Confused
Amaya: Don't worry, this chapter will be much longer!! Thanks to all my reviewers:
Fairy Friend-Thanks for keepin' an eye out!! You're one of my most faithful reviewers!! By the way, I meant "Kare" as her nickname-type- thing. But it doesn't really matter. Thanks so much!!
Red Sonic-I asked for Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town for Christmas!! I think my mom got it for me already. I can't wait!! I just love Christmas!! Anyways, yeah, Cliff's great. He's easy. Well, thanks!!
LCDM-Thanks for the phone number tip!! I always wondered why people always used 555!! LOL!! You, also, are one of my favorite, most consistent reviewers. Keep it up, and thank you!!
Harvestboy and Harvestgirl-Hey, Ben!! Thanks honey bunches of oats for your cool review!! I love Chick-Fil-A, except when I drive with my dad in his big, huge truck they always ask him to turn off the engine. Kind of annoying, but no big deal really. LOL well I'm just babbling. Keep up the reviews!!
Starlight the Wanderer-Wow!! I never thought my little fanfic would affect anyone so much. I'm totally glad it helped!! I'm so happy for you. I hope you enjoy this chapter!! Keep up the reviewing!!
Hera Potter-LOL, yeah, I really had NO idea how to spell bronchitis when I was writing that. Just a wild guess. I was close, though!! Ha, ha, well thanks for your help and your sweet review!!
farmerboy-Can't thank you enough!! You're one of my fave reviewers, too!!
Lynnika-Literally laughed out loud when I read your review. Yeah, I like Cliff a lot too. . .and bacon!! Yummo!! Sure glad I don't hafta suffer your wrath!! Well, thanks a million!!
Lyndsey-Wow!! Thank you so much!! I never expected so much in a review. It means so much to me. You have absolutely no idea. Thank you SO MUCH!!
Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon.
Amaya: By the way, just a warning, the romantic side of this story heats up quite a bit more in this chapter!! =]
~oOoOoOo~
Two days rolled by slowly, and I spent a lot of that time worrying about Cliff and his family. How horrible it would be to not know when or where or how your next meal would come! I found myself feeling a lot more gratitude for the food I ate each day and the clothes on my back and in my closet.
The snow was completely gone by Spring 7, replaced by brilliant green grass and patient flower buds. The icicles all had melted away, and the frost on the windows ceased to appear each night. The air was actually quite warm and vibrant, the sun burning brightly overhead each day. I found myself back in my spring and summer shorts and tank tops with occasional flip flops and ponytails. I noticed the Green Ranch starting to liven up again after the long winter; the cows, horses, sheep, and chickens roamed about freely in the field.
Again, the beach became my home away from home. I never felt out of place there, with the silky sand beneath me and the baby blue sky above me and the wondrous ocean stretched for miles before me. I usually slipped my clothes on over my bathing suit before I went there, knowing the waves would entice me once I arrived. Under normal conditions, Ann wouldn't stay there with me long. Sometimes we'd swim together for about an hour, but Ann always had work to do.
Then again, so did I. My "I'll do it later"s and "I'm busy now"s had built up for so long that I had a mountain of chores to complete every day. In spring, though, there wasn't much to do but take care of the trees. We'd planted them on the 2nd this year because of Pappy's funeral, and all we'd do until fall would be fertilizing, watering, and clipping off the parts of the trees gone bad. In midsummer, we'd pick some of the not-quite-ripe grapes for special wines, and sometimes we'd just sell them as plain old grapes. But of course, they were the best grapes for miles around. Zach the shipper would put them on the ferry, which would take them to surrounding islands and even to America to be sold. But usually, they only got as far as South Carolina.
Kai and I did most of the watering this time of year. Some days, Mother would come out and do it all herself. Those were usually the days when Daddy went out on the ferry to negotiate business deals in places like Cuba, Jamaica, Florida, Georgia, and once, he even went so far as Spain. I don't know why, but Mother always felt that when Dad wasn't around, it was her responsibility to do everything by herself.
But it was nice getting those occasional days off.
This was one such day. It was the morning of Spring 7. Daddy had left very early for our side of Cuba. He'd be back by eleven tonight.
When I woke up that morning, I checked to see if Cliff had arrived, as I'd been doing each morning. I knew Dad had already left because Mother was nowhere in sight. Apparently, she'd already begun the big watering job.
I grabbed a container of homemade grape yogurt and a plastic spoon and sauntered back upstairs to my room. I listened to more of Grandma Eve's old ballet music while I ate. The first tape I'd listened to, "Fairies of the Night," still remained my favorite, and the first song on that tape, "A Little Girl's Dream," sat right by it. This was not the tape I listened to now, but I was reminded of it by the bounciness of the song, "Imagine It."
I let the music continue to play after I threw away the empty yogurt container and spoon. I slipped into my favorite bathing suit, a blue, hibiscus flower patterned baby-doll styled halter-top. Over it I wore reasonably lengthed navy blue knit shorts with a casual white tank top, so one could see the top to my bathing suit. This was the first time in a long time I'd dared not to wear my trademark purple vest, but it was far too warm outside, and the outfit I now wore was far too cute and far too comfortable to add something.
After slipping into blue flip flops and lightly applying sunscreen, I turned off the tape-player and moseyed downstairs. Kai, who had been watching television, politely stood when I entered the living room. I was in a good mood this morning and actually smiled at him!
He was obviously startled but still smiled back, saying, "Morning, Miss Karen."
The "Miss Karen" thing's annoyance had worn out a long time ago, and I now hardly noticed when he addressed me this way. "Good morning, Kai."
"Off to the beach?" he asked, sitting back down on the couch.
"You know me too well," I answered with a smirk.
"Want some company?" he said, a pleading look in his deep brown eyes.
I thought about this and soon found myself torn both ways. Mixed feelings for Kai had been swirling around in me since the break-up between him and Ann. Of course, it was just wrong to get wrapped up in a relationship so soon after your best friend dumped him. If I was ever to act on my feelings, it was going to have to be like, seasons later.
But there was no use being mean to the guy for being nice. So my answer was, "Uh, sure, if you'd like to come."
He smiled. "Let me get my suit."
"Um, why don't you meet me there? I'm gonna go ahead and go." I had no idea why in the world I was being so nice today.
He nodded before shutting the door to his bedroom. "Sure."
So I headed out the front door. I caught sight of Mother mellowly spraying the grape trees with our extra long water hose, but didn't buy into her self-pitiful attitude. I hurried off the property and soon entered the crossroads. I passed the Moonlit Farm on my walk to the beach and saw Jack and Beanie checking the mail on the other side of the low whitewashed wood fence. Jack gave a friendly wave and flashed a handsome smile, but I just looked away. Maybe I wasn't in such a nice mood today after all.
I was almost to the beach when I passed Green Ranch. Ann was checking her mail, too, and stopped me as I walked past. "Karen, hey!" she greeted sweetly, swinging her thin legs over the short wood fence, landing lightly in a sitting position.
"Hi, Ann," I responded, stepping toward her.
"Off to the beach again, huh?" she said, squinting in the morning sunrays. "It's a really pretty day to go. Hey, maybe after I finish my chores I can meet you there. All I've got left to do is give Cliffguard a workout ride, and that won't take but ten minutes."
"You could, but Kai's coming right behind me," I warned her. "Just in case that might change your mind."
She cocked her head and shrugged, frowning a bit. "Well, I don't hate him or anything. If it's alright with you, I'll go ahead and come."
"Fine by me. I think I'll mostly just be tanning, even though I'm wearin' my baby doll. But wear a two-piece, Ann. You can tan with me."
She grinned, her sunlit blue eyes dancing happily. She flipped her long orange braid away from her left shoulder as she hopped off the fence. "Okay," she said, walking backward. "See ya' there!"
"M-kay," I replied and began to stride breezily toward the beach.
But the light voice of Kai stopped me. "Miss Karen," he hollered behind me, causing me to turn in his direction. "Wait up." He was wearing a pair of orange and white hibiscus-flowered swim trunks and was, for once, missing his purple bandana. He carried two beach towels, one presumably for me since I'd forgotten to grab one. I could just barely see the navy blue band of his boxer shorts just over the line of his trunks. His jet black hair was actually gelled up in small spikes, a style that made him look much younger and significantly cuter. And you just can't forget the six-pack abs. . .
That was it. Kai was a total hottie.
I was awestruck. Any mixed feelings I'd had for him were now completely in his favor. I knew deep down I was sort of being a girl-version of shallow, but also knew that I would never have given him this much credit just for being hot. He wouldn't even be so cute were it not for his sense of humor, his sweet sensitivity, and his gentle strength.
He just barely panted from his jog as he approached. "Thanks," he said, then motioned toward the beach entrance. "Shall we?"
I just couldn't contain a smile. "Yeah." I couldn't help but think Kai was bringing out the old "sweetheart" in me. I wondered if he would ask me to the Sowing Festival tomorrow. Truly, a "date" wasn't particularly emphasized for festivals such as these, but traditionally, it was Flower Bud's custom to have an escort to just about every festival. But. . .I doubted Kai would ask me. Not so soon after Ann.
As we walked together toward the beach, I broke the silence with, "Ann's coming along in about ten minutes. Hmm, maybe a bit more."
He nodded, but said, rather startlingly, "Miss Karen, does she hate me?"
I shook my head and flashed the nah-not-really look. "Do you hate her?"
"Of course not," he answered as we entered the sandy beach area. The splash of the waves could now be heard along with the cawing of the seagulls. "I understand her reasons for breaking it off."
I nodded. "That's good."
He handed me a large red beach towel and kept a larger gray one, and the both of us turned our backs to the wind and stretched them out on the sand. I stood on mine for a moment, subtly stripping off my tank top and shorts and kicking off my sandals as Kai sat down upon his. "You know, the festival's tomorrow."
I nodded my head up and down in a small manner, hope and anxiousness piling up inside.
"Do you wanna go with me, maybe?" Kai leaned back on his strong muscly arms.
I sat down on my towel rather calmly, for it was a calm conversation and setting, and quietly responded, "Um, I don't know. . .I. . .I might need just a little time to think about it."
"Miss Karen, I'm not asking you to be my girlfriend."
