As promised, here!
Disclaimer: I do not own the song 'Only Hope'. I love it though... Squee!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Nine: Time Gets Stuck in Quicksand While You're Waiting
Sophia's depression lasted for a while; two days to be exact... Eventually Muffy had to kick her into shape by breaking into the shed and insisting she get out of the house.
She was coerced into doing so, and Popuri was sympathetic towards her when she saw her face. Sophia knew that her friend knew exactly what she was feeling; she had loved Kai, once upon a time…
"Come on, Sophia!" Muffy was saying in an annoying whiney voice she knew her friend hated, "We can really use you for the Music Festival! Carter says that Karen needs a backup singer so the songs can really sound good!"
"Yeah!" Popuri said, wide red eyes pleading with her, "With you there then we can really have a blast! Please…?"
Sophia pushed the drink Muffy had offered her away, a scowl on her face. "What makes you think I can sing?"
Popuri and Muffy exchanged worried glances. "You're always singing, Sophia…" Muffy pointed out, "When you're cooking especially!" She had a point. Sophia always seemed to either be singing a tune or at least humming. Still, that didn't mean she was good enough to be on stage…
"You have a really nice voice!" Popuri complimented her, "Maybe as good as Karen's!"
Sophia snorted and rolled her eyes. She highly doubted that. While Karen's cooking was like shoving a time bomb down your throat, she had the most angelic voice Sophia had ever heard. The girl could sing! Her voice rivaled a lot of the big city famous singers' voices, but the pity was that Karen only used it when the Music Festival came along. Instead, she focused her energies in cooking… much to the dismay of the entire populace. When Karen cooks, no one is safe…
She eventually caved in when Popuri started crying like a little girl and Muffy threatened to never serve her alcohol again. Seeing as how she really had no choice in the matter, she agreed rather grudgingly.
"Perfect!" Popuri exclaimed, clapping her hand excitedly, face no longer red or puffy, "Mary and Lumina play piano, Ann and Eli play flutes, Karen and you'll be singing, and I'm going to be playing the violin!"
Sophia nodded, not giving much thought, until, of course, it was a few minutes before show time and she was in the church's backroom with the other girls, fidgeting nervously.
She felt a touch at her shoulder and saw Mary, looking at her encouragingly through her glasses. "You'll do great,"
Karen, who was drinking water, swallowed it hurriedly and got close to her backup singer. "Just follow my lead and you'll do great!" she said with a smile, "We're doing a lot of pieces this year, so Carter is letting us use the page with the lyrics on it! Just read them and sing your heart out!"
Sophia was still nervous, but the girls weren't. They had been playing their instruments on this day since they had reached womanhood, so they had their part down already. It was Sophia's first time singing in front of a crowd and the butterflies in her stomach were making her want to throw up.
She definitely wasn't ready.
Carter poked his head into the room, the eternal peaceful look on his face somehow disrupted and replaced with slight agitation. "You're on, girls! May the Goddess be with you!"
Karen took Sophia's hand and led her out onto the altar, where they stood in front of the others. Mary and Lumina took their positions on the piano, Eli and Ann settled on wither side of the piano, flutes already touching their lips and Popuri was off to the right, already in position with her violin, looking uncharacteristically at peace with her eyes closed, bow drawn back.
All at once, the girls started playing, the piano starting out first in a beautiful melody, combining both Lumina's and Mary's distinct parts to create it, then Popuri joined in, the violin sad and slow as she drew her bow back and forth across the string, and then Eli and Ann started with their whimsical flutes, light and hopeful. The distinct voices of each instrument melded into one, and it was as if one person was playing all of them at once.
It was so… beautiful…
Then, Sophia felt herself begin to hum loudly in tune with the music, her voice dominant among the instruments…
And finally, the star opened her mouth, and the room seemed to mellow as her voice rang out through the church.
"There's a song that's inside of my soul," Karen sang, voice hopeful and naïve, sounding like both a whisper and a cry that needed to be heard, "It's the one I've tried to write over and over again… I'm awake in the infinite cold… but you sing to me over and over again…" Karen's voice was backed by Sophia's, and the beauty could not be questioned, "So I lay my head back down, and I lift, my hands and pray to be only yours, I pray to be only yours I pray… I know now, you're my only hope," Karen and Sophia stopped singing, allowing the instruments to speak. So many emotions were transferred… the voice of the piano; hoping for love, the voice of the violin; it's sadness of having to ask, and the flutes; voice staying passive, backing the piano in it's hope.
