Growing Up
Author's Note: Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright!!!!! Here we go! I am really pumped up right now! The Lord has set me on FIYA!!!
Harvestboy2001: Love ya, love ya, love ya! Awesome job with those Christian fics! Would read your other ones but I have no idea what Chrono Cross is! I know I'm soooooo not informed. . . Well, congrats! Love ya, once again!
Disclaimer (which was carelessly and inexcusably forgotten last time) : I do not own a Beatles CD, a cat, a dance hall, a hibiscus print tee shirt, a chicken, a million dollars, or a limosine (sp.). Do you still think I own Harvest Moon?
~oOoOoOo~
My dad started drinking when I turned eleven. I remember the very first night when he came home drunk. I had been asleep, but who could get any shut-eye while a screaming match went on between my parents? I hadn't known what to do. I prayed and prayed to the goddess, but nothing seemed to get better that night. I rocked back and forth on my bed in a little ball until the screaming suddenly stopped. Dad had passed out, and my mother, whose cheeks were stained with hot tears, had left him there on the carpet in the living room to sleep it off. She wouldn't have been able to lift him up, much less carry him to their bedroom, anyway.
It became easier for me to sleep during my parents' fights, because after a season and a half, my father's drunken nights were not uncommon. The bar received a visit from him at least twice a week. Sometimes, if the fights were louder than usual, I would climb out my window and creep into the wine cellar for the night. But Mother grew sort of accustomed to my dad's drunkenness, too. Now she either apologized for doing nothing or simply told him he should get to bed because he looked a little sick. After all, he wasn't always angry when he was drunk. He often came home drowsy and tired, and that was always best, besides the nights he didn't go to the bar.
After a while, I also got used to not thinking about it during the day. My friendships and relationships grew and increased in numbers instead.
Ann and I now did everything together, as a team. We made sure we saw and played with each other everyday, even in summer, when there was no school. Elli often joined us, too, adding a certain spunk to our silly games and girl talks. We sometimes played with Popuri and Maria, but those two remained a little distant. Popuri was still bubbly and friendly, but she didn't seem to like me or Ann. Maria stayed shy and stand-offish, so I never really got to know her too well.
The spring after I turned nine, Jeff and I started "going out," if you could call it that; we never actually WENT anywhere together. Actually, we only went out for about three weeks. We didn't even go out long enough for us to kiss! The reason for our break-up had mostly been Ann. At the time, she didn't have a boyfriend and was getting a little jealous. I couldn't stand to see her like that, so I broke up with Jeff and told her it hadn't really worked out. Jeff didn't seem to mind; I think he was getting a little crush on Maria.
There was also one incident during the summer of the year I was ten, when Ann went out with Harris for a week and a half. They had talked more when they weren't going out. Harris was actually the one that broke up with Ann, but my red-headed friend had been planning on dumping him anyway.
So our relationships were pretty unlucky. . .obviously. . .
I mostly forgot about Jack, the little boy who had visited a few summers ago. I don't know how I could ever forget my first kiss, but. . .I did. I also forgot about the time when me, him, and Elli buried that old, broken music box out in Pappy's field. We had made an elaborate little map and stuck it in the trunk of a gnarled old tree out by the water hole. I don't know how I could look at Bear, the dog Jack had left behind for Pappy, and not remember the boy. I saw that old wine cellar we'd been trapped in everyday, and still I could not remember. So, that whole summer we had spent together was basically erased from my memory.
The large Book Pappy had given to Jack to give to me was also forgotten, unfortunately. I lost it before that summer even ended! So, needless to say, I certainly didn't remember it now.
~oOo~
Now it was the first day of Autumn, and I was twelve years old. It was the first day of sixth grade, as well as Elli's birthday. I felt so bad for her; who would want to have their birthday on the first day of school?
I looked around the classroom, which was really the tiny sanctuary of the village church. Brother Jacobson, the reverend of the church, who also served as the school-teacher, stood at the blackboard scratching out the school rules. 'Geez,' I thought silently. 'Like we haven't heard this five billion times!' My eyes drifted around to glance at the various students in the class. They looked just about as bored as I was.
Ann had already begun our yearly tradition of flicking minute paper wads at Brother Jacobson. She now sat in her seat next to me at our table, lining up the little balls of paper, aiming, and firing. Every time she hit the reverend, he didn't seem to notice. This triggered stifled snickers amongst the other pupils.
Elli and Popuri shared a table with Maria, who was the only student in the class paying attention. Little Elli was spinning her ruler around slowly and carefully on her pencil with her free hand supporting her head and her elbow on the desk. The pink-haired girl next to her was glancing discreetly around the classroom, similarly to the way I was. When our eyes met, we exchanged smiles and a roll of the eyes in Brother Jacobson's direction. We stifled a laugh and then continued our examinations of the room.
Jeff, Gray, and Harris, who had long since ceased to be called the Three Hurricanes, were all seated at another table. Jeff, whose jet-black hair had been left to hang about his forehead, was just staring rather blankly in the direction of Popuri's table. His strange and unusual stillness gave me a chance to look at him. He was actually kind of cute, but I'd already had my little fling with him three years ago. Harris looked like he was asleep. So I skipped him and my eyes dashed for the orange-haired Gray, who was carving his name or something into the table in front of him. He was, by far, the cutest guy of the three, but I knew my chances with him were slim. It looked to me like he had his eyes set on Elli right now. So I turned back to Ann.
I tried to whisper to her. "This village could real - "
"Miss Mundell." I was interrupted by the pestered Brother Jacobson. He slapped the board with his pointer stick, and it was aimed at "#1" on the board. "'No talking during class,'" he read in an annoying voice. "Do you have a problem with this rule, Karen?"
I rolled my eyes a little, but Brother J didn't notice. "Nope."
"You mean 'No, sir'?" he asked, with a raise of his thin eyebrows.
I nodded stiffly and answered with a robotic voice. "No, sir."
Brother Jacobson stared at me for a moment, and then turned back to the blackboard. I tore a sheet of paper from my notebook and wrote Ann a note. "Hey!" I wrote in my bubbly, girlish handwriting. "As I was trying to say, this village could really use a couple more hotties!" I silently slid the paper in her direction on the table.
It took Ann a couple of seconds to read and write back before she passed the note back to me. "You're tellin' me!" it said. "We don't even have ONE!"
"Yeah, we do!" I scribbled, trying not to smile for fear that Brother J might see me. "And he's your brother! But if you tell him that I will shoot you! Ha ha ha!"
Ann stifled a giggle after a look of disgust. "Ick!" she wrote back.
After that, we had to stop because Brother Jacobson assigned us homework to work on. On the first day of school!
~oOo~
When I arrived at my home after school, my father was reading the newspaper on the couch and Mother was tidying up the living room. "Why are you cleaning?" I asked, dropping my small orange backpack by the stairwell.
My mother rolled her eyes hugely and nodded in Dad's direction. My father acknowledged the gesture by folding his newspaper and putting it down in his lap. "I've arranged for a hired hand to come help with the vineyard. . .tomorrow."
"But!" my mother pressed, scrubbing almost angrily on the table. "He's only thirteen years old!"
My heart lept in my chest, and my eyes widened, as did a huge smile across my face. "Really?!" I burst out. "He's only thirteen? Where is he from? How long is he staying? Is he going to live here? How are we going to - "
"Karen!" both my parents shouted in unison. "Karen," my mother continued softly. "Slow down! Yes, he's thirteen. He is from a small island south of America. I forget what it's called. He will live here as long as he wishes. We will pay him a good salary, and - "
"A good salary?" I almost exploded. "I work my butt off here and I don't even get an allowance!"
My parents eyed me and forced me to look away. "Now, Karen," my mother said with a tone.
'Oh, great!' I thought, almost rolling my eyes. 'Here comes the guilt trip.'
"You know the vineyard is in a tight spot." Mother's eyes stared me down sternly. "You should help out around here out of the goodness of your heart."
I wanted to say something like, "Oh, puh-leez!" but I kept my mouth shut.
For a second.
Then I said. "So he's coming tomorrow, is he?"
Once more, my mother hugely rolled her eyes as my father answered "yes" in an I'm-right-and-you're-wrong tone of voice.
I could barely keep from grinning as I ran frantically out the door. 'Yes!' I thought silently to myself. 'A new boy! Ooh, maybe he'll have one of those cute foreign accents! I can't wait!'
