AND LOVE CHAP 131
Spring Festival
ST BRIDGET PHOTOGRAPHT LAB
"Can you believe this?" Joshua Allen exclaims, as he leans back in his swivel chair, his hands clasped behind his head.
"Yes, I believe it! We are a good team, Josh." Cassie declares.
"No, no, Cass. We are a great team."
She shivers, now what is her photog partner going to say. In the past 2 months she and Josh have become good friends. He has been over to her home several times; riding (he is quite accomplished), a meal, &/or a movie. Her parents are comfortable with things; her siblings are over the moon. A nuisance even. She has never been to his place – he always dodges and does a neat subject change. She will wait for him to open up.
"We've got all sections done, ready to assemble. Football; basketball; volleyball; we have baseball and soccer done except the playoffs. You are an amazing boss lady. You deserve a reward." He comes around the desk and props himself on a corner.
She trembles, hoping he doesn't see it.
"The Spring Festival is 2 weeks away. Cassie, will you be my date? Please?" He reaches out and takes her hand, she willingly gives it.
"Yes, Joshua. I would be honored."
He raises her hand to his lips and softly kisses it. (They have not lip kissed, yet)
"Thank you, Cass. We'll talk about time and such." He goes back to his chair and sits. He adds, "Oh, I was thinking of wearing a tux. Would that be ok with you?"
"Ah . . . sure. I'll talk with my mom about an appropriate dress. Thanks for the warning."
"You bet."
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Cassie floats home on a cloud! On the way her siblings watched her in awe. They couldn't get her attention off of what she was dreaming about. She raced into the house-
"MOM! HELP ME!" The whole pack raced into the office. Cassie collapsed on the bean bag chair.
"Sweetie, what's up?"
"It's Josh! He asked me to the Spring Festival!" Her heart is about to burst.
"What did you say?"
"WHAT DID SHE SAY?" Mal and Mary Rose are exploding now.
"I said yes. And . . . and . . . –
"Cassandra Reagan, slow down. Breathe with me-
Eddie does 4 slow, deep breaths. Cassie mimics her.
"Good. Now, what else?"
"Josh is going to wear a tux, mommy. I don't have anything-
"Cassandra, I will make you a gown!"
They all turn to the doorway. There is Sarah.
"You will?" Cassie and Eddie ask simultaneously.
"Yes. I made gowns all the time back home. When do you need it?"
"Two weeks, second Saturday after this coming one."
"Oh, we'd better get to work. Meet me in the kitchen." Sarah hustles off as Eddie's phone rings. "Go with Cassie kids, I need to answer this."
"Hello, Edit here."
"Mrs. Reagan, Miss Jennings from St Bridget. I'm calling to ask if you and Mr. Reagan can be hosts at our Spring Festival this year."
"Well, I think we would be honored to do that. I must ask my husband though. May I call you at this number this evening?"
"Yes. I will await your call. By the way-
"I know when and where. Is this black tie?"
"It can be-
"Great. I'll call back."
"Ok-
Call ended. Miss Jennings looks at her phone, 'OK'.
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Jamie walks in the door; he hears excited chatter from the kitchen. He goes to check it out.
He finds Sarah on her knees, a measuring tape in her hands. Cassie is standing still in the middle of the kitchen. Eddie is sitting on a kitchen chair, writing down what Sarah tells her.
"Daddy, you're here!"
"We're making Cassie an evening gown."
"It's a good thing Sarah is here."
"Josh asked Cass out!"
"You get to be a host! Dressed in a tux!"
"Do you have a . . . what is a tux?"
"Cassie was so excited, daddy!"
"Can we come too?"
"What is a Pring Fest, anyway?"
"Cass, what color is your dress gonna be?"
"White, like a wedding dress!"
"Are you and Josh gonna get married, huh?"
"This is exciting!"
Eddie, Sarah and Jamie ROTFL
Cassie stands still, covers her face with her hands.
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3 WEEKS AGO
Sarah had spoken with Eddie about the house where she, Muhammed, Ibrahim and Eli had lived. As far as she knew, they had owned it. Now it stood vacant and she would like to establish ownership and sell. Eddie thought about it and called George and Priscilla.
Her 1st lawyer clients on the island accepted the case. With the documents she provided, they proved Sarah was the sole remaining owner; they then negotiated a sale for $1,200,000. After their negotiated fee of $200,000 Sarah was left with a cool $1,000,000!
The 1st thing she did was INSIST on paying Jamie and Eddie back rent for her stay with them. They could NOT talk her out of it. She was so grateful, they finally agreed on $2,000. She was satisfied. Now she was apartment hunting.
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ON THE ISLAND – MBR BEDTIME
"Well, that was something, lambchop."
"Yeah, I thought I walked in on Spanky and the gang in the kitchen."
