The Goddess festival at last. Such changes Jack has been through in a week!
Cliff's attempts to lift people's spirits prove ill advised.
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A Haven From the Storm
Chapter 12 - O Joyous Rites of Spring
The figure in green advised me from behind the waterfall as on so many nights before. Our surroundings glimmered in starlight, the small green fish of the pond coming to the surface to stare.
"Tensions today will be almost unbearable. Be watchful and beware."
Then I awoke to crowing roosters and sunlight streaming in the windows. The advice from my dream was good enough, even if it could have come from a newspaper horoscope. I told myself that I should be friendly to Popuri, but we'd better stay with other people. I could not trust myself alone with that girl. Oh, and I should stop calling her 'Pi' - that just takes her back to the days when her father was doting on her!
Thus I previewed the day while checking tomorrow's weather, finishing a rice ball, and listening to Farmer Fran's instructions on upgrading tools. Popuri and company should get here about nine-thirty; that gives me three hours to work until I have to wash up and get ready.
Two more patches of turnips were ripe and ready for shipping. Wouldn't get the cash from them tonight, as I remembered Zack's saying, "I don't work on festival days. I need to rest also!" Clearing another couple of patches took me up to nine. I surveyed my progress so far with satisfaction. Quite a bit of the front of the field was clear now, with the exception of a large annoying boulder that resisted all my efforts with the hammer. I glared at it. I'll improve that hammer soon, and then your day will come!
I went inside and washed up, coming out again just in time to see Rick, Karen and Popuri come up to the gate. Popuri and Karen were both wearing the festival costumes, while Rick was dressed like everyday. We all exchanged greetings. Rick and Karen were quiet and preoccupied, but Popuri was excited and talking nonstop.
"Oh, Jack, Jack, look at my costume. It's the Goddess costume! We've had it in our family for generations. Ma wore it when she went to the festival with Pa. She was the prettiest girl there, I just know it!"
"That's lovely, Popuri. Hey, Rick, how come we don't wear costumes?"
"This festival is for the gals to show off. Us guys are just along for the ride!"
Karen pushed his head in a not so playful manner. "You like the festival because you get to dance with all the girls, right? I think I'm going to insist you only dance with my mom today."
"Works for me. Your mom's real good looking!" Karen stared hard at him and he stammered, "I mean...that's where you get your beauty from."
I jumped in. "Ah, folks, shouldn't we be walking to the square now?"
Karen and Rick agreed and we four strolled down farm row, each couple arm in arm. Karen and Rick were silent, while Popuri kept chattering about her costume. She didn't stop long enough for me to say anything more than "yes, yes."
As we got to the square entrance, I could see almost the entire village had turned out. Only Lillia and Ellen were not there. Cliff and Ann, Doctor and Elli, and Gray and Mary joined us, everyone greeting each other. Everyone looked happy and expectant, except for Mary, who was withdrawn and tired looking. Karen got in front of us and clapped her hands for attention.
"OK, people. I don't want to bore everyone, but there are three guys here who've never done this before. So listen up while I explain how this works. This festival is old, real old, and everything is done in a set pattern.
"In a bit, the Mayor will call us up, a couple at a time. You'll go up to him, arm in arm, then the guy will say: 'Your honor, I present to you Her lovely attendant, so-and-so.' Any of you guys actually say 'so-and-so', I'll kick him when this is over! You'll bow, she'll curtsey, she'll go off to the center of the square and you'll go off to the sidelines. Then, your job is over. Us gals will do the Goddess dance and you guys watch.
"After the Goddess dance is over, we'll have some social dancing. First and last dance have to be with the one you came with - in between, you're on your own. Oh, one thing - if someone asks you to dance, or you ask someone, then you/they can't refuse. One thing about this festival is that we're supposed to put away all the difficulties between men and women that came up over the last year. Doesn't always work that easy, but it's a nice thought. OK, got all that?"
We all nodded. Mayor Thomas walked to the center of the square and started speaking.
"Townspeople and newcomers! Welcome to Mineral Village's 238th annual Goddess Festival. Yes, for that long we have been celebrating the end of winter and the dawning of a new and better year in this way. I won't try your patience by giving a long speech this morning..."
Someone from the crowd shouted, "Thank you!"
Thomas glared in the direction of the shout, then continued: "...but I must make an observation about the challenges ahead. We've all taken the bounty of Erehwon Farms for granted in recent years. Now that our much beloved neighbor there has passed away, I believe that we are, for some time, going to have to learn to live with less than we have been accustomed to. We are all glad to see his grandson take over his responsibilities there, but realistically, we cannot expect Jack to be as productive as his grandfather before him this year...perhaps not next year either. So I urge all of you to face the coming hardships with patience and fortitude.
"Well, enough seriousness! Let's get on to what you all *really* came here for, the dance of the Goddess's attendants!
"First, we have the veterans of so many festivals before, the talented Karen and her escort Rick!"
They walked up to the mayor and said their piece. Thomas said, "How many times have you two been here together? This is the eighth, I believe. An all time record, if I'm not mistaken!"
The crowd laughed as Karen looked annoyed and Rick looked embarrassed. They bowed and curtsied and took their places.
"Next, we have our caring Elli and her escort, Doctor. It's a relief when you two can make it to town events, then I know that nobody is laid up in the clinic!" The two went through the routine and separately joined Karen and Rick.
"Now, a newcomer; our literary Mary and her escort, Gray. Mary, Gray, read any good books lately? Together, I hope!" He winked, but Mary didn't even bother to smile. They did their formalities and took their places.
"Another newcomer - the lively Ann with her escort Cliff. Ann, you did bring the apple pie, right?" Everyone laughed as Ann and Cliff curtsied, bowed and went to their places.
"Now, last but certainly not least, yet another newcomer! The lovely Popuri and her escort, Jack." Some people applauded as we walked up and I presented Popuri to the mayor.
"Jack, you look pretty clean today, have you really been working on that farm?" There was more laughter as I bowed, Popuri curtsied and we went to our places. The girls formed two lines in the center of the square, Karen in the center of the front row. I stood with the other guys watching.
"Are we all ready there? Good. Kano, please proceed. Let us celebrate the joyous rites of spring!" Kano, standing next to a record player that could have come from an antique shop, put a vinyl record onto the turntable and started the machine.
It was a folk song, sounding light, cheerful and spring like. The dance consisted of the girls in line filing back and forth. Periodically one would come forwards twirling, then stepping back in line. Karen led each part, showing grace and practice. The other girls followed her lead passably well. This went on for about five minutes and ended with the girls forming a circle, hands joined and skipping quickly as the music sped to its conclusion.
The Mayor stepped forward again. "That was just lovely! Everyone give a hand for all our charming and talented ladies!"
I whispered to Cliff, "That's it? That's what all the fuss the last week was about?"
"You heard Karen, the social dancing follows. We get to sample all the wares then!"
The girls came towards us as the Mayor went on. "All right, now all of you menfolk get a chance to dance with the goddesses - present and former. First dance is coming up. Find your special someone and get ready!"
The girls came up to us and we all congratulated them. We paired off and went to the center of the square. The married couples were doing the same. Popuri was even more excited than before, going up to anyone that got close and squealing, "This is the Goddess costume!" Kano put a waltz onto the record player; we all held our partners and we were off.
"Popuri, you did just fine up there. That was a pretty dance."
"Thank you! You're doing pretty well right now yourself, I guess you got to dance every night in the city, right? Were the girls there as pretty as us? All us girls have a partner today; it's so wonderful. Oh, I just want this to go on forever!"
