked up from her sheet music. "What's wrong?" she asked, anxiously.
Elli caught her breath before speaking. "Popuri broke her wrist. She isn't going to be able to play the violin this year!"
Karen gasped. "Is she okay? What are we going to do now?"
"She'll be fine. It wasn't a bad break. And, we'll just have to find someone else."
"There is no one else," Karen wailed.
"Well, maybe we can teach someone."
"In a week?!" Karen fell face down on her pillow. "We're doomed," she moaned.
It did seem as if they were doomed. For three days, Elli and Karen went from person to person to see if anyone was willing or able to fill in for Popuri. Rick offered his help, but Karen declined his help. He was useless around anything but chickens. After 3 days, the girls had to admit defeat, and knew that Popuri's part would have to be left out.
A couple of days later, Karen passed by the chicken ranch and heard the most beautiful violin music. Since she knew Popuri couldn't play, she thought it might be Lillia. She knocked on the door.
"Hi, Karen," Popuri said, opening the door.
"Hi, Poppy. Is that your mom playing the violin? It's beautiful."
"Ah, yeah, it is,"
"Do you think she might be able to play with us at the Music Festival?"
"I'll ask her, and let you know," Popuri said.
"Thanks, Poppy," Karen said, happily. It looked as if all of their troubles were solved.
The night of the Music Festival, everyone but Lillia was already on stage, waiting for the festival to start.
"Don't worry, Karen," Popuri told her, "Mom said she would on in time for her part. She needed to fix a string on the violin."
Karen looked reassured. Once everyone was settled, the music began. Mary and Elli on the organ, and Claire and Ann on the ocarina. Karen began to sing. As she began the chorus, the violin joined in, as beautiful as she had ever heard.
Karen looked at the audience and almost stopped singing. Lillia was sitting in the audience, next to Popuri. If she wasn't playing, who was? And why didn't Karen see Rick? The song ended and Karen turned around. Seated behind her was Rick, violin in hand
After the festival, the young people were given much applause and congratulations. When she had a free moment, Karen accosted Rick.
"That was you playing the other day?"
He nodded.
"Why didn't Popuri tell me?"
"I asked her not to. I wanted to surprise you."
"Well, you did. I had no idea you could play that way. It was beautiful!"
Rick smiled. "Thank you. Actually, I have a confession, I'm the one that taught Popuri how to play."
Karen stared at him, speechless.
"I know. You thought I was only a chicken obsessed farmer. But, I'm not."
"You're right," Karen said. She leaned forward and gave him a big kiss. "I won't make the mistake of thinking that ever again."