Waiting on the Stars - Chapter One

The curved shapes of the skyscrapers sparkled as the sun casts its shadow on the smooth glass windows.  As the brisk sounds of traveling air-pods move past their flight zones, Adele wonders what the future might hold in store. She knows that many unexpected yet wanted changes will soon be coming her way.  Tracing her index finger along the outline of a portal station in the distance, Adele can feel her heart race in anticipation of what the next day will hold.

As the doors slowly break their seal of containment, an automated female voice announces, “Adele Elyson, you have arrived at the Union Station portal.  The weather is 65 degrees, cool and breezy.  Would you like information on shopping, stocks, or directions?”

Pausing only for a second, Adele answers “No, thank you Vera.  I’m good for now.”

The automated voice responds, “Shall I assimilate the temperature to your outfit?”

“Yes, that would be helpful” replies Adele feeling the fabric disperse warmth through the climate adjustment fibers of her polyptych suit.  Admiring her choice of the silver and white stream-lined tailored suit that she ordered from the Holo-Mall specifically for her meeting today, she is grateful that the imaging worked well with her projected measurements.

“The poly-wear temp has been adjusted.  Is there any other way I can help you?  Shall I call ahead to Marks Star Travel to announce your arrival?” asks the comforting automated voice resonating within the air-pod.

“Thank you for calling, Vera. I’m fine for today” replies Adele looking forward to the plans for the next few hours.

“Hope you have a nice day” confirms Vera closing the airlock on the doors behind Adele as she steps out onto the arrival platform of the station. A teen boy coasting on his circular board nearly runs into her but smiles and waves as he passes her by.  Just above her drones are delivering products of all different sizes through the shipping entrance in the ceiling of the station.

Glancing at her left palm, she reviews her appointment time in the effervescent images projected onto her hand. Gently swiping with her right index finger, she reviews her notes for the upcoming interview. Checking the mission, purpose statement, and history, she commits these notes to her memory relay inside the lens of her glasses. Adele sighs deeply and focuses on her list of points that she would like to articulate.

Upon arriving at Union Station, Adele swipes her hand in the terminal register and takes the next metro-cell transport to center city where all the major corporations are located.  As advertisements whirl along the trimming of the pod, she notices many familiar companies with which her family has callaborated with in the past.

“Are you enjoying your day?” asks the older woman sitting next to her.  “I love traveling to the city where there is always so much to see and do.  I really want to get a hover board but my grandchildren are not supporting the idea.”

Looking directly at her now, Adele smiles “They look fun don’t they?”

“Yes, I think it would help me get around the senior center where I live.  It's much faster than these mobile walkers.  They have wheels but they don’t float.  I’d much rather float” sadly admits the kind woman attempting to receive some temporary sympathy from Adele.

“Maybe you could get one and just not tell them", jokingly offers Adele imagining how fun that might be.

“Mmmm … I certainly like that idea” giggles the woman throwing her head back in a moment of perspective planning, “My name is Martha Jennings, but you can just call me Jennings like everyone else does.  Maybe one day it will be Woodhouse if he’ll ever wake up from his nap that has been lasting twenty years or so. Tell me, what’s your name?”

“I’m Adele.  It’s nice to meet you, Jennings” introduces Adele excited to make a new friend.

“I’m on way to visit my grandson at Marks Enterprises” explains Jennings “However, I’m meeting my best friend, Alice Hammer at the library.  I like to read to the children and Alice likes to act out all the parts. Afterwards, we are going to do some shopping on my way to my grandson’s office but with your suggestion I’m not going to tell him about the hover board.”

“Okay, it will be our secret” agrees Adele making a pact with her new friend. “Maybe I’ll get one myself and then we can practice together.”

“Are you visiting family in the area? Or do you live here?” inquires Jennings wanting to discover more about the friendly woman sitting next to her.

“I lived here a long time ago and grew up in the area.  Working for my family business, I ended up moving around a lot.  I’m hoping to move back to Kell City if everything goes well in my interview today” offers Adele “I love this area, it feels like home.”

“I hope it works out for you to stay.  I’d like to meet you again.  Honestly, I can be of help if you need anything. I know quite a few people in the city who know a lot of other people too. You seem like a very nice person.  Would you mind giving me your number?  I like to talk, mostly to ramble about nothing because as you can see I’m at that certain age, but if you don’t mind you seem like you would be interesting to talk to”, Jennings smiles offering her wrist to scan.

“Sure, I’d love that!” uncharacteristically agrees Adele feeling as if she has found another soulmate. “Here is my number” placing her wrist next to Jennings as their numbers are confirmed and registered.

“There… I have your number, expect to be hearing from me.  Maybe you can meet me and my best friend, Alice Hammer for tea tomorrow at ten tomorrow at Starcups in Market Square if you’re not busy”.