Karen resumed singing again, voice thoughtful now. "Sing to me the song of the stars, of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again. When it feels like my dreams are so far… Sing to my all the plans that you have for me over again. So I lay my head back down, and I lift my hands and pray to be only yours, I pray to be only yours I pray to be only yours… I know now, you're my only hope," the duo's voices melded, Karen's the hope and Sophia's the longing, melding together, one woman's cry, "I give you my destiny… I'm giving you all of me, I want your symphony, singing in all that I am," Karen and Sophia's voices rose, Karen's still dominant, its beauty astounding, the trust it was putting in its hope real, "At the top of my lungs, I'm giving it back!" Karen smiled, and her voice was more pure than ever, "So I lay my head back down and I lift my hands and pray, to be only yours, I pray to be only yours, I pray to be only yours, I know now, you're my Only Hope…" the voices faded, the instruments quieting, all was heard was the simple melody of the piano and Sophia's humming as Karen put her hands to her heart and stayed silent.
Sophia's voice and the piano stopped at the same time, and the crowd stayed silent as Sophia fell into the same position as Karen, the song finally ending… The moment was so ethereal, no one really wanted it to end, especially Karen and Sophia, who had sung the words and meant them with all their hearts.
And then the church exploded into applause, and both Karen and Sophia opened their eyes, looking at the faces of the townspeople.
Sasha, Manna, Lilia and Ana had broken into tears, dabbing at their eyes with handkerchiefs, staring at their daughters with pride. The men tried to look impassive, settling for small grins and wild applause. Gustafa was nodding, the biggest smile Sophia had ever seen on his face there at that moment. Griffin looked touched, the old musician's eyes closed in a big grin.
Muffy had stood up and was applauding, calling everyone's names, Flora and Celia doing the same, tears in some of their eyes too.
But the most amazing thing that had happened as if by magic was those of four men, looking at the girls… no, women that had just sung the most beautiful thing they'd ever heard. Gray was staring straight at Mary, jaw slack, Rick at Karen, amazed, Tim was blinking furiously, trying to tear his eyes away from Eli and Cliff sunk into his chair at seeing Ann's peaceful and beautiful face looking at someone that wasn't him.
The girls did not know it at the time, but it was the moment that the men had fallen in love with them…
Stu and May ran out onto the altar, May running for Popuri and Stu for Eli. Popuri hugged her, surprised at the little girl's affection. Eli laughed heartily when her little brother jumped on her lap, embracing her.
Jeff and Sasha hurried over to Karen, both of them crying, Lilia to Popuri, Anna and Basil to Mary, Anna wiping away her tears, Basil had a proud look on his face. Lumina was met by Sebastian, who congratulated her with a fatherly smile and Ann was met by Doug, who was saying how much she made him proud. Galen and Nina smiled at each other and embraced, probably knowing each other better than the other knew themselves.
It seems that everyone that had just listened to the song had gotten the urge to hold someone they loved close to them. Even Nami had scurried off to Ruby, who waited for her with open arms. Muffy had tearfully embraced Griffin like a daughter might do, even Gray and Saibara shook hands. Rick embraced his mother and Popuri, Cliff and Carter hugged, Barley found his way to May and hugged her… Celia hugged Vesta and was rewarded with a crushing one in return, Darryl approached Flora and she kind of grinned at him, making him jump for joy…
The church was now a place of love…
Sophia had… no one…
"You were excellent," a gruff voice said, and Sophia found herself looking at her uncle, who was looking down at her proudly, "Just like my mother…"
Sophia hugged her uncle, glad to have someone to share the moment with… Jack came over and congratulated her after hugging her himself, and Sophia smiled to herself.
She did have someone… Her uncle, her friends… and she would wait for him… she would wait at that beach for him and meet him with open arms. Love? Maybe. All that was left to do was find out…
After the Music Festival the entire populace was experiencing the same feeling Sophia had when she and Kai had returned from the Fireworks Festival. Everyday was argument-free, filled with shows of affection and love.
The mood wasn't ruined when Karen 'accidentally' slipped a poisonous mushroom into the pot at the Harvest Festival, although everyone was sick to their stomachs...