I darted for Green Ranch, where I blurted out the whole story to Ann, who was soon just as excited as I was. "Hopefully he's that cute guy we've been waiting for! Oh, this is gonna be so COOL!"
We giggled together.
On my way back home, I stopped to visit Pappy at Moonlit Farm. He gave me a hug, a gobstopper, and a few tickles on my ribs. I giggled and thanked him for the candy. "Any time, sweetheart!" he answered me in a sugary voice, ruffling my hair a bit.
"How is Bear?" I asked, referring to the semi-old dog that resided at Pappy's farm.
Pappy chuckled heartily and motioned to the fat little light brown dog who was snoring on the couch. "He's the fattest pup I've ever saw! But he's doin' just fine. Stayin' healthy!"
I smiled. "Well, see you later, Pappy!"
"Good-bye, sweetheart!"
~oOo~
The next morning, I was up at the crack of dawn. I bathed quickly in the shower and washed my hair hastily, leaving plenty of time to get dressed and style my hair carefully. After doing all of these and brushing my teeth, I stood in front of my full-length mirror to stare myself down. I NEEDED to impress this new guy. I knew the boy was in my house by now, and probably up already. Meaning I needed to get this done and leave some time to introduce myself and maybe squeeze in a little flirting.
Despite my thoughts on how I needed to rush, I took a moment to look at myself in the mirror. My semi-thick light brown hair was parted straight down the middle, leaving my two blond strands to curve slightly around my face. My emerald eyes were sharp and alert. I gave a smile, looking at my straight, white teeth. I wore a thin black jacket over my favorite purple vest and a thick brown belt with my casual jeans. I smoothed out my clothes a little, soon deciding that I was ready.
I nervously cracked my door open and peered downstairs. All I could see was Mother seated at the table, munching oatmeal, and Dad re-reading yesterday's paper on the couch. No new boy so far. . .
No, wait! Who was that, coming out of the guest room?
Ha! That was him!
I shut my door and gave myself a mental pep-talk. After tucking my fine hair behind my ears, I opened the door slowly and casually. I waited until I had made my way down the steps before acknowledging the boy with eye contact. 'Oh, my gosh!' I thought silently. 'Cutie alert!'
"You must be Miss Karen." The boy smiled a little and extended a friendly hand for me to shake.
I shook it shyly but replied with confidence. "Yep, that's me!" I grinned good-naturedly.
The foreign young man grinned back. "My name is Kai."
"Hello, Kai," I responded, feeling awfully ditzy and awkward.
The guy was beautiful. His dark, dark hair was hidden beneath a clever purple bandana. His shirt was clean, pure white, contrary to his jet black pants. He was maybe an inch or two taller than me, being a year older. The part I loved most about him was his dark black eyes. They were deep. . .really deep. And mysterious, too. Sadly, though, there was no cute foreign accent. "Hello, Miss Karen," Kai suddenly said, snapping me out of my careful examination.
I wondered if Kai would be attending school with me.
Thankfully, my mother answered the question. "Well, you two better be off to school!" she said, looking up from the kitchen sink. "It's almost eight o'clock."
I slowly detached my eyes from his and picked up my worn-out orange backpack. Bagless, he followed me with his hands behind his back. "Uh, I guess I'll walk with you," he said slowly. He looked up into my eyes and explained, "I don't know where anything is."
"That'd be fine," I said plainly, slowing my walk so he could walk beside me. The march to school was over fast, because the vineyard was so close. Along the way, though, I asked him questions about his homeland, wondering if he lived the city, maybe. He replied that his native island was home to a few cities, but those were mostly just tourist attractions. He said Americans loved going there. He told me the name of the place, but I forget what it is.
When we arrived at the tiny church building, Ann, Gray, Elli, and Popuri were already there. My red-headed friend nearly lept from her seat when Kai and I came through the front door! I began making introductions quickly. "Brother Jacobson," I said, causing the preacher's head to rise from his podium, "this is Kai. He'll be staying at the vineyard with my family as a hired hand. Kai, this is Brother Jacobson, our preacher and teacher."
Brother Jacobson spoke before Kai could. "We are verrrrrrrrrrrrrry glad to have you here, Mr. Kai!" he said gregariously, dragging out his word.
Kai nodded with a shy smile and responded with, "Thank you. I'm realllllllllllllllllllly glad to be here!" Strange, he actually didn't sound sarcastic, although I was sure the statement was meant to be smart- alecky! But Kai's friendly smile and warm greeting had proved me wrong.
Ann cleared her throat loudly, signalling that I should introduce him to HER now. "A-a-a-ah-ahem!"
I couldn't contain a bubbly smile. "Kai!" I said enthusiastically. "This is my best friend Ann! Ann, this is Kai. He will be staying with us at the vineyard as a hired ha - " I repeated what I had said to Brother J, knowing Ann would interrupt me.
Which she did. "Hello, Kai!" she said happily, extending her hand before he could.
"Nice to meet you, Ann." Kai shook it with a friendly attitude.
With that, I continued to introduce him to Elli, Popuri, and Gray, as well as Maria, Harris, and Jeff as they arrived at school. It seemed EVERYONE wanted to talk to Kai. . .about his homeland, his family back home, his foreign friends, his ferry ride to Flower Bud, and anything else you can imagine. It wasn't until Brother Jacobson tapped on his podium and demanded order that the young man took his seat at a table with the other three boys. Ann and I sat in our usual spot: second column, first row!
Unusually, Ann and I did not flick paper wads today. We were both trying to pay attention, who knows why, probably to make a good impression on Kai, but we failed miserably. Soon enough, both of us were doodling in our notebooks and writing silly notes to each other.
The school day seemed to last for an eternity. But when it ended, Brother Jacobson sent Kai home with an entire armload of books and notepads. The walk home with Kai was a little awkward. I offered to help carry his books, and he accepted with a grateful smile. After that, though, I couldn't think of anything to talk about. I decided to just drop off my backpack and books and head over to Green Ranch. Things were just too awkward with Kai, and I wanted to talk to my best friend about it.
~oOo~
After that week, I became extremely comfortable around Kai. He stayed in the tiny, tiny "guest room" of our house, which used to be a little storage closet. Some days after school, he would casually walk into the living room and watch TV with me on the couch. He was polite at all times; never rude or cruel. I liked him more each day, and so did Ann, who began walking home with us after school and playing games with us at my house. We went to the beach once that week, when the sun was shining bright, with Gray, and he would tag along with us when we went to the forest or the mountain. I think he was trying to protect Ann. Gray has always been her body guard, especially with unfamiliar people around. Nevertheless, I think Gray was starting to warm up to Kai.
It was now the tenth of Fall, a humid, dreary Wednesday afternoon. Kai, Ann, Gray, and I were going to the goddess spring on an errand. Mr. Green wanted us to drop a large mushroom in the pond as an offering to the goddess. Hardly anyone gave offerings anymore, just Doug Green, Mayor Thomas, his wife, Granny Ellen, and, of course, Brother Jacobson.
Our little errand made me think about Kai's confused expression in church last Sunday. Brother Jacobson rambled on about puzzling "ways of the goddess" and "the goddess's great miracles that we all see each day." When I'd asked Kai about his religion, he had replied simply. "I have no 'religion,'" he had said, holding up his fingers in quotation marks. I found this fact about Kai somewhat odd, but brushed it aside and allowed it to be forgotten.
As we slowly approached the pond, Ann said, "Did you see Harris and Maria staring at each other all through class today?"
I giggled and nodded as Kai said, "Yeah, that was odd."
Gray looked at us quizzically. "Didn't you hear?" he asked, pulling the humongous mushroom his father had given him from his pocket. "Harris asked Maria to the Harvest Festival this Friday." He plopped the mushroom into the pond, causing a small splash and large, round ripples in the water.
We were silent for a moment. "You know, my great-grandfather wrote in his diary of tales that the goddess would rise from the pond when an offering was given and grant you a wish."
Kai's eyebrows raised in interest, but I remained silent. I hated hearing about these "tales." They just didn't click with me. If the stories really were true, and the goddess really did rise from the pond. . .then why didn't she ever come out anymore?
I brushed the thought aside and looked at Ann, who continued quietly. "My dad says the goddess did great things for this village when my great- granddaddy was alive."
Once again, I wondered why the goddess never did anything great for the village anymore. 'Where is she now, when I need her?' I questioned silently.
