Spreadsheets and Bedsheets (Havenwood #1)

18

ELLIOTT

A couple of weeks had passed, and now it was early June, Pride Month, and everything had fallen seamlessly into place. The school year had ended, giving me more time to devote to the event, and Jules had truly turned it out with his connections, donations, and amazing knack for making big things happen. The Harmony Concert Hall buzzed with activity, a symphony of clinking tools, overlapping conversations, and the hum of projectors coming to life. The late afternoon sun streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow over the bustling scene, as if nature itself were celebrating the occasion. Outside, the June air was warm but not oppressive, carrying the faint scent of blooming wildflowers and freshly cut grass, with the promise of the long summer days Havenwood was known for.

Rows of plush seats waited to be filled, while the stage was a hive of activity, brimming with artifacts, screens, and banners, each detail a testament to the careful planning and collaboration that had gone into the event. It was the eve of the Pride Month: Stories That Change Us celebration, and the air carried a palpable mix of excitement and urgency, a fitting atmosphere for the longest days of the year when possibilities seemed endless.

I stood in the back at the audio booth, a clipboard clutched in my hand, my eyes darting over the meticulously updated checklist. The color-coded columns on the page were like safe beacons amidst the pandemonium, anchoring me in the midst of the whirlwind activity. Surrounding me, students and volunteer aides moved with a shared purpose, their energy creating an undercurrent of quiet determination.

Maya and Jayden were stationed near the entrance, huddled around a table strewn with an assortment of craft supplies. Jayden’s gentle concentration showed in the careful way he cut bright strips of paper, while Maya’s pencil danced across large poster boards, sketching intricate designs with a flourish that mirrored her bubbling enthusiasm.

“Mr. Brooks!” Maya’s voice resonated cheerily across the hall as she waved, one hand clutching a marker as if it were a magic wand. “We’ve got an idea for the event!”

Setting my clipboard aside, I navigated through clusters of volunteers, each busily adjusting lights, fine-tuning displays, or double-checking tech setup, until I reached their lively table. With an excited flourish, Maya lifted a long strip of vivid orange paper that boldly declared, What Does Pride Mean to You ? in flowing, elegant script.

“We’re thinking of setting up a paper chain station,” she explained, her excitement bright enough to illuminate the room. “Everyone can jot down their thoughts on a strip of paper, and by the night’s end, we’ll join them together into one living tapestry of our community’s voice.”

Jayden, still snipping away with his scissors, added, “It’s going to be like a living installation, a testament to our united spirit.”

I hesitated for just a moment, the thought of an unscheduled addition tugging at my mind. “But we hadn’t…,” I began, only to be swiftly reassured by the infectious sparkle in their eyes. I cleared my throat and softened, “That’s a fantastic idea. Have you thought about where you’d like to set it up?”

Maya gestured toward a cleared-off corner near the interactive timeline. “There’s plenty of space there, and it won’t interfere with the main displays.”

“Perfect,” I replied. “Just let me know if you need any more supplies.”

“Thanks, Mr. Brooks!” Maya beamed, before returning to her creative flurry, while Jayden flashed a confident thumbs-up that warmed my heart.

Not far from this creative corner, near the stage, Jules was a dynamo in motion, a flurry of energy coordinating a team of volunteers as they wrangled the final adjustments on a set of projectors. His signature bright scarf billowed behind him like a triumphant banner as he moved deftly amongst the organized chaos.

“Shift that screen two inches to the left,” Jules commanded with playful intensity, gesturing as though orchestrating a grand performance. “The projections need to fall in perfect harmony with the lettering.”

Nearby, Callie was multi-tasking effortlessly, balancing a cup of steaming coffee in one hand and a clipboard in the other, and couldn’t help but raise a teasing eyebrow. “You do realize you’ve adjusted that screen at least four times already? Not that I’d know, since my domain is hair and keeping things fabulously in place,” they remarked with a wry smile, flipping an imaginary strand of hair over their shoulder like it was no big deal.