I recoiled in an invisible fashion, not because I wanted to be his girlfriend (even though deep down I did), but because I had really not been expecting that response.
"And I'm not implying that we go as a couple," he continued. "It's just that if you don't have a date or anything, maybe I could take you and we could just have fun. . .together. . .as good friends."
Except for the soft lapping of waves on the sandy beach, silence consumed the air.
"What do you think?" he finally asked, his voice steady, secure, calm, and unwavering.
I smiled a little at him, lying back on my big, rusty-red towel. "I think it sounds okay. Yeah. I'll go with you." I silently exhaled, glad we'd got the conversation over with.
Suddenly, with a squeal, Ann came cartwheeling onto the beach in a red baby doll with spaghetti straps that criss-crossed in the back. "Whew," she cried at reaching the water's edge. Kai and I laughed. "It's been a loooong time since I did that."
I giggled at Ann's constant energy.
"Oops," she said, glancing at our towels. "Forgot a towel. Scoot over, Karen." And she skipped to my location and motioned to the right for me to move. The towel was so hugely huge that there was enough room for both of us. So she plopped down next to me and laid back, letting out a big breath. "It's such a pretty day."
"Ah, yeah," Kai exhaled airily.
I nodded, pushing my straight, smooth hair out of my winter-kissed face. Relaxing my arms at my sides, I turned my face in Kai's direction and closed my eyes. Already I felt the heat of the free sun on my skin and instantly was excited about the delicate tan I'd hopefully have tomorrow.
It was about an hour before Gray came to join us. He laid out his towel, but never really got around to lying on it. He and Kai went splashing into the waves soon after Gray's arrival. Eventually Ann and I joined them in the salty spray, momentarily relieving our skin from the sun's heated rays.
At about noon, I again clothed myself in the white tank top and knit shorts with flipflops and the four of us headed back up to Green Ranch. There, Ann put her usual plain tee shirt with feminine-enough overalls and sneakers back on. Gray added an ordinary tee shirt to his ensemble and found Kai a simple white undershirt.
Ann tried her hand at sandwiches for us all, but after a broken mayonnaise jar, a "slightly crispy" attempt at grilled cheese, and a small incident involving Ann's "BLT Special," the microwave, and a little tin foil, we relieved Ann from her duties and shot up to the bakery. Rumors were, Elli's new stuffed baked potatoes were to die for.
So after a round of scrumptious potatoes and a lovely very berry pie, all of us, now including Elli in a cute strapless two piece, made our slow way back to the beach.
While Kai and Gray started up a swim race to the flagged buoy out yonder, Ann, Elli, and I stretched out on the shore. By now, my hair was completely dry, although slightly frizzied by the breeze. As the three of us, Elli between Ann and me, closed our eyes to shut out the blinding sun, Elli struck up a conversation. A very girl-typical conversation.
"Goddess, the new guy is hot," she declared with a naughty grin.
Ann let out a long breath. "You can so say that again."
I smiled but said nothing.
"Have either of y'all talked to him much?" Ann continued.
Elli squealed somewhat quietly. "Yeah. Goddess, he must come by the bakery at least every other day."
"Really?" Ann asked. "He's only dropped by the Ranch twice so far, and only on business. He got Cliffguard's brother that one time on the third and then the other day he came by to get a chicken. But he did talk to me both times!"
I laughed. "Goddess, Ann, you're keeping good track!"
"Well, Ann, maybe he's just a bit sweet on you!" Elli teased.
"Maybe!" Ann giggled sing-songily. "But he did mention Karen several times in our conversation!"
I lifted up my head to look at her. "Ann, you liar," I said playfully.
"I'm serious!" she insisted with a perseverant nod. "Honest to goddess!"
Elli piped up. "Yeah! He said a few things about you at the bakery too."
"Well? What did he say?" I asked curiously. "I mean, if he really did say anything. . .Ladies!"
Ann broke into a bubbly burst of laughter. "He asked - he asked me if - AHAHA! - he asked me if you h - "
Elli, before joining Ann in laughter, finished, "He asked me if you had a boyfriend!"
Ann squealed hysterically through her bubbles of laughter, nodding with a red face.
"AAAAAHHH!" I shrieked girlishly before erupting into my own episode of giggles. "Seriously?"
Elli nodded as Ann repeated, "Honest to goddess! He asked about you and Elli both!"
This only caused a screech from Elli and another long explosion of laughter. "Ann, I know you're lying!" she shrieked.
Again, Ann responded, "Honest to goddess! He didn't ask about anyone else except the three of us!"
We were all sitting up now and had been since Ann's first "honest to goddess" remark. "He asked about you, too?" Elli said.
Ann shrugged. "Yeah, after the two of you."
I fanned my red face. It had been a long time since I'd laughed so hard.
Clutching her aching sides, Elli changed topics, "So has anyone got a date to the Sowing Festival?"
"No, but thank goddess you don't really need one this time," Ann replied before I could so much as open my mouth.
"Karen?" Elli asked expectantly. "Any invites from Jack?"
Glad for the second question, I shook my head. I really didn't want to tell Ann I was going with Kai, but deep down knew I'd have to eventually.
But surprisingly, the "eventually" came sooner than I'd hoped. Ann asked, "What about Kai?"
I was startled, but answered, "He asked me this morning if we could go just as good friends."
Ann nodded and I half-expected her to say something like, "You betrayed me." But instead, she just replied, "And you said?"
I stared into her perfect sky blue eyes and answered, "Yes."
Elli looked from one of us to the other.
"Are you okay with that, Ann?" I said in the kindest voice I'd used in a while.
She broke the tension with a smile, "Of course. Y'all are cute together."
"Ann!" I whined. "We're just going as friends! Honest to goddess!" I teased.
She giggled. Elli joined in.
~oOo~
A little more than three hours later, it was six-thirty, and everyone but me had left the beach. I sat alone on the sand with my hands attached loosely on the other side of my knees, which were slightly apart in an un- ladylike fashion. My bare feet received the gentle lick of the waves, but my navy shorts remained out of their reach.
The sun had almost disappeared under the aqua horizon but wasn't yet finished painting the the ocean golden yellow. Behind me, the sky was already tinted purple-blue and dotted with many faintly shining stars. It was this time of night that I found the most magical, the most intriguing. As the sun continued to dip, I was reminded again of Grandma Eve's old tape, "Fairies of the Night." A Little Girl's Dream echoed in my head, and without so much as a thought, I was on my feet and dancing.
It was as if the music really was being played by a grand orchestra right there on my beach. The sand under my toes was left in odd patterns as I spun and twirled, lept and bounded. I didn't need a routine or a choreographer. I just danced straight from my heart, directly from my emotional soul. I smiled as I danced; my favorite bouncy music would not permit a frown!
So, grinning, I continued to move with the music until the final beats resounded loudly from my imaginary orchestra. I hit the last burst of music with one foot crossed in a lunge behind the other, my left bicep pressing against my ear, and my right arm stretched out in a perfect horizontal line. With a truly happy smile playing on my face, I breathed quiet, heavy breaths.
Finally, I bowed gracefully to my audience, the applauding waves that stretched for miles before me.
"Wow."
I swiftly whirled around to see an awestruck Jack standing silently near the beach entrance. His shaggy brown hair was again only visible underneath and through the hole of his ball cap. Due to the now warm weather, he was dressed simply in loose, slightly faded blue jeans, brown boots with matching thick belt, and a white undershirt that didn't leave much to the imagination. He took a step toward me, his boot crunching softly in the sand. "That was - "
"None of your business," I finished for him, a scowl infiltrating my expression. I picked up my towel and slid into my flip-flops.
Before I started walking away, he said, "Well, I was going to say beautiful, but I guess you'd rather just bite my head off."
I gave him a cold glare. "Why do you care?"
"Why do I care? I never said I cared." He paused, scratching his head. "Look. I'm sorry."
There he went again! Apologizing for making a comeback when I was being a monster.
"I really am," he went on. "But I don't know what to do. I try to be nice to you, but I guess you're just mad at everything."
I nodded. "Mostly."
"Why?" he asked sweetly, gesturing with his shoulders and arms.
Ignoring his question, I said, "Why do you bother? Trying to be nice to me, I mean? Why don't you just give up like everyone else?"
"Well, first of all, as a Christian, I'm trying to be an example of Christ."
I didn't move a muscle in my body.
"Second of all, I don't really have any friends here. I thought you might've liked to be one if I got to know you well enough, especially since we were childhood friends, but I guess I was wrong."
"No, you weren't," I blurted suddenly, surprising myself.
Jack gave me a look. "I wasn't?" he said, more like a statement than a question.
I hesitated for a moment. What had I gotten myself into? Maybe it was worth a shot. . .Maybe I could get over the whole angry, depressed phase of my life and make a new friend. It didn't seem like I had much to lose, so I tried my hand at a genuine, friendly smile at Jack. "I'll try. . .to be your friend."
"You make it sound like it's hard," Jack said with a small smile.
I shrugged. "No one's ever let you down before? Broken your heart?"
"Well, sure," he said. "But life goes on, and I figure I should too."
Again, I shrugged. "Makes sense. But. . .it's a bit harder when it all happens to you in a single day."
Jack lifted his eyebrows but didn't say anything.
However, the look in his eyes suggested that I continue. "Well," I began. "Have you met Gray?"
"M-hm," he nodded.
I sighed. "Sit down," I finally said, and the both of us plopped down on the sand. The sun was now invisible. A jillion stars decorated the navy blue kanvas that was the sky. I took a deep breath. "So you've met Gray, huh?"
"M-hm," he repeated.
"Well, a few years ago, when I was about fifteen and he was sixteen, we were, you know - "
"An item?" he teased, moving his index and middle fingers up and down on both hands in quotes.
I laughed a little and continued, "You could say that. But it's really more like. . .I was sure we were in love."
"At fifteen?" he asked skeptically. "Karen!"
"What?" I said innocently. "Generally, in Flower Bud, you're 'sposed to get married at seventeen. So stop interrupting and let me tell the story!"
He chuckled and nodded.
"So we're basically really close - "
"To what?"