Everyone *did* look pleased dancing with their partners...well, almost everyone. I kept noticing Mary looking at Popuri and I, and then turning away when she caught my eyes. Karen and Rick were the most graceful couple; the rest of us were gamely doing our best.
The music ended and we all separated, people looking for their next dance partner. I noticed there was a ritualized exchange in asking someone for a dance, and I memorized it. Cliff and Ann came up to us, Ann flushed and happy.
"Hi, Pi, Jack! Having enough guys to go around really makes a difference, right? Sure beats dancing with Jeff and Basil the whole day!"
Cliff got right down to business. "Jack, mind if I take this lovely lady off of your hands for awhile? Popuri, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
"Most certainly, gentle sir!"
I waved them off, and then Ann and I paired up for the next dance. Kano put on another waltz and the dancing resumed.
"You dance pretty good, Jack. Get a lot of practice in the city?"
"Not that much, really - it just isn't that hard. You're doing well yourself. Your costume really looks nice."
She blushed. "You know, this is about the only time I ever wear a dress - it's embarrassing to me! Jack, how well do you know Cliff?"
"We first met on the boat coming here, but you know, we just hit it off right away. It feels like we've known each other for years. Why?"
"He's a puzzle to me. You'd think he'd be a rough man, bumming around the country like he does. But he's so polite and respectful to me - except for that teasing of his! You think he..."
"Does he like you, Ann? I'm sure he does. He speaks well of you all the time. Let's put it this way - why do you think he's staying here so long? A week in one place is a long time for him. It's not for the money, he's sure not getting rich doing odd jobs for your dad!"
"Gee, this is all so new for me. I've never had any use for boyfriends and all that girly stuff. I don't know what I think about it."
"The longer he stays here, the more it means you're something special to him."
"Now I *really* don't know what to think. I just like being around him, it's not as if we were madly in love or anything."
"That's how it starts sometimes. You two could do worse than each other."
"Argh! Are you playing matchmaker here? I just like him as a friend. Love - I don't need it!"
"Anything you say, Ann. Well, that's the end of this number, thank you for this dance."
"You're welcome! Thanks for telling me about Cliff and all."
Karen separated from Doctor and came up to me.
"Well, Jack, I think you've been a good boy so far today...hmmm."
"In that case - Karen, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
"Most certainly, gentle sir." The music started again, and Karen, as she had promised, led off.
"Jack, you're not half bad at this. Just try not to swing so far out on the three...yes, that's more like it! Well, I must say this festival is going well so far. I was a little uneasy coming in with some of the undercurrents this week, but everyone's well behaved. Rick's being the perfect gentleman - but that crack Thomas made about us was uncalled for!"
"He seemed to like to get in a little dig at everyone. Don't sweat it. Popuri is getting really hyper though."
"Ah, she's always like at village events, nothing to worry about. I just don't want to see you two going off behind the trees to do some smooching!"
"It's not on my checklist. Having a *lot* of people around when I'm with her suits me just fine. It's Mary that worries me. I keep catching her looking my way. And the way she looks! Is she sick?"
"Jack, you should know what that is. She's losing sleep over you and Popuri. She still won't talk to me about it, but it's not hard to figure out." She sighed. "How *do* people get their affairs so tangled up? None of you are bad folks, but just look what happened!"
"I hope when this festival is over I can put a little distance between the pink-haired one and myself. This is all I'm committed to with her, after all!"
"Don't think it's going to be that easy, with her next door visiting you whenever she wants and bringing you gifts...yes, I heard about that egg! She's latching onto you, Jack. You can't be passive about the situation!"
"That's so easy to say, but executing... Well, so much for this dance. Thanks, Karen, you taught me a few new moves."
"You're welcome. But the moves you really need aren't learned on a dance floor!"
After three dances in rapid succession, Kano must have thought we needed a break, as he didn't put another record on immediately. People were milling around the square, chatting. I saw Mary standing alone off to the side; she glanced at me again and turned away. Enough of this, I thought. I'll try to talk to her now that she doesn't have her librarian role to hide behind.
Kano had taken another record out, and people were finding new dance partners. Well, I thought, she *can't* refuse me if I ask, huh? I strode quickly up to her before someone could get there first.
"Mary, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
She looked very uneasy, but followed form. "Most certainly, gentle sir."
We started dancing; she wouldn't look at me, staring at her feet instead.
"Mary, I've been wanting to talk to you for days now."
"About what? My works in progress? Your latest turnip crop? The *lovely* Popuri?"
"Mary, it's not what you think..."
"Oh, it doesn't matter what I think. I had thought that you and I...well, that doesn't matter either. How could I have thought that a plain bookish girl could compare to such a pretty young thing!"
"Mary, I've always considered you my best friend here. I never wanted to hurt..."
"Jack, please don't say anymore. Let's not talk. Let's just dance."
She spoke as if to herself only. "Words are such fickle things. The ones we dare to say are empty and the ones we need to say will not come. I get so tired of words sometimes! Dancing is better. In motion without speech we can dream and pretend."
We danced on in silence, not daring to meet each other's eyes.
Of course, the music had to end, and we separated, exchanging empty thanks.
I saw Anna standing some way back, looking at me with distaste. Uninviting as she looked, I got the wild thought that somehow she might give me the idea of how to repair things with Mary. I went up to her and asked, "Anna, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
She gave me a sardonic look, but responded correctly, "Most certainly, gentle sir," then murmuring so only I could hear, "But it's not going to do you a bit of good."
We started dancing.
"Anna, I never intended things to be like this."
"You never *intended*...? Very well, I'll give you that much. I can believe that you never intended to drive my daughter into depression and despair. But that is the consequence of your actions."
"I had not realized she felt so deeply. I had thought we were just friends."
"So you admit to being callous and imperceptive. 'Just good friends' indeed! You really didn't see the effect you were having on her? Or you just didn't *want* to see once the *lovely* Popuri presented herself to you. And you didn't even have the decency to tell her yourself; she had to find out from the other girls in the most humiliating manner imaginable. I retract what I said before. Popuri *is* your type after all. You're both immature, you fit each other well."
"Anna, the situation is not as it appears. You don't really know the inwardness of it."
"Oh, we're talking in riddles now, are we? Do you know, I'm really not interested in solving them. I do, however, have one thing to ask of you. Please, if you have any consideration for Mary, stay away from her. Give her a chance to get over you. I don't believe she thinks much of that Gray boy, but he seems to like her. He's *something*. Just keep your distance and let her heal."
The dance ended and we parted, not even bothering to utter meaningless thanks. That was enough socializing for me; I walked over to a bench away from everyone else, and Cliff came over to me.
"Jack, what happened there? That *look* she was giving you! You're dragging along like you just got beaten up."
"I did, in a way. She blessed me out good, without raising her voice. It's a rare talent."
"About Mary, right?" I nodded. He reached under his shirt and brought out a hip flask. "Here, I think you need a drink. Doctor's orders."
"Thanks buddy, I sure do need one." I took the flask, removed the lid and took a long swallow.
It was like a solution of nitric acid and scorpion stings. From very angry scorpions. They clawed their way down my gullet and settled down to serious combat in my stomach.
"Ack! What is this stuff?"
He chuckled. "That's Ol' Buzzard whisky. Sold at finer establishments in every skid row in the country. It's an absolute necessity for life on the road. Keeps you warm."
"I'll bet. Light it up and it burns, huh?"
As the dose settled down in my stomach, our surroundings took on a softer feel - sort of like melted plastic.
"You know, this stuff does kind of grow on you. Mind if I..."
"Be my guest."