“That sounds wonderful!” exclaims Adele “I’m looking forward to it!”

“See you tomorrow then!” smiling Jennings take a step from the pod onto the transport platform with Adele following not too far behind “Good luck on your interview today!”

Another woman, whom Adele surmises is Alice Hammer, is waiting on the platform for Jennings.  She is waving both of her arms and jumping up and down trying to gather Jennings attention who is completely and intentionally ignoring her.  Alice breaks out into her “own” dance something between a shuffle and an a few absurd cubic motions while listening to music in her ear pods.  Jennings glances up and slowly shakes her head. She raises her hand in a short wave to acknowledge a greeting while gathering her bags at her sides and then heading towards her best friend.

The optical doors open in rotating motion as Adele enters the lobby of the business conglomerate of Marks Enterprises.   A large digital banner with various slides of upcoming announcements and opportunities available within the complex shines brightly hanging above the information booth in the center of the rotunda.

At the entrance of the Market Square, a curvaceous hologram reaches out to her holding a sculpted bottle speaking alluringly, “Discover the garden of Gentle Whispers”. As Adele quickly moves through the projected image, the essence of lilac, lily, and rose fill the scented air surrounding her.  Another transparent handsome image welcomes her and suggests “improve your health in just three steps” displaying a visual list of simple steps to reach a better lifestyle.  “If it were just that easy”, wistfully Adele comments to herself walking pass the live display.

Reaching the gliding spiral escalator, Adele looks at the gallery above her.  Business leaders contained in clear multi-colored octagon globes cycle across the interior ceiling. The cyclists are suspended on tracks a hundred feet in the air, providing alternate transportation from one level to the next. Adele wonders to herself, “I admire these executives who don’t mind the heights but I’m not sure that I could do that all the time.  But I guess it beats being stuck behind a desk all day.”

Just before reaching Level 17 on the gliding escalator, Adele checks her white wedges for any scuffs or dirt, “These polythene boots were an excellent purchase. They are so comfortable, but maybe I should have bought them in a more practical color.”

A voice softly announces “You have arrived at level 17, Marketing and Trade” as she enters the corridor behind large plexiglass automated doors.  Entering the office chamber, Adele is sprayed by a tangible but elusive enzymatic mist that quickly dissipates. This is followed by a scan of the typical cell-vision for possible infections, substances, or particles that might potentially endanger any person within the facility.  The same voice announces, “Cleared. Adele Elyson has arrived for her appointment at 2:15 pm with Clayton Slay in OS 1722.”

Vibrant blue arrows appear visible in the floor beneath her with each step, giving direction to the waiting room. Finding a comfortable position in the customized shell chair, Adele selects some of her favorite music to listen to.  Although a huge k-pop fan, she chooses the translator mode which will transfer the voices of the vocalists from Korean to English in their original tone and depth but in a language that she can easily understand.  “I really need to study my Korean lessons more, but at least I am understanding some words, if not fluent.”  Reaching deep into her lab bag, Adele takes out a pin for her Ipad. Noticing a violet flower on the table beside her, Adele scans the petal with her pen admiring the blue pigment, transferring and blending into purple shaded ink on her digital notepad. 

Taking a mirror out to check her appearance before the upcoming meeting, Adele after scanning her features, the dual screen highlights that her lips are dry and need another layer of lipstick.  Rolling her eyes, she sighs and applies another layer of Acculine lip cream that supposedly guarantees to last five hours but only consistently manages two when she wears it.

The position for which she is preparing for was recommended by her good friend, Liana, who previously was a mentor but was more like a parent after the passing of her own mom a few years ago from a hover train accident when one of the rails randomly lost power during a storm.  She had hoped that her dad would have some point recognized all of Liana’s romantic qualities but so far after much effort for years had only remained in the friend-zone.

As Adele looked up a woman was stretching out her hand to her, “Hello, my name is Clayton Slay, the marketing manager at Marks Enterprises,” while analytically looking her over from head to toe adds, “Are you Adele Elyson?” Clayton is wearing a mustard short shoulder cape with angular cut-outs at the neckline of her custom fit apparel.

Standing up nervously smoothing her dress, “Yes that’s me, my name is Adele. I have an appointment at 2:15 pm” attempting to keep her balance while smiling confidently through her wide-eyed fear slightly intimidated by the well fashionably accessorized woman in front of her.

“If you follow me, I will take you to Mr. Worthington and Ms. Daring, the Director of Operations, and also the CFO of our company.  It’s a bit unusual that the Director of Operations asked to interview you.  He doesn’t usually take part in the interview process but trusts his colleagues in their choices.  I’m not implying that you will get the job but the circumstances are somewhat peculiar.  Do you know him?” curiously asks Clayton aware that there must be some connection between the two.