I gave him a look. "Each other," I said matter-of-factly. "Anyway, it was the day of the fall horse race. Now Gray was like, the best racer around, especially after that spring, when he ended up winning first place. So of course, when everyone showed up, we all placed a whole bunch of gold on him. But he got out there, the horses got spooked, they all freaked out, and suddenly, there's a horse, totally collapsed and squirming all over the place, right on Gray's legs." I shuddered at the recalling of that horrid race.
"Wow."
"Yeah. So Ann and I, we both passed out, and just as soon as we woke up, Gray's been taken away on a stretcher. So I finally got to the PDS and found out Gray's got two broken legs and a cracked hip; he'll be bedridden for seasons, and after that, he's sentenced to the wheelchair. So Pappy gets me out of there, takes me, Kai, and my cousin Cliff to his house-"
"Your cousin Cliff? Where did he come from? Where is he now?" Jack questioned.
"I'm gettin' there. So, anyway, we were all at Pappy's house when we found out that old Bear passed away."
"Bear!" Jack exclaimed. "I remember him. He was just a puppy when we first got him. Aw, he was a good dog - "
"Jack," I interrupted. "The story. SO! We buried him, and a few hours later, Gray asked for me. So I went to see him and - "
"He breaks it off," Jack finishes.
"Yep. After that, I headed home. See, a long time ago, when I was like, eleven or twelve, my father promised not to drink anymore. But that night, when I got home. . .he was totally trashed. He saw me crying, got angry, slammed me one across the face and almost got Mother before I tripped him and he got knocked unconscious. We all stay at the Greens' house, of course except Dad, and the next day. . .Cliff left."
"Yeah, that's definitely, uh," Jack said, loosely hugging his knees, "worse than I've seen. But, don't give up."
I smiled at him warmly. "Well, you'll have to hold me accountable. Don't let me get all self-centered again, 'kay?" I didn't know what had gotten into me.
"Oh, and I know a guy."
"Okaaay. . .That was just a little random."
"I mean, I know a guy who can help you. He's actually my good friend. I mean He's basically a Father to me. He could seriously help you, I know."
"And who is this 'guy?'"
"God."
Silence. I stood up in one swift motion, briskly brushing the sand off my shorts, trying to think of something to say to that. "It's late," I said, although it was probably only 7:00. "I should go."
"Karen, just listen." Jack jumped to his feet. He gave me a pleading look, his chocolate brown eyes gleaming. "Please?"
"Really, Jack. I should go." I quickly thought of an excuse. "There's a festival tomorrow, and - "
"C'mon, just a minute, Karen. Come over. I'll show you some verses." He paused, letting out a determined breath. "God can help you overcome this. . .I don't know. . .phase of your life."
"Jack, I still don't understand why in the world you bother with me." I flailed my arms in the air before bending over to pick up my towel and shoes.
Just as I was walking away, Jack said something, "Romans 1:14."
I slowly turned around. Rolling my eyes, I asked, "What does that mean?"
"In the Bible. . .in the New Testament, Romans chapter one: verse fourteen says, 'I am obligated both to the Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.'"
"Obligated to what?" I asked.
"Obligated to reach out to Greeks and the non-Greeks. . .that's everyone, Karen, even you. . . and share the fire that God's given me. Do you get what I mean when I say that? Fire?"
"Not really, Jack, but I really should go. I've got a seven o'clock shift at the bar tonight, and I bet I'm already late."
"Well, can I talk to you there?"
But I was already walking away.
~oOo~
The next morning, I sprang out of bed with bed-head hair and wrinkled orange PJ's. I had barely been able to sleep last night, despite the long night at the bar. Dad was knocked out in bed with a fairly bad hangover, I remembered. He'd be out 'til at least three in the afternoon.
I touched the big window that overlooked the tree grove with my palm to feel the temperature and found another lovely warm day for the Sowing Festival. After a quick shower, I dressed appropriately in a short but sensible cargo khaki skirt and white cap-sleeved tee with a popular brand name written decoratively across the front. I delicately brushed my now damp brown-gold hair and decided it would be cute to scrunch it today. Arming myself with my trusty tube of Loreal hair gel, I began the tedious work. But luckily, it turned out quite nice, my hair now a slightly darker mass of reasonably gelled waves. My two trademark blond locks of hair in the front I twisted into tight strands which wrapped around to the back of my head where they were stylishly joined in a small black clip.
After slipping into some complex-looking, tan-colored, thick-heeled sandals, I critiqued my appearance in the full-length mirror on the door. "Hmm," I murmured. "Quite better than usual." A swift brushing of the teeth and application of make-up followed, and then two graceful bounces down the stairs.
Mother, I found, was still snuggled up in her pajamas on the couch eating Corn Flakes out of the box. "Guess you're, uh, not gonna be at the festival, huh?" I asked nonchalantly, grabbing my purse, which coincidentally matched my outfit well enough, off the coffee table.
"No," Mother said, drawing out her word slightly through half-a-mouthful of cereal. "I was going to help set up and then host a booth, but Lillia's got it taken care of, it seems."
"Whatever," I muttered, stepping past the couch and toward the door. "Have you seen Kai?"
"Yes, and today he's looking rather handsome!" Mother actually smiled. She must've been feeling a bit better. Shame she couldn't go to the festival with us.
Not.
It's not that I didn't want her to go, it's just that I didn't want her to go with me. And Kai. . . I thought wistfully.
I grinned at her. "Where did he go?"
"He's doing your father's undone chores."
I shrugged with a roll of the eyes. Typical, I thought. "You know, Mother, if you get cleaned up now, you'll get to the festival in time to see Hector and Stu off in the balloon."
"How do you know Stu's going?" she asked, completely ignoring the point of the suggestion.
I sighed quietly. "Everybody knows Kent is scared of heights. But did you hear me, Mother?"
"Yes, dear, I did. I just may show up." She sighed. "But only if I can borrow your blue turtleneck sweater." She smiled.
I smiled back. "Sure. But don't wear it if you're not coming. 'Kay?"
"Okay, dear." She wiggled her fingers as a wave good-bye. "Have fun."
"I will." More fun than you know, I thought slyly, reminded again that I was going with Kai. Briskly opening the door, the first thing I saw was the brilliant sun on a backdrop of perfect baby blue. "Mmm. . .haaaa," I breathed, enjoying the lovely spring atmosphere.
A few birds sat chirping merrily on the fenceposts, and a whole flock of them nested happily in the big tree out behind the grove.
I wistfully closed my eyes, only to feel a lovely pair of lips peck my right cheek for a long instant. I turned from the direction it had come from, to find a very adorable Kai taking my arm with a grin. "Good morning, Miss Karen," he said sweetly.
He was looking absolutely ravishing with his hair spiked as it had been yesterday and his wonderfully wondrous brown eyes glowing and dancing like newlyweds. He wore loose faded jeans that looked exceptionally good on him, and a red plaid button-down shirt that hung open to reveal a plain white tee shirt. Yes, the man did look quite nice. . .
"You look handsome," I said daringly, with a warm smile.
He blushed, looking down at his stylish Dock Martins. "Thank you, Miss Karen, but if I may say so, you look absolutely beautiful."
It was my turn to flash red on my cheeks. "Thanks, Kai." I couldn't help but enjoy the walk toward the square, my right arm hooked with his left, smiling at each other in a silence that was not awkward but unbelievably pleasant.
When we arrived, the square was, as usual bursting with excitement. Many booths lined the edges of the square, some representing the shops and buildings, others merely places to get food, drink, or small souvenirs. I didn't notice any tourists, which wasn't unusual because they normally just showed up for things like the horse or dog races and the cow festival.
I squealed when I saw the bakery booth, pointing with my mouth open. "Ooh, let's go!" I said, pulling Kai in its direction. Both Elli and Jeff stood smiling behind the small trailer-type booth.
"Karen! Kai!" Elli greeted merrily, throwing a wink at me discreetly. I giggled as she asked, "What can I do for you?"
"You know what I like," I said with a grin.
"Very berry pie it is," Elli laughed sweetly. "Anything for you, Kai?"
As I was handing Elli a few coins, Kai reached out to grab my folded hand. "I got it, Karen."
I looked at him.
"Really," he said with a charming smile. "And, Elli, I'll have a piece of that famous strawberry shortcake!"
Elli laughed loudly and handed him a plate of it with green seran wrap over the top. "There ya go, guys. Have fun."
We laughed and walked away with treats in hand. I nibbled quickly at my pie, where Kai took huge mouthfuls at a time. "Make sure you chew, Kai," I said through my own mouthful of veryberries.
He chuckled, and we walked over towards Ann and Gray, who stood at the big table that represented Green Ranch. "Hey!" Ann shrieked when she saw us. She rushed forward in her knee-length denim skirt, sky blue spaghetti strapped top, and cute black sandals, her curly strawberry hair swooshing along behind her.
As she gave me a friendly hug, I complimented, "Aw, your hair's so cute this way!"
She giggled and said, "Thanks, but yours is cuter. I never could scrunch mine like that!"
Kai chatted with Gray while I asked, "Hm, so what's at the table this time?"
"Well, this year, we decided we each get our own section of the table," Ann beamed. "My idea."
I nodded with a bright grin.
"So Daddy. . .He, of course, put all the business stuff in his section. You know, advertisements, deals, bargains, all that good stuff. Gray. . ." She rolled her eyes, "has taken it upon himself to fill up his portion of the table with all his old racing, breeding, and showing trophys."
Sure enough, the whole left side of the table (Doug's was in the middle) shone bright gold and silver, filled to the edges with medals, ribbons, and trophys.
"And yours!" I squealed excitedly when I saw it. "Oh, it's so cute!" The right side of the table, Ann's part, was home to an extremely large collection of picture frames, each of them filled with old and new pictures of the Ranch: the field, the horses, the cattle, the sheep, the house, the family, the horse and dog races, the cow festival, even the chickens! It took my breath away. "Oh, Ann, what a good job!"
My best friend positively beamed. "Thank you! I had to make some of those picture frames 'cause I ran out close to the end there."
"Well, they're very good," I commented kindly.
"Ooh!" Ann squealed, scurrying behind the table. "And these." She pulled out a large plate with seran wrap over the top. She lifted up the wrap, and I took one of the goods from the plate.
