Snow In August
Part 4: Rekindling
CHAPTER 1: THOSE GROWING FEELINGS COME BACK
Marcie was finishing her shift at the library. She was thinking about Charlie Brown often since he came back to town. Sure it was because of his father's illness, but the fact he came back at all made those feelings she had for him come back in spades. She heard about how he ran into Tracy and she caught him up on what had happened since he left. He was happy that Shermy did marry her as he knew he'd take care of her, plus he helped in stopping Blake from striking her at the party those years ago.
As Marcie was gathering her things and walking out, she saw Charlie Brown at his car. She smiled when she saw him. He was still handsome to her and with his muscular physique, he had vastly improved.
"You have time to get some coffee?" he asked her.
"For you, Charles, I always have time," Marcie replied. And she got into the car with him and they took off for the coffee bar.
Charlie Brown discussed in further detail about how he came to wanting to become a lumberjack. After he recovered from his suicide attack, while in the hospital, he watched a program on TV about the Alaskan lumberjacks and how much they earned for a living. He was especially enthralled by how strong they were. He figured that if he worked out and got stronger early on, he could not only leave Sparkyville behind, but actually get a job in the lumberyards by moving to Alaska.
"I never looked back, Marcie," he said, sipping his coffee. "I just said 'Sayonara' to the bad memories here. And now I'm back here, even if it is for my father, this city just reminds me of how shitty my childhood was."
"There were good times as well, Charles," Marcie reminded him. "Like how you rebuilt Snoopy's house when it burned down. Linus told me about that. Or when you finally danced with the little red-haired girl at the Homecoming dance, even if everyone blamed you for losing the game when in reality it was Lucille's fault for pulling the ball away."
"I'm glad SOMEONE realized that." That memory, in particular, still stung to Charlie Brown. Not the dance itself, but the blaming from everyone, including Linus, his best friend.
"Or how you attempted to defend your sister against bullies," Marcie continued. "Yes, you had shortcomings, but who didn't? Even people like Lucille and even Violet had them. They hid their insecurities by exploiting yours. Ever thought of that?"
"I never put that into account. Even now, I just thought Violet, in particular, was an unrepentant bitch, and Lucy was insensitive, though the latter has improved in recent years and is now pleasant to talk to. As far as Violet, well, you know how I didn't want anything to do with her."
"Well can you promise me this, Charles? If Violet ever comes back to town while you're here, at least clear the air with her. I'm not saying you and her be friends, but bury the hatchet, and NOT in each other!"
Charlie Brown laughed at that. "Don't worry, Marcie. Not even Violet deserves that! But in all seriousness, for you, I will talk to her and place my ill feelings for her aside. That's IF she comes back to town."
Marcie then kissed Charlie Brown on the cheek. He blushed a bit. He hadn't done that in years, but Marcie always made him feel loved. "Thank you, Charles. That's why I've always been fond of you. You have a good heart, even when it comes to your enemies." And after paying the tab, he brought Marcie back home and he headed back to the Brown's house. He really was willing to clear the air with Violet if she ever did come back while he was in town himself. It was just a matter of when and if she would come.
NEXT CHAPTER: SOME OTHER FOLKS CLEAR THE AIR