Kai shrugged without a sound when we began to walk away, back to Green Ranch. Then his brow furrowed inquisitively and he asked, "What was that you said about a Harvest Festival?"
Ann answered quickly, before Gray had a chance. "It's a big party we have every year on the twelth of Autumn to celebrate the harvest. There's food, dancing, and next year's king is chosen! I hope it's my daddy!"
Gray rolled his eyes. "Sis, Dad was king last year."
I said nothing. My dad was never king. My dad never even came to the festivals.
I think Gray and Ann sensed my hardened expression, because they became deathly quiet. Kai seemed to get the picture, having been present at the drunken freak show at my house a few nights before. As usual, my father had arrived home dangerously drunk, precisely at midnight. There was lots of screaming between my parents, and many different arguments arose as the night wore on. I hadn't been able to sleep, wondering what Kai thought of me and my family now. But in the morning, as we walked to school, he had seemed as friendly as ever.
Ann decided to break the tense silence that hung over our heads. "Anyways, all the guys are supposed to ask girls to come with them." Pause. "Like a. . .date!"
"Dun-dun-dun!" Gray added playfully.
"Who are you going to ask?" Kai looked at Gray inquisitively.
Gray blushed a deep, dark pink and shrugged coolly. "I'dunno."
Kai grinned. "So there's dancing, you say?" he asked after a brief pause.
I nodded proudly, breaking my silence. "Yup! That's my favoritest part!"
Laughing, Kai answered me in an equally boastful voice. "Well, that's great, 'cause I'm not too bad of a dancer."
I blushed. Was he hinting something?
"Karen's not so bad herself." Ann nudged me playfully with her elbow.
"Well, neither are you, Ann!" I elbowed her back.
"Oh, come on, Karen," Ann said with a wide grin, "we all know you're better."
"Yeah." Gray piped up. "You're better than all of us put together."
Kai stretched out his arms and cracked his knuckles boastfully. "Well, we'll just have to see about that, now won't we?"
~oOo~
The next day at school was so incredibly nerve racking. I knew this was the day. . .today was the guys' last chance to ask a girl to the Harvest Festival. It was already clear that Maria was going with Harris, and it was later discovered that Jeff had bravely asked Popuri. Now was the hard part: there were three girls and only two guys left. That meant one of us would have to go without a date. I cringed. What if I was that girl?
The situation looked hopeless. I was pretty confident that Gray was going for Elli. That narrows it down to Kai, who would have to choose between Ann and me. As much as I hated to admit it, I knew Kai fancied Ann over me. Her confidence, flare, spirit, beauty, and sensitivity all combined to form the perfect match for Kai.
Outside, at lunch that day, I "overheard" Gray asking Elli to the festival. She quickly said yes and blushed deep red. I grimaced. Oh, no.
In the second half of the school day, Kai passed Ann a note. Of course, I couldn't read it, but it looked too short for him to be asking her to the festival in it. I just kept telling myself that, trying to keep my spirits up for the rest of the day.
After school, when all the students thundered noisily away from the church, Ann suspiciously announced that she needed to run an errand on the mountain for her father. Kai didn't seem to find it as conspicuous as I thought it was. Then, later that day, Kai said he "needed to go for a walk on the mountain to get some fresh air."
Then I knew. Then I knew that I was all alone. And I would be terribly by myself at the festival. 'Great,' I thought. 'This is just great.'
Sure enough, Ann came thundering up the stairs to my bedroom around five o'clock that evening. "Karen!" she shrieked. "Karen, Karen, Karen! Kai asked me to the Harvest Festival!"
I tried to smile, and Ann didn't catch my weak expression. I was glad she didn't see me dying inside. "That's great, Ann!" I was trying so hard to be happy and enthusiastic for my best friend. She would do the same for me.
Ann simply beamed. After she had rattled for a bit about how wonderful and cute and charming Kai was, she gave me a hug and left.
Hot tears began to flow down my cheeks and onto the pillows on my bed. Reality was sinking in. I was going to be so sad and lonely at my very favorite festival! I was so angry at everyone. I was angry at Gray and Kai because they hadn't asked me to the festival. I was angry at Ann because she didn't even sympathize with me at all. I was mad at my mother because she never came up to comfort me. I was mad at my father because he didn't care. I was mad at Mayor Thomas for allowing this stupid festival. I was mad at Maria and Elli and Popuri because they had dates.
I was just sooo mad.
After an hour of crying, I told my mother I didn't want any dinner and stormed off to the beach to be alone. No one ever went to the beach in Autumn. I figured I'd be just fine over there. I curled myself up into a ball on the end of the dock, hugging my legs tightly and burying my face hard into my knees. My messed-up hair hung all around my head and knees sloppily, but I didn't care. I was heart-broken.
Soon enough, I heard footsteps behind me, but I didn't look up. I didn't want to see anyone right now. I just wanted to. . .I just wanted to. . .to cry. By myself.
However, my feelings changed when I heard a familiar voice call me by the very same endearment that he always had. "Sweetheart," Pappy said in a soothing tone of voice.
I let out a sob. "Hi, Pappy," I muttered, face still buried deep in my knees.
"You know, I wanted to ask you something."
I couldn't see, but I sensed Pappy taking a seat on the wooden dock just behind me. "W-what?" I said between sighs.
"Well, you're so beautiful and sweet and caring, and so positively radiant with love. . .I thought I might try to ask you to the Harvest Festival tomorrow."
I finally looked up, feeling steamy tears streaming down my red face. "Oh, Pappy." The old man was smiling warmly in a kneeling position behind me. I turned around and said, "You're just saying that because Kai didn't ask me, and I'm the only girl without a date."
Pappy closed his eyes, frowned slightly, and shook his head. "Naw. I was actually thinking you'd be upset because Little Elli is going with Gray."
I nodded and admitted that I was upset. "But. . .Ann is going with Kai."
"Oh, and you like this Kai, don't you?"
"Yes." I paused. "But don't tell anyone, ok?"
Pappy smiled good-naturedly. "I won't. I promise."
I couldn't help but smile back, despite my tears. After a long silence, I finally asked, "Do you really want to go with me?"
"Absolutely!" Pappy chuckled and hugged me. "Who wouldn't?"
"Apparently Kai and Gray."
"Oh, don't you worry about them!" Pappy playfully hoisted me onto his shoulders with ease. I giggled, feeling all my sadness wash away in Pappy's fun-loving chuckle. "They won't be having as much fun as us!"
~oOo~
"Karen!"
"In a second, Mother!"
"Well, I'm going to go ahead and go," my mother called up the stairs. "I'm supposed to help set up. Can you go by yourself?"
"Yes," I called back down to her.
"By the way, dear," she said, softening her tone, "who are you going with?"
I winced at the remembrance of yesterday's tears, but then smiled, thinking of Pappy's comforting laugh. "I'm going with Pappy."
Mother laughed good-naturedly. "Good choice, hon. He's the best guy around!" she joked. After that, I heard the front door open and then shut behind her.
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I looked pretty decent. Instead of shorts or jeans, I wore a charming denim skirt that just barely covered my knees, and in place of my famous purple vest was a cool dark purple shirt with elbow-length sleeves and a small slit in the center of the collar. I wore cute sandals that revealed my freshly painted toenails and a stylish, glittery anklet. Around my neck was the beautiful silver necklace I only wore at festivals: the necklace that had belonged to my precious grandmother. I had added some sparkly glitter to my hair, and it shimmered and shone when I moved. I smiled. I looked pretty good.
"DING-DONG!" came the noisy ring of the doorbell. I hurried downstairs to answer it and found Pappy looking pretty stylish with half a dozen pink roses in hand.
"Pappy!" I nearly screamed excitedly.
The old man grinned broadly. "These are for you, sweetheart," he said, holding out the roses for me to grab.
"Oh, Pappy!" I shrieked. "Pink roses! My favorite! How did you know?"
"Oh, I've got my sources." Pappy winked playfully. "Well, don't you look lovely, Miss Mundell!"
I giggled. "You look nice, too, Pappy," I said. "Here, let me find a vase to put these in." I dashed to the kitchen and rummaged through the cabinets before finding a decorative jar to put the dazzling pink roses in. When I came back to the front door, Pappy held out his arm, and I took it with a smile.
Upon arrival at the town square, everything had been set up beautifully. I wondered how those cherry blossom trees kept their beauty for three seasons a year as I looked around at the wonderful pink atmosphere. Many tables had been set up around the perimeter, sporting what I knew to be delicious vegetables, fruits, cakes, pies, and drinks. There were people milling about all over the place, and every one of them looked wonderful.