"Who?"
"You must be joshing me!" He smirks.
"Did I miss something?" She is puzzled.
"Apparently. BIG TIME!"
"Ok, well you need to decide something."
"Really? Just like that?" He wonders.
"Yup, just like that. The school called, asking if we could host this shindig?"
"Really? The Spring Festival? The dress?"
"Yup!" She pops the P. "Black tie."
"Would Cassie-
"YES! In fact, she'd like it if we are there."
"Really?"
"Why do you keep saying really?"
"I'm just surprised." He admits.
"Really?" She smirks.
"Stop that!"
"Well?"
"What?"
"Host?"
"Yes."
"Ok."
Lights out.
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5 DAYS AGO
TUNIS, TUNISIA
Eli approaches the vessel he was directed to. It's the most dilapidated, rusty, leaning hulk he's ever seen. He would never trust his life to a ship (using the term very loosely) like this, if he had any choice. He has no choice. NONE! He was told that captain Isaac will deliver him to the USA in 2 weeks' time. He's not sure where. Oh well, he'll figure it out when he gets there. He's that much closer to Cassie. He can smell her distinctive perfume. He can feel her touch. He sees her smile in his dreams almost every night. He will not be denied. NO!
He asks for captain Isaac. A brute of a man appears. He looks like his ship. Crusty, dirty, smelly, crude, unshaven. "Who are you, boy?"
"Eli Muhammed, sir. (Does he deserve the greeting of sir? I doubt it.)
Cap'n Isaac looks him over; head to toe. "You don't look like an Abdul, runt you."
"I am." (No more sir here)
"Well, we shall see. Money?"
Eli hands him the wad of bills.
Isaac counts it. "$50 short."
"That's all they gave me." (He almost said sir)
"Well, you'll work your ass off, you will."
"Come on, we're shoving off in 5. Find a bunk, then find me."
Eli does, and he does. And he works his ass off.
The crew shows him how to use his dagger. If you want to kill – you do this. If you want to maim – you do that. If you just want to frighten – they will sign your death warrant. They aren't kidding. Eli learns. He changes. He becomes an Abdul. No more teasing from Ibrahim! Or anyone else! He becomes his father's son.
But his mother? And Cassie? Will they like this new Eli? Can they love him? He will soon find out.
2 weeks later he is regurgitated from hell. Like Jonah, vomited up on the shore. Except Eli isn't sure if Allah even remembers him. Time to find out.
On ship he couldn't be sure where Mecca was. Did Allah allow for that? He said his daily prayers. Was Allah listening? Did it matter? Had it ever mattered?
Eli is on shore now; he can pray towards Mecca. This feels better; it must matter. Where is he? A gas station attendant gives him a map; an OLD map. The kid said Bridgeport, Connecticut. He knew that name; YES, Cassie lived here once. I'm coming, Cass!
West to NYC, then east on Long Island. I'm coming!
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ON THE ISLAND
Cassie and Eddie picked out a pattern and light green silk for Cassie's gown. It contrasts beautifully with the auburn highlights of her hair; and brings out her bright green eyes. The effect is stunning. Sarah is very pleased with their choice. She works tirelessly on the gown; Eddie and Cassie are so thankful that Sarah is here.
The gown fits beautifully. A tight bodice with cap sleeves, cinched with a broad darker green lace belt. The front is high ankle length, the rear sweeps the floor. Cassandra is stunning, and delighted.
How will Josh react? Josh has inquired as to corsage color. He purchases a wrist corsage of ivory rose buds. He hopes she likes it. He has never put this much thought into a date before. But this is important to him. He has never met anyone like Cassie before. Intelligent; kind; pretty; not full of herself; thoughtful of others; easy to talk to. He could go on . . . and on . . . and on. She liked him, but wasn't awed by him or always wanting something from him. And her family! Well placed; powerful, but not stuck with their heads in the clouds. Or up their collective ass.
His family? Drunk, abusive dad. Passive, aggressive mom. No siblings. Parents always harping on him to become a high-paid professional athlete; so they could do what they do best, or tried to. Leech off of him; their golden boy. So far, he has kept Cassie as far away from them as possible. She's asked, but not pressed. Can he keep this up? Or will it all come crashing down?
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MIDDLE RIVER, NY
Eli finds his old home. There is a SOLD sign on a stake in front of the house. The dwelling is dark, no lights. He tries the front door – it is locked. He considers breaking in; no, must not draw attention. An elderly couple stroll by.
"Excuse me, when did this house sell, please?"
"Just 2 weeks ago. The lady, mother actually, came back from the middle east and sold it. Real tragedy that was. Lost all her family. Tsk, tsk." They walk on.
"Not quite all," Eli whispers to himself. Now what?