“Not that I am aware of” responds Adele wondering why she would be meeting with both directors.  “My friend recommended the position to me.  She went to college with the Human Resources manager.”

While listening Clayton pierces her lips intuitively fearing some competition with this stranger, “Just so you are aware, politics do not play a part in our company.  Competence is valued over connection. Mr. Worthington is a fair boss and discourages any kind of favoritism.”

‘Oh alright, that’s good to know.  I guess it helps that I don’t know anyone in the company” honestly confesses Adele wishing that she had at least done some research on the CEO not just the facts about the business.

“Here we are” Clayton points to an office a few steps in front of her at the end of the hallway.  “Would you like some coffee?  How do you like it?”

“Do you have tea?” asks Adele feeling that coffee might make her even more jittery during the interview. “I like it with three creams and sugars”.

Raising a lip that isn’t entirely noticeable, Clayton replies, "Jeeves will bring it to you in a moment.

Standing in front of the entrance to the corporate office, Adele licks her lips and straightens the edges of her casual dress comparing it to the standards of the other employees in the office.

As the glass door separates in a puzzle like fashion into the hidden alcoves of its storage, Adele’s eyes lock with an old friend whom she knew many years ago. Their eyes meet in greeting even if their expressions do not. A familiar smirk slowly rises with a gentle nod, “Adele Elyson? Are you here for the appointment?”

Caught in thoughts of in-between time, Adele doesn’t verbally respond but calmly moves her head in agreement to the current question confirming her existence not only to those in the room but to herself as well.

“This is Ellie Daring, our CFO for the past fifteen years.  I don’t know if you have met before” introduces Raiden Worthington extending a hand in the direction of the woman standing next to him.  She looks like sheer power dressed in a black form fitting pant suit with a high neck collar with obvious delicately handsewn solo-tech into the fabric.  Adele has seen similar outfits in fashion magazines worn by high-end global models, affordable only for the inconceivably wealthy.

Speaking formally with little warmth in the inflection of her voice, Ellie Daring explains “It’s nice to meet you, Adele.  I don’t normally participate in company interviews, however Mr. Worthington has asked me to join him today to provide a second balanced opinion of your work skills and experience.”

Trying to gain her composure in the unexpected situation, Adele grasps the edge of the conference chair in front of her, “I brought my portfolio of my previous work for you to review”.

“Please sit down” directs Raiden Worthington as he detaches the lowest magnetized button of his stylish indigo jacket “Jeeves has just arrived with your flavored tea.”

The AI butler, smoothly passes the cup of tea filled with cream and sugar to her, “Here is your tea, Ms. Elyson", laying the saucer skillfully on the table and then gracefully turns towards Raiden, "Is there any other way I may be of service, Mr. Worthington?”

“No thank you, Jeeves.  That will be all for now” responds Raiden opening the digital resume that Adele has previously provided during her application. "Lets see ... it looks like you have quite a history of writing marketing ads for social media. What type of writing do you enjoy?”

Wondering if Raiden recognizes her or if is choosing to not remember her in front of his colleague, Adele swallows before speaking, “Umm, I uh ... write articles for social apps, travel, and entertainment.  I particularly enjoy writing about travel or literature.”

Again, Raiden’s eyes intensely match Adele’s concern but without any other conformation of acknowledgment. “I see that you have spent a great deal of time living in different locations this past decade or two. Do you have plans to permanently settle in Kell City or are we only a temporary stop? It looks like your family business, Elyson Resorts, has already taken you to many locations.”

Tilting her head to the side, Ms. Daring seems amused. Detecting a slight sneer in his tone followed by a very formidable look at Ms. Elyson.  This confirms to Ms. Daring that she needs to have very little concern about being replaced in her position.

Folding her hands back and forth, Adele softly answers but wanting to be truthful, “I hope to stay at Kell City for a long time if the circumstances work out to do so.”

Leaning back and stretching as if to inhale the space between them, Raiden replies, “I’m sure your experience has helped you to become a more effective writer.  I see a list of accomplishments and recommendations in your portfolio that you have provided to us.  How dependable are you as an employee?  Do you find yourself being inconsistent or able to complete tasks?  It’s amazing how some can adjust and adapt to so many changes in a short matter of time.”

As the deluge of character questions continue, while taking a sip of her coffee, Ms. Daring raises her eyebrows finding it entertaining that this potential employee is experiencing an interrogation rather than an interview.  She has never seen her boss act his way in the hiring process of a potential employee, only in the deliberation of an acquisition of another business opportunity.