Searching the crowd, the first person I spotted was Popuri, her pink curls bouncing joyfully behind her as she hopped up and down excitedly next to Jeff, who just grinned and grinned. Harris and Maria, as I soon discovered, were just enjoying each other's company at a veggie table. Maria's dark black hair had been pulled up into a pretty bun, giving extra emphasis to her angelic face. It didn't take me long to spot Elli and Gray having quite a time practicing their dancing. Elli looked simply radiant, her short brown hair twirling about her face as she spun around and around, her hand holding Gray's above their heads. Her brand new, long, pretty dress shone with color as it twirled similarly to her hair. And then there was Kai and Ann, eating white cake at the bakery booth. Ann was beautiful. Her hair was actually down for once, stretching past her shoulder blades in dazzling red curls. She wore a pretty sundress that emphasized her sparkling blue eyes, displaying happiness all over.
"I think I might like some chocolate cake right about now," Pappy said, interrupting me from my thoughts. He rubbed his round tummy with his old wrinkled hand, looking down at me with a smile.
I grinned. "No, no, no," I said. "You must save room for the coin cake!"
Pappy chuckled. "I guess you're right. After all, that old Doug Green mustn't beat me again!"
I laughed with him. "Look at the strawberries!" I cried. "Mmm. . ." It was my turn to rub my tummy. "I love strawberries."
"Oh, yes, I know." Pappy took my arm once more, and we walked over to the fruit table. All the fruits looked so juicy and plump, I couldn't resist. I quickly grabbed a couple of strawberries and a small yellow pear. "Guess you're hungry, are you sweetheart?"
I nodded. "Mm-hm," I said through a mouthful of strawberry. Pappy grabbed a few himself and the both of us munched happily. Everyone just ate and drank and enjoyed each other's company for hours on end. The sun was starting to set when Granny Ellen made her entrance.
Granny Ellen cleared her throat as Mayor Thomas handed her an old microphone. Everyone looked her way as she smiled excitedly. "Alright, I've got a great lot of cakes here, and only one has our prized King Coin in it! Come on down, all you old men!" Everyone laughed. "Who will be next year's king? Only the cake can decide! Alright, all men who wish to participate should form a single file line directly in front of me. Here we go!"
"Go on Pappy!" I shouted over all the noise of the villagers clammering to be in the line. "You can be the king!"
Pappy laughed. "Alright, sweetheart, here I go!" Pappy slowly jogged up to the line and found his place behind Mr. Green.
I searched the crowd and finally found Ann. I hurried over to stand by her. "Hello, Ann!" I said happily.
"Hi, Karen," my friend greeted warmly. "So you've got Pappy as your date, huh?"
I nodded, proving to her that I could be happy at my favorite festival without some young punk for a date.
"That's so cool!" Ann surprised me. "I'm glad you aren't mad at me for going with Kai."
I shook my head. "Naw. Pappy is better anyway."
We giggled.
"Oh!" Ann suddenly screeched. "My dad is going up to eat his cake!"
Sure enough, Doug Green had picked out his piece of creamy white cake and was now stuffing it into his mouth. Everyone laughed when he swallowed, coinless, and grabbed the microphone. "This is crazy!" he shouted jokingly. "I must have swallowed it or something!" The whole village roared with laughter.
"Here goes Pappy!" I said, excited.
The old man picked out a big, honkin' piece of cake and munched on it bite by bite. The entire village cheered when he pulled a small gold coin out of his mouth and held it up for the whole crowd to see. Mayor Thomas handed him the microphone, and Pappy said, "Finally I've beat that old Green!" Laughter filled the square again. "What are we waiting for? Let's dance for cryin' out loud!"
The crowd cheered. Mayor Thomas informed Pappy that the King got the first choice for dancing. "Who would you like to dance with, Farmer Tandley?"
"Well, my sweetheart, of course!" Pappy declared into the microphone. "Miss Karen Mundell, would you like to dance?"
I giggled and blushed as everyone turned to look at me. I answered with unfaltered confidence, though, "Oh, yeah!" Everyone in the square laughed as I jogged in Pappy's direction.
After the noise died down, Mayor Thomas announced that everyone else should pick their partner now. Needless to say, all the kids my age picked their date. Mayor Thomas chose his wife, of course, and the florist Lillia danced with her husband Basil. I felt sorry for my mother, who stood aside with Granny Ellen and Mr. Green. Once again, my father was a no-show. 'Great,' I thought. 'My mother is alone on her favorite festival.'
But my glum expression washed right off as the music started and Pappy grabbed my hand to pull me out onto the dance floor. All the non-dancing watchers began to clap along with the music. Pappy and I put our hands on our hips and faced each other on the dance floor, as did everyone else. On the cue the cheerful song gave, everyone started prancing to their right, finding themselves in front of someone else. I found myself in front of Jeff. When we went left, I was facing Kai. I blushed deep pink. After dancing backward and forward, Pappy and I twirled, then threw a playful wink at each other. Pappy was a great dancer, but I have to admit that I was better. I had been born with the gift of dancing, and how I loved it!
We all danced a couple more songs after that, before the Mayor informed the village that it was time to go home. Indeed, the sun had set, and the stars were now twinkling in the bright night sky. How I loved those beautiful Autumn night skies.
As my mother stayed behind to help clean up the square, Pappy walked me home. For an instant I wished that I had really had a date that day. But I tried not to focus on it as Pappy offered to stay over until Mother got home. I gratefully accepted his offer and invited him. I was extremely embaressed when we walked in the house to find my father snoring loudly on the sofa. But Pappy didn't seem to mind. "Ah, that old bum!" he joked as he shook Dad awake.
Thankfully, my father was in a good mood. "Hello, you two!" he greeted us happily.
"You missed a great festival, Daddy!" I said, as he gave me a bear hug. I savored the moment. I loved it when my father was this happy and cheerful. He could sometimes go an entire week in this lovely mood until something destroyed it. I brushed the thought aside and returned my father's giant hug.
"Did I?" he asked. "I'm sorry, Kare-bear."
I knew he was sincere by the sudden lack of shine in his eyes. "It's alright, but Mother didn't look so happy."
"Was she angry?" Dad asked after a brief pause.
"I don't think so," I answered. "Just sad."
Daddy swallowed hard. "I'll have to make it up to her." There was a long and awkward silence. Finally my dad said, "So how are you doing, Joe?"
"I am doing just fine, Mr. Mundell! Animals are stayin' healthy, and the farm is doing great. I do love this fine season. Lots of fresh mushrooms, and boy, do I love it when I get all those eggplants!" Pappy laughed heartily.
"That's great." My father yawned. "I think I'll turn in, Karen. But I want you to know that I will make it up to your mother."
I was shocked. Daddy had never been in such a pleasant mood. I hoped he stayed like this for a long, long, long time. "Ok, Daddy," I said, not able to contain a huge smile. Pappy sensed my happiness and gave me a hug good-bye. He shook my father's hand and bid him a nice farewell also.
After Pappy left, I ran into my father's arms and couldn't hold back hopeful tears. "Karen," my father said, obviously surprised. "What's wrong?"
"Daddy, please stay this way!" I blurted suddenly. After that, my words slurred together in a stream of emotion. "Please, Daddy, don't ever get drunk again! I love you, Daddy! Please stay this way!"
"Oh, Karen." My father could not hide his tears. "Karen, I am so sorry."
I buried my face in my father's chest and let my hopeful tears flow. "Just don't ever drink again, please, Daddy!"
"Oh, Karen. . ." my daddy stroked my hair. "I promise. I promise. I promise," he repeated over and over, cradling me in his arms.
My mother gasped and dropped her purse and coat when she walked in the door and found us this way. Dad quickly explained what had happened, and my mother cried tears of joy. "Oh, Gotz! Gotz, thank you so much."
"Honey, I'm sorry you were so alone at the festival," Daddy blurted, embracing my mother as well.
My mother said nothing after this, just squeezed Daddy tight.
~oOo~
The next night, my father took Mother out for a night on the town. Kai and I stayed at the Greens' with Ann and Gray. I promise I smiled the whole time. I was so happy. Everything was working out just right.
~oOoOoOo~
A/N: I loved this chapter! It took me soooooo long to write though! I'm really sorry! Please review! I love y'all so much! MWAH!