Jules shot them a playful glare. “And now it’s perfect… just like you. Trust the process, Cal.”

I then made my way toward the stage, carefully sidestepping cables and equipment scattered like hidden treasures. Spotting me, Jules waved me over with an exuberant grin that outshone even the stage lights.

“How’s it looking back there, Teach?” he asked as he leaned casually on the edge of the stage.

“Everything’s on track,” I replied. “Maya and Jayden have conjured up an incredible paper chain station idea. I have a feeling it’s going to resonate immensely.”

“Of course they did,” Jules replied, his voice laced with admiration. “Those two have an unstoppable spark.”

“Wonder where they get it from,” Callie teased lightly, eliciting a chorus of light laughter from the group as they sipped their coffee.

Jules’s focus then returned to the projection screens, his playful banter giving way to a more measured concern. “What about the sound cues? Are we all synchronized?”

I nodded firmly. “Everything’s been tested thoroughly. The transitions are seamless, and the microphones are all set.”

Jules released an exaggerated, relieved sigh. “Thank you, Teach. I’d be completely lost without your steady hand.”

“You’d figure it out,” I replied with a teasing smirk. “But it's nice to know you’re grateful.”

His warm laugh washed over us like a calming tide, and for a fleeting moment, amidst the orchestrated chaos and buzzing energy, the world felt perfectly still.

As twilight began to nudge its way into the hall, the space itself metamorphosed into its final form. Softly glowing interactive displays began to illuminate the room, their screens cycling through vibrant images of queer history, marches, protests, celebrations, and tender everyday instances of resilience. Volunteers moved like busy fireflies, adding the final artistic touches to decorations and arranging seating with attentive care.

Maya and Jayden had positioned their paper chain station near the interactive timeline, and already the first few links hung proudly, each strip carrying heartfelt inscriptions like “Love is Love,” “Visibility Saves Lives,” and “Community Means Everything.”

Just then, Sam breezed in, his perky energy slicing through any lingering tension like a burst of sunlight. He handed me a fresh cup of coffee, its aroma rich and comforting, and offered Jules a grand mock salute. “How are my favorite social justice warriors holding up?”

“Thriving,” Jules declared with dramatic flair, twirling his clipboard as if it were a prized scepter. “We’re on the verge of changing the world, Sam.”

“And doing it all fabulously along the way,” Callie chirped, drawing a round of hearty laughter from everyone.

The hall vibrated with the excited buzz of guests arriving; the sound of their footsteps and soft chatter formed a rhythmic undercurrent as Jules and I stood near the stage, our shoulders lightly brushing as we watched weeks of labor blossom into the magic of the moment. Vibrant banners fluttered from the walls, tables laden with colorful art projects and fresh resources dotted the space, and the excitement was as palpable as the warm hum of summer itself. In that moment, I felt a profound sense of pride, not only in the event we had all created, but also in the journey Jules and I had navigated together.

“Can you believe this?” Jules murmured softly as he rested his hand gently on the edge of the stage, his eyes brimming with a mix of anticipation and quiet awe.

I turned to meet his gaze. His warm, open expression reflected the shared wonder of our journey, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I allowed a genuine smile to tug at my lips. “It’s incredible,” I whispered, feeling the weight and beauty of the moment.

His grin widened, quick and incandescent, rekindling the spark that had carried us through every challenge. Just as I began to settle into this rare calm, a subtle movement at the entrance caught my eye. I paused, blinking in surprise as Anna and Caleb stepped cautiously inside. Caleb’s face lit up with an exuberant grin that danced across his features, while Anna’s eyes, sharp yet kind, took in the bustling scene with quiet understanding. My heart skipped a beat; I had invited them in a hopeful, offhanded manner weeks ago, never truly expecting them to appear.

“Everything okay?” Jules inquired, tilting his head in concern as he studied me.

I fumbled with the edge of my jacket, my voice betraying a trace of nervous energy. “I, uh… I didn’t think they’d show up.” I motioned subtly toward the entrance. “That’s Caleb and Anna, my son and his mom.”