Finally, Raiden turns to Ms. Daring, “Do you have any questions that you would like to ask Ms. Elyson?” closing his notebook at the same time.

Feeling as if the interview may have gone just a minute too long, but also wanting to add to the discussion, Ms. Daring asks, “Why do you want to join Marks Enterprises and not let’s say a successful company like Elyson Resorts that is owned by your family?”

Biting her lip before beginning, Adele decides to be truthful albeit humiliating to confess during an interview, “You’re right Elyson Resorts was successful.  However due to some less than advantageous investments and unguarded spending, our company had to reduce in size and diversify.  The tourism branch is dismembering to shift funds into more marketable products.”

“I suppose this was due to the pandemic in 2042 about five years ago?” inquires Ms. Daring aware that many companies were affected during that time which resulted in the transition and reorganization of the economy.

“Yes partly, but some consequences were already set in place due to poor management and lack of potential planning” frankly responds Adele knowing that her father’s desire to have more than he could afford kept them always finding ways to try and recover from a business inherited from his father.

“Do you think you’ll be able to be content in a lower position, considering the power and opportunities you previously held while working for your own family?” cynically Ms. Daring inquires wondering if she will need to remind Adele of her place within the hierarchy of the employment realm.

“I’m a hard worker and will do my best no matter what position I am given”, honestly responds Adele, fully aware of her own standards by which she judges herself, let alone anyone else.

Rising while he is speaking, Raiden remarks “It was nice to meet you Adele, we will let you know in a few days how the position will be filled.”

Cautiously Adele looks at him to see if there is any recognition that they use to know each other or if he has completely forgotten their friendship twenty years earlier. For a second, she feels as if he remembers as his lip slowly raises into a partial smile, but he quickly looks away gathering his things. 

Adele disappointingly sighs inside her thoughts believing she has been forgotten, “Thank you for your time.  I appreciate you giving me this opportunity.  Hope you have a good day.”

“Yes, we hope you have a good day as well” responds Ms. Daring while Raiden remains stoic and silent beside her.  A second later, he turns to the side cleaning his optic lenses and wiping the corner of his eye acting unaware that Adele is leaving the conference room.

Feeling as if she is missing something, Ms. Daring remarks “Well, she seemed like a nice woman but not very reliable.  She’s moved around too much.”

“Yes, she has been many places and probably forgotten a few people that she has met before” absentmindedly adds Raiden looking out his office window at the panoramic view of Kell City.  “It’s probably very difficult to remember each person that you have known before under different circumstances.”

Ms. Daring moves her eyes from one side of the room to the other not knowing who he is talking too but realizing she is the only one left in the room. She cautiously proceeds, “Did you know her before?”

“Maybe.  I’m not sure how much one “knows” a person just by spending time with them” in a tone slightly sarcastic Raiden replies “I think that I am going to take the rest of the afternoon off. There are some things I need to do.”

He raises his hand as a virtual screen of pages, web sites, graphs, and charts appear before him.  Raiden moves his hand as if to erase an old-fashioned chalk board and the images disappear for a later time to be reviewed again.

Camp Mansfield - Chapter Thirteen

"I'm a gate 12 parked outside by the baggage claim.  The policeman is telling me to move, but if you hurry I won't have to go around the airport again" explains Mariah wondering just how long it really takes someone to find their luggage.   "It's not like it is the first time he has flown.  He is usually the last one to leave after a flight.  The whole airport could be empty and I'm still waiting."

"Maybe he's helping people get their luggage off of the conveyor. I've seen him do that before when our families went to Colorado last spring" suggests Julia appreciating Rush's thoughtfulness with the families with small children and the elderly on their previous flight.

"He needs to move and forget about everyone else" justifies Mariah not wanting to miss of second of potential time spent with the other visitors.

Peering up from  her phone, Julia notices a man in a brown tweed coat coming out of the automatic entrance doors looking around as if he is lost.  He asks the security guard standing next to him a question and profusely nods.  "There he is!"

Mariah immediately honks her horn a few times to get his attention and then decides to just land on the center of her steering wheel until he responds to her location to the annoyance of other unknown passengers lined up on the sidewalk waiting for an upcoming ride from a family member or friend.

Rush quickly steps back and does an sharp turn while waiving to Mariah who completely ignores him.  Julia waves back cupping both of her hands begging him to hurry to their SUV,   Rush loads his large suitcase into the vehicle and takes a seat in the back next to Julia.

Julia whispers "Don't you want to sit up front?"

"No that's okay.  It's safer here when Mariah is in this kind of mood" informs Rush noticing the daggers that Mariah is reflecting in the rearview mirror. "To be honest, I'm kind-of scared of her right now."

"What took you so long?" angrily asks Mariah speaking over her radio that has the volume turned up much loaded than it should be. 