Author's Note: Alright, alright, alright, alright, alright!!!!! Here we go! I am really pumped up right now! The Lord has set me on FIYA!!!
Harvestboy2001: Love ya, love ya, love ya! Awesome job with those Christian fics! Would read your other ones but I have no idea what Chrono Cross is! I know I'm soooooo not informed. . . Well, congrats! Love ya, once again!
Disclaimer (which was carelessly and inexcusably forgotten last time) : I do not own a Beatles CD, a cat, a dance hall, a hibiscus print tee shirt, a chicken, a million dollars, or a limosine (sp.). Do you still think I own Harvest Moon?
~oOoOoOo~
My dad started drinking when I turned eleven. I remember the very first night when he came home drunk. I had been asleep, but who could get any shut-eye while a screaming match went on between my parents? I hadn't known what to do. I prayed and prayed to the goddess, but nothing seemed to get better that night. I rocked back and forth on my bed in a little ball until the screaming suddenly stopped. Dad had passed out, and my mother, whose cheeks were stained with hot tears, had left him there on the carpet in the living room to sleep it off. She wouldn't have been able to lift him up, much less carry him to their bedroom, anyway.
It became easier for me to sleep during my parents' fights, because after a season and a half, my father's drunken nights were not uncommon. The bar received a visit from him at least twice a week. Sometimes, if the fights were louder than usual, I would climb out my window and creep into the wine cellar for the night. But Mother grew sort of accustomed to my dad's drunkenness, too. Now she either apologized for doing nothing or simply told him he should get to bed because he looked a little sick. After all, he wasn't always angry when he was drunk. He often came home drowsy and tired, and that was always best, besides the nights he didn't go to the bar.
After a while, I also got used to not thinking about it during the day. My friendships and relationships grew and increased in numbers instead.
Ann and I now did everything together, as a team. We made sure we saw and played with each other everyday, even in summer, when there was no school. Elli often joined us, too, adding a certain spunk to our silly games and girl talks. We sometimes played with Popuri and Maria, but those two remained a little distant. Popuri was still bubbly and friendly, but she didn't seem to like me or Ann. Maria stayed shy and stand-offish, so I never really got to know her too well.
The spring after I turned nine, Jeff and I started "going out," if you could call it that; we never actually WENT anywhere together. Actually, we only went out for about three weeks. We didn't even go out long enough for us to kiss! The reason for our break-up had mostly been Ann. At the time, she didn't have a boyfriend and was getting a little jealous. I couldn't stand to see her like that, so I broke up with Jeff and told her it hadn't really worked out. Jeff didn't seem to mind; I think he was getting a little crush on Maria.
There was also one incident during the summer of the year I was ten, when Ann went out with Harris for a week and a half. They had talked more when they weren't going out. Harris was actually the one that broke up with Ann, but my red-headed friend had been planning on dumping him anyway.
So our relationships were pretty unlucky. . .obviously. . .
I mostly forgot about Jack, the little boy who had visited a few summers ago. I don't know how I could ever forget my first kiss, but. . .I did. I also forgot about the time when me, him, and Elli buried that old, broken music box out in Pappy's field. We had made an elaborate little map and stuck it in the trunk of a gnarled old tree out by the water hole. I don't know how I could look at Bear, the dog Jack had left behind for Pappy, and not remember the boy. I saw that old wine cellar we'd been trapped in everyday, and still I could not remember. So, that whole summer we had spent together was basically erased from my memory.
The large Book Pappy had given to Jack to give to me was also forgotten, unfortunately. I lost it before that summer even ended! So, needless to say, I certainly didn't remember it now.
~oOo~
Now it was the first day of Autumn, and I was twelve years old. It was the first day of sixth grade, as well as Elli's birthday. I felt so bad for her; who would want to have their birthday on the first day of school?
I looked around the classroom, which was really the tiny sanctuary of the village church. Brother Jacobson, the reverend of the church, who also served as the school-teacher, stood at the blackboard scratching out the school rules. 'Geez,' I thought silently. 'Like we haven't heard this five billion times!' My eyes drifted around to glance at the various students in the class. They looked just about as bored as I was.
Ann had already begun our yearly tradition of flicking minute paper wads at Brother Jacobson. She now sat in her seat next to me at our table, lining up the little balls of paper, aiming, and firing. Every time she hit the reverend, he didn't seem to notice. This triggered stifled snickers amongst the other pupils.
Elli and Popuri shared a table with Maria, who was the only student in the class paying attention. Little Elli was spinning her ruler around slowly and carefully on her pencil with her free hand supporting her head and her elbow on the desk. The pink-haired girl next to her was glancing discreetly around the classroom, similarly to the way I was. When our eyes met, we exchanged smiles and a roll of the eyes in Brother Jacobson's direction. We stifled a laugh and then continued our examinations of the room.
Jeff, Gray, and Harris, who had long since ceased to be called the Three Hurricanes, were all seated at another table. Jeff, whose jet-black hair had been left to hang about his forehead, was just staring rather blankly in the direction of Popuri's table. His strange and unusual stillness gave me a chance to look at him. He was actually kind of cute, but I'd already had my little fling with him three years ago. Harris looked like he was asleep. So I skipped him and my eyes dashed for the orange-haired Gray, who was carving his name or something into the table in front of him. He was, by far, the cutest guy of the three, but I knew my chances with him were slim. It looked to me like he had his eyes set on Elli right now. So I turned back to Ann.
I tried to whisper to her. "This village could real - "
"Miss Mundell." I was interrupted by the pestered Brother Jacobson. He slapped the board with his pointer stick, and it was aimed at "#1" on the board. "'No talking during class,'" he read in an annoying voice. "Do you have a problem with this rule, Karen?"
I rolled my eyes a little, but Brother J didn't notice. "Nope."
"You mean 'No, sir'?" he asked, with a raise of his thin eyebrows.
I nodded stiffly and answered with a robotic voice. "No, sir."
Brother Jacobson stared at me for a moment, and then turned back to the blackboard. I tore a sheet of paper from my notebook and wrote Ann a note. "Hey!" I wrote in my bubbly, girlish handwriting. "As I was trying to say, this village could really use a couple more hotties!" I silently slid the paper in her direction on the table.
It took Ann a couple of seconds to read and write back before she passed the note back to me. "You're tellin' me!" it said. "We don't even have ONE!"
"Yeah, we do!" I scribbled, trying not to smile for fear that Brother J might see me. "And he's your brother! But if you tell him that I will shoot you! Ha ha ha!"
Ann stifled a giggle after a look of disgust. "Ick!" she wrote back.
After that, we had to stop because Brother Jacobson assigned us homework to work on. On the first day of school!
~oOo~
When I arrived at my home after school, my father was reading the newspaper on the couch and Mother was tidying up the living room. "Why are you cleaning?" I asked, dropping my small orange backpack by the stairwell.
My mother rolled her eyes hugely and nodded in Dad's direction. My father acknowledged the gesture by folding his newspaper and putting it down in his lap. "I've arranged for a hired hand to come help with the vineyard. . .tomorrow."
"But!" my mother pressed, scrubbing almost angrily on the table. "He's only thirteen years old!"
My heart lept in my chest, and my eyes widened, as did a huge smile across my face. "Really?!" I burst out. "He's only thirteen? Where is he from? How long is he staying? Is he going to live here? How are we going to - "
"Karen!" both my parents shouted in unison. "Karen," my mother continued softly. "Slow down! Yes, he's thirteen. He is from a small island south of America. I forget what it's called. He will live here as long as he wishes. We will pay him a good salary, and - "
"A good salary?" I almost exploded. "I work my butt off here and I don't even get an allowance!"
My parents eyed me and forced me to look away. "Now, Karen," my mother said with a tone.
'Oh, great!' I thought, almost rolling my eyes. 'Here comes the guilt trip.'
"You know the vineyard is in a tight spot." Mother's eyes stared me down sternly. "You should help out around here out of the goodness of your heart."
I wanted to say something like, "Oh, puh-leez!" but I kept my mouth shut.
For a second.
Then I said. "So he's coming tomorrow, is he?"
Once more, my mother hugely rolled her eyes as my father answered "yes" in an I'm-right-and-you're-wrong tone of voice.
I could barely keep from grinning as I ran frantically out the door. 'Yes!' I thought silently to myself. 'A new boy! Ooh, maybe he'll have one of those cute foreign accents! I can't wait!'
