Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Staring in the mirror, I’m unable to recognize the person in the reflection with loose curls framing my face.
I applied dark eyeliner in a cat’s-eye design, sharp enough to kill.
The golds and browns give me a healthy glow, which is enhanced by the baby’s breath adorning my tresses.
I look left and right, admiring the subtle shimmer of rum-raisin gloss.
I snap a few photos and send them to Story.
Serving fall goddess goodness.
Careful, or Mr. Sunshine might fall in love.
I snicker at her winky face.
“Hah, so Story agrees you two have an interesting thing going on. You look beautiful,” Dar whispers from behind me.
“Weird that we’re back in the high school bathroom, isn’t it?” I met her gaze in the reflective surface.
“Just a little.” She wrinkles her nose. “It smells the same.”
“Staleness and cleaning solutions.” We study the pale-yellow tile and the white vinyl flooring with a black speckle pattern.
I shake my head as memories surface. “It’s like we’re freshening up for a dance.”
“With a few more lines on our face, maybe. This is your Homecoming court, then, huh?” She squeezes me in a hug from behind.
“I do feel like royalty. Let’s get to the float before the mayor comes in and gets us.”
“Right.” I smooth down the bell-shaped sleeves of my cream-colored sweater dress. Knee-high, lace-up white boots complete the look.
“Have you seen Korren?” I keep my tone neutral.
“I have.” She smirks. Her amusement worries me.
“And?”
“Good luck keeping your cool tonight.”
“What does that mean?” I ask nervously.
“White suits him.” She taps my nose. “And I know you like him.”
“He’s a nice guy from what I can tell.” I won’t fall for her bait. She’s pumping me for information.
“Who happens to be gorgeous, and clearly into you.” She ticks off the points on her fingers.
“No, he isn’t.” Heat floods my face.
“Then explain why when the two of you are near each other, there are more stolen glances flying than a room full of middle schoolers with crushes.”
“He’s an attractive man, and I have eyes.” I cross my arms.
“That like to linger; it’s okay. I’d worry about you if you didn’t check him out.” She winks.
“Then why are you giving me a hard time?”
“’Cause I think you’d be good for each other.”
“Oh, no.” I hold up my hand. “No matchmaking. The last thing I’m looking for is a relationship.”
“Which is why it’s perfect. Relax and see what happens naturally.”
“Dar. I’m a mess.” I toy with the curly ends of my hair.
“No. You’re a survivor. There’s a tremendous difference.”
I frown. “Not from where I stand.”
“You’ve always been way too hard on yourself, babe.” She smiles at me. “Be gentle with my best friend; she’s had a tough time this year.” She fluffs my hair.
“Yes, she has.” Sighing, I agree. Is she right about Korren? We enjoyed riling each other up. It’s become a constant routine I’ve grown used to. We move from the bathroom.
“Everyone to your places on the floats.” Mayor Branch’s voice blares over a megaphone.
“That’s your cue,” Dar croons in the hallway.
“You’re enjoying this way too much.” I glare at her.
“It’s about time you get back to the act of living.” She says as we continue down the locker filled hallway to the gym entrance.
Cutting across the basketball court, I greet the fellow float riders and exit into the parking lot. Vibrant colors of autumn leaves contrast with bales of hay, pumpkins, and cornucopias, which are woven into the scenes to give a distinct fall feel.
The main attraction I’m set to ride on is an ethereal work of art.
Pausing at the side of it, I admire the miniature forest they put together with white-flowering trees.
Fake grass has a mock stone path leading up to a gazebo on a raised platform.
Korren stands in the middle of the domicile, looking like a winter prince in a pair of white jeans and a bulky, cream-colored sweater.
With his solid build, broad chest, and thick frame poured into the denim, he has my mouth watering. The color sets off his tan skin, highlighting his golden-blond hair. I’ve always been partial to brunettes, but this man has been the exception to all my rules.
Spotting me, he walks over to the stepladder. He offers his hand, and I take it. A surge of energy flows through my body. I climb up, holding his intense gaze.