I could at least tell it was something like a cookie. It looked a lot like a big, deformed tear drop with green icing spread over it. I cocked my head and furrowed my brow. "A cookie," I said plainly. "What's it supposed to be shaped like?"
Ann smiled and shrugged. "Well, it was supposed to be seed, but it looks more like a retarded cow-patty."
I laughed aloud, staring at the thing.
"Go on, eat!" she grinned.
I tried not to cringe. Ann had never been a good cooker. But I took a small bite and actually found it to be pretty good. "Wow, Ann! I think this is the best thing you've ever cooked!"
Ann glowed. "Well, Popuri helped me a bit with the batter. But I took it from there!"
I chuckled. Only Ann.
"So. . .?" Ann said, nudging my arm with her elbow.
"What?" I said.
"How're things with K-A-I?"
I giggled loudly. "Ann, you dork!"
She laughed aloud and playfully punched my shoulder. "Seriously!"
"Honest to goddess?" I teased.
She mock-scowled. "Well, I guess I just won't tell you the little secret Gray told me. . ."
Ann started to walk back behind the table again, a slow bounce in her step, her hips shaking each movement. I rolled my green eyes. "Ann!"
"Hee, hee, hee," she giggled amusingly. "Not until you tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"If you liiike him or not."
"Ann!"
"Tell me!"
Pause. "Kind of. . .Maybe."
"AAAHH!" she screeched, though it was hardly heard by anyone else because of all the other hulabaloo about the square.
"So what's the secret?" I gave her a look. "There better be a secret, Ann."
"There is." Ann motioned with her finger for me to come closer. In my ear, she whispered, "Gray told me the other night that Jack told Jeff, who told Harris, who told Rick who told Gray that he's sweet on you!"
"That who is?" I asked.
"Jack!" Ann replied, a little more loudly than I'd have liked.
"No!"
Ann giggled. "Yup!"
"Gray lies!"
"Oh, Karen, he hardly ever talks."
"Then the story got twisted somewhere in the 'who told's! In the beginning, Jack probably liked you!"
"Oh, Karen, I think we both know Gray scared him off."
I shrugged. "Then it was probably Popuri or. . .ELLI!"
Ann gasped. "It could be!"
"She did say that Jack came by the bakery way too often to just be buying cakes."
"Speaking of which, I wonder where he - "
"Hello, ladies," a familiar voice said.
"Jack!" we both said in unison, turning around to see him admiring Gray's awards and such.
The three of us, soon joined by Gray and Kai to make it five, exchanged meaningless small talk for what must have been ten minutes. Finally, the mayor took the rusty old microphone from the stand, causing a brief instant of crackles and static. "Attention, everyone!" he said.
"Sending them off in the balloon already?" Ann said, wrinkling her forehead.
"Sure," Gray said. "It's already about ten."
But the mayor continued, "Now, I know in the past, there hasn't been dancing at this particular festival."
Ann and I looked at each other. I mouthed the word, "Yes!" and she nodded eagerly.
"But who would like to see some shufflin' this year?" the mayor exclaimed, shaking a fist in the air.
A tremendous cheer arose from the villagers of the square.
"That's what I thought!" the microphone boomed. "So quickly everyone! Partner up for the first dance! Let's get this party started!"
I laughed at the mayor's attempt at being modern. Poor guy, I thought laughingly.
Kai stepped in front of me. "Care to dance, Miss Karen?"
I nodded and set down the remainder of my second cookie on the table. I noticed Jack partnering up with Ann and contained a burst of teasing giggles.
We arrived in proper positions out on the cobblestone dance floor just as the loud, festive music jumped to a start. When cue came, we bowed and began the traditional dance. As I twirled swiftly, I was able to see the other partners. Of course almost all the married couples were out there, along with Harris and Maria dancing together. I laughed when I saw that Elli and Popuri had playfully chosen to dance with each other.
At the end of the song, we all struck a playful ending pose and laughed merrily. Kai was an excellent dancer, I'd noticed.
After a brief pause at the end of the song, a familiar slow song began to flow from the speakers. I noticed how modern the song was and was surprised how cool all the old people were being.
But my insides burned with anxiousness when I realized this was important. Was Kai really serious? Would he ask me to dance this one? What about Jack? I saw Gray ask Elli if he could "cut in" and burned with jealousy for an instant.
"Miss Karen," Kai's voice thankfully interrupted my thoughts. His eyes sparkled magnificently. "Care to dance another?"
"Yeah," I said, my eyes never leaving his. As he positioned his rough hands gently around my hips, I placed my forearms on his shoulders, my hands wringing nervously behind his head. "It's, uh, a really pretty day today, huh?"
"Sure is," Kai answered. "So Hector is the King this year, right?"
"Yeah. Stu will probably go with him in the balloon. I mean, since Kent's afraid of heights."
Kai nodded. "Makes sense."
Silence settled between us, but this time was more awkward than the last. Suddenly, I noticed Jack walking up behind Kai. I hadn't noticed before, but he was looking pretty darn good in khaki cargo pants with a navy blue tee shirt, again wearing his now trademark blue and orange ball cap.
He tapped Kai's shoulder, and I turned beet red. "May I cut in?" Jack asked. Kai, of course, nodded at me with a handsome smile and stepped aside. "Is it okay if I dance with you, Karen?"
I finally saw Ann standing by the Ranch table again. I remembered that she'd been dancing with Jack and probably sent him over here. When she winked at me, I widened my jade eyes at her, swiftly turning my gaze back to Jack. "Sure, Jack," I responded, resuming the position I'd just been in with Kai.
"Are you still mad at me?" he asked, almost right after placing his hands softly on my hips.
I raised an eyebrow. "I was never mad at you."
"So why'd you walk away from me last night at the beach?" His brown eyes seemed to draw me in.
"Like I said, I had a seven o'clock shift at the bar. I was already late, and - "
"But you weren't listening to a word I was saying. Why don't you wanna listen?"
I barely shrugged my shoulder. "I-I listened."
Jack let out a breath, looking away for a second, then looking back into my eyes. "What if I told you something now? Right now."
I smiled at him, taking a good long blink. "What is it?"
"Well, do you want to hear it? 'Cause I'm not gonna tell you if you're not gonna listen."
"Yes, Jack, I'm listening, I swear."
"Good." He paused to smile at me. "Okay, I have a question for you first."
"Okay."
"Has anyone ever talked to you about God?"
"Your grandpa, Jack, obviously."
"That's it?"
"Well, when my cousin Cliff was here. . .he used to talk about God all the time and pray at the dinner table just like Pappy used to. He'd carry the book around, and I remember this one time, Ann got so mad at him. We were at the bakery when Cliff started praying for the cake. I don't know he called it blessing the food or something. But anyway, Ann and I just looked at each other and then Ann asked him, 'What was that?' Before ya know it, he's rattling off all this stuff that I didn't get about how God created us and the chicken came first."
Jack smiled. "Your cousin is smart."
I grinned. "He may be smart, but I don't know that he's right."
"Where does he live?"
"Now, it's New Mexico. I called him just the other day."
He looked startled. "Really."
"Yeah." I didn't know why, but I didn't tell him that Cliff was trying to get down here.
"So you don't know that Cliff's right?" Jack said. "He is, you know."
"Sorry, dude, but I need proof."
"I gotcher proof," he murmured, suddenly revealing a small orange book from his pocket. "This is the New Testament." Then, from his other pocket he pulled a red one. "This is the Old Testament."
"Oh, brother," I grumbled with a roll of the eyes.
"Hey, you said you were gonna listen."
"That was a long time ago."
It was his turn to roll his eyes. "Just listen."
"Fine, fine."
"Remember last night when I quoted Romans 1:14?"
"The 'I am obligated' tidbit? I remember, but do we really have to talk about this now?"
"But, Karen-"
"Oh, Jack, c'mon! We're 'sposed to be dancing!"
"Bu-"
"Jack," I said, holding my right palm against his warm neck. "We're friends now right?"
"I hope so," Jack answered, ever-so-slightly cocking his head.
"Well, friendship goes two ways. I listened to you for a while." I paused, sliding my hand back to its former position behind Jack's head. "And now you listen to me."
He smiled.
"And I say, we're dancing."
"Okay, okay, I get your point."
The slow song was soon finished, and after that, a quick song ensued. I resumed partnership with Kai, as did Jack with Ann.
~oOo~
The festival went basically as always, aside of course from the dancing. At six o'clock, after the hot-air balloon returned with Hector and Stu safe in tow and everyone had enjoyed hours more of festivities, I waved good-bye to the Greens, Jack, and Elli. Kai took my arm and we made our way away from the square.
It was only six, so Kai suggested we go sit on the beach for a while. I readily agreed, seeing as how it was such a warm, pretty night.
But neither of us sat when we arrived. It was pleasant enough to just stand side by side, the light breeze softly caressing our faces.
Kai suddenly turned to face me. "Karen, I, uh. . .had a lot of fun with you today."
I turned to face him also. "Yeah," I responded. "I had fun, too."
We stood like that for a moment. But somehow, we ended up just a few inches apart. I felt his breath on mine. He reached up with his hand to touch my face softly. And then it happened.
Our lips were suddenly touching. As the kiss deepened, my arms found their way around his back. Kai's right hand stayed pressed against my face and neck while his left hand hugged my back. I put forth an unexpected amount of passion, and of more lust than love. I felt an equal amount from Kai, his hand never ceasing to stroke my neck.
Suddenly I realized what was happening, what I was doing, and what kind of stress I'd be putting on myself and others. I pulled my face away in one swift motion. Kai was obviously not surprised but had milked the moment for as long as he could, "I know," he said, slowly removing his hand from my face. "Ann."
"Yeah," I answered, though I wasn't sure that was exactly the reason for my recoil. My mind would only permit one name to spin through it.
Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack! Jack! Jack!!! WHY AM I THINKING ABOUT JACK!?!?!
Pulling fully away, I finally whispered, "Mother will be waiting."
~oOoOoOo~
Amaya: Whew! Kinda. . .tense!! I don't know, I've never kissed anyone before so I sure hope that's how it goes. If it's not then. . .let's just pretend it is!! Hope that wasn't too hard on you. . .Ha, ha, ha. Well, love you guys!! Please drop a review on your way out!! XOXOX
Amaya: Don't worry, this chapter will be much longer!! Thanks to all my reviewers:
Fairy Friend-Thanks for keepin' an eye out!! You're one of my most faithful reviewers!! By the way, I meant "Kare" as her nickname-type- thing. But it doesn't really matter. Thanks so much!!