I darted for Green Ranch, where I blurted out the whole story to Ann, who was soon just as excited as I was. "Hopefully he's that cute guy we've been waiting for! Oh, this is gonna be so COOL!"
We giggled together.
On my way back home, I stopped to visit Pappy at Moonlit Farm. He gave me a hug, a gobstopper, and a few tickles on my ribs. I giggled and thanked him for the candy. "Any time, sweetheart!" he answered me in a sugary voice, ruffling my hair a bit.
"How is Bear?" I asked, referring to the semi-old dog that resided at Pappy's farm.
Pappy chuckled heartily and motioned to the fat little light brown dog who was snoring on the couch. "He's the fattest pup I've ever saw! But he's doin' just fine. Stayin' healthy!"
I smiled. "Well, see you later, Pappy!"
"Good-bye, sweetheart!"
~oOo~
The next morning, I was up at the crack of dawn. I bathed quickly in the shower and washed my hair hastily, leaving plenty of time to get dressed and style my hair carefully. After doing all of these and brushing my teeth, I stood in front of my full-length mirror to stare myself down. I NEEDED to impress this new guy. I knew the boy was in my house by now, and probably up already. Meaning I needed to get this done and leave some time to introduce myself and maybe squeeze in a little flirting.
Despite my thoughts on how I needed to rush, I took a moment to look at myself in the mirror. My semi-thick light brown hair was parted straight down the middle, leaving my two blond strands to curve slightly around my face. My emerald eyes were sharp and alert. I gave a smile, looking at my straight, white teeth. I wore a thin black jacket over my favorite purple vest and a thick brown belt with my casual jeans. I smoothed out my clothes a little, soon deciding that I was ready.
I nervously cracked my door open and peered downstairs. All I could see was Mother seated at the table, munching oatmeal, and Dad re-reading yesterday's paper on the couch. No new boy so far. . .
No, wait! Who was that, coming out of the guest room?
Ha! That was him!
I shut my door and gave myself a mental pep-talk. After tucking my fine hair behind my ears, I opened the door slowly and casually. I waited until I had made my way down the steps before acknowledging the boy with eye contact. 'Oh, my gosh!' I thought silently. 'Cutie alert!'
"You must be Miss Karen." The boy smiled a little and extended a friendly hand for me to shake.
I shook it shyly but replied with confidence. "Yep, that's me!" I grinned good-naturedly.
The foreign young man grinned back. "My name is Kai."
"Hello, Kai," I responded, feeling awfully ditzy and awkward.
The guy was beautiful. His dark, dark hair was hidden beneath a clever purple bandana. His shirt was clean, pure white, contrary to his jet black pants. He was maybe an inch or two taller than me, being a year older. The part I loved most about him was his dark black eyes. They were deep. . .really deep. And mysterious, too. Sadly, though, there was no cute foreign accent. "Hello, Miss Karen," Kai suddenly said, snapping me out of my careful examination.
I wondered if Kai would be attending school with me.
Thankfully, my mother answered the question. "Well, you two better be off to school!" she said, looking up from the kitchen sink. "It's almost eight o'clock."
I slowly detached my eyes from his and picked up my worn-out orange backpack. Bagless, he followed me with his hands behind his back. "Uh, I guess I'll walk with you," he said slowly. He looked up into my eyes and explained, "I don't know where anything is."
"That'd be fine," I said plainly, slowing my walk so he could walk beside me. The march to school was over fast, because the vineyard was so close. Along the way, though, I asked him questions about his homeland, wondering if he lived the city, maybe. He replied that his native island was home to a few cities, but those were mostly just tourist attractions. He said Americans loved going there. He told me the name of the place, but I forget what it is.
When we arrived at the tiny church building, Ann, Gray, Elli, and Popuri were already there. My red-headed friend nearly lept from her seat when Kai and I came through the front door! I began making introductions quickly. "Brother Jacobson," I said, causing the preacher's head to rise from his podium, "this is Kai. He'll be staying at the vineyard with my family as a hired hand. Kai, this is Brother Jacobson, our preacher and teacher."
Brother Jacobson spoke before Kai could. "We are verrrrrrrrrrrrrry glad to have you here, Mr. Kai!" he said gregariously, dragging out his word.
Kai nodded with a shy smile and responded with, "Thank you. I'm realllllllllllllllllllly glad to be here!" Strange, he actually didn't sound sarcastic, although I was sure the statement was meant to be smart- alecky! But Kai's friendly smile and warm greeting had proved me wrong.
Ann cleared her throat loudly, signalling that I should introduce him to HER now. "A-a-a-ah-ahem!"
I couldn't contain a bubbly smile. "Kai!" I said enthusiastically. "This is my best friend Ann! Ann, this is Kai. He will be staying with us at the vineyard as a hired ha - " I repeated what I had said to Brother J, knowing Ann would interrupt me.
Which she did. "Hello, Kai!" she said happily, extending her hand before he could.
"Nice to meet you, Ann." Kai shook it with a friendly attitude.
With that, I continued to introduce him to Elli, Popuri, and Gray, as well as Maria, Harris, and Jeff as they arrived at school. It seemed EVERYONE wanted to talk to Kai. . .about his homeland, his family back home, his foreign friends, his ferry ride to Flower Bud, and anything else you can imagine. It wasn't until Brother Jacobson tapped on his podium and demanded order that the young man took his seat at a table with the other three boys. Ann and I sat in our usual spot: second column, first row!
Unusually, Ann and I did not flick paper wads today. We were both trying to pay attention, who knows why, probably to make a good impression on Kai, but we failed miserably. Soon enough, both of us were doodling in our notebooks and writing silly notes to each other.
The school day seemed to last for an eternity. But when it ended, Brother Jacobson sent Kai home with an entire armload of books and notepads. The walk home with Kai was a little awkward. I offered to help carry his books, and he accepted with a grateful smile. After that, though, I couldn't think of anything to talk about. I decided to just drop off my backpack and books and head over to Green Ranch. Things were just too awkward with Kai, and I wanted to talk to my best friend about it.
~oOo~
After that week, I became extremely comfortable around Kai. He stayed in the tiny, tiny "guest room" of our house, which used to be a little storage closet. Some days after school, he would casually walk into the living room and watch TV with me on the couch. He was polite at all times; never rude or cruel. I liked him more each day, and so did Ann, who began walking home with us after school and playing games with us at my house. We went to the beach once that week, when the sun was shining bright, with Gray, and he would tag along with us when we went to the forest or the mountain. I think he was trying to protect Ann. Gray has always been her body guard, especially with unfamiliar people around. Nevertheless, I think Gray was starting to warm up to Kai.
It was now the tenth of Fall, a humid, dreary Wednesday afternoon. Kai, Ann, Gray, and I were going to the goddess spring on an errand. Mr. Green wanted us to drop a large mushroom in the pond as an offering to the goddess. Hardly anyone gave offerings anymore, just Doug Green, Mayor Thomas, his wife, Granny Ellen, and, of course, Brother Jacobson.
Our little errand made me think about Kai's confused expression in church last Sunday. Brother Jacobson rambled on about puzzling "ways of the goddess" and "the goddess's great miracles that we all see each day." When I'd asked Kai about his religion, he had replied simply. "I have no 'religion,'" he had said, holding up his fingers in quotation marks. I found this fact about Kai somewhat odd, but brushed it aside and allowed it to be forgotten.
As we slowly approached the pond, Ann said, "Did you see Harris and Maria staring at each other all through class today?"
I giggled and nodded as Kai said, "Yeah, that was odd."
Gray looked at us quizzically. "Didn't you hear?" he asked, pulling the humongous mushroom his father had given him from his pocket. "Harris asked Maria to the Harvest Festival this Friday." He plopped the mushroom into the pond, causing a small splash and large, round ripples in the water.
We were silent for a moment. "You know, my great-grandfather wrote in his diary of tales that the goddess would rise from the pond when an offering was given and grant you a wish."
Kai's eyebrows raised in interest, but I remained silent. I hated hearing about these "tales." They just didn't click with me. If the stories really were true, and the goddess really did rise from the pond. . .then why didn't she ever come out anymore?
I brushed the thought aside and looked at Ann, who continued quietly. "My dad says the goddess did great things for this village when my great- granddaddy was alive."
Once again, I wondered why the goddess never did anything great for the village anymore. 'Where is she now, when I need her?' I questioned silently.