"Why is the radio so loud?" asks Rush "Can you turn it down, I can't hear you very well"..

Julia kindly answers his question acknowledging that Mariah is intentionally ignoring him and rolling her eyes, "Its turned up so she can rehearse her karaoke as she drives to work, at least she gets in lots of practice time even if it doesn't do her any good."

"What songs have you been rehearsing? What songs are you putting on your video blog this week?" inquires Rush knowing that to ease his girlfriend's temper its always good to ask questions about herself.

"This week I'll be performing "Fake Love" by BTS, "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, "Respect" by Aretha Franklin, "I Me Mine" by the Beatles, and "All I want for Christmas" by my namesake." confidently replies Mariah more than willing to discuss her music with her loyal-by-default groupies.  "I'm live streaming tomorrow at 7 pm if you would like to tune in".

"It looks like this will be an interesting program" politely offers Rush unsure of his girlfriend's true talent but unwilling to contradict her. "How did you choose these particular songs?"

"As you know I'm a great fan of k-pop and BTS is at the top of the charts right now.  Who doesn't know Bohemian Rhapsody, I-Me-Mine, or Respect?  When I sing, you really can't tell any difference" without humility explains Mariah entirely convinced of her innate abilities.

"Yeah that's right" sarcastically replies Julia sinking back into her seat with her arms crossed hoping that she can find her ear plugs before tomorrow's night program that her mother insists that they watch every Sunday night. Out of all the things mechanical that their mother cannot figure out how to use, she ironically has figured out how to save each one of Mariah's programs so they can be watched again and again.

"What do you think of my new Niavri bag?" turning to Rush as Julia hands him her bag "Don't you love the butterflies and flowers on the pink background. The multicolored handle accents it perfecting.  It's to die for!"

"It looks nice" politely replies Rush entirely uninformed on women's fashion or their designers "I hope it is useful to you."

"Do you know each one is hand painted?" genuinely asks Julia believing the conversation to be of the utmost importance to enlighten Rush. "Each one is designed in leather. This one is called the 'Spanish Garden' with the delicate butterflies."

"I like the zipped side pocket for the phone" observes Rush quite impressed that it was designed with practical storage compartments.  "It seems that you are often searching for your lost phone, so that would be pragmatic in keeping track of it."

"Yes, I guess so" agrees Julia not so much impressed with the design but the beauty of the purse.  "You seem to notice things for their usefulness, at least that is something."

"I leave the fashion up to you and your sister.  Fortunately, Mariah sends me a list with photos so that I know what to purchase on each of my trips.  She helps pick my suits for my business trips which I would otherwise have worn only the same favorites until I met her" explains Rush in repeating his own rationale for choosing Mariah over Julia only a few short years ago  "She suits the kind of wife I need in my industry.  Someone who is aware of fashion and can represent my  company and also myself well without much cajoling effort.  You're sister never asks my opinion on fashion or much else, she only requires that I compliment her."

"We have some new guests in town, I think you might remember them" offers Julia "I think you might remember them, Mary and Henry Crawford."

At the mention of their names, Rush feels a pang of insecurity but quickly recovers "Yes, I remember them.  We worked at camp together many years ago. Mary was quite beautiful from what I recall.  Henry seemed to be the leader of everything.  He was quite charming and all the girls seemed to follow him around. How long are they in town for?"

Suddenly interested in the conversation in the back seat, Mariah jumps in "They're staying for a year.  They've rented my parents retirement home just a mile up the road from camp.  We'll get to see the Crawfords all the time".

At this Rush licks and bites his lips as if contemplating a tough decision, "Have you seen them yet?"

"Last night they came over to the house.  Tom and Ted are in town too for awhile.  Ted is consulting with DHQ and Tom is working on a PR project with his team.  Oh yes, and Faith was there too.  She hasn't changed much since you saw her a year ago, still the same" continues Mariah "Henry is so handsome now too!"

"He looks like a model on a magazine!" Julia barges into the conversation "I could barely breathe when I saw him."

"What about Mary? How did she seem to you? Is she doing well?" carefully asks Rush not entirely sure he wants to hear the answer.

"Of course, how could Mary look anything else but stunning" offers Julia a little envious but aware that she will never reach that level of perfection.  "She a professor at the university but is taking a sabbatical this year to work on her second thesis. I wish that I were half as smart and beautiful as she is."

"What did you think of Mary when she was younger?" curiously asks Julia "Was she as pretty and fashionable then?  You were a little older than me, so I know how I felt from my perspective."