Red Sonic-I asked for Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town for Christmas!! I think my mom got it for me already. I can't wait!! I just love Christmas!! Anyways, yeah, Cliff's great. He's easy. Well, thanks!!
LCDM-Thanks for the phone number tip!! I always wondered why people always used 555!! LOL!! You, also, are one of my favorite, most consistent reviewers. Keep it up, and thank you!!
Harvestboy and Harvestgirl-Hey, Ben!! Thanks honey bunches of oats for your cool review!! I love Chick-Fil-A, except when I drive with my dad in his big, huge truck they always ask him to turn off the engine. Kind of annoying, but no big deal really. LOL well I'm just babbling. Keep up the reviews!!
Starlight the Wanderer-Wow!! I never thought my little fanfic would affect anyone so much. I'm totally glad it helped!! I'm so happy for you. I hope you enjoy this chapter!! Keep up the reviewing!!
Hera Potter-LOL, yeah, I really had NO idea how to spell bronchitis when I was writing that. Just a wild guess. I was close, though!! Ha, ha, well thanks for your help and your sweet review!!
farmerboy-Can't thank you enough!! You're one of my fave reviewers, too!!
Lynnika-Literally laughed out loud when I read your review. Yeah, I like Cliff a lot too. . .and bacon!! Yummo!! Sure glad I don't hafta suffer your wrath!! Well, thanks a million!!
Lyndsey-Wow!! Thank you so much!! I never expected so much in a review. It means so much to me. You have absolutely no idea. Thank you SO MUCH!!
Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon.
Amaya: By the way, just a warning, the romantic side of this story heats up quite a bit more in this chapter!! =]
~oOoOoOo~
Two days rolled by slowly, and I spent a lot of that time worrying about Cliff and his family. How horrible it would be to not know when or where or how your next meal would come! I found myself feeling a lot more gratitude for the food I ate each day and the clothes on my back and in my closet.
The snow was completely gone by Spring 7, replaced by brilliant green grass and patient flower buds. The icicles all had melted away, and the frost on the windows ceased to appear each night. The air was actually quite warm and vibrant, the sun burning brightly overhead each day. I found myself back in my spring and summer shorts and tank tops with occasional flip flops and ponytails. I noticed the Green Ranch starting to liven up again after the long winter; the cows, horses, sheep, and chickens roamed about freely in the field.
Again, the beach became my home away from home. I never felt out of place there, with the silky sand beneath me and the baby blue sky above me and the wondrous ocean stretched for miles before me. I usually slipped my clothes on over my bathing suit before I went there, knowing the waves would entice me once I arrived. Under normal conditions, Ann wouldn't stay there with me long. Sometimes we'd swim together for about an hour, but Ann always had work to do.
Then again, so did I. My "I'll do it later"s and "I'm busy now"s had built up for so long that I had a mountain of chores to complete every day. In spring, though, there wasn't much to do but take care of the trees. We'd planted them on the 2nd this year because of Pappy's funeral, and all we'd do until fall would be fertilizing, watering, and clipping off the parts of the trees gone bad. In midsummer, we'd pick some of the not-quite-ripe grapes for special wines, and sometimes we'd just sell them as plain old grapes. But of course, they were the best grapes for miles around. Zach the shipper would put them on the ferry, which would take them to surrounding islands and even to America to be sold. But usually, they only got as far as South Carolina.
Kai and I did most of the watering this time of year. Some days, Mother would come out and do it all herself. Those were usually the days when Daddy went out on the ferry to negotiate business deals in places like Cuba, Jamaica, Florida, Georgia, and once, he even went so far as Spain. I don't know why, but Mother always felt that when Dad wasn't around, it was her responsibility to do everything by herself.
But it was nice getting those occasional days off.
This was one such day. It was the morning of Spring 7. Daddy had left very early for our side of Cuba. He'd be back by eleven tonight.
When I woke up that morning, I checked to see if Cliff had arrived, as I'd been doing each morning. I knew Dad had already left because Mother was nowhere in sight. Apparently, she'd already begun the big watering job.
I grabbed a container of homemade grape yogurt and a plastic spoon and sauntered back upstairs to my room. I listened to more of Grandma Eve's old ballet music while I ate. The first tape I'd listened to, "Fairies of the Night," still remained my favorite, and the first song on that tape, "A Little Girl's Dream," sat right by it. This was not the tape I listened to now, but I was reminded of it by the bounciness of the song, "Imagine It."
I let the music continue to play after I threw away the empty yogurt container and spoon. I slipped into my favorite bathing suit, a blue, hibiscus flower patterned baby-doll styled halter-top. Over it I wore reasonably lengthed navy blue knit shorts with a casual white tank top, so one could see the top to my bathing suit. This was the first time in a long time I'd dared not to wear my trademark purple vest, but it was far too warm outside, and the outfit I now wore was far too cute and far too comfortable to add something.
After slipping into blue flip flops and lightly applying sunscreen, I turned off the tape-player and moseyed downstairs. Kai, who had been watching television, politely stood when I entered the living room. I was in a good mood this morning and actually smiled at him!
He was obviously startled but still smiled back, saying, "Morning, Miss Karen."
The "Miss Karen" thing's annoyance had worn out a long time ago, and I now hardly noticed when he addressed me this way. "Good morning, Kai."
"Off to the beach?" he asked, sitting back down on the couch.
"You know me too well," I answered with a smirk.
"Want some company?" he said, a pleading look in his deep brown eyes.
I thought about this and soon found myself torn both ways. Mixed feelings for Kai had been swirling around in me since the break-up between him and Ann. Of course, it was just wrong to get wrapped up in a relationship so soon after your best friend dumped him. If I was ever to act on my feelings, it was going to have to be like, seasons later.
But there was no use being mean to the guy for being nice. So my answer was, "Uh, sure, if you'd like to come."
He smiled. "Let me get my suit."
"Um, why don't you meet me there? I'm gonna go ahead and go." I had no idea why in the world I was being so nice today.
He nodded before shutting the door to his bedroom. "Sure."
So I headed out the front door. I caught sight of Mother mellowly spraying the grape trees with our extra long water hose, but didn't buy into her self-pitiful attitude. I hurried off the property and soon entered the crossroads. I passed the Moonlit Farm on my walk to the beach and saw Jack and Beanie checking the mail on the other side of the low whitewashed wood fence. Jack gave a friendly wave and flashed a handsome smile, but I just looked away. Maybe I wasn't in such a nice mood today after all.
I was almost to the beach when I passed Green Ranch. Ann was checking her mail, too, and stopped me as I walked past. "Karen, hey!" she greeted sweetly, swinging her thin legs over the short wood fence, landing lightly in a sitting position.
"Hi, Ann," I responded, stepping toward her.
"Off to the beach again, huh?" she said, squinting in the morning sunrays. "It's a really pretty day to go. Hey, maybe after I finish my chores I can meet you there. All I've got left to do is give Cliffguard a workout ride, and that won't take but ten minutes."
"You could, but Kai's coming right behind me," I warned her. "Just in case that might change your mind."
She cocked her head and shrugged, frowning a bit. "Well, I don't hate him or anything. If it's alright with you, I'll go ahead and come."
"Fine by me. I think I'll mostly just be tanning, even though I'm wearin' my baby doll. But wear a two-piece, Ann. You can tan with me."
She grinned, her sunlit blue eyes dancing happily. She flipped her long orange braid away from her left shoulder as she hopped off the fence. "Okay," she said, walking backward. "See ya' there!"
"M-kay," I replied and began to stride breezily toward the beach.
But the light voice of Kai stopped me. "Miss Karen," he hollered behind me, causing me to turn in his direction. "Wait up." He was wearing a pair of orange and white hibiscus-flowered swim trunks and was, for once, missing his purple bandana. He carried two beach towels, one presumably for me since I'd forgotten to grab one. I could just barely see the navy blue band of his boxer shorts just over the line of his trunks. His jet black hair was actually gelled up in small spikes, a style that made him look much younger and significantly cuter. And you just can't forget the six-pack abs. . .
That was it. Kai was a total hottie.
I was awestruck. Any mixed feelings I'd had for him were now completely in his favor. I knew deep down I was sort of being a girl-version of shallow, but also knew that I would never have given him this much credit just for being hot. He wouldn't even be so cute were it not for his sense of humor, his sweet sensitivity, and his gentle strength.
He just barely panted from his jog as he approached. "Thanks," he said, then motioned toward the beach entrance. "Shall we?"
I just couldn't contain a smile. "Yeah." I couldn't help but think Kai was bringing out the old "sweetheart" in me. I wondered if he would ask me to the Sowing Festival tomorrow. Truly, a "date" wasn't particularly emphasized for festivals such as these, but traditionally, it was Flower Bud's custom to have an escort to just about every festival. But. . .I doubted Kai would ask me. Not so soon after Ann.
As we walked together toward the beach, I broke the silence with, "Ann's coming along in about ten minutes. Hmm, maybe a bit more."
He nodded, but said, rather startlingly, "Miss Karen, does she hate me?"
I shook my head and flashed the nah-not-really look. "Do you hate her?"
"Of course not," he answered as we entered the sandy beach area. The splash of the waves could now be heard along with the cawing of the seagulls. "I understand her reasons for breaking it off."
I nodded. "That's good."
He handed me a large red beach towel and kept a larger gray one, and the both of us turned our backs to the wind and stretched them out on the sand. I stood on mine for a moment, subtly stripping off my tank top and shorts and kicking off my sandals as Kai sat down upon his. "You know, the festival's tomorrow."
I nodded my head up and down in a small manner, hope and anxiousness piling up inside.
"Do you wanna go with me, maybe?" Kai leaned back on his strong muscly arms.
I sat down on my towel rather calmly, for it was a calm conversation and setting, and quietly responded, "Um, I don't know. . .I. . .I might need just a little time to think about it."
"Miss Karen, I'm not asking you to be my girlfriend."