I took another long drink. Another company of scorpions scratched their way down my innards to join their fellows, then the world started to look like a brighter place.
I handed the flask back to Cliff, and he took a drink. Kano had decided to change the pace and was playing polkas. We watched as Ann and Gotz energetically clumped past us, flushed and laughing.
"There, Cliff, are some people who know how to enjoy a festival. That Ann, she's a nice woman. She was asking me about you earlier. I think she's getting stuck on you despite herself. I tell you, she'd be a good catch for you - much better for you than the love 'em and leave 'em stuff you've been doing. If nothing else, you'd sure be eating well!"
Cliff didn't just dismiss me with a wisecrack as usual. He took another drink and looked serious. "Y'know, I think she's getting to me some also. I wake up in the morning, I rush to get washed up and dressed so I can have breakfast with her. The whole day, doing stuff around the Inn, I catch myself smiling when I see her." His face turned sad. "She reminds me of my little sister, she's got the same smile."
"No reason to be blue over her, buddy. She likes you, too; she's just not quite willing to admit it to herself. Give her just a little more time, and you'll have that reason to settle down here."
"How could I do that? Doug's giving me all kind of breaks, but he can't give me a full time job. His business isn't good enough for it. Problem with a place like this is that everyone's so independent that they don't *need* workers, they do most everything for themselves. Marry Ann, and then live off her and Doug? I'd never do that! I've always paid my own way in this world, and I'm not going to stop now."
He had a point, and I didn't know how to answer it. We stopped talking and kept passing the whiskey around while watching the dancing. When the dance stopped, Karen saw us and came over, looking cross.
"Hey, what are you two doing back here? You aren't holding up your end of the log - lots of ladies out there need dance partners. Get back to it..." Then she stopped and sniffed us. "Mmmm...something smells good here. OK, who's the candyman?"
I pointed at Cliff. Karen gave him her best smile and fluttered her eyelids.
"Cliffie sweetie, could you see it in your heart to help out a thirsty lady?"
Cliff smiled. "Sure darlin', I was saving this just for you." He handed her the flask.
"Thanks, you're a real gentleman." She took a long drink while Cliff and I watched her intently.
She brought the flask down from her lips with a broad smile. "Ahhh, that's real sipping whiskey!" Cliff and I looked at each other and nodded in approval.
"Cliff, mind if I take another little nip? These festivals do dry me out so."
"Help yourself, plenty more where that came from."
"Ah guys, if we're gonna do this, we'd better be cool about it. We're not supposed to drink at these festivals. Of course, people do anyways, but they're discreet about it."
Her concern didn't stop her from taking another long pull on the flask. She handed it back to Cliff.
"Yes, now I'm feeling a little looser. I was getting *so* ticked off at Rick. Jack, I was telling him I'd like to come over in the afternoons and stay with Lillia and he wasn't even listening to me. He just kept griping about Kai. Then him dancing too damn close with Elli - I think he was trying to feel her up. He dances with her again, I'm gonna go up to 'em and slap him silly! Pass that over here, will 'ya?"
For a couple more dances, we passed the booze around while watching and chatting. As we fell under the influence, Karen made catty remarks about the dancers, while Cliff and I grew silent and thoughtful. During a break between dances, we saw Mary come out from the crowd and stand alone about ten meters from us. She was looking very depressed, staring at the ground in front of her.
Karen's expression turned sad. "Look at her. I wish there was something we could do to cheer her up. Where is Gray, anyhow? She's *his* date, he should be taking care of her."
Cliff grinned. "*I* know how to cheer her up. You guys just stay here and watch the master at work." He got up and strolled over to Mary.
"Jack, what's he up to?"
"I haven't the foggiest. But I bet it'll be good. Let's watch."
Cliff stood beside Mary and started talking to her with that 'good times are back' smile of his. She answered him with that thin forced smile of hers. We couldn't hear what they were saying, though. After a couple of minutes, we saw Cliff take out the flask and offer it to Mary. She shrugged and took it.
"Karen, does she drink at all?"
"A glass of wine at New Years' and family occasions. But nothing like that firewater of Cliff's. Jack, I don't know about that."
Mary took a drink, then her face turned red and she started choking. She motioned to Cliff that she was all right, then braced herself and took another drink. A very long one.
"Wow, what a trooper. Karen, she'll be in your class soon."
"In getting it down, maybe. Dealing with the buzz is a whole 'nother matter. I don't like this at all. He's going to get her drunk, and she's not used to it."
Cliff chatted with Mary for several more minutes while she kept drinking, then he came back over to us.
"Mission accomplished, guys! She's loose as a goose now."
We looked over at Mary. She was swaying back and forth, looking around with an unfocused gaze.
"Three sheets to the wind, hobo."
"Feeling no pain, farmer-boy."
Karen was frowning. "You guys are jerks! I think she's just getting more depressed. I'm going over there to keep her company for awhile."
Before Karen could leave us, Popuri came out of the crowd, looking flushed and excited. She looked around, saw Mary and went up to her. Popuri was all squeals and giggles, while Mary kept a blank face. Karen gripped my arm and whispered, "Uh, oh. Jack, I don't like that at all!"
Popuri gushed, "Mary! I'm so glad to see you, where have you been the last few days? Isn't this just the best Goddess Festival ever? I'm so glad you've got a boyfriend at last - you and Gray just look soooo cute together!"
Mary mumbled something we couldn't hear and Popuri went on.
"Aren't Jack and I the perfect couple? He's so thoughtful and so sweet to me. We've been spending so much time together lately."
Mary was giving Popuri a dark angry look, but Popuri was beyond noticing such things and went on.
"We're together so much now that he hasn't got time for anything else. He doesn't come to your library anymore, right? I'm sorry to take away one of your best customers! I guess now that we're together, there's nothing at the library that interests him anymore!"
Mary's face went bright red, and her eyes narrowed in anger. She shouted, "Why...YOU HUSSY!" and slapped Popuri hard across the mouth.
Karen and I jumped up at the same time and ran together towards them.
"Oh no! Jack, you take Popuri and I'll take Mary!"
"Right."
When we got to them, Popuri was just silently standing there in shock. Mary had a horrified expression on her face, eyes wide and her hand over her mouth.
"Popuri! I didn't mean...I'm sorry! Oh, I didn't mean to do that! I'm so sorry..."
Popuri saw me and started crying. "Jack! She hit me! Why did she...ohhhh, hold me!"
I hugged her and she held onto me tightly, wailing. Mary was also crying, Karen hugged her and stroked her hair.
We didn't have time to calm the girls down, though. Rick and Gray ran up from opposite sides of the square. Rick came up to Popuri and I.
"Popuri, are you all right? Jack, what happened?"
"She's not injured, Rick - her feelings are hurt, that's all."
Rick turned to Mary and started screaming, "MARY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY LITTLE SISTER! YOU'RE CRAZY! GET OUT OF HERE, NOW!"
Mary looked even more miserable and kept crying. Karen glared at him. "Rick, stop shouting at her and go away. You're not helping things at all."
Gray had come up behind Rick and pushed his back.
"Yeah! Stop shouting at Mary! What was your dumb wierdo sister doing to her, anyways?"
Rick looked even more enraged. "WHAT WAS POPURI DOING TO MARY?! YOUR MEAN UGLY GIRLFRIEND WAS BEATING UP MY BABY SISTER!" Then Rick pushed Gray back, hard.
More people were coming up to us from the center of the square. Rick and Gray were pushing each other and shouting insults. Then Ann came up to us.
"Jack, what happened here? Is Popuri all right?"