A convertible of happy teenagers drives slowly by; "Spring Festival here we come," a boy shouts.
Eli remembers. St Bridget Spring Festival. He had wanted to ask Cassie last year. His father forbade it! Well, now he's dead and gone! Good riddance!
'Does Cassie have a date? Has she forgotten me? Time to find out.'
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RING – REAGAN FRONT DOOR
Jamie has programmed it so that only his phone gets the signal; the others know, they don't like.
He looks; yes, it is Josh. Damn fine looking young man. That is an understatement. Can you call a young man beautiful? Gorgeous? No. Cassie is gonna faint. Dad better stick close to her. Jamie opens the door.
"Josh, welcome! Come on in."
"Thank you, Mr. Reagan." The two fine looking gentlemen strep into the living room.
"You are looking fine, Josh. Cassie will be impressed, I'm sure."
"Ah, thanks. You cut a mighty fine figure yourself. That tux suits you very well."
"Are we interrupting a mutual admiration society meeting?" Eddie chortles as she and Cass sweep in from the MBR.
Both men are transfixed. No words can describe the two gorgeous ladies that have entered the room. Josh tries, "Cassie, you . . . you, ah . . . –
She steps right up into his space and stops. "Yes, Mr. Allen?" She winks at her father.
"I have something for you, Cassie." He brings his left hand out from behind his back. There is the ivory-colored roses corsage. With trembling hand he removes it from the cellophane, and gently clasps it to her left wrist.
She takes a step back and lifts the corsage to smell the fragrance. "Very nice Josh, thank you."
Jamie clears his throat; he has rented a Town Car for the evening. But before they exit, he applies a red rose-bud corsage to his wife's left wrist.
Now properly attired, they offer their lady an arm and head for their transportation. Jamie drives with Eddie beside him; The younger pair snuggle together in the back.
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6 HOURS AGO
Eli has a 15-mile trek. He sets out with resolute determination. This night will be confirmatory. He doesn't plan to go on through life alone. Cassandra WILL be at his side. He hasn't survived what he has survived; he hasn't traveled the miles he has traveled; a stinking ship; a trackless desert; cold, heat, hunger & thirst. He's so close! An Abdul does not fail.
Left, right, left, right – on he goes.
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ST BRIDGET GYMNASIUM
The Festival is in full swing as Jameson parks the car. The gentlemen assist their lady to get out, and arm-in-arm they walk toward the entrance. Jamie and Eddie allow Josh and Cassie to enter just ahead of themselves. When the young couple are in full view; heads turn as if on a swivel, the music stops and dancers' halt. It hasn't been announced yet, but all know that the Festival King & Queen have just arrived. NO. DOUBT. ABOUT. IT.
Josh and Jamie usher their companions to a table at the edge of the dance floor. They sit next to each other while the men go for drinks and snacks. They return, distribute the treasures and begin chatting.
Various couples stop to visit and compliment
Eddie & Cassie on their gowns. Jamie and Eddie are brought their HOST name tags, and encouraged to circulate.
Quite a few of Josh's football teammates stop by to talk and wolf whistle as they see Cassie. She blushes; he waves them off.
After an hour, an announcement is made that the dance floor is open again. Dance music starts and Josh gets up. Cassie knows what is coming. In the past week she has had mom and dad teach her some easy dance steps. Those they feel she will need. They emphasize following Josh's lead; as she has never danced with a partner before. Her folks anticipate a plethora of 'cutters'. They share techniques on how to shut that down. She paid rapt attention.
Josh extends his hand, "May I have this dance, Cassie?"
She nods, places her hand in his and he helps her to stand. 'He is so strong!'
He leads her to the dance floor; they position themselves and Josh begins to lead. By the 2nd song she has it well in hand. The next song is a waltz; Josh senses her significant insecurity and sets them down to sit this one out.
The next is another slow song; he leads Cass back to the floor. As she rests her head on his chest she whispers, "Thank you."
"No problem, Cassie. I could sense you hadn't learned the waltz yet. I'm not very good at it either. Maybe your parents can give us a waltz lesson?"
She giggles into his chest; and holds on tight.
Several of his teammates try to cut in; he brushes them away, to her amusement. Josh is quite protective of her. She finds that she really likes that. She is very comfortable in his warm, strong arms. Oh, so comfortable.
Suddenly the music stops. Heads turn toward an open gym door. There stands a man, middle height, white robe, red-white checked head covering.
It looks like – Eli? Cassie loses her breath. Josh tightens his arm around her. She turns to fully face the intruder.
Then he sees it. His mother's signature.
SR
Embroidered over Cassie's left breast. Just a single thread wide. Very, very close shade to the garment itself. If you didn't know what to look for, and where to look. You would NEVER see it.
"CASSIE!"
And he loses his mind.
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TBC