I recoiled in an invisible fashion, not because I wanted to be his girlfriend (even though deep down I did), but because I had really not been expecting that response.
"And I'm not implying that we go as a couple," he continued. "It's just that if you don't have a date or anything, maybe I could take you and we could just have fun. . .together. . .as good friends."
Except for the soft lapping of waves on the sandy beach, silence consumed the air.
"What do you think?" he finally asked, his voice steady, secure, calm, and unwavering.
I smiled a little at him, lying back on my big, rusty-red towel. "I think it sounds okay. Yeah. I'll go with you." I silently exhaled, glad we'd got the conversation over with.
Suddenly, with a squeal, Ann came cartwheeling onto the beach in a red baby doll with spaghetti straps that criss-crossed in the back. "Whew," she cried at reaching the water's edge. Kai and I laughed. "It's been a loooong time since I did that."
I giggled at Ann's constant energy.
"Oops," she said, glancing at our towels. "Forgot a towel. Scoot over, Karen." And she skipped to my location and motioned to the right for me to move. The towel was so hugely huge that there was enough room for both of us. So she plopped down next to me and laid back, letting out a big breath. "It's such a pretty day."
"Ah, yeah," Kai exhaled airily.
I nodded, pushing my straight, smooth hair out of my winter-kissed face. Relaxing my arms at my sides, I turned my face in Kai's direction and closed my eyes. Already I felt the heat of the free sun on my skin and instantly was excited about the delicate tan I'd hopefully have tomorrow.
It was about an hour before Gray came to join us. He laid out his towel, but never really got around to lying on it. He and Kai went splashing into the waves soon after Gray's arrival. Eventually Ann and I joined them in the salty spray, momentarily relieving our skin from the sun's heated rays.
At about noon, I again clothed myself in the white tank top and knit shorts with flipflops and the four of us headed back up to Green Ranch. There, Ann put her usual plain tee shirt with feminine-enough overalls and sneakers back on. Gray added an ordinary tee shirt to his ensemble and found Kai a simple white undershirt.
Ann tried her hand at sandwiches for us all, but after a broken mayonnaise jar, a "slightly crispy" attempt at grilled cheese, and a small incident involving Ann's "BLT Special," the microwave, and a little tin foil, we relieved Ann from her duties and shot up to the bakery. Rumors were, Elli's new stuffed baked potatoes were to die for.
So after a round of scrumptious potatoes and a lovely very berry pie, all of us, now including Elli in a cute strapless two piece, made our slow way back to the beach.
While Kai and Gray started up a swim race to the flagged buoy out yonder, Ann, Elli, and I stretched out on the shore. By now, my hair was completely dry, although slightly frizzied by the breeze. As the three of us, Elli between Ann and me, closed our eyes to shut out the blinding sun, Elli struck up a conversation. A very girl-typical conversation.
"Goddess, the new guy is hot," she declared with a naughty grin.
Ann let out a long breath. "You can so say that again."
I smiled but said nothing.
"Have either of y'all talked to him much?" Ann continued.
Elli squealed somewhat quietly. "Yeah. Goddess, he must come by the bakery at least every other day."
"Really?" Ann asked. "He's only dropped by the Ranch twice so far, and only on business. He got Cliffguard's brother that one time on the third and then the other day he came by to get a chicken. But he did talk to me both times!"
I laughed. "Goddess, Ann, you're keeping good track!"
"Well, Ann, maybe he's just a bit sweet on you!" Elli teased.
"Maybe!" Ann giggled sing-songily. "But he did mention Karen several times in our conversation!"
I lifted up my head to look at her. "Ann, you liar," I said playfully.
"I'm serious!" she insisted with a perseverant nod. "Honest to goddess!"
Elli piped up. "Yeah! He said a few things about you at the bakery too."
"Well? What did he say?" I asked curiously. "I mean, if he really did say anything. . .Ladies!"
Ann broke into a bubbly burst of laughter. "He asked - he asked me if - AHAHA! - he asked me if you h - "
Elli, before joining Ann in laughter, finished, "He asked me if you had a boyfriend!"
Ann squealed hysterically through her bubbles of laughter, nodding with a red face.
"AAAAAHHH!" I shrieked girlishly before erupting into my own episode of giggles. "Seriously?"
Elli nodded as Ann repeated, "Honest to goddess! He asked about you and Elli both!"
This only caused a screech from Elli and another long explosion of laughter. "Ann, I know you're lying!" she shrieked.
Again, Ann responded, "Honest to goddess! He didn't ask about anyone else except the three of us!"
We were all sitting up now and had been since Ann's first "honest to goddess" remark. "He asked about you, too?" Elli said.
Ann shrugged. "Yeah, after the two of you."
I fanned my red face. It had been a long time since I'd laughed so hard.
Clutching her aching sides, Elli changed topics, "So has anyone got a date to the Sowing Festival?"
"No, but thank goddess you don't really need one this time," Ann replied before I could so much as open my mouth.
"Karen?" Elli asked expectantly. "Any invites from Jack?"
Glad for the second question, I shook my head. I really didn't want to tell Ann I was going with Kai, but deep down knew I'd have to eventually.
But surprisingly, the "eventually" came sooner than I'd hoped. Ann asked, "What about Kai?"
I was startled, but answered, "He asked me this morning if we could go just as good friends."
Ann nodded and I half-expected her to say something like, "You betrayed me." But instead, she just replied, "And you said?"
I stared into her perfect sky blue eyes and answered, "Yes."
Elli looked from one of us to the other.
"Are you okay with that, Ann?" I said in the kindest voice I'd used in a while.
She broke the tension with a smile, "Of course. Y'all are cute together."
"Ann!" I whined. "We're just going as friends! Honest to goddess!" I teased.
She giggled. Elli joined in.
~oOo~
A little more than three hours later, it was six-thirty, and everyone but me had left the beach. I sat alone on the sand with my hands attached loosely on the other side of my knees, which were slightly apart in an un- ladylike fashion. My bare feet received the gentle lick of the waves, but my navy shorts remained out of their reach.
The sun had almost disappeared under the aqua horizon but wasn't yet finished painting the the ocean golden yellow. Behind me, the sky was already tinted purple-blue and dotted with many faintly shining stars. It was this time of night that I found the most magical, the most intriguing. As the sun continued to dip, I was reminded again of Grandma Eve's old tape, "Fairies of the Night." A Little Girl's Dream echoed in my head, and without so much as a thought, I was on my feet and dancing.
It was as if the music really was being played by a grand orchestra right there on my beach. The sand under my toes was left in odd patterns as I spun and twirled, lept and bounded. I didn't need a routine or a choreographer. I just danced straight from my heart, directly from my emotional soul. I smiled as I danced; my favorite bouncy music would not permit a frown!
So, grinning, I continued to move with the music until the final beats resounded loudly from my imaginary orchestra. I hit the last burst of music with one foot crossed in a lunge behind the other, my left bicep pressing against my ear, and my right arm stretched out in a perfect horizontal line. With a truly happy smile playing on my face, I breathed quiet, heavy breaths.
Finally, I bowed gracefully to my audience, the applauding waves that stretched for miles before me.
"Wow."
I swiftly whirled around to see an awestruck Jack standing silently near the beach entrance. His shaggy brown hair was again only visible underneath and through the hole of his ball cap. Due to the now warm weather, he was dressed simply in loose, slightly faded blue jeans, brown boots with matching thick belt, and a white undershirt that didn't leave much to the imagination. He took a step toward me, his boot crunching softly in the sand. "That was - "
"None of your business," I finished for him, a scowl infiltrating my expression. I picked up my towel and slid into my flip-flops.
Before I started walking away, he said, "Well, I was going to say beautiful, but I guess you'd rather just bite my head off."
I gave him a cold glare. "Why do you care?"
"Why do I care? I never said I cared." He paused, scratching his head. "Look. I'm sorry."
There he went again! Apologizing for making a comeback when I was being a monster.
"I really am," he went on. "But I don't know what to do. I try to be nice to you, but I guess you're just mad at everything."
I nodded. "Mostly."
"Why?" he asked sweetly, gesturing with his shoulders and arms.
Ignoring his question, I said, "Why do you bother? Trying to be nice to me, I mean? Why don't you just give up like everyone else?"
"Well, first of all, as a Christian, I'm trying to be an example of Christ."
I didn't move a muscle in my body.
"Second of all, I don't really have any friends here. I thought you might've liked to be one if I got to know you well enough, especially since we were childhood friends, but I guess I was wrong."
"No, you weren't," I blurted suddenly, surprising myself.
Jack gave me a look. "I wasn't?" he said, more like a statement than a question.
I hesitated for a moment. What had I gotten myself into? Maybe it was worth a shot. . .Maybe I could get over the whole angry, depressed phase of my life and make a new friend. It didn't seem like I had much to lose, so I tried my hand at a genuine, friendly smile at Jack. "I'll try. . .to be your friend."
"You make it sound like it's hard," Jack said with a small smile.
I shrugged. "No one's ever let you down before? Broken your heart?"
"Well, sure," he said. "But life goes on, and I figure I should too."
Again, I shrugged. "Makes sense. But. . .it's a bit harder when it all happens to you in a single day."
Jack lifted his eyebrows but didn't say anything.
However, the look in his eyes suggested that I continue. "Well," I began. "Have you met Gray?"
"M-hm," he nodded.
I sighed. "Sit down," I finally said, and the both of us plopped down on the sand. The sun was now invisible. A jillion stars decorated the navy blue kanvas that was the sky. I took a deep breath. "So you've met Gray, huh?"
"M-hm," he repeated.
"Well, a few years ago, when I was about fifteen and he was sixteen, we were, you know - "
"An item?" he teased, moving his index and middle fingers up and down on both hands in quotes.
I laughed a little and continued, "You could say that. But it's really more like. . .I was sure we were in love."
"At fifteen?" he asked skeptically. "Karen!"
"What?" I said innocently. "Generally, in Flower Bud, you're 'sposed to get married at seventeen. So stop interrupting and let me tell the story!"
He chuckled and nodded.
"So we're basically really close - "
"To what?"