"Yes, she was quite attractive.  She always seems to have a string of boys following her around including myself for awhile.  But she is a tease.  She's broke many hearts along the way I am sure" signing states Rush recalling too many nights of following her around the campgrounds all day in hopes that she would sit next to him during the late night staff snacks, but continually being disappointed in the minimal response to his efforts. "The guy she seemed to like the most was Tom.  I think they dated, but Tom dated nearly everyone so who knows how serious it actually was. His friend, Yates, was interested in  her too but I don't remember how they broke up either, it's been too long ago."

"I haven't seen Yates for ages since Tom graduated from high school and I was still in middle school" replies Julia "I use to have a secret crush on him but I was too young for him to notice.  My best friend, Emma, and I in eighth grade use to sit and listen to him play in his garage band with Tom. I think you were in that band too."

"Yes, Tom played the drums, Yates was on guitar, and I played my sax.  Ted would also occasionally play the keyboard, since he was younger his schedule was a bit different from the others. We were seniors but Ted was a sophomore and Mary was a junior. It wasn't a great band, but we could play some tunes" remembers Rush with a touch of nostalgia. "How wonder how we would sound together today?"

"I wanted to sing the lead vocals, but Tom wouldn't allow me to.  He said I would ruin the image of the band" snorts Mariah "I would have helped you guys.  He let Mary sing though because he was dating her. I was a freshman.  I had to sacrifice my talent so that she could have a place in the band next to Tom."

"Faith was there too but often helping to set up the equipment or run the sound board.  Wasn't she in the same grade as you, Mary? Weren't both of you freshmen?" Inquires Rush "Faith was more than willing to help at any moment.  She was quite skilled at fixing things too if needed. I was quite impressed with her abilities.  Although she was younger, I think that I had a bit of a crush on her in college for awhile and followed her around, but she didn't seem to notice me much."

On hearing this information familiar chords of jealousy gnaw at Mariah as she interjects, "Oh that was just a school-kid crush.  Is it even worth remembering?  Faith has probably already forgotten all about you.  You might have liked her for a day, but the one you chased was me in college."

"I seem to remember you chasing Rush not the other way around" intercedes Julia remembering that Mariah didn't even notice Rush until she had expressed some interest in dating him" Julia remembers Mariah suddenly deciding to chase Rush full speed ahead like she does with everything.

Mariah doesn't say anything but catches Julia's eye in the review mirror raising her lip to warn her if anything more is said there will be trouble later.

"It looks like we're almost here.  Is that Tom, Henry, and Mary in the sports car next to us?  Who does the car belong to?" asks Rush.

"That is Tom's new toy.  If  you have an hour, he will tell you all about it. I don't know how much he spent on it but he has no right to complain about my closet" confidently replies Julia "He made a deal with this company he is working with and they gave him an advance on his current project."

Upon arriving Mariah parks her SUV right next to Tom's sports car.  She pretends to miss the step when exiting her car while Henry conveniently complies by catching her from falling. She snuggles closely pretending to re-establish her balance and re-positioning her shoe that has somehow managed to fall off, resting her arm around him for balance, Mariah demurely adds "Thank you.  I'm so glad you caught me. I might have hurt myself if you hadn't been there right now."

"Whatever you need, I'm always here" replies Henry with a wink while keeping his arm firmly around her shoulder until he notices Rush scowling in front of them and suavely lowers his arm, extending his arm to shake hands, "Nice to see you again, Rush! How's it been going?"

Camp Mansfield - Chapter Twelve

"Really Julia, where did you put my scarf?  You borrowed it last week and I haven't seen it since.  You're always borrowing my things and not returning them" disgusted remarks Mariah "I wanted to use it for my video blog tomorrow."

"It's right here, under your purse on the bed!" whines Julia "If you opened your eyes once in awhile, you could find your own things rather than blaming me for losing them".

"I don't know why we ever decided to share an apartment together" retorts Mariah knowing that in spite of their arguments they were also the best of friends. "I might as well start charging you for everything of mine that goes missing. I might make some money that way."

Julia stares down her older sister for one moment, "Maybe I should just sell some of your things when I find them rather than returning them to you.  I would make a fortune."

"Don't you dare!" threatens Mariah "I spend quite a lot on everything that I buy.  Designer Brands are essential for any wardrobe."

"I know.  I have a closet full of them" challenges Julia opening her closet door and expertly moving her hand of as if the items are on display and she is the beautiful model standing next to them.

"Yes, but you are always wearing the clothes with the labels printed outside on the tag or back, or boldly displayed on the purse.  While I try to be more subtle with my choices" explains Mariah.

"If I'm going to spend the money, I think everyone should be aware of where they came from.  How will anyone know where you bought that bag if there isn't any proof that they can see" rebukes Julia feeling a little disappointed that her sister doesn't entirely admire her sacrifices of fashion.