Kai shrugged without a sound when we began to walk away, back to Green Ranch. Then his brow furrowed inquisitively and he asked, "What was that you said about a Harvest Festival?"
Ann answered quickly, before Gray had a chance. "It's a big party we have every year on the twelth of Autumn to celebrate the harvest. There's food, dancing, and next year's king is chosen! I hope it's my daddy!"
Gray rolled his eyes. "Sis, Dad was king last year."
I said nothing. My dad was never king. My dad never even came to the festivals.
I think Gray and Ann sensed my hardened expression, because they became deathly quiet. Kai seemed to get the picture, having been present at the drunken freak show at my house a few nights before. As usual, my father had arrived home dangerously drunk, precisely at midnight. There was lots of screaming between my parents, and many different arguments arose as the night wore on. I hadn't been able to sleep, wondering what Kai thought of me and my family now. But in the morning, as we walked to school, he had seemed as friendly as ever.
Ann decided to break the tense silence that hung over our heads. "Anyways, all the guys are supposed to ask girls to come with them." Pause. "Like a. . .date!"
"Dun-dun-dun!" Gray added playfully.
"Who are you going to ask?" Kai looked at Gray inquisitively.
Gray blushed a deep, dark pink and shrugged coolly. "I'dunno."
Kai grinned. "So there's dancing, you say?" he asked after a brief pause.
I nodded proudly, breaking my silence. "Yup! That's my favoritest part!"
Laughing, Kai answered me in an equally boastful voice. "Well, that's great, 'cause I'm not too bad of a dancer."
I blushed. Was he hinting something?
"Karen's not so bad herself." Ann nudged me playfully with her elbow.
"Well, neither are you, Ann!" I elbowed her back.
"Oh, come on, Karen," Ann said with a wide grin, "we all know you're better."
"Yeah." Gray piped up. "You're better than all of us put together."
Kai stretched out his arms and cracked his knuckles boastfully. "Well, we'll just have to see about that, now won't we?"
~oOo~
The next day at school was so incredibly nerve racking. I knew this was the day. . .today was the guys' last chance to ask a girl to the Harvest Festival. It was already clear that Maria was going with Harris, and it was later discovered that Jeff had bravely asked Popuri. Now was the hard part: there were three girls and only two guys left. That meant one of us would have to go without a date. I cringed. What if I was that girl?
The situation looked hopeless. I was pretty confident that Gray was going for Elli. That narrows it down to Kai, who would have to choose between Ann and me. As much as I hated to admit it, I knew Kai fancied Ann over me. Her confidence, flare, spirit, beauty, and sensitivity all combined to form the perfect match for Kai.
Outside, at lunch that day, I "overheard" Gray asking Elli to the festival. She quickly said yes and blushed deep red. I grimaced. Oh, no.
In the second half of the school day, Kai passed Ann a note. Of course, I couldn't read it, but it looked too short for him to be asking her to the festival in it. I just kept telling myself that, trying to keep my spirits up for the rest of the day.
After school, when all the students thundered noisily away from the church, Ann suspiciously announced that she needed to run an errand on the mountain for her father. Kai didn't seem to find it as conspicuous as I thought it was. Then, later that day, Kai said he "needed to go for a walk on the mountain to get some fresh air."
Then I knew. Then I knew that I was all alone. And I would be terribly by myself at the festival. 'Great,' I thought. 'This is just great.'
Sure enough, Ann came thundering up the stairs to my bedroom around five o'clock that evening. "Karen!" she shrieked. "Karen, Karen, Karen! Kai asked me to the Harvest Festival!"
I tried to smile, and Ann didn't catch my weak expression. I was glad she didn't see me dying inside. "That's great, Ann!" I was trying so hard to be happy and enthusiastic for my best friend. She would do the same for me.
Ann simply beamed. After she had rattled for a bit about how wonderful and cute and charming Kai was, she gave me a hug and left.
Hot tears began to flow down my cheeks and onto the pillows on my bed. Reality was sinking in. I was going to be so sad and lonely at my very favorite festival! I was so angry at everyone. I was angry at Gray and Kai because they hadn't asked me to the festival. I was angry at Ann because she didn't even sympathize with me at all. I was mad at my mother because she never came up to comfort me. I was mad at my father because he didn't care. I was mad at Mayor Thomas for allowing this stupid festival. I was mad at Maria and Elli and Popuri because they had dates.
I was just sooo mad.
After an hour of crying, I told my mother I didn't want any dinner and stormed off to the beach to be alone. No one ever went to the beach in Autumn. I figured I'd be just fine over there. I curled myself up into a ball on the end of the dock, hugging my legs tightly and burying my face hard into my knees. My messed-up hair hung all around my head and knees sloppily, but I didn't care. I was heart-broken.
Soon enough, I heard footsteps behind me, but I didn't look up. I didn't want to see anyone right now. I just wanted to. . .I just wanted to. . .to cry. By myself.
However, my feelings changed when I heard a familiar voice call me by the very same endearment that he always had. "Sweetheart," Pappy said in a soothing tone of voice.
I let out a sob. "Hi, Pappy," I muttered, face still buried deep in my knees.
"You know, I wanted to ask you something."
I couldn't see, but I sensed Pappy taking a seat on the wooden dock just behind me. "W-what?" I said between sighs.
"Well, you're so beautiful and sweet and caring, and so positively radiant with love. . .I thought I might try to ask you to the Harvest Festival tomorrow."
I finally looked up, feeling steamy tears streaming down my red face. "Oh, Pappy." The old man was smiling warmly in a kneeling position behind me. I turned around and said, "You're just saying that because Kai didn't ask me, and I'm the only girl without a date."
Pappy closed his eyes, frowned slightly, and shook his head. "Naw. I was actually thinking you'd be upset because Little Elli is going with Gray."
I nodded and admitted that I was upset. "But. . .Ann is going with Kai."
"Oh, and you like this Kai, don't you?"
"Yes." I paused. "But don't tell anyone, ok?"
Pappy smiled good-naturedly. "I won't. I promise."
I couldn't help but smile back, despite my tears. After a long silence, I finally asked, "Do you really want to go with me?"
"Absolutely!" Pappy chuckled and hugged me. "Who wouldn't?"
"Apparently Kai and Gray."
"Oh, don't you worry about them!" Pappy playfully hoisted me onto his shoulders with ease. I giggled, feeling all my sadness wash away in Pappy's fun-loving chuckle. "They won't be having as much fun as us!"
~oOo~
"Karen!"
"In a second, Mother!"
"Well, I'm going to go ahead and go," my mother called up the stairs. "I'm supposed to help set up. Can you go by yourself?"
"Yes," I called back down to her.
"By the way, dear," she said, softening her tone, "who are you going with?"
I winced at the remembrance of yesterday's tears, but then smiled, thinking of Pappy's comforting laugh. "I'm going with Pappy."
Mother laughed good-naturedly. "Good choice, hon. He's the best guy around!" she joked. After that, I heard the front door open and then shut behind her.
I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. I looked pretty decent. Instead of shorts or jeans, I wore a charming denim skirt that just barely covered my knees, and in place of my famous purple vest was a cool dark purple shirt with elbow-length sleeves and a small slit in the center of the collar. I wore cute sandals that revealed my freshly painted toenails and a stylish, glittery anklet. Around my neck was the beautiful silver necklace I only wore at festivals: the necklace that had belonged to my precious grandmother. I had added some sparkly glitter to my hair, and it shimmered and shone when I moved. I smiled. I looked pretty good.
"DING-DONG!" came the noisy ring of the doorbell. I hurried downstairs to answer it and found Pappy looking pretty stylish with half a dozen pink roses in hand.
"Pappy!" I nearly screamed excitedly.
The old man grinned broadly. "These are for you, sweetheart," he said, holding out the roses for me to grab.
"Oh, Pappy!" I shrieked. "Pink roses! My favorite! How did you know?"
"Oh, I've got my sources." Pappy winked playfully. "Well, don't you look lovely, Miss Mundell!"
I giggled. "You look nice, too, Pappy," I said. "Here, let me find a vase to put these in." I dashed to the kitchen and rummaged through the cabinets before finding a decorative jar to put the dazzling pink roses in. When I came back to the front door, Pappy held out his arm, and I took it with a smile.
Upon arrival at the town square, everything had been set up beautifully. I wondered how those cherry blossom trees kept their beauty for three seasons a year as I looked around at the wonderful pink atmosphere. Many tables had been set up around the perimeter, sporting what I knew to be delicious vegetables, fruits, cakes, pies, and drinks. There were people milling about all over the place, and every one of them looked wonderful.