I gave him a look. "Each other," I said matter-of-factly. "Anyway, it was the day of the fall horse race. Now Gray was like, the best racer around, especially after that spring, when he ended up winning first place. So of course, when everyone showed up, we all placed a whole bunch of gold on him. But he got out there, the horses got spooked, they all freaked out, and suddenly, there's a horse, totally collapsed and squirming all over the place, right on Gray's legs." I shuddered at the recalling of that horrid race.
"Wow."
"Yeah. So Ann and I, we both passed out, and just as soon as we woke up, Gray's been taken away on a stretcher. So I finally got to the PDS and found out Gray's got two broken legs and a cracked hip; he'll be bedridden for seasons, and after that, he's sentenced to the wheelchair. So Pappy gets me out of there, takes me, Kai, and my cousin Cliff to his house-"
"Your cousin Cliff? Where did he come from? Where is he now?" Jack questioned.
"I'm gettin' there. So, anyway, we were all at Pappy's house when we found out that old Bear passed away."
"Bear!" Jack exclaimed. "I remember him. He was just a puppy when we first got him. Aw, he was a good dog - "
"Jack," I interrupted. "The story. SO! We buried him, and a few hours later, Gray asked for me. So I went to see him and - "
"He breaks it off," Jack finishes.
"Yep. After that, I headed home. See, a long time ago, when I was like, eleven or twelve, my father promised not to drink anymore. But that night, when I got home. . .he was totally trashed. He saw me crying, got angry, slammed me one across the face and almost got Mother before I tripped him and he got knocked unconscious. We all stay at the Greens' house, of course except Dad, and the next day. . .Cliff left."
"Yeah, that's definitely, uh," Jack said, loosely hugging his knees, "worse than I've seen. But, don't give up."
I smiled at him warmly. "Well, you'll have to hold me accountable. Don't let me get all self-centered again, 'kay?" I didn't know what had gotten into me.
"Oh, and I know a guy."
"Okaaay. . .That was just a little random."
"I mean, I know a guy who can help you. He's actually my good friend. I mean He's basically a Father to me. He could seriously help you, I know."
"And who is this 'guy?'"
"God."
Silence. I stood up in one swift motion, briskly brushing the sand off my shorts, trying to think of something to say to that. "It's late," I said, although it was probably only 7:00. "I should go."
"Karen, just listen." Jack jumped to his feet. He gave me a pleading look, his chocolate brown eyes gleaming. "Please?"
"Really, Jack. I should go." I quickly thought of an excuse. "There's a festival tomorrow, and - "
"C'mon, just a minute, Karen. Come over. I'll show you some verses." He paused, letting out a determined breath. "God can help you overcome this. . .I don't know. . .phase of your life."
"Jack, I still don't understand why in the world you bother with me." I flailed my arms in the air before bending over to pick up my towel and shoes.
Just as I was walking away, Jack said something, "Romans 1:14."
I slowly turned around. Rolling my eyes, I asked, "What does that mean?"
"In the Bible. . .in the New Testament, Romans chapter one: verse fourteen says, 'I am obligated both to the Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.'"
"Obligated to what?" I asked.
"Obligated to reach out to Greeks and the non-Greeks. . .that's everyone, Karen, even you. . . and share the fire that God's given me. Do you get what I mean when I say that? Fire?"
"Not really, Jack, but I really should go. I've got a seven o'clock shift at the bar tonight, and I bet I'm already late."
"Well, can I talk to you there?"
But I was already walking away.
~oOo~
The next morning, I sprang out of bed with bed-head hair and wrinkled orange PJ's. I had barely been able to sleep last night, despite the long night at the bar. Dad was knocked out in bed with a fairly bad hangover, I remembered. He'd be out 'til at least three in the afternoon.
I touched the big window that overlooked the tree grove with my palm to feel the temperature and found another lovely warm day for the Sowing Festival. After a quick shower, I dressed appropriately in a short but sensible cargo khaki skirt and white cap-sleeved tee with a popular brand name written decoratively across the front. I delicately brushed my now damp brown-gold hair and decided it would be cute to scrunch it today. Arming myself with my trusty tube of Loreal hair gel, I began the tedious work. But luckily, it turned out quite nice, my hair now a slightly darker mass of reasonably gelled waves. My two trademark blond locks of hair in the front I twisted into tight strands which wrapped around to the back of my head where they were stylishly joined in a small black clip.
After slipping into some complex-looking, tan-colored, thick-heeled sandals, I critiqued my appearance in the full-length mirror on the door. "Hmm," I murmured. "Quite better than usual." A swift brushing of the teeth and application of make-up followed, and then two graceful bounces down the stairs.
Mother, I found, was still snuggled up in her pajamas on the couch eating Corn Flakes out of the box. "Guess you're, uh, not gonna be at the festival, huh?" I asked nonchalantly, grabbing my purse, which coincidentally matched my outfit well enough, off the coffee table.
"No," Mother said, drawing out her word slightly through half-a-mouthful of cereal. "I was going to help set up and then host a booth, but Lillia's got it taken care of, it seems."
"Whatever," I muttered, stepping past the couch and toward the door. "Have you seen Kai?"
"Yes, and today he's looking rather handsome!" Mother actually smiled. She must've been feeling a bit better. Shame she couldn't go to the festival with us.
Not.
It's not that I didn't want her to go, it's just that I didn't want her to go with me. And Kai. . . I thought wistfully.
I grinned at her. "Where did he go?"
"He's doing your father's undone chores."
I shrugged with a roll of the eyes. Typical, I thought. "You know, Mother, if you get cleaned up now, you'll get to the festival in time to see Hector and Stu off in the balloon."
"How do you know Stu's going?" she asked, completely ignoring the point of the suggestion.
I sighed quietly. "Everybody knows Kent is scared of heights. But did you hear me, Mother?"
"Yes, dear, I did. I just may show up." She sighed. "But only if I can borrow your blue turtleneck sweater." She smiled.
I smiled back. "Sure. But don't wear it if you're not coming. 'Kay?"
"Okay, dear." She wiggled her fingers as a wave good-bye. "Have fun."
"I will." More fun than you know, I thought slyly, reminded again that I was going with Kai. Briskly opening the door, the first thing I saw was the brilliant sun on a backdrop of perfect baby blue. "Mmm. . .haaaa," I breathed, enjoying the lovely spring atmosphere.
A few birds sat chirping merrily on the fenceposts, and a whole flock of them nested happily in the big tree out behind the grove.
I wistfully closed my eyes, only to feel a lovely pair of lips peck my right cheek for a long instant. I turned from the direction it had come from, to find a very adorable Kai taking my arm with a grin. "Good morning, Miss Karen," he said sweetly.
He was looking absolutely ravishing with his hair spiked as it had been yesterday and his wonderfully wondrous brown eyes glowing and dancing like newlyweds. He wore loose faded jeans that looked exceptionally good on him, and a red plaid button-down shirt that hung open to reveal a plain white tee shirt. Yes, the man did look quite nice. . .
"You look handsome," I said daringly, with a warm smile.
He blushed, looking down at his stylish Dock Martins. "Thank you, Miss Karen, but if I may say so, you look absolutely beautiful."
It was my turn to flash red on my cheeks. "Thanks, Kai." I couldn't help but enjoy the walk toward the square, my right arm hooked with his left, smiling at each other in a silence that was not awkward but unbelievably pleasant.
When we arrived, the square was, as usual bursting with excitement. Many booths lined the edges of the square, some representing the shops and buildings, others merely places to get food, drink, or small souvenirs. I didn't notice any tourists, which wasn't unusual because they normally just showed up for things like the horse or dog races and the cow festival.
I squealed when I saw the bakery booth, pointing with my mouth open. "Ooh, let's go!" I said, pulling Kai in its direction. Both Elli and Jeff stood smiling behind the small trailer-type booth.
"Karen! Kai!" Elli greeted merrily, throwing a wink at me discreetly. I giggled as she asked, "What can I do for you?"
"You know what I like," I said with a grin.
"Very berry pie it is," Elli laughed sweetly. "Anything for you, Kai?"
As I was handing Elli a few coins, Kai reached out to grab my folded hand. "I got it, Karen."
I looked at him.
"Really," he said with a charming smile. "And, Elli, I'll have a piece of that famous strawberry shortcake!"
Elli laughed loudly and handed him a plate of it with green seran wrap over the top. "There ya go, guys. Have fun."
We laughed and walked away with treats in hand. I nibbled quickly at my pie, where Kai took huge mouthfuls at a time. "Make sure you chew, Kai," I said through my own mouthful of veryberries.
He chuckled, and we walked over towards Ann and Gray, who stood at the big table that represented Green Ranch. "Hey!" Ann shrieked when she saw us. She rushed forward in her knee-length denim skirt, sky blue spaghetti strapped top, and cute black sandals, her curly strawberry hair swooshing along behind her.
As she gave me a friendly hug, I complimented, "Aw, your hair's so cute this way!"
She giggled and said, "Thanks, but yours is cuter. I never could scrunch mine like that!"
Kai chatted with Gray while I asked, "Hm, so what's at the table this time?"
"Well, this year, we decided we each get our own section of the table," Ann beamed. "My idea."
I nodded with a bright grin.
"So Daddy. . .He, of course, put all the business stuff in his section. You know, advertisements, deals, bargains, all that good stuff. Gray. . ." She rolled her eyes, "has taken it upon himself to fill up his portion of the table with all his old racing, breeding, and showing trophys."
Sure enough, the whole left side of the table (Doug's was in the middle) shone bright gold and silver, filled to the edges with medals, ribbons, and trophys.
"And yours!" I squealed excitedly when I saw it. "Oh, it's so cute!" The right side of the table, Ann's part, was home to an extremely large collection of picture frames, each of them filled with old and new pictures of the Ranch: the field, the horses, the cattle, the sheep, the house, the family, the horse and dog races, the cow festival, even the chickens! It took my breath away. "Oh, Ann, what a good job!"
My best friend positively beamed. "Thank you! I had to make some of those picture frames 'cause I ran out close to the end there."
"Well, they're very good," I commented kindly.
"Ooh!" Ann squealed, scurrying behind the table. "And these." She pulled out a large plate with seran wrap over the top. She lifted up the wrap, and I took one of the goods from the plate.