"It's just a little quarrel. Ann, could you take care of Popuri? I want to break those two up before it gets out of control."
"Sure. Come here, Pi; Annie's gonna make everything all right." They hugged and Ann baby-talked her while she continued to cry.
I pushed my way in between Rick and Gray, who both started shouting at me to go away. Now, they were punching at each other as I was yelling at them to stop. As long as I was pushing them apart, they couldn't connect, but I didn't know how long I could hold them.
"What is going on here? Stop it, all of you! Break it up!"
The Mayor, Duke and Doug had come into the middle of the ruckus. Rick and Gray stopped struggling and started yelling accusations at the same time. Several other people joined in. Duke stepped up to me.
"All right, everyone quiet down here! Jack, you're behind all of this, right? You've been getting these kids drunk! That's just the kind of damn fool thing I'd expect of you."
Cliff walked up to Duke, a little wobbly, and said, "Duke, put a sock in it!"
"WHAT?!"
"Jack didn't bring the booze, I did. Give credit where credit's due!" He took that hip flask out and thrust it in Duke's face. "Here, you old meanie, have a snort and loosen up!"
Duke looked at the flask with interest, then Doug stepped up.
"Cliff, put that thing away now. Don't you think it's done enough damage already?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Cliff stowed it away and Doug went on.
"I don't know who or what started all this, but this kind of incident is exactly why you young people aren't supposed to be drinking at the festivals. You all should be ashamed, spoiling things for everyone else."
None of us said anything. He was right.
At this point, everyone was standing around, trying to figure out what had happened. People had formed into two groups, near Mary and Popuri respectively. Some started exchanging angry looks and muttered remarks. Karen came up to the Mayor.
"Thomas, this thing is pretty well ruined now. Couldn't you see fit to just call the last dance and let everyone go home before something else happens?"
"Well, uh...it's still early...I..." He looked over at Doug and Duke, who both nodded. "You're absolutely right! That's just what we're going to do."
He clapped his hands for attention. "All right, people, nothing to be alarmed over, just a little misunderstanding among the youngsters. It's all over now. Let's everyone go back to the center of the square, find your partner and we'll have the last dance."
Some people objected weakly, but joined everyone in moving back to the dance area. Mary and Popuri still looked very upset, but at least had stopped crying. The eight of us young people paired up and walked back to the center and readied ourselves to dance.
I don't even remember the last number, or how we danced to it. I was concentrated on Popuri - whispering soothing words to her to keep her from breaking out in tears again. Gray looked concerned and was talking to Mary, who kept silent and wouldn't look up from the ground. Both Ann and Karen looked angry with Cliff and Rick respectively - I didn't like to think of what those guys would be hearing after this was over.
The music ended and Thomas stepped forward.
"Well, this ends the Goddess Festival for this year. I want to thank Kano for managing the music this year - he did a terrific job. Everyone give him a hand. And I want to thank everyone for coming out today and celebrating the start of spring. We should all give a hand to the five young couples who participated today - these young people are the future of our village! The festival is now over, everyone please go about your business now."
People started drifting away, back to their homes. Ann was scolding Cliff as they walked back to the Inn.
"What kind of fool stunt was that? Look at all the trouble you caused! You've got some explaining to do to Dad and I when we get home!"
"Aw hell, Ann, I was just trying cheer people up. How was I to know..."
Doctor and Elli walked towards the clinic. I thought they both looked a little smug - perhaps pleased that they had stayed clear of all the trouble.
Karen and Rick walked towards the General Store with Mary and Gray. None of them were saying much, but I could see that Karen was furious with Rick.
Popuri looked at me and said, "Jack, I'm not ready to go home yet. Could we go somewhere together for awhile?"
"Anywhere you want."
"Let's go walk on the beach. It's so peaceful there in the evening."
"Sure, lets go."
It was just past five when we got to the beach. We walked along the shore holding hands, not saying much - just looking at the water. It was twilight, the time when things were just starting to lose their edges and look indistinct. The sound of the waves breaking was calming. We stopped and Popuri looked at me.
"Jack, the day started so beautiful and then everything turned so horrible. Why? Why did Mary call me that name and hit me? I wasn't doing anything. What is wrong with her? We've always liked each other, why does she hate me now?
"Oh, Jack, I wanted us to have such a lovely time and now it's all spoiled. What's happening in this village? Everything's going wrong."
She started crying again and we hugged; I whispered soothing words in her ear. She looked so miserable, and yet still so beautiful that I couldn't help myself. Really, I couldn't. I kissed her on the lips.
I just wanted to forget about Mary, Anna, Duke, Karen, Rick, farming, the depression, my lost career - all of it! Just forget about the whole wretched world and find comfort in the arms of this kind and lovely girl. I held Popuri as if she was the only thing in the world, and she held me the same way. Our kisses grew longer and deeper, our breathing heavier, our hands exploring each other.
Popuri whispered in my ear, "Jack, do you...do you want..."
[Note to the reader: an alternate development to _Haven_ branches from this point.]
Then, I heard slow footsteps and a low humming - the Goddess Festival theme song. I turned around and saw Karen walking down the steps towards the beach. She was staring at the ground as she walked, then looked up at Popuri and I.
"Popuri, Jack...I thought I might find you here. If you two want to be alone, I'll go somewhere else. But...maybe you'd like some company?"
I looked at Popuri and she nodded - she looked relieved that we had a chance to stop and cool off. I sure was. We were getting out of control.
"Thanks, Karen, we wish you would stay."
"Yes, it looked to me as if you were getting too friendly. Not that I could judge you two for anything you did after what happened today. What a horror show! That's the worst festival I've ever been to. Popuri, are you all right now."
"I'm...better. Having Jack with me is a great help."
"Yes, he's a good man. You really are, Jack. I'm not a very good woman right now. Rick and I just had a bad fight. I guess I was still kind of drunk, and I started yelling at him about his dancing with Elli and shouting at Mary. He yelled back at me and I just snapped. I slapped him, turned around and walked away. I'm *so* ashamed of myself."
"Karen, don't be too hard on yourself. It was a stressful day for everyone."
"Yes, but I'm afraid I just lost him. I don't *want* to lose Rick, I love him so."
"Karen, don't worry so much. I'm sure he'll realize it was a heat of the moment thing and forgive you. Popuri and I will help you reconcile with him, right, Popuri?" She nodded.
"I believe that you will, too. Both of you are such good friends."
"Popuri, you can talk with him tonight, and I'll work on him tomorrow morning. Excuse me for putting it off, but I'm still a little drunk too. Better to approach him with a clear head. Ah, you ladies thinking about heading home now?"
They both nodded. Karen said, "Yes, it is getting late. I'll walk with you two up to Barley's. I don't want to go further and chance seeing Rick - I couldn't face him right now."
We walked along in silence until we got in front of Barley's farm. Karen held back.
"I'll just stand here and watch until you get inside, Popuri; then I'll head home. Try to have a good night, the both of you."
We said our good-byes and Popuri and I walked together up to the door of her house.
"Popuri, do you mind if I not come in? I'm not in any state for socializing tonight."
"Sure, Jack, we'll just say good night here. Despite all that happened, I'm still grateful that we had this day together. Thank you."
We briefly kissed good night then I went on to Erehwon. In a daze, I watered the patches of turnips. My head was hurting, and I was so beat up in spirit that I couldn't stand to do anything more. I climbed the steps to the hot springs, jumped in and quickly fell asleep.
******
Now, Jack is well and truly introduced to life in Mineral Village. The outlines of his dilemmas have been drawn. It now remains for him, with some help from friends and *others* to resolve them.
