Chapter 15: The Festival Part 1

The Tamber's and I walked down the dirt path toward a place that was unfamiliar to me. I looked around realizing the village was completely empty, no one was in sight at all. They must all be at the festival. I thought.

We passed many trees as we fallowed the trail that had small lanterns on the sides of the trail so we could see where we were going. The family was in a conversation about what was too come. But my attention was pulled to Dreama and Dean laughing.

"Oh come on Dreama darling. Please tell me you are going to perform one of your pieces." Dean begged.

"I told you if I didn't practice it at the stage then obviously I am not going to perform it. No one else here can play the piano except Jim who by the way can't read music." Dreama answered laughing as she did.

"You are teaching Bunny are you not? Have her play the piano."

"You're not getting it father. If I am to perform a piece of mine three people would have to join. Two who can play the violin and another who can play the piano. I only know two who can play them perfectly well but they like I said before can not read music, and the other is still learning." Dreama raised her voice just a bit but quickly hugged her father when she noticed he fell completely silent.

My mind wondered about her problem, I could indeed play an instrument for her. But then again I would have to act upon in front of people on a stage. This is not going to happen of course.

My head suddenly jerked up as I began to hear noises ahead. My eyes widen as I saw how many people were here. Too many. I thought. This is going to be a problem!

There was laughter all around me. People shouting for people they recognized, people shouting for no apparent reason. I stood close to the Tamber's making sure I was not separated from them. I kept my head narrowed so no man or woman or child would see me. I suddenly had the feeling to just turn around and go back to the cottage. But then I had another feeling, saying you have come this far no reason to go back now. Curse my second thoughts!

I quickly stooped as I realized the Tamber's had stopped, a bit confused I looked ahead and latterly gasped as I saw the stage.

It was not big but certainly not small. It was not made of the finest wood, but it was made of strong wood, it may not have the beautiful blood red curtains, but it did have dark blue curtains giving the stage its country gaze.

Realizing my mouth was hanging open when somebody shut it I turned to see Dolly.

"Alright sweetie just takes a seat anywhere you like and just enjoy the show." She said giving me a slight rub on the arm guiding me to tables filled with fruits, vegetables, and many more appetizing food.

As soon as I seen the seat next to Thelma I quickly took it when I seen someone heading toward me. I acted as if I was in a deep conversation making sure the person walked away.

Thelma looked at me as if I were mad; just randomly start talking about how her ship smelled of apples. May be I am mad to do such a thing. She gave a small laugh and gave her attention to the stage.

I frowned as I noticed she really did want to forget about the night before. I sighed deeply and grabbed a plate and filled it with nothing but fruits as I got ready to listen for the first performance.

I suddenly turned to Thelma.

"What sort of entertainment exactly does everyone here do?" I asked with a strong hint of curiosity. She turned her head and smiled.

"Well, some dance, some sing, some do both or some like Dreama plays a song with no words. Things like that."

"I see." I said turning my head back to the stage as I heard clapping.

Everything was dark except the stage. Suddenly Dean came from behind the curtain.

"Thank you every one for coming to tonight's festivity. For those of you who haven't been informed are dear beloved Banjo and guitar player Jonnie Williams has returned from Paris and brought a friend along as well." My eyes widen.

Oh God please don't

"He is very special man here who also has taste for music. Ladies and gentlemen…" My muscles tensed.

Don't…

"I give you…" I held my breath sharply.

NO!

"Erik Munoire!" Dean pointed in my direction having everyone glance at me.

My knuckles turned white as I lowered my head to avoid staring eyes. I felt the eyes looking at me. But the funny thing was. They did not feel as harsh. The people were clapping for me to stand up, the people who were already sitting in front of me saw me clearly and still clapped.

I took a breath and stood closing my eyes for a brief moment before I opened them. As I did I saw people make faces but not many just a few. I frowned as people clapped and shouted their welcome to me. Could this really be happening?

I sat back down and the applause slowly died down. My frown was tightly held when Thelma gave me a small push.

"They adore you Monsieur Munoire." She said in a sweet, too sweet a voice. Her accent flowing nicely out her mouth, oh I swear if she did that again I would show her what isn't sweet but show her something to difficult to describe.

My head was back on Dean when he began to talk again.

I know don't worry, the next chapter will be alot longer, and speaking of the next, the songs you'll read are very familiar to almost everybody. And forgiveme but I was sort of in a rush to write the second part, and forgive me if the line "Ladies and Gentlemen" is written too much, I tried making it different. Ok well yes all these warning are for the second part hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Crytsal Lynn A.