Jules straightened, his buoyant confidence flickering momentarily into surprise. “Oh.”

Glancing back at him with a quickened pulse, I said, “Come with me. I want you to meet them.”

Jules hesitated, his usually confident persona softening into genuine concern. “Elliott… are you sure? You don’t have to do this if you’re not ready.”

In that tender pause, I realized this moment was about far more than just an introduction, it was a step toward sharing every part of who I was. Offering a small, reassuring smile, I replied, “I’m ready. I think it is time. If you are ok with that.”

After a moment of quiet reflection as he searched my expression, Jules gave a slow, measured nod. “Alright,” he said softly, a faint tremor of vulnerability coloring his tone. “Lead the way, Teach.”

Together, we navigated through the throng, the background chatter of the hall softening into an indistinct hum as my nerves swirled with anticipation. My heart pounded a little faster when Caleb’s bright face caught sight of me, his arms flung wide in an enthusiastic wave.

“Dad!” he called out, tugging gently on Anna’s arm as they made their way closer.

“Hey, buddy,” I greeted warmly, my voice gentle yet edged with nervous excitement. Bending slightly, I wrapped him in a quick hug, the lingering scent of peppermint gum and fresh air mingling around him like a familiar perfume. Straightening, I met Anna’s gaze.

“Anna, Caleb,” I began, gesturing toward Jules, “this is Jules. He’s been a cornerstone in putting this event together with me.”

Anna’s smile was warm and genuine as she extended her hand in greeting. “It’s so nice to meet you. This event is nothing short of incredible, I mean, wow.”

Jules shook her hand with firm respect, even as his tone softened. “Thank you. We’ve had an amazing team behind this, but Elliott has been the heart and soul of it all.”

Anna’s eyes softened further, filled with quiet pride. “I can see that clearly. I’m really proud of you, Elliott.”

Clearing my throat, I let the simple, heartfelt compliment sink in. “Thanks. That means a lot to me.”

Meanwhile, Caleb’s curiosity pulled him closer to Jules. “So, you’re the theatre guy?” he asked bluntly, eyes wide with admiration. “Dad says you’re really creative.”

Jules chuckled warmly, crouching slightly to meet Caleb’s earnest gaze. “I dabble a bit here and there. Your dad is the one who keeps everything on track, with his spreadsheets and all that.”

Caleb grinned, nodding as if the explanation fit perfectly. “Yeah, that totally checks out. He’s pretty much the GOAT.”

Anna laughed softly, gently resting her hand on Caleb’s shoulder as she remarked, “We should let you two continue getting settled. Caleb and I will grab some seats.”

I nodded, feeling a tender mix of awkwardness and warmth at the unfolding scene. “Thanks for coming. It truly means a lot to have you here.”

Anna’s smile radiated warmth and understanding. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

As they drifted toward the seating area, I turned to Jules, who regarded me with a thoughtful look. “So… that was them,” I said, lightly scratching the back of my neck.

“They seem wonderful,” Jules replied quietly, his voice tinged with genuine interest.

“They are,” I agreed softly, pride threading through my tone. “And Caleb… well, he’s simply everything.”

Jules nodded, his expression softening in companionable understanding. “I can see that.”

With the hall now brimming with the welcoming buzz of arriving attendees, Jules and I returned to our spot near the stage. For a few unspoken moments, we simply absorbed the evolving energy around us, watching with quiet satisfaction as the culmination of weeks of hard work unfurled before our eyes. The vibrant banners, art-filled tables, and carefully arranged seating all resonated with the spirit of the event, establishing me in a serene confidence amidst the remaining chaos.

“You ready for this?” Jules asked again, his tone gentler now.

I met his steady gaze and nodded. “I think we’ve got this.”

His smile returned, quick, confident, and filled with the spark of unyielding hope. For the first time in a long while, I allowed myself to truly believe in the promise of the moment.