“You look beautiful.”
“You clean up well, Mr. Sunshine.”
He grins. “Always keeping things spicy, Pepper. I appreciate that.”
Do not read into the flirting, Phil. This man has a way of making me feel like anything is possible.
“Phil. Korren. We need photos for the paper. Head to the gazebo for us.”
“Right.” I latch onto the task, releasing his hand and walking ahead of him.
Side by side, we turn to the photographer, Franny.
Gray hair slicked back into a ponytail her slender, oval-shaped face is marked by laugh lines and crow’s feet that reflect her bubbly attitude.
She lifts her lens. Fake plumeria hangs down from the inside of the dome.
I can’t help but feel like we’re between the pages of Twilight.
“They really go all out here, don’t they?” Korren mumbles.
“This is the first real celebration of fall. We take harvest time here seriously.”
“Wrap an arm around her. Good. Lean back against him, Phil.”
Following her directions, we wound up entangled like lovers.
I struggle to keep my body from responding.
If I give in to the emotions he’s stirring in my belly, it’ll be harder to disengage when this is all over.
His masculine, woodsy scent teases my nostrils.
His hand flexes against my hip. The heat from his fingertips sears my flesh beneath the dress.
I press my thighs together as butterflies run rampant in my belly.
Need flickers to life inside me like the lanterns we’ll soon release. Damn this man for making the reasons why liking him become so hazy.
“Perfect. You guys look great!” Franny gives us a thumbs-up. “I have all the shots I need for now, guys, thanks,” Franny says.
I step away, putting distance between us.
“I almost believe you’ve started to like me with the way you were smiling,” Korren says.
“Please, I might be learning to tolerate you at best.”
He throws his head back and laughs. The rich sound of his laughter melts the iciness. I giggle at our ridiculousness. The honor of being chosen to light the first lantern reminds me of how much fun I had growing up here.
Photos done, we move into place. The truck rumbles to life, and the flatbed slowly pulls forward.
As we pull out of the parking lot, childlike wonder takes over.
Along the route, I wave to town members, tossing candy to the children from the buckets attached to the gazebo.
Cheering, they scramble to gather the sweets.
People keep the homes along the route well-maintained, which contrasts with the faded stores on Main Street.
It gives me a little hope for the future.
Wide smiles, friendly faces, and waves make me feel welcome.
Experiencing the belonging and whimsy of my hometown is new. Have things changed so much while I was in Raleigh?
“This is kind of fun.” Korren leans against the railing.
“Yeah, it is.” This is the way I remembered the town. Plenty of joy, celebrations, and pride in our small slice of heaven. I’d forgotten how magical it could be.
A silent truce forms between us. I lose myself in the celebration.
We round the corner on Main Street, and I spy my parents.
Mom taps Dad’s shoulder and points at me.
The pride on both their faces is a hug for my heart.
I wave wildly, and they return the gesture, beaming.
Dad lifts his chin and puffs out his chest. Seeing the intense approval is a long-chased achievement.
This is the strongest I’ve seen him since the stroke.
Seated in a folding chair beside them, Gram is resplendent in her cream velour jumpsuit with a red-and-orange leaf brooch I don’t want to guess the price of.
She delivers a wave worth of Miss America, and I cackle. She’s one of a kind.
Is the street looking less worn? The shops look more kempt.
Windows have been cleaned, and the paint seems less lackluster.
It must be the decorations. With a bit of elbow grease this place could be beautiful again.
Raising his digital camera, Dad takes photos.
It’s like being back in high school and bringing a date home for a dance.
All I had to do was be in a parade. Who knew?
“Let’s give them a decent shot.” Korren tugs me closer, and we pose. It feels good to be held again after so long. We go over a large bump. His hold tightens. I press my hand over his on my waist.
“Careful.”
Unable to talk, I nod.
“All good?”
“Never better,” I whisper.
“Pretty little liar.”
Can he see how much he’s affecting me?