"Well, I'm about to go" zipping up knee hi black boots with four inch heels attached replies Mariah. Wrapping a woolen designer angular cardigan around her with a spritz of floral perfume, "I don't want to be late, Henry is coming too."

"What time are you supposed to pick up Rush at the airport?  Isn't he coming in soon?  I printed off his flight information for you" helpfully offers Julia wanting to steer her sister away from the opportunity for Henry's attention.

Mariah sighs "Yes, I guess you're right.  He will be at the airport in an hour.  One benefit of having a rich boyfriend is that he always brings the best presents with him after returning from one of his trips with his company. Rush does have great taste."

"It also helps that you send him a list of what to bring home with him too" remarks Julia bringing reality to the case-in-point. "He's more like a personal shopper for you than an actual boyfriend.  Are you sure you want to spend the rest of your life with him?"

"Rush provides me with what I need.  He naturally provides status and wealth without much effort.  I'll admit he's a bit goofy but I can transform him. It won't take long" replies Mariah already having considered the steps to his eventual makeover.

"Shouldn't you like Rush for the way he is now if you really love him" pointedly asks Julia having once considered Rush but who never returned her affection after being introduced to Mariah.

"I don't think so.  Everyone should take care of themselves and make sure they look the best.  Life is a competition, you know" honestly considers Mariah "If we're going to be at the front, we both need to look the part as well."

"Yeah Rush is a little awkward but he's still a good guy.  Why do you want to change him?" asks Julia feeling that her sister doesn't appreciate all of the facets that Rush has to offer.

Miffed that her sister should be considering any affection towards her boyfriend, Mariah challenges "If you like him to so much, why don't you marry him instead? Except that I don't think he would ever be interested in you.  You are not his type."

Julia ignores her comment and continues to put together her clashing outfit of designer labels that can clearly visible to anyone walking by.  She looks at her phone for any messages and sees a text from Rush, "Please - tell - Mariah - to - pick - me - up - at - 6:15 pm".

"Rush asked me to remind you that he will be at the airport at 6:15 pm.  I wonder why he always text me rather than you, except you never bother to read his texts" snidely replies Julia wishing that she had a boyfriend that Mariah envied instead,  "Once Mariah is engaged, I'll have Henry to myself though".

"I'm on my way" informs Mariah heading out the door and adjusting her Ray-bans in place  "You can come if you want but I'm leaving now.  I don't want to be late for the concert tonight."

 Back at the camp cottage, Faith is finishing up the last bite of her leftover chicken fried rice. "This is so good.  I think that I could eat this at least once a week" explaining to Sampson flopping his ears back and forth hoping to find a few bites of his own.

Bending down to pet him, "Sampson , you're such a good boy. I don't know what I would do without you.  Do you want a treat?"

Dancing in circles in front of her, she offers him a treat.  She has on her favorite velour lounge pants and an old holey camp shirt which she finds comfortable for evenings in front of the TV or reading her favorite book that she borrowed from the library.  "I guess that I should be getting ready for tonight. What am I going to wear? At least my hair is washed even if I haven't flat ironed it yet.  it looks a little wild though" gazing at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

She brushes her teeth and gargles with mint freshener, applies her makeup and then begins to straighten her hair.  Her eye itches which she rubs.  "I hate having so many allergies at camp.  It's either the mold in the winter or buds in the spring".  She hears a knock at the front door, "I didn't plan on seeing anyone before the concert.  Maybe it is Shirley bringing some leftovers again from dinner at the dining room".

"Hey Shirley. Thank you for bringing the leftovers" welcomes Faith opening the door without looking who might be standing on the porch in front of her.   Her hair is half straightened and half of a teased mess.  The mascara as collected and smeared into two large clumps under each eye.

Ted reviews and smiles at her "It's me instead.  Hope you're not too disappointed. I thought that we could ride to the concert together."

"Come on in.  I was just getting ready for the concert.  I didn't know you were coming" casually offers Faith "Would you like some coffee while you wait?  I have a few things that I still have to do" as her hand touches her hair , fleeing chunks of hair balls, remembers that she hasn't finished straightening her hair. "I'll be back in just a minute".

Walking into the bathroom she catches a glance of herself in the mirror.  Utterly mortified, she grabs the nearest wash cloth and quickly scrubs her face to remove all the dark mascara that has decided to adorn her cheeks. She looks at the fuzz ball of hair only on one side and gasps.  "I look more like a creepy Elvira than myself!"  She notices that she is still wearing her old camp t-shirt that states "Camp Hair - Don't Care" and thinking this was her unfortunate chosen mantra today.

Finishing her hair and reapplying her makeup, she pulls out her favorite maroon and gold trim dress and low heeled pumps.  "It looks simple, but at least it fits me well" thinks Faith before walking into the living room.