I could at least tell it was something like a cookie. It looked a lot like a big, deformed tear drop with green icing spread over it. I cocked my head and furrowed my brow. "A cookie," I said plainly. "What's it supposed to be shaped like?"
Ann smiled and shrugged. "Well, it was supposed to be seed, but it looks more like a retarded cow-patty."
I laughed aloud, staring at the thing.
"Go on, eat!" she grinned.
I tried not to cringe. Ann had never been a good cooker. But I took a small bite and actually found it to be pretty good. "Wow, Ann! I think this is the best thing you've ever cooked!"
Ann glowed. "Well, Popuri helped me a bit with the batter. But I took it from there!"
I chuckled. Only Ann.
"So. . .?" Ann said, nudging my arm with her elbow.
"What?" I said.
"How're things with K-A-I?"
I giggled loudly. "Ann, you dork!"
She laughed aloud and playfully punched my shoulder. "Seriously!"
"Honest to goddess?" I teased.
She mock-scowled. "Well, I guess I just won't tell you the little secret Gray told me. . ."
Ann started to walk back behind the table again, a slow bounce in her step, her hips shaking each movement. I rolled my green eyes. "Ann!"
"Hee, hee, hee," she giggled amusingly. "Not until you tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"If you liiike him or not."
"Ann!"
"Tell me!"
Pause. "Kind of. . .Maybe."
"AAAHH!" she screeched, though it was hardly heard by anyone else because of all the other hulabaloo about the square.
"So what's the secret?" I gave her a look. "There better be a secret, Ann."
"There is." Ann motioned with her finger for me to come closer. In my ear, she whispered, "Gray told me the other night that Jack told Jeff, who told Harris, who told Rick who told Gray that he's sweet on you!"
"That who is?" I asked.
"Jack!" Ann replied, a little more loudly than I'd have liked.
"No!"
Ann giggled. "Yup!"
"Gray lies!"
"Oh, Karen, he hardly ever talks."
"Then the story got twisted somewhere in the 'who told's! In the beginning, Jack probably liked you!"
"Oh, Karen, I think we both know Gray scared him off."
I shrugged. "Then it was probably Popuri or. . .ELLI!"
Ann gasped. "It could be!"
"She did say that Jack came by the bakery way too often to just be buying cakes."
"Speaking of which, I wonder where he - "
"Hello, ladies," a familiar voice said.
"Jack!" we both said in unison, turning around to see him admiring Gray's awards and such.
The three of us, soon joined by Gray and Kai to make it five, exchanged meaningless small talk for what must have been ten minutes. Finally, the mayor took the rusty old microphone from the stand, causing a brief instant of crackles and static. "Attention, everyone!" he said.
"Sending them off in the balloon already?" Ann said, wrinkling her forehead.
"Sure," Gray said. "It's already about ten."
But the mayor continued, "Now, I know in the past, there hasn't been dancing at this particular festival."
Ann and I looked at each other. I mouthed the word, "Yes!" and she nodded eagerly.
"But who would like to see some shufflin' this year?" the mayor exclaimed, shaking a fist in the air.
A tremendous cheer arose from the villagers of the square.
"That's what I thought!" the microphone boomed. "So quickly everyone! Partner up for the first dance! Let's get this party started!"
I laughed at the mayor's attempt at being modern. Poor guy, I thought laughingly.
Kai stepped in front of me. "Care to dance, Miss Karen?"
I nodded and set down the remainder of my second cookie on the table. I noticed Jack partnering up with Ann and contained a burst of teasing giggles.
We arrived in proper positions out on the cobblestone dance floor just as the loud, festive music jumped to a start. When cue came, we bowed and began the traditional dance. As I twirled swiftly, I was able to see the other partners. Of course almost all the married couples were out there, along with Harris and Maria dancing together. I laughed when I saw that Elli and Popuri had playfully chosen to dance with each other.
At the end of the song, we all struck a playful ending pose and laughed merrily. Kai was an excellent dancer, I'd noticed.
After a brief pause at the end of the song, a familiar slow song began to flow from the speakers. I noticed how modern the song was and was surprised how cool all the old people were being.
But my insides burned with anxiousness when I realized this was important. Was Kai really serious? Would he ask me to dance this one? What about Jack? I saw Gray ask Elli if he could "cut in" and burned with jealousy for an instant.
"Miss Karen," Kai's voice thankfully interrupted my thoughts. His eyes sparkled magnificently. "Care to dance another?"
"Yeah," I said, my eyes never leaving his. As he positioned his rough hands gently around my hips, I placed my forearms on his shoulders, my hands wringing nervously behind his head. "It's, uh, a really pretty day today, huh?"
"Sure is," Kai answered. "So Hector is the King this year, right?"
"Yeah. Stu will probably go with him in the balloon. I mean, since Kent's afraid of heights."
Kai nodded. "Makes sense."
Silence settled between us, but this time was more awkward than the last. Suddenly, I noticed Jack walking up behind Kai. I hadn't noticed before, but he was looking pretty darn good in khaki cargo pants with a navy blue tee shirt, again wearing his now trademark blue and orange ball cap.
He tapped Kai's shoulder, and I turned beet red. "May I cut in?" Jack asked. Kai, of course, nodded at me with a handsome smile and stepped aside. "Is it okay if I dance with you, Karen?"
I finally saw Ann standing by the Ranch table again. I remembered that she'd been dancing with Jack and probably sent him over here. When she winked at me, I widened my jade eyes at her, swiftly turning my gaze back to Jack. "Sure, Jack," I responded, resuming the position I'd just been in with Kai.
"Are you still mad at me?" he asked, almost right after placing his hands softly on my hips.
I raised an eyebrow. "I was never mad at you."
"So why'd you walk away from me last night at the beach?" His brown eyes seemed to draw me in.
"Like I said, I had a seven o'clock shift at the bar. I was already late, and - "
"But you weren't listening to a word I was saying. Why don't you wanna listen?"
I barely shrugged my shoulder. "I-I listened."
Jack let out a breath, looking away for a second, then looking back into my eyes. "What if I told you something now? Right now."
I smiled at him, taking a good long blink. "What is it?"
"Well, do you want to hear it? 'Cause I'm not gonna tell you if you're not gonna listen."
"Yes, Jack, I'm listening, I swear."
"Good." He paused to smile at me. "Okay, I have a question for you first."
"Okay."
"Has anyone ever talked to you about God?"
"Your grandpa, Jack, obviously."
"That's it?"
"Well, when my cousin Cliff was here. . .he used to talk about God all the time and pray at the dinner table just like Pappy used to. He'd carry the book around, and I remember this one time, Ann got so mad at him. We were at the bakery when Cliff started praying for the cake. I don't know he called it blessing the food or something. But anyway, Ann and I just looked at each other and then Ann asked him, 'What was that?' Before ya know it, he's rattling off all this stuff that I didn't get about how God created us and the chicken came first."
Jack smiled. "Your cousin is smart."
I grinned. "He may be smart, but I don't know that he's right."
"Where does he live?"
"Now, it's New Mexico. I called him just the other day."
He looked startled. "Really."
"Yeah." I didn't know why, but I didn't tell him that Cliff was trying to get down here.
"So you don't know that Cliff's right?" Jack said. "He is, you know."
"Sorry, dude, but I need proof."
"I gotcher proof," he murmured, suddenly revealing a small orange book from his pocket. "This is the New Testament." Then, from his other pocket he pulled a red one. "This is the Old Testament."
"Oh, brother," I grumbled with a roll of the eyes.
"Hey, you said you were gonna listen."
"That was a long time ago."
It was his turn to roll his eyes. "Just listen."
"Fine, fine."
"Remember last night when I quoted Romans 1:14?"
"The 'I am obligated' tidbit? I remember, but do we really have to talk about this now?"
"But, Karen-"
"Oh, Jack, c'mon! We're 'sposed to be dancing!"
"Bu-"
"Jack," I said, holding my right palm against his warm neck. "We're friends now right?"
"I hope so," Jack answered, ever-so-slightly cocking his head.
"Well, friendship goes two ways. I listened to you for a while." I paused, sliding my hand back to its former position behind Jack's head. "And now you listen to me."
He smiled.
"And I say, we're dancing."
"Okay, okay, I get your point."
The slow song was soon finished, and after that, a quick song ensued. I resumed partnership with Kai, as did Jack with Ann.
~oOo~
The festival went basically as always, aside of course from the dancing. At six o'clock, after the hot-air balloon returned with Hector and Stu safe in tow and everyone had enjoyed hours more of festivities, I waved good-bye to the Greens, Jack, and Elli. Kai took my arm and we made our way away from the square.
It was only six, so Kai suggested we go sit on the beach for a while. I readily agreed, seeing as how it was such a warm, pretty night.
But neither of us sat when we arrived. It was pleasant enough to just stand side by side, the light breeze softly caressing our faces.
Kai suddenly turned to face me. "Karen, I, uh. . .had a lot of fun with you today."
I turned to face him also. "Yeah," I responded. "I had fun, too."
We stood like that for a moment. But somehow, we ended up just a few inches apart. I felt his breath on mine. He reached up with his hand to touch my face softly. And then it happened.
Our lips were suddenly touching. As the kiss deepened, my arms found their way around his back. Kai's right hand stayed pressed against my face and neck while his left hand hugged my back. I put forth an unexpected amount of passion, and of more lust than love. I felt an equal amount from Kai, his hand never ceasing to stroke my neck.
Suddenly I realized what was happening, what I was doing, and what kind of stress I'd be putting on myself and others. I pulled my face away in one swift motion. Kai was obviously not surprised but had milked the moment for as long as he could, "I know," he said, slowly removing his hand from my face. "Ann."
"Yeah," I answered, though I wasn't sure that was exactly the reason for my recoil. My mind would only permit one name to spin through it.
Jack. Jack. Jack. Jack! Jack! Jack!!! WHY AM I THINKING ABOUT JACK!?!?!
Pulling fully away, I finally whispered, "Mother will be waiting."
~oOoOoOo~
Amaya: Whew! Kinda. . .tense!! I don't know, I've never kissed anyone before so I sure hope that's how it goes. If it's not then. . .let's just pretend it is!! Hope that wasn't too hard on you. . .Ha, ha, ha. Well, love you guys!! Please drop a review on your way out!! XOXOX