But of course, all good things must come to an end…
It happened when autumn was in its twilight and the weather started to cool. Nina fell ill one day, and the whole town gathered in Nina and Galen's house to find the old woman had passed, leaving Galen crying at her bedside, shedding tears from tear ducts that had long dried out.
He was beyond comforting; he even ignored Jack when the farmer tried to console him…
Sophia felt terrible for him… He's been left all alone without his love, left to live the remainder of his years without a familiar face beside him, Nina's comforting smile, her embrace… Sophia wanted to pass on by her husband's side at the same time. No matter how much like a corny romance novel of Mary's it sounded like, she wanted that comfort badly.
The funeral was held on the small patch of land besides Vesta's Farm. Everyone gathered, even Ellen had insisted on being carried over because Galen was an old friend and they now shared the loss of their partner.
It rained that day; poured was more like it. Carter read the sermon, paying his respects to the beloved woman that was everyone's grandmother. All through the funeral May stayed close to Barley and Stu and Eli to Ellen, holding them close. Romana wouldn't have Lumina do that, but she did it anyway, crying into her black dress like a child while Romana stroked her hair, singing a lullaby to her.
The possibility of losing one of the elderly was suddenly very real, and the whole island felt and feared it. Tim cursed that he had not been able to get there in time to help, and for the first time in a while Eli comforted him by telling him he was only human and could not have possibly been at two places at once. Tim's pain lessened at this, and Eli found herself squeezing his hand comfortingly.
After the funeral, Thomas held a meeting to appoint a new doctor for the Valley since Tim could not be in two places at once. After much thought, Tim called on his old mentor Hardy to come live in the town.
A few days later the man arrived, and most were shocked by what they saw. One side of his face was that of a machine… in fact, it seemed that he belonged as Darryl's evil assistant, not one who would save lives.
Still, he was accepted into their lives. Galen moved by Nina's gravesite and Hardy took Galen's old home, making it his clinic.
No children knocked on doors for the Pumpkin Festival; it was too soon after Nina's passing.
When the auburn leaves finally fell of the branches, winter began and it snowed often, making the town's citizens bundle up a lot and sit by their fireplaces for warmth.
Sophia spent the sad days at the Blue Bar or the Inner Inn, chatting with Muffy or Popuri. The town's dull appearance matched its sentiments as everyone still mourned Nina.
The mood lightened when it came time for the Winter Thanksgiving Festival; or when the girls gave boys they liked chocolate. "When you like him give him plain old chocolate, if you like him a lot give him cookies, and if you absolutely love him gave him cake!" Muffy explained the day before, a smile on her face as she baked her own cookies; shortbread; Rock's favorite.
The mood the girls were in reminded Sophia of Kai, who she had not written to since he had left. Feeling guilty now, Sophia made use of Jack's kitchen to make a batch of cookies that she scurried off to Mineral Town with. She had Jeff wrap them and then delivered them to Zack, attaching a note to the box.
'Kai,
Happy Winter Thanksgiving! Hope you're well and having fun wherever you are. Waiting for you…
Yours truly,
Sophia'
Zack smiled at her when she gave it to him and shook his head. "That sly dog…" he mumbled as he put it in his pack.
The rest of winter went by slowly, almost at a snail's pace. Christmas was spent at the Inn where the townspeople met and exchanged gifts.
Takakura had given her a new sundress, Jack a barrette that matched it, Muffy gave her a hug and a music box, Popuri and Rick gave her a shared gift of a pair of earrings and Karen a tape of their performance at the Music Festival along with a record player.
She'd bought gifts for the others, and they had all appreciated the gesture.
On New Year's Eve the populace gathered at Romana's Villa where a semi-formal party was being hosted. Much to the older woman's dismay, the younger generation did not come in pairs, instead in singles or in groups of friends. Sophia showed Romana and Sebastian how to make her 'Special Lasagna' and they were so impressed they offered her a job cooking for them at the Villa which included the spare room!
Too much of an opportunity to pass up, Sophia accepted immediately, much to the residents of the Villa's satisfaction. The rest of the party was spent dancing or drinking or gossiping in little groups; the hot topic being Jack's acceptance to being asked to dance with Celia.
At midnight they popped open bottles champagne and drank happily in honor of the New Year, Lumina playing the piano while Gustafa and Griffin joining in with their guitars. Sophia joined in and they began singing songs from 'Jingle Bells' to 'Moi-Moi', the latter being one of Po-Po Valley's traditional New Year's songs.