Cliff's attempts to lift people's spirits prove ill advised.
-----------------------------------------
A Haven From the Storm
Chapter 12 - O Joyous Rites of Spring
The figure in green advised me from behind the waterfall as on so many nights before. Our surroundings glimmered in starlight, the small green fish of the pond coming to the surface to stare.
"Tensions today will be almost unbearable. Be watchful and beware."
Then I awoke to crowing roosters and sunlight streaming in the windows. The advice from my dream was good enough, even if it could have come from a newspaper horoscope. I told myself that I should be friendly to Popuri, but we'd better stay with other people. I could not trust myself alone with that girl. Oh, and I should stop calling her 'Pi' - that just takes her back to the days when her father was doting on her!
Thus I previewed the day while checking tomorrow's weather, finishing a rice ball, and listening to Farmer Fran's instructions on upgrading tools. Popuri and company should get here about nine-thirty; that gives me three hours to work until I have to wash up and get ready.
Two more patches of turnips were ripe and ready for shipping. Wouldn't get the cash from them tonight, as I remembered Zack's saying, "I don't work on festival days. I need to rest also!" Clearing another couple of patches took me up to nine. I surveyed my progress so far with satisfaction. Quite a bit of the front of the field was clear now, with the exception of a large annoying boulder that resisted all my efforts with the hammer. I glared at it. I'll improve that hammer soon, and then your day will come!
I went inside and washed up, coming out again just in time to see Rick, Karen and Popuri come up to the gate. Popuri and Karen were both wearing the festival costumes, while Rick was dressed like everyday. We all exchanged greetings. Rick and Karen were quiet and preoccupied, but Popuri was excited and talking nonstop.
"Oh, Jack, Jack, look at my costume. It's the Goddess costume! We've had it in our family for generations. Ma wore it when she went to the festival with Pa. She was the prettiest girl there, I just know it!"
"That's lovely, Popuri. Hey, Rick, how come we don't wear costumes?"
"This festival is for the gals to show off. Us guys are just along for the ride!"
Karen pushed his head in a not so playful manner. "You like the festival because you get to dance with all the girls, right? I think I'm going to insist you only dance with my mom today."
"Works for me. Your mom's real good looking!" Karen stared hard at him and he stammered, "I mean...that's where you get your beauty from."
I jumped in. "Ah, folks, shouldn't we be walking to the square now?"
Karen and Rick agreed and we four strolled down farm row, each couple arm in arm. Karen and Rick were silent, while Popuri kept chattering about her costume. She didn't stop long enough for me to say anything more than "yes, yes."
As we got to the square entrance, I could see almost the entire village had turned out. Only Lillia and Ellen were not there. Cliff and Ann, Doctor and Elli, and Gray and Mary joined us, everyone greeting each other. Everyone looked happy and expectant, except for Mary, who was withdrawn and tired looking. Karen got in front of us and clapped her hands for attention.
"OK, people. I don't want to bore everyone, but there are three guys here who've never done this before. So listen up while I explain how this works. This festival is old, real old, and everything is done in a set pattern.
"In a bit, the Mayor will call us up, a couple at a time. You'll go up to him, arm in arm, then the guy will say: 'Your honor, I present to you Her lovely attendant, so-and-so.' Any of you guys actually say 'so-and-so', I'll kick him when this is over! You'll bow, she'll curtsey, she'll go off to the center of the square and you'll go off to the sidelines. Then, your job is over. Us gals will do the Goddess dance and you guys watch.
"After the Goddess dance is over, we'll have some social dancing. First and last dance have to be with the one you came with - in between, you're on your own. Oh, one thing - if someone asks you to dance, or you ask someone, then you/they can't refuse. One thing about this festival is that we're supposed to put away all the difficulties between men and women that came up over the last year. Doesn't always work that easy, but it's a nice thought. OK, got all that?"
We all nodded. Mayor Thomas walked to the center of the square and started speaking.
"Townspeople and newcomers! Welcome to Mineral Village's 238th annual Goddess Festival. Yes, for that long we have been celebrating the end of winter and the dawning of a new and better year in this way. I won't try your patience by giving a long speech this morning..."
Someone from the crowd shouted, "Thank you!"
Thomas glared in the direction of the shout, then continued: "...but I must make an observation about the challenges ahead. We've all taken the bounty of Erehwon Farms for granted in recent years. Now that our much beloved neighbor there has passed away, I believe that we are, for some time, going to have to learn to live with less than we have been accustomed to. We are all glad to see his grandson take over his responsibilities there, but realistically, we cannot expect Jack to be as productive as his grandfather before him this year...perhaps not next year either. So I urge all of you to face the coming hardships with patience and fortitude.
"Well, enough seriousness! Let's get on to what you all *really* came here for, the dance of the Goddess's attendants!
"First, we have the veterans of so many festivals before, the talented Karen and her escort Rick!"
They walked up to the mayor and said their piece. Thomas said, "How many times have you two been here together? This is the eighth, I believe. An all time record, if I'm not mistaken!"
The crowd laughed as Karen looked annoyed and Rick looked embarrassed. They bowed and curtsied and took their places.
"Next, we have our caring Elli and her escort, Doctor. It's a relief when you two can make it to town events, then I know that nobody is laid up in the clinic!" The two went through the routine and separately joined Karen and Rick.
"Now, a newcomer; our literary Mary and her escort, Gray. Mary, Gray, read any good books lately? Together, I hope!" He winked, but Mary didn't even bother to smile. They did their formalities and took their places.
"Another newcomer - the lively Ann with her escort Cliff. Ann, you did bring the apple pie, right?" Everyone laughed as Ann and Cliff curtsied, bowed and went to their places.
"Now, last but certainly not least, yet another newcomer! The lovely Popuri and her escort, Jack." Some people applauded as we walked up and I presented Popuri to the mayor.
"Jack, you look pretty clean today, have you really been working on that farm?" There was more laughter as I bowed, Popuri curtsied and we went to our places. The girls formed two lines in the center of the square, Karen in the center of the front row. I stood with the other guys watching.
"Are we all ready there? Good. Kano, please proceed. Let us celebrate the joyous rites of spring!" Kano, standing next to a record player that could have come from an antique shop, put a vinyl record onto the turntable and started the machine.
It was a folk song, sounding light, cheerful and spring like. The dance consisted of the girls in line filing back and forth. Periodically one would come forwards twirling, then stepping back in line. Karen led each part, showing grace and practice. The other girls followed her lead passably well. This went on for about five minutes and ended with the girls forming a circle, hands joined and skipping quickly as the music sped to its conclusion.
The Mayor stepped forward again. "That was just lovely! Everyone give a hand for all our charming and talented ladies!"
I whispered to Cliff, "That's it? That's what all the fuss the last week was about?"
"You heard Karen, the social dancing follows. We get to sample all the wares then!"
The girls came towards us as the Mayor went on. "All right, now all of you menfolk get a chance to dance with the goddesses - present and former. First dance is coming up. Find your special someone and get ready!"
The girls came up to us and we all congratulated them. We paired off and went to the center of the square. The married couples were doing the same. Popuri was even more excited than before, going up to anyone that got close and squealing, "This is the Goddess costume!" Kano put a waltz onto the record player; we all held our partners and we were off.
"Popuri, you did just fine up there. That was a pretty dance."
"Thank you! You're doing pretty well right now yourself, I guess you got to dance every night in the city, right? Were the girls there as pretty as us? All us girls have a partner today; it's so wonderful. Oh, I just want this to go on forever!"