Searching the crowd, the first person I spotted was Popuri, her pink curls bouncing joyfully behind her as she hopped up and down excitedly next to Jeff, who just grinned and grinned. Harris and Maria, as I soon discovered, were just enjoying each other's company at a veggie table. Maria's dark black hair had been pulled up into a pretty bun, giving extra emphasis to her angelic face. It didn't take me long to spot Elli and Gray having quite a time practicing their dancing. Elli looked simply radiant, her short brown hair twirling about her face as she spun around and around, her hand holding Gray's above their heads. Her brand new, long, pretty dress shone with color as it twirled similarly to her hair. And then there was Kai and Ann, eating white cake at the bakery booth. Ann was beautiful. Her hair was actually down for once, stretching past her shoulder blades in dazzling red curls. She wore a pretty sundress that emphasized her sparkling blue eyes, displaying happiness all over.
"I think I might like some chocolate cake right about now," Pappy said, interrupting me from my thoughts. He rubbed his round tummy with his old wrinkled hand, looking down at me with a smile.
I grinned. "No, no, no," I said. "You must save room for the coin cake!"
Pappy chuckled. "I guess you're right. After all, that old Doug Green mustn't beat me again!"
I laughed with him. "Look at the strawberries!" I cried. "Mmm. . ." It was my turn to rub my tummy. "I love strawberries."
"Oh, yes, I know." Pappy took my arm once more, and we walked over to the fruit table. All the fruits looked so juicy and plump, I couldn't resist. I quickly grabbed a couple of strawberries and a small yellow pear. "Guess you're hungry, are you sweetheart?"
I nodded. "Mm-hm," I said through a mouthful of strawberry. Pappy grabbed a few himself and the both of us munched happily. Everyone just ate and drank and enjoyed each other's company for hours on end. The sun was starting to set when Granny Ellen made her entrance.
Granny Ellen cleared her throat as Mayor Thomas handed her an old microphone. Everyone looked her way as she smiled excitedly. "Alright, I've got a great lot of cakes here, and only one has our prized King Coin in it! Come on down, all you old men!" Everyone laughed. "Who will be next year's king? Only the cake can decide! Alright, all men who wish to participate should form a single file line directly in front of me. Here we go!"
"Go on Pappy!" I shouted over all the noise of the villagers clammering to be in the line. "You can be the king!"
Pappy laughed. "Alright, sweetheart, here I go!" Pappy slowly jogged up to the line and found his place behind Mr. Green.
I searched the crowd and finally found Ann. I hurried over to stand by her. "Hello, Ann!" I said happily.
"Hi, Karen," my friend greeted warmly. "So you've got Pappy as your date, huh?"
I nodded, proving to her that I could be happy at my favorite festival without some young punk for a date.
"That's so cool!" Ann surprised me. "I'm glad you aren't mad at me for going with Kai."
I shook my head. "Naw. Pappy is better anyway."
We giggled.
"Oh!" Ann suddenly screeched. "My dad is going up to eat his cake!"
Sure enough, Doug Green had picked out his piece of creamy white cake and was now stuffing it into his mouth. Everyone laughed when he swallowed, coinless, and grabbed the microphone. "This is crazy!" he shouted jokingly. "I must have swallowed it or something!" The whole village roared with laughter.
"Here goes Pappy!" I said, excited.
The old man picked out a big, honkin' piece of cake and munched on it bite by bite. The entire village cheered when he pulled a small gold coin out of his mouth and held it up for the whole crowd to see. Mayor Thomas handed him the microphone, and Pappy said, "Finally I've beat that old Green!" Laughter filled the square again. "What are we waiting for? Let's dance for cryin' out loud!"
The crowd cheered. Mayor Thomas informed Pappy that the King got the first choice for dancing. "Who would you like to dance with, Farmer Tandley?"
"Well, my sweetheart, of course!" Pappy declared into the microphone. "Miss Karen Mundell, would you like to dance?"
I giggled and blushed as everyone turned to look at me. I answered with unfaltered confidence, though, "Oh, yeah!" Everyone in the square laughed as I jogged in Pappy's direction.
After the noise died down, Mayor Thomas announced that everyone else should pick their partner now. Needless to say, all the kids my age picked their date. Mayor Thomas chose his wife, of course, and the florist Lillia danced with her husband Basil. I felt sorry for my mother, who stood aside with Granny Ellen and Mr. Green. Once again, my father was a no-show. 'Great,' I thought. 'My mother is alone on her favorite festival.'
But my glum expression washed right off as the music started and Pappy grabbed my hand to pull me out onto the dance floor. All the non-dancing watchers began to clap along with the music. Pappy and I put our hands on our hips and faced each other on the dance floor, as did everyone else. On the cue the cheerful song gave, everyone started prancing to their right, finding themselves in front of someone else. I found myself in front of Jeff. When we went left, I was facing Kai. I blushed deep pink. After dancing backward and forward, Pappy and I twirled, then threw a playful wink at each other. Pappy was a great dancer, but I have to admit that I was better. I had been born with the gift of dancing, and how I loved it!
We all danced a couple more songs after that, before the Mayor informed the village that it was time to go home. Indeed, the sun had set, and the stars were now twinkling in the bright night sky. How I loved those beautiful Autumn night skies.
As my mother stayed behind to help clean up the square, Pappy walked me home. For an instant I wished that I had really had a date that day. But I tried not to focus on it as Pappy offered to stay over until Mother got home. I gratefully accepted his offer and invited him. I was extremely embaressed when we walked in the house to find my father snoring loudly on the sofa. But Pappy didn't seem to mind. "Ah, that old bum!" he joked as he shook Dad awake.
Thankfully, my father was in a good mood. "Hello, you two!" he greeted us happily.
"You missed a great festival, Daddy!" I said, as he gave me a bear hug. I savored the moment. I loved it when my father was this happy and cheerful. He could sometimes go an entire week in this lovely mood until something destroyed it. I brushed the thought aside and returned my father's giant hug.
"Did I?" he asked. "I'm sorry, Kare-bear."
I knew he was sincere by the sudden lack of shine in his eyes. "It's alright, but Mother didn't look so happy."
"Was she angry?" Dad asked after a brief pause.
"I don't think so," I answered. "Just sad."
Daddy swallowed hard. "I'll have to make it up to her." There was a long and awkward silence. Finally my dad said, "So how are you doing, Joe?"
"I am doing just fine, Mr. Mundell! Animals are stayin' healthy, and the farm is doing great. I do love this fine season. Lots of fresh mushrooms, and boy, do I love it when I get all those eggplants!" Pappy laughed heartily.
"That's great." My father yawned. "I think I'll turn in, Karen. But I want you to know that I will make it up to your mother."
I was shocked. Daddy had never been in such a pleasant mood. I hoped he stayed like this for a long, long, long time. "Ok, Daddy," I said, not able to contain a huge smile. Pappy sensed my happiness and gave me a hug good-bye. He shook my father's hand and bid him a nice farewell also.
After Pappy left, I ran into my father's arms and couldn't hold back hopeful tears. "Karen," my father said, obviously surprised. "What's wrong?"
"Daddy, please stay this way!" I blurted suddenly. After that, my words slurred together in a stream of emotion. "Please, Daddy, don't ever get drunk again! I love you, Daddy! Please stay this way!"
"Oh, Karen." My father could not hide his tears. "Karen, I am so sorry."
I buried my face in my father's chest and let my hopeful tears flow. "Just don't ever drink again, please, Daddy!"
"Oh, Karen. . ." my daddy stroked my hair. "I promise. I promise. I promise," he repeated over and over, cradling me in his arms.
My mother gasped and dropped her purse and coat when she walked in the door and found us this way. Dad quickly explained what had happened, and my mother cried tears of joy. "Oh, Gotz! Gotz, thank you so much."
"Honey, I'm sorry you were so alone at the festival," Daddy blurted, embracing my mother as well.
My mother said nothing after this, just squeezed Daddy tight.
~oOo~
The next night, my father took Mother out for a night on the town. Kai and I stayed at the Greens' with Ann and Gray. I promise I smiled the whole time. I was so happy. Everything was working out just right.
~oOoOoOo~
A/N: I loved this chapter! It took me soooooo long to write though! I'm really sorry! Please review! I love y'all so much! MWAH!