Needless to say the next morning most of the populace awoke with major headaches and sensitivity to light, but the fun they had last night was worth it; as the last shadows of Nina's death were chased away by the festivities
The promise of the New Year made Sophia much happier than she'd been since Kai left. Now living in the Villa Sophia cooked it's inhabitants lunch and dinner, learning new dishes from Sebastian. Plus it was only a little while longer until summer started again…
She and Lumina became friends, often staying in each other's rooms at night talking about boys and such. Muffy and Popuri visited often, cheering up Lumina and prompting singing and piano playing that lasted until Romana threatened to have the piano destroyed.
The Sisterhood continued meeting, bearing reports that the boys they had been trying to avoid where now going after them. This gave the girls their taste of revenge, but deep down they all knew that they would not be able to resist the men they still loved for much longer… It was unspoken and at times denied, but they all knew it to be true.
One day, mid-spring, Lumina and Muffy told Sophia that that day was the Spring Thanksgiving Festival. "It's the opposite of winter!" Muffy said with a smile, "Boys give us cookies if they like us!"
The next morning Muffy awoke to find cookies on her bedside from Rock, Lumina to find a plate left unclaimed by anyone, Celia to find some from Jack and Flora to find some from Darryl which she chucked into the river at her first opportunity. Nami was seen eating some unidentified cookies and Romana had been heard laughing hysterically when Sebastian appeared in her room with a freshly baked plate.
Sophia knew that she would be left out and was actually fine with it. She'd accepted that Kai wouldn't be able to send her any cookies.
While making dinner a knock came at the door. Sebastian answered it and seemed to have a conversation with whoever the visitor was, then closed the door and came into the kitchen, smiling from ear to ear.
"What is it Sebastian?" Sophia asked as she stirred her thick sauce, mixing the added ingredients in well.
"This arrived for you, Miss Sophia?" Sebastian said.
Sebastian revealed a package, wrapped in a red ribbon. Blinking Sophia looked at it rather suspiciously; half expecting it to be one of Romana's many tricks… The old lady was actually a trickster, if you could believe it! Sophia first learned of her 'hobby' when the spaghetti she was making for dinner one night ended up tasting like one of Karen's creations after a bathroom break. Everyone had eaten it except Romana, who laughed at their 'misfortune' and quickly hurried off to bed. Since that particular night, Sophia had been careful around the old woman, taking care not to fall for anything…
"Me?" Sophia repeated, "Must be one of my many admirers…" she added sarcastically in an effort to hide the curiosity from the butler.
She took the package in hesitant hands, and Sebastian gave her one last smile and left her alone in the kitchen… her and the package.
When she finally mustered the courage to cut the ribbon off and lift the top off, she was met with a small container resting in red tissue paper; a folded paper taped to the lid.
Opening it, heart beating faster and faster until she thought it would burst, the smell of the sauce was overpowered by the pleasant, homely smell of cookies.
Could it be?
She opened the note in trembling fingers, heart beating faster now than ever, palms sweaty.
Her eyes poured over the familiar handwriting, reading and rereading it again and again, mind too stunned to believe what it was that she was reading.
'Soph,
Thanks for the cookies! How'd you know that I liked ginger snaps?
Although I'd much rather be sending you a grape snow cone, I was forced to go traditional and send you some plain chocolate chunk cookies when I remembered the snow cone would melt! Guess you'll have to wait like everyone else… wouldn't it be better to have me make it for you right in front of you anyway?
I'll see you in just a few weeks… been thinking about you too.
Kai'
"Oh my God…" Sophia said dumbly, putting the letter down on the table, "He… he… remembered…"
He cared, he took the time to return the gesture and send her a letter and some cookies!
The panic she had felt moments earlier was shadowed by the overwhelming feeling of something much like relief flooded over her; and something that she thought she'd never ever feel…
It felt a lot like love.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That beautiful song that Karen and Sophia sang was 'Only Hope' by Mandy Moore. My favorite song eva... Anyway, you might remember the song from Nicholas Spark's 'A Walk to Remember' (which I don't own :). Sniff... sad movie...
Hope you liked the chapter... Next one is the one you've all been waiting for folks... Kai returns! Along with some other romance along the way with other girls...
R&R! Seriously, R&R...
I love reviews!