Everyone *did* look pleased dancing with their partners...well, almost everyone. I kept noticing Mary looking at Popuri and I, and then turning away when she caught my eyes. Karen and Rick were the most graceful couple; the rest of us were gamely doing our best.
The music ended and we all separated, people looking for their next dance partner. I noticed there was a ritualized exchange in asking someone for a dance, and I memorized it. Cliff and Ann came up to us, Ann flushed and happy.
"Hi, Pi, Jack! Having enough guys to go around really makes a difference, right? Sure beats dancing with Jeff and Basil the whole day!"
Cliff got right down to business. "Jack, mind if I take this lovely lady off of your hands for awhile? Popuri, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
"Most certainly, gentle sir!"
I waved them off, and then Ann and I paired up for the next dance. Kano put on another waltz and the dancing resumed.
"You dance pretty good, Jack. Get a lot of practice in the city?"
"Not that much, really - it just isn't that hard. You're doing well yourself. Your costume really looks nice."
She blushed. "You know, this is about the only time I ever wear a dress - it's embarrassing to me! Jack, how well do you know Cliff?"
"We first met on the boat coming here, but you know, we just hit it off right away. It feels like we've known each other for years. Why?"
"He's a puzzle to me. You'd think he'd be a rough man, bumming around the country like he does. But he's so polite and respectful to me - except for that teasing of his! You think he..."
"Does he like you, Ann? I'm sure he does. He speaks well of you all the time. Let's put it this way - why do you think he's staying here so long? A week in one place is a long time for him. It's not for the money, he's sure not getting rich doing odd jobs for your dad!"
"Gee, this is all so new for me. I've never had any use for boyfriends and all that girly stuff. I don't know what I think about it."
"The longer he stays here, the more it means you're something special to him."
"Now I *really* don't know what to think. I just like being around him, it's not as if we were madly in love or anything."
"That's how it starts sometimes. You two could do worse than each other."
"Argh! Are you playing matchmaker here? I just like him as a friend. Love - I don't need it!"
"Anything you say, Ann. Well, that's the end of this number, thank you for this dance."
"You're welcome! Thanks for telling me about Cliff and all."
Karen separated from Doctor and came up to me.
"Well, Jack, I think you've been a good boy so far today...hmmm."
"In that case - Karen, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
"Most certainly, gentle sir." The music started again, and Karen, as she had promised, led off.
"Jack, you're not half bad at this. Just try not to swing so far out on the three...yes, that's more like it! Well, I must say this festival is going well so far. I was a little uneasy coming in with some of the undercurrents this week, but everyone's well behaved. Rick's being the perfect gentleman - but that crack Thomas made about us was uncalled for!"
"He seemed to like to get in a little dig at everyone. Don't sweat it. Popuri is getting really hyper though."
"Ah, she's always like at village events, nothing to worry about. I just don't want to see you two going off behind the trees to do some smooching!"
"It's not on my checklist. Having a *lot* of people around when I'm with her suits me just fine. It's Mary that worries me. I keep catching her looking my way. And the way she looks! Is she sick?"
"Jack, you should know what that is. She's losing sleep over you and Popuri. She still won't talk to me about it, but it's not hard to figure out." She sighed. "How *do* people get their affairs so tangled up? None of you are bad folks, but just look what happened!"
"I hope when this festival is over I can put a little distance between the pink-haired one and myself. This is all I'm committed to with her, after all!"
"Don't think it's going to be that easy, with her next door visiting you whenever she wants and bringing you gifts...yes, I heard about that egg! She's latching onto you, Jack. You can't be passive about the situation!"
"That's so easy to say, but executing... Well, so much for this dance. Thanks, Karen, you taught me a few new moves."
"You're welcome. But the moves you really need aren't learned on a dance floor!"
After three dances in rapid succession, Kano must have thought we needed a break, as he didn't put another record on immediately. People were milling around the square, chatting. I saw Mary standing alone off to the side; she glanced at me again and turned away. Enough of this, I thought. I'll try to talk to her now that she doesn't have her librarian role to hide behind.
Kano had taken another record out, and people were finding new dance partners. Well, I thought, she *can't* refuse me if I ask, huh? I strode quickly up to her before someone could get there first.
"Mary, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
She looked very uneasy, but followed form. "Most certainly, gentle sir."
We started dancing; she wouldn't look at me, staring at her feet instead.
"Mary, I've been wanting to talk to you for days now."
"About what? My works in progress? Your latest turnip crop? The *lovely* Popuri?"
"Mary, it's not what you think..."
"Oh, it doesn't matter what I think. I had thought that you and I...well, that doesn't matter either. How could I have thought that a plain bookish girl could compare to such a pretty young thing!"
"Mary, I've always considered you my best friend here. I never wanted to hurt..."
"Jack, please don't say anymore. Let's not talk. Let's just dance."
She spoke as if to herself only. "Words are such fickle things. The ones we dare to say are empty and the ones we need to say will not come. I get so tired of words sometimes! Dancing is better. In motion without speech we can dream and pretend."
We danced on in silence, not daring to meet each other's eyes.
Of course, the music had to end, and we separated, exchanging empty thanks.
I saw Anna standing some way back, looking at me with distaste. Uninviting as she looked, I got the wild thought that somehow she might give me the idea of how to repair things with Mary. I went up to her and asked, "Anna, kind lady, may I have this dance?"
She gave me a sardonic look, but responded correctly, "Most certainly, gentle sir," then murmuring so only I could hear, "But it's not going to do you a bit of good."
We started dancing.
"Anna, I never intended things to be like this."
"You never *intended*...? Very well, I'll give you that much. I can believe that you never intended to drive my daughter into depression and despair. But that is the consequence of your actions."
"I had not realized she felt so deeply. I had thought we were just friends."
"So you admit to being callous and imperceptive. 'Just good friends' indeed! You really didn't see the effect you were having on her? Or you just didn't *want* to see once the *lovely* Popuri presented herself to you. And you didn't even have the decency to tell her yourself; she had to find out from the other girls in the most humiliating manner imaginable. I retract what I said before. Popuri *is* your type after all. You're both immature, you fit each other well."
"Anna, the situation is not as it appears. You don't really know the inwardness of it."
"Oh, we're talking in riddles now, are we? Do you know, I'm really not interested in solving them. I do, however, have one thing to ask of you. Please, if you have any consideration for Mary, stay away from her. Give her a chance to get over you. I don't believe she thinks much of that Gray boy, but he seems to like her. He's *something*. Just keep your distance and let her heal."
The dance ended and we parted, not even bothering to utter meaningless thanks. That was enough socializing for me; I walked over to a bench away from everyone else, and Cliff came over to me.
"Jack, what happened there? That *look* she was giving you! You're dragging along like you just got beaten up."
"I did, in a way. She blessed me out good, without raising her voice. It's a rare talent."
"About Mary, right?" I nodded. He reached under his shirt and brought out a hip flask. "Here, I think you need a drink. Doctor's orders."
"Thanks buddy, I sure do need one." I took the flask, removed the lid and took a long swallow.
It was like a solution of nitric acid and scorpion stings. From very angry scorpions. They clawed their way down my gullet and settled down to serious combat in my stomach.
"Ack! What is this stuff?"
He chuckled. "That's Ol' Buzzard whisky. Sold at finer establishments in every skid row in the country. It's an absolute necessity for life on the road. Keeps you warm."
"I'll bet. Light it up and it burns, huh?"
As the dose settled down in my stomach, our surroundings took on a softer feel - sort of like melted plastic.
"You know, this stuff does kind of grow on you. Mind if I..."
"Be my guest."
