Chapter 3 [Forty-Five Minutes Later—Stacy Household]
Dinner came together with Afternoon's Work. Five Placemats accompanied Requisite Settings. Polka Dot Tablecloth added Festivity's touch. Conversation remained upbeat. Sauce's Cooking Scent danced through the air to Noses' approval.
The makings of a great time it seemed….
Gwen stirred Bubbling Sauce. Wooden Spoon turned Spices, Meat and Tomato over in Pot. Linguini boiled down in Second Pot. "Just a few more minutes and this choir will sing!" She snapped her fingers. "A touch more oregano methinks!" Bottle shook Oregano's dusting over Red Surface. Another Stir and Taste broadened Smile across her face. "That's it! Mmm…." She turned toward Clock over Left Shoulder. "Now where is that Man of Mine?"
"Peter probably got held up at the Daily Bugle, I imagine, Dear. It will be all right." Stacy puffed on his pipe. He knew about Spidey's fight with the Meteor Man. "He was at the Met taking pictures for Joy Mercado today."
Aunt May relaxed. "Finally! Peter gets a nice assignment. I'd rather he do that than chase that awful Spider-Man around! Terrible role model that one is! Honestly! Why more people don't listen to Mr. Jameson about him I'll never know!"
Gwen turned back toward the stove. Somehow, she stifled the response. Still, Anger flared inside of herself. Peter's out there risking his neck for everyone. How can Mrs. Parker not understand? She cleared her throat. "Well, we can hope Ms. Mercado can give him other assignments. I'd like to dip my Quill in the Inspiration Jar again."
"Writing?" Aunt May shot Gwen a strange look. Confusion sent Thoughts in all directions. "You're into science." She narrowed her eyes. First, Peter distracts himself from his studies for those pictures! And now, Gwen's doing it too? Land sakes! These young people! Ben would be so disappointed!
Gwen shrugged. "Can't have enough money these days, Mrs. P! Besides, that Journalism Bug and I are old friends from high school. It's groovy. Maybe I'm not much for news but those Features sweep me away. I love the yarns I spin."
"She and Peter make quite the team that way as well. Has Peter shown you their other stories? They make for good reading. One can never have enough career paths." Stacy mulled over that last thought. Considering he's a student, photographer and Spider-Man.
"I suppose." May sighed. Despite Protestations, Memoria treated her to Pleasant Thoughts. Recollection brought back nice dinners with her husband's co-workers both in Forest Hills and the farm up north. "Those people deserve something like that." Smile broke through Morose's Overcast.
"Mrs. Parker?" Surprise turned her back toward the elderly guest. "That's sure right on. I'm sorry. Do you know those folks?"
"Ben met two of them at the plant. Bob and Ray Campbell. They were so polite and well mannered. It is a small world." Aunt May rubbed her chin. "I asked your friend, Kelly, about them. They're her father and uncle."
"That's so groovy! Wait until Peter hears!" Enthusiasm sparkled in her eyes and grin. "Now, I *really* have reason to put some umph in this meal! By the way, did you meet any Duboises up there? Those folks are really nice." Even if Mr. Dubois' other is creepy. Come on, Girl! He did save your life!
"The name isn't familiar. We did meet this nice couple right next door to the Campbell Farm. Their farm was supposed to be the oldest in that village. Blackwell, I think? My word! It's been so long. The woman and I used to knit and crochet together. Ben, Bob and Mr. Blackwell used to go fishing all the time at this small lake. Good heavens! They called it a pond."
"Palmer Pond. They showed it to us." Stacy puffed once more on his pipe. "They are good people, May. They most certainly took care of Peter and Gwen." He motioned toward Sauce Pot. "The spices in that pot, if I'm right, came from that farmhouse. Perhaps we can verify with the Duboises."
May scratched her head. "They didn't grow herbs though. They had corn all right. I don't remember a large vegetable garden. I remember a few falls with Mrs. Blackwell at the County Fair. She and her daughter took home more blue ribbons for their crafts, pies and the girl's horseback riding. I'd love to do that again!"
"Well, the door's open at the farm. We've got a standing invitation. I can give a holler and see if that magic place's ready to go." Gwen heard a knock at the door. "Now I wonder….?" She walked over to the door and peered out. "Well, good afternoon, Mr. P! Follow that sauce up the street, did you?" Eyebrow arched.
Peter shrugged. "How can I not, Kid? Nose to Taste Buds, I am under its spell and yours." Amor played out across his lips and onto her cheek. "Besides, I bear surprises! That's why I'm late."
"Oh? Such as?" Stacy raised an eyebrow. Intrigue played out across his mind. "You managed to get into the closed off section of the Met?" He watched May's hand cover her face.
"Peter! You didn't get hurt, did you? You know how fragile you are!" May shook her head. She stood and walked up to her nephew. Relief lightened her mood at the lack of bruises or injuries. "You shouldn't take such chances. You mind me! I hope that nice Ms. Mercado might have something for Gwen and you both while you're in college."
"She hinted at it." Peter hung up his coat. "Gwen, how'd you like to write another piece on Wabash? Ms. Mercado and Robbie are open to it. She mentioned a county fair up there. Sounds great to me."
"They still have it there? My word! Peter, that would be so much fun!" Aunt May exhaled a deep breath. "I was just telling Mr. Stacy and Gwendolyn about your Uncle Ben's and my experiences up there. You remember my blue ribbon? That was up there. I wish you could take me with you."
"Done. We'll talk to our friends and see what we can do. You should meet Reverend Caldwell. He'd probably remember that. He's been in that post for thirty-five years. The lady that healed Gwen in Eagle Plain has a wall full of ribbons for horseback riding." He kissed his Aunt's cheek. "It seemed familiar when Mr. Dubois and I were riding around up there. He took me to Cherry Plain and then by Baumann Orchards."
Aunt May's eyes lit up. "I should say so!" Smile and Sparkle lit her eyes. "You only ate your weight in that place's berries one summer. You were such a scamp! Ah!" Chuckle escaped her. "You were covered in purple juice! What a scene! That nice Mr. Baumann got you all cleaned up. He didn't even charge us. Your Uncle Ben couldn't help himself. He couldn't stop laughing. Ah, Peter!"
"Oh really?" Mischief raised Gwen's eyebrow at her boyfriend. "Care to share, Mr. P?" Snort lilted from her. She drained Water from Pasta. Then, she mixed Sauce into it and put it back on Stove's heat. "Maybe we'd need to follow up on that?" Teasing jabbed at him.
Peter frowned. Ambiance wanted Positivity not Humiliating Past. "Maybe. That orchard came up actually. You'll have your chance." Embarrassment streaked Crimson across his cheeks. "I remember being chased by bees…."
"Wasps, Peter. Mr. Baumann got you into the storeroom just in time. Land sakes!" Aunt May rolled her eyes. "When you find trouble, you find it." She waved Index Finger at him.
"Sorry, Aunt May. I was a kid. Those blueberries were so good! I just remember those pancakes and the pie. Mmm…wow!" Dreamy Smile took over Peter's face. Remembered Taste flooded his mouth and taste buds.
"I would hope you'd remember them." Aunt May shook her head. "You certainly ate enough." Eyes twinkled. "Maybe after dinner, we could call and find out?"
"That's the plan, Good Merry People!" Gwen set Salad's bowl, Garlic Bread and Pasta out for Consumption's pleasure. "Sit down and share! There's plenty!" She rubbed Peter's arm. I'm glad you didn't get all bruised up with that guy at the Met!
Good Food and Company elevated any mood it seemed…