“Do you ever let your guard down?”
“Not anymore?” The honest answer flows freely before I can think about it.
“Maybe it’s time you start.” His warm breath tickles my ear.
“With you?” Skin tingling, I wait for his response.
“With someone,” he counters. The sincerity in those words tilts the world on its axis. No way this man is real.
A car backfires. He flinches. His muscles tense, and he scans the crowd intensely.
It’s a reminder that I know nothing about his past. He’s been through an awful event.
I rest against him. The slight tremor leaves his body as he slowly relaxes.
Questions sit on my tongue. Now isn’t the time.
I place a hand full of candy in his hand.
Flashing me a smile, he tosses it down to the kids lining the streets.
They scramble for the falling pieces and we both laugh. The tense moment fades.
How can he be so upbeat when he’s carrying a darkness?
Bravery or insanity? Maybe it’s both. Either way, here I am thinking of him again.
Leaving the downtown area behind, we continue to the designated launch area by the river.
The others on the float below us stand close together to be heard over the truck’s engine.
“What’s the area beyond the mapped forest?” he asks
“The old-growth section. We don’t venture there. Local legend says magical beings who helped form the town live there. The truth is, it’s dangerous, untamed, and uncharted. My friend Brie’s favorite aunt was one of those unfortunate people who disappeared after breaking the rules.”
“I remember this vaguely from campfire stories when I visited here, but I’ve never heard about missing people cases.” Concern fills his deep voice.
“The last incident was years ago. Most people know to steer clear, but there’s always a foolish person who thinks they’ll be the exception to the rule.”
Somber, he looks out into the distance. “I met someone out by my uncle’s cabin who said he lived on the other side of the forest.”
“He must’ve meant a different location. No one lives in the old-growth areas.”
“Huh.” His expression turns distant. “You must be right.”
“If you believe the older generation, I could say no humans live there.”
Eyes wide, he leans in. “Tell me.”
“They say the magical founders still live out in the wilds, leaving the town to us.”
Gaze narrowing, he huffs. “What’s the logic behind why they would do that?”
So, he noticed the holes in their stories, too?
“Well, there are a few schools of thought. Those who think we descend from them. Others believe it’s a mutually beneficial exchange of energies.”
His mouth opens. “People believe this?”
“I still haven’t figured that out yet. It’s ingrained in the town’s history, so sharing all this nonsense might be a way to continue a legacy.”
“What do you think?”
“Me? I like proof. I need logical theories I can rationalize.” I shrug.
“Is that why you build and create?”
“Mm-hmm. For me, that’s a different kind of magic. Bringing a thing into existence. Taking imagery from the mind and creating it with trial and error makes me feel like I’m on top of the world.”
“I used to know that feeling.” There’s hurt and pain in that answer.
“And now?” Unable to take my eyes from his face, I wonder once more about his past. Why did he come here from the city?
“I strive to live a life with my feet firmly planted.”
“May I ask why?” I ask, genuinely baffled by his cryptic responses.
“Because when you get too high, the fall is nearly fatal.” His eyes dim. “That fall shows you what truly matters.” Shaking his head as if to clear it, he returns to the present. “But I can admire the way you go for your dreams.”
He didn’t discourage me, despite his difference of opinion. His own experiences didn’t diminish the open admiration he displays for me. It’s at odds with my past experiences.
Maybe things here can be different.
“Oh, wow,” Korren studies the path leading to the woods.
The ground lanterns line the worn walkway, waiting to be lit once the sun sets.
The white lanterns with gold markings glint and glimmer in the sunlight.
Volunteers are already on the move, adding flame to the fire-resistant materials, racing the orb set to sink into the horizon soon.
Exhaling slowly, I take everything in, memorizing the exquisite, painting-worthy view.
We come to a halt, and the trucks that follow behind us unload ladders.
I welcome the busy environment that keeps my mind occupied.
After lighting the first lantern, our duties will be fulfilled, and we can go our separate ways.
It’s what I want, so why do I feel so sad at the thought?