I took another long drink. Another company of scorpions scratched their way down my innards to join their fellows, then the world started to look like a brighter place.
I handed the flask back to Cliff, and he took a drink. Kano had decided to change the pace and was playing polkas. We watched as Ann and Gotz energetically clumped past us, flushed and laughing.
"There, Cliff, are some people who know how to enjoy a festival. That Ann, she's a nice woman. She was asking me about you earlier. I think she's getting stuck on you despite herself. I tell you, she'd be a good catch for you - much better for you than the love 'em and leave 'em stuff you've been doing. If nothing else, you'd sure be eating well!"
Cliff didn't just dismiss me with a wisecrack as usual. He took another drink and looked serious. "Y'know, I think she's getting to me some also. I wake up in the morning, I rush to get washed up and dressed so I can have breakfast with her. The whole day, doing stuff around the Inn, I catch myself smiling when I see her." His face turned sad. "She reminds me of my little sister, she's got the same smile."
"No reason to be blue over her, buddy. She likes you, too; she's just not quite willing to admit it to herself. Give her just a little more time, and you'll have that reason to settle down here."
"How could I do that? Doug's giving me all kind of breaks, but he can't give me a full time job. His business isn't good enough for it. Problem with a place like this is that everyone's so independent that they don't *need* workers, they do most everything for themselves. Marry Ann, and then live off her and Doug? I'd never do that! I've always paid my own way in this world, and I'm not going to stop now."
He had a point, and I didn't know how to answer it. We stopped talking and kept passing the whiskey around while watching the dancing. When the dance stopped, Karen saw us and came over, looking cross.
"Hey, what are you two doing back here? You aren't holding up your end of the log - lots of ladies out there need dance partners. Get back to it..." Then she stopped and sniffed us. "Mmmm...something smells good here. OK, who's the candyman?"
I pointed at Cliff. Karen gave him her best smile and fluttered her eyelids.
"Cliffie sweetie, could you see it in your heart to help out a thirsty lady?"
Cliff smiled. "Sure darlin', I was saving this just for you." He handed her the flask.
"Thanks, you're a real gentleman." She took a long drink while Cliff and I watched her intently.
She brought the flask down from her lips with a broad smile. "Ahhh, that's real sipping whiskey!" Cliff and I looked at each other and nodded in approval.
"Cliff, mind if I take another little nip? These festivals do dry me out so."
"Help yourself, plenty more where that came from."
"Ah guys, if we're gonna do this, we'd better be cool about it. We're not supposed to drink at these festivals. Of course, people do anyways, but they're discreet about it."
Her concern didn't stop her from taking another long pull on the flask. She handed it back to Cliff.
"Yes, now I'm feeling a little looser. I was getting *so* ticked off at Rick. Jack, I was telling him I'd like to come over in the afternoons and stay with Lillia and he wasn't even listening to me. He just kept griping about Kai. Then him dancing too damn close with Elli - I think he was trying to feel her up. He dances with her again, I'm gonna go up to 'em and slap him silly! Pass that over here, will 'ya?"
For a couple more dances, we passed the booze around while watching and chatting. As we fell under the influence, Karen made catty remarks about the dancers, while Cliff and I grew silent and thoughtful. During a break between dances, we saw Mary come out from the crowd and stand alone about ten meters from us. She was looking very depressed, staring at the ground in front of her.
Karen's expression turned sad. "Look at her. I wish there was something we could do to cheer her up. Where is Gray, anyhow? She's *his* date, he should be taking care of her."
Cliff grinned. "*I* know how to cheer her up. You guys just stay here and watch the master at work." He got up and strolled over to Mary.
"Jack, what's he up to?"
"I haven't the foggiest. But I bet it'll be good. Let's watch."
Cliff stood beside Mary and started talking to her with that 'good times are back' smile of his. She answered him with that thin forced smile of hers. We couldn't hear what they were saying, though. After a couple of minutes, we saw Cliff take out the flask and offer it to Mary. She shrugged and took it.
"Karen, does she drink at all?"
"A glass of wine at New Years' and family occasions. But nothing like that firewater of Cliff's. Jack, I don't know about that."
Mary took a drink, then her face turned red and she started choking. She motioned to Cliff that she was all right, then braced herself and took another drink. A very long one.
"Wow, what a trooper. Karen, she'll be in your class soon."
"In getting it down, maybe. Dealing with the buzz is a whole 'nother matter. I don't like this at all. He's going to get her drunk, and she's not used to it."
Cliff chatted with Mary for several more minutes while she kept drinking, then he came back over to us.
"Mission accomplished, guys! She's loose as a goose now."
We looked over at Mary. She was swaying back and forth, looking around with an unfocused gaze.
"Three sheets to the wind, hobo."
"Feeling no pain, farmer-boy."
Karen was frowning. "You guys are jerks! I think she's just getting more depressed. I'm going over there to keep her company for awhile."
Before Karen could leave us, Popuri came out of the crowd, looking flushed and excited. She looked around, saw Mary and went up to her. Popuri was all squeals and giggles, while Mary kept a blank face. Karen gripped my arm and whispered, "Uh, oh. Jack, I don't like that at all!"
Popuri gushed, "Mary! I'm so glad to see you, where have you been the last few days? Isn't this just the best Goddess Festival ever? I'm so glad you've got a boyfriend at last - you and Gray just look soooo cute together!"
Mary mumbled something we couldn't hear and Popuri went on.
"Aren't Jack and I the perfect couple? He's so thoughtful and so sweet to me. We've been spending so much time together lately."
Mary was giving Popuri a dark angry look, but Popuri was beyond noticing such things and went on.
"We're together so much now that he hasn't got time for anything else. He doesn't come to your library anymore, right? I'm sorry to take away one of your best customers! I guess now that we're together, there's nothing at the library that interests him anymore!"
Mary's face went bright red, and her eyes narrowed in anger. She shouted, "Why...YOU HUSSY!" and slapped Popuri hard across the mouth.
Karen and I jumped up at the same time and ran together towards them.
"Oh no! Jack, you take Popuri and I'll take Mary!"
"Right."
When we got to them, Popuri was just silently standing there in shock. Mary had a horrified expression on her face, eyes wide and her hand over her mouth.
"Popuri! I didn't mean...I'm sorry! Oh, I didn't mean to do that! I'm so sorry..."
Popuri saw me and started crying. "Jack! She hit me! Why did she...ohhhh, hold me!"
I hugged her and she held onto me tightly, wailing. Mary was also crying, Karen hugged her and stroked her hair.
We didn't have time to calm the girls down, though. Rick and Gray ran up from opposite sides of the square. Rick came up to Popuri and I.
"Popuri, are you all right? Jack, what happened?"
"She's not injured, Rick - her feelings are hurt, that's all."
Rick turned to Mary and started screaming, "MARY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY LITTLE SISTER! YOU'RE CRAZY! GET OUT OF HERE, NOW!"
Mary looked even more miserable and kept crying. Karen glared at him. "Rick, stop shouting at her and go away. You're not helping things at all."
Gray had come up behind Rick and pushed his back.
"Yeah! Stop shouting at Mary! What was your dumb wierdo sister doing to her, anyways?"
Rick looked even more enraged. "WHAT WAS POPURI DOING TO MARY?! YOUR MEAN UGLY GIRLFRIEND WAS BEATING UP MY BABY SISTER!" Then Rick pushed Gray back, hard.
More people were coming up to us from the center of the square. Rick and Gray were pushing each other and shouting insults. Then Ann came up to us.
"Jack, what happened here? Is Popuri all right?"
"It's just a little quarrel. Ann, could you take care of Popuri? I want to break those two up before it gets out of control."
