"Now, what did you want to talk about?" Harold asked as they passed the ice cream shop again and waved to Marcellus.
"Oh, yes, well, I've had something on my mind for awhile now, and I haven't told anyone about it. You probably know I have never been to the footbridge with a…a…well you know," Marian began. Harold nodded. "There is a reason for that. I know it doesn't seem like this, but I barely trust anyone in this town. Not since father died. I only trust Mama, Ethel, Maud (Dunlop, Marian's other friend), Tommy Djilas, Zaneeta, and Winthrop. Of course, I also trust Mrs. Shinn. She's been so nice. I want to trust the others, but I just can't. First of all, when father died, he let me down, and I always feel like everyone I going to let me down. Also, I had a bad experience just after he died. I went to the store for Mama one evening and on my way home…" Marian trailed off, knowing Harold knew what she was talking about by his eyes. He had heard about this when he was younger, but never knew who it had happened to. A group of men and women had attacked a young girl who was running an errand for her parents. The police ad found her bound and gagged in an alleyway. No wonder Marian didn't trust anyone. Not knowing what else to do, Harold stopped short and hugged her. Marian didn't know why, but she felt safe for the first time in five long years. She was disappointed when he let go and tried to hold back her tears from the memories.
"I'm sorry. I never knew that was you. You were right, though. I couldn't tell you didn't trust barely anyone. It's okay, though. Don't cry, we're here," Harold said, noticing her tears. Marian looked in front of her and saw the school. She followed Harold inside and into the auditorium. She loved the auditorium, especially during the drama club season. Everyone in town came to one of the two performances the school put on every year. She had especially liked since she met Harold there. He had gotten the lead many times, as did she.
"You're the new president of the drama club. Surprise," Harold said quietly from behind her. Marian gasped. She knew Harold had been the president since he started taking part in the club.
"Thank you. What about you?" Marian asked, still awestruck that she was now the president.
"I'll be the vice president," Harold said. "Come on, remember the song we sang before bows last year?" Marian nodded as Harold pulled her onto the stage. Music from the song filled the auditorium. It was called "Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air." It was from their school's modern twist of the musical "The Man of Music." She and Harold had been asked to write it. Mrs. Shinn had wanted a song about the elements after the patriotic song in one of the scenes. They had had fun writing it together. Harold handed Marian a microphone and she saw one in his hand. She smiled as he started the song.
Harold:
"Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air
We may look bad, but we don't care
Marian:
We ride the wind
We feel the fire
Both:
To love the Earth as our one desire
(To love the Earth as our one desire)
Marian:
To love the Earth is only fair
Harold:
It's one big Earth that we must share
Both:
We love the Earth with all our fire
Marian:
In our souls, our one desire
Marian:
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air
We may look bad, but we don't care
Harold:
We ride the wind
We feel the fire
Both:
To love the Earth as our one desire
(To love the Earth as our one desire)
Harold:
Nature is a precious gift
Marian:
It will make your spirits lift
Both:
We love the Earth with all our fire
Harold:
It's in your souls, your one desire
Both:
Earth, Wind, Fire, and Air
We may look bad, but we don't care
We ride the wind
We feel the fire
To love the Earth as our one desire
To love the Eeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrttttttttthhhhhhhhhh
As our one desire!"
"Harold, that was amazing! I really love this place," Marian said, gesturing to the auditorium with a smile on her face. "Thank you. You're full of surprises today," she continued. Harold smiled secretly. If she only knew what the last surprise was. But, there is still one more before that.
"Let's go backstage," Harold said, gesturing to her to follow him.