Chapter 7
Alan was uncharacteristically cheerful as ate his breakfast.
"My, you're in a good mood," said Alan's mother.
Alan nodded. "I made a new friend last week."
"Cerl," she said.
"How did you know Mom?" asked Alan, dumbfounded.
She rested her chin on her hands. "In a small town people talk."
Alan quickly wolfed down the rest of his porridge.
"Are you going out to meet her?" she inquired.
"Yeah," said Alan.
"Well say hello to her for me," said Alan's mother.
Alan got off his chair and hugged her.
She handed him a small bundle. "Your father sent you this."
Alan carefully untied the small oblong bundle, revealing a black lacquered recorder. He tried to play on it and produced a high pitched squeaking sound. He frowned and adjusted the reed.
"He's not coming back is he?" asked Alan eventually.
His mother tried to stop the tears. "Oh Alan."
Alan hugged her again. "It's okay Mom, I'll look after you."
She cried on his shoulder. Alan started to sniffle. She gently pushed him away and looked him in the eyes.
"I'm sorry Alan, there just aren't any opportunities in Carmen," she said.
"I know," said Alan miserably, "But it isn't fair!"
She shook her head. "No it isn't."
He slumped in his chair and sighed. She ruffled his hair.
"Go out and play Alan."
He got up and left. She looked out of the window and saw him run up to meet a blond haired girl.
"One day you'll have to leave too Alan," she murmured.
Outside Cerl gaped at the recorder. "What is that?"
"It's a recorder," he replied, "It makes music."
"Can you show me?" she asked.
Alan laughed uncomfortably. "I haven't practiced on it yet."
Her golden eyes met his. "Please?"
"Okay, if you promise to come with me," replied Alan.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"My secret base," he said gesturing for her to follow.
They went through the town gates down the main road. As they made their way along the path, Cerl looked up the mountainside to see Tock.
"Is that my home?" she asked, clutching Alan's arm fearfully.
"Not anymore, Cerl," said Alan as he followed her gaze, "Carmen's your home now."
They continued down the path until they reached the holiday tree. Cerl looked over the ruined foundations near the tree with interest.
"There is a village here?" she asked.
"A long time ago," responded Alan as he clambered up the trunk of the tree.
Cerl walked under the tree and stared up at him.
"Here, catch!" yelled Alan.
Fruit rained down on Cerl. She managed to catch a few but most hit the ground. Alan dropped to the ground with a smirk.
"Alan!" snapped Cerl.
"Sorry!" he said, holding up his hands.
She gave him the holiday fruit. He handed one of them back to her.
"Try one," he suggested.
She sniffed it suspiciously. "It smells sweet."
"It's good," said Alan, his mouth already full.
She took a delicate bite. "It's delicious Alan!"
Alan smiled "I'm glad you like it."
"Why is Alan so nice to Cerl?" she asked looking off to the side.
Alan sighed. "I-I like you Cerl."
She blushed. "You like Cerl?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
"I like you too Alan," she replied thoughtfully.
Alan had finished his first fruit and was busy on his second.
"But you know," she added, "I'll marry Alan when I grow up."
She kissed him on the cheek. He dropped the half-eaten fruit and turned beet red. She then devoured her fruit in two bites.