"Sure. Come here, Pi; Annie's gonna make everything all right." They hugged and Ann baby-talked her while she continued to cry.
I pushed my way in between Rick and Gray, who both started shouting at me to go away. Now, they were punching at each other as I was yelling at them to stop. As long as I was pushing them apart, they couldn't connect, but I didn't know how long I could hold them.
"What is going on here? Stop it, all of you! Break it up!"
The Mayor, Duke and Doug had come into the middle of the ruckus. Rick and Gray stopped struggling and started yelling accusations at the same time. Several other people joined in. Duke stepped up to me.
"All right, everyone quiet down here! Jack, you're behind all of this, right? You've been getting these kids drunk! That's just the kind of damn fool thing I'd expect of you."
Cliff walked up to Duke, a little wobbly, and said, "Duke, put a sock in it!"
"WHAT?!"
"Jack didn't bring the booze, I did. Give credit where credit's due!" He took that hip flask out and thrust it in Duke's face. "Here, you old meanie, have a snort and loosen up!"
Duke looked at the flask with interest, then Doug stepped up.
"Cliff, put that thing away now. Don't you think it's done enough damage already?"
"Yeah, I guess so." Cliff stowed it away and Doug went on.
"I don't know who or what started all this, but this kind of incident is exactly why you young people aren't supposed to be drinking at the festivals. You all should be ashamed, spoiling things for everyone else."
None of us said anything. He was right.
At this point, everyone was standing around, trying to figure out what had happened. People had formed into two groups, near Mary and Popuri respectively. Some started exchanging angry looks and muttered remarks. Karen came up to the Mayor.
"Thomas, this thing is pretty well ruined now. Couldn't you see fit to just call the last dance and let everyone go home before something else happens?"
"Well, uh...it's still early...I..." He looked over at Doug and Duke, who both nodded. "You're absolutely right! That's just what we're going to do."
He clapped his hands for attention. "All right, people, nothing to be alarmed over, just a little misunderstanding among the youngsters. It's all over now. Let's everyone go back to the center of the square, find your partner and we'll have the last dance."
Some people objected weakly, but joined everyone in moving back to the dance area. Mary and Popuri still looked very upset, but at least had stopped crying. The eight of us young people paired up and walked back to the center and readied ourselves to dance.
I don't even remember the last number, or how we danced to it. I was concentrated on Popuri - whispering soothing words to her to keep her from breaking out in tears again. Gray looked concerned and was talking to Mary, who kept silent and wouldn't look up from the ground. Both Ann and Karen looked angry with Cliff and Rick respectively - I didn't like to think of what those guys would be hearing after this was over.
The music ended and Thomas stepped forward.
"Well, this ends the Goddess Festival for this year. I want to thank Kano for managing the music this year - he did a terrific job. Everyone give him a hand. And I want to thank everyone for coming out today and celebrating the start of spring. We should all give a hand to the five young couples who participated today - these young people are the future of our village! The festival is now over, everyone please go about your business now."
People started drifting away, back to their homes. Ann was scolding Cliff as they walked back to the Inn.
"What kind of fool stunt was that? Look at all the trouble you caused! You've got some explaining to do to Dad and I when we get home!"
"Aw hell, Ann, I was just trying cheer people up. How was I to know..."
Doctor and Elli walked towards the clinic. I thought they both looked a little smug - perhaps pleased that they had stayed clear of all the trouble.
Karen and Rick walked towards the General Store with Mary and Gray. None of them were saying much, but I could see that Karen was furious with Rick.
Popuri looked at me and said, "Jack, I'm not ready to go home yet. Could we go somewhere together for awhile?"
"Anywhere you want."
"Let's go walk on the beach. It's so peaceful there in the evening."
"Sure, lets go."
It was just past five when we got to the beach. We walked along the shore holding hands, not saying much - just looking at the water. It was twilight, the time when things were just starting to lose their edges and look indistinct. The sound of the waves breaking was calming. We stopped and Popuri looked at me.
"Jack, the day started so beautiful and then everything turned so horrible. Why? Why did Mary call me that name and hit me? I wasn't doing anything. What is wrong with her? We've always liked each other, why does she hate me now?
"Oh, Jack, I wanted us to have such a lovely time and now it's all spoiled. What's happening in this village? Everything's going wrong."
She started crying again and we hugged; I whispered soothing words in her ear. She looked so miserable, and yet still so beautiful that I couldn't help myself. Really, I couldn't. I kissed her on the lips.
I just wanted to forget about Mary, Anna, Duke, Karen, Rick, farming, the depression, my lost career - all of it! Just forget about the whole wretched world and find comfort in the arms of this kind and lovely girl. I held Popuri as if she was the only thing in the world, and she held me the same way. Our kisses grew longer and deeper, our breathing heavier, our hands exploring each other.
Popuri whispered in my ear, "Jack, do you...do you want..."
[Note to the reader: an alternate development to _Haven_ branches from this point.]
Then, I heard slow footsteps and a low humming - the Goddess Festival theme song. I turned around and saw Karen walking down the steps towards the beach. She was staring at the ground as she walked, then looked up at Popuri and I.
"Popuri, Jack...I thought I might find you here. If you two want to be alone, I'll go somewhere else. But...maybe you'd like some company?"
I looked at Popuri and she nodded - she looked relieved that we had a chance to stop and cool off. I sure was. We were getting out of control.
"Thanks, Karen, we wish you would stay."
"Yes, it looked to me as if you were getting too friendly. Not that I could judge you two for anything you did after what happened today. What a horror show! That's the worst festival I've ever been to. Popuri, are you all right now."
"I'm...better. Having Jack with me is a great help."
"Yes, he's a good man. You really are, Jack. I'm not a very good woman right now. Rick and I just had a bad fight. I guess I was still kind of drunk, and I started yelling at him about his dancing with Elli and shouting at Mary. He yelled back at me and I just snapped. I slapped him, turned around and walked away. I'm *so* ashamed of myself."
"Karen, don't be too hard on yourself. It was a stressful day for everyone."
"Yes, but I'm afraid I just lost him. I don't *want* to lose Rick, I love him so."
"Karen, don't worry so much. I'm sure he'll realize it was a heat of the moment thing and forgive you. Popuri and I will help you reconcile with him, right, Popuri?" She nodded.
"I believe that you will, too. Both of you are such good friends."
"Popuri, you can talk with him tonight, and I'll work on him tomorrow morning. Excuse me for putting it off, but I'm still a little drunk too. Better to approach him with a clear head. Ah, you ladies thinking about heading home now?"
They both nodded. Karen said, "Yes, it is getting late. I'll walk with you two up to Barley's. I don't want to go further and chance seeing Rick - I couldn't face him right now."
We walked along in silence until we got in front of Barley's farm. Karen held back.
"I'll just stand here and watch until you get inside, Popuri; then I'll head home. Try to have a good night, the both of you."
We said our good-byes and Popuri and I walked together up to the door of her house.
"Popuri, do you mind if I not come in? I'm not in any state for socializing tonight."
"Sure, Jack, we'll just say good night here. Despite all that happened, I'm still grateful that we had this day together. Thank you."
We briefly kissed good night then I went on to Erehwon. In a daze, I watered the patches of turnips. My head was hurting, and I was so beat up in spirit that I couldn't stand to do anything more. I climbed the steps to the hot springs, jumped in and quickly fell asleep.
******
Now, Jack is well and truly introduced to life in Mineral Village. The outlines of his dilemmas have been drawn. It now remains for him, with some help from friends and *others* to resolve them.