"You look great Faithless!" offers Ted helping holding her coat so that she can easily put it on  "Thank you for the coffee, it hit the spot."

"Thank you for helping me" returns Faith feeling the temperature in her cheeks slowly rising while standing so close to him.

"I like this look much better than the other one.  But I'm okay with the other one too" offers Ted trying to ease Faith's self-consciousness.  "You should see me in the mornings.  It's rather frightening."

Placing his hand gently on the middle of her back, he closes the door and walks with her down the porch stairs.

"Did you have a good afternoon?" asks Ted wanting to start a conversation with her "What kind of things did you do?"

"Today was my day off, so I didn't do a whole lot of anything other than read and work on a puzzle" honestly answers Faith wishing that her quiet life was a little more interesting "How was your day?"

"I had to work on the project so I guess it was all right.  It would have been much nicer to have been here with you" suggests Ted suddenly wondering why he would say something like that and then silently admitting to himself that the statement was true "Were you very lonely? Or do you mind being alone?"

"Most of the time I don't mind it at all.  I have Sampson who keeps me company.  He doesn't mind me practicing my singing or playing the piano into all hours of the night  or talking to myself" teases Faith "He's learned to talk in his own dog language right back at me, so it works."

"Would you mind looking up the directions for the concert?  I forgot the address" explains Ted changing the knobs on the stereo for his playlist of favorite songs.  Without paying too much attention, Faith reaches for the screen on the dashboard to enter the address of the concert.  As their hands accidentally brush against each other, "Oh sorry" offers Faith feeling a rush of an unexpected feeling of attraction.  Ted turns towards her with an odd expression that Faith can't decipher but doesn't say anything.  Faith signs and looks out the window to find something to say.

"What do you thinking of the changing leaves this year?" Randomly asks Faith to push away her feelings of awkwardness.

"I think it looks beautiful.  It's one of my favorite seasons of the  year" confirms Ted "We need to take a drive around the area and take some photos.  I remember that photography is one of your hobbies."

"I'd love to.  It's been awhile.  I really enjoy finding landscapes that seem to tell their own stories in one glimpse.  I often wonder how many people have wandered over each spot and what events have taken place over the years of its existence.   I think about all the people who must have traveled there with their hopes and dreams, heartache and loss, and all the emotions that must have filled that space at difference points in time.  It's just dirt and ground, but that's what memories are made of too."

"If I could event anything it would be a picture that would smell and feel like that day that it was originally encountered" imaginatively offers Faith "that way you could not only see the memory but experience it too .... Except for bad days, they can all be forgotten."

"That would be an interesting idea, I'd only want happy memories as well" agrees Ted wondering if those types of photos will ever exist.  As he looks at Faith sitting next to him, he hopes to not forget the comfortableness of this moment either.

As they pull into the driveway of the corps, Faith cheerily shares "Oh look there is Jennings and Alice Hammer!  It's been forever!  They were my Girl Guard leaders as a teen.  I learned so much from them and had such a fun time doing it too!"

"Let's go over and say 'Hello' to them" offers Ted happy to see them again.  "Jennings played with me in the band for a few years.  She's a nut, but the best kind there is."

Camp Mansfield - Chapter Eleven

"How do I look?" asks Alice Hammer swirling around and then coming to a complete stop with her back left leg in the air attempting to pose as a graceful ballerina " Do you like the feathers?"

In complete awe Jennings admires her best friend's delusional ability to believe that she still has the grace and fluency of a ballerina as a no-longer-can't-even-remember-being-size-2 grandma cascades and descends in front of her and then stalling for a unintentional moment struggling to keep her balance.  "Perhaps there is still a chance at a circus"  amusingly thinks Jennings to herself  with a chuckle.  Noticing the oversized checkered autumn colored feathers protruding from Alice Hammer's hat, "Hmmm ---- it's interesting.  Where did you find that treasure?"

"I found this beauty at the vintage store of the historical victorian house museum.  I love the large round beaded leather belt of pearls attached as the head band and how the edges gently slope downward of the Maitose hat. The feather plums just add the perfect touch, don't you think?" gazes Alice Hammer at the design admiring herself in the large antique mirror posted next to the doorway with the attached bench and coat rack. "I think that I was born in the wrong generation.'

"I think you would be considered very special no matter what year you were born" sincerely remarks Jennings releasing and smile with a chuckle. "Is this what you are wearing to the concert tonight?"

"Oh yes.  I've considered my outfit for several days.  Too bad the gentlemen couldn't join us tonight.  I will miss my sweet-pa-tutti tonight" geninuely remarks Alice Hammer "I know  Mr. Woodhouse and he are preparing for the Thanksgiving service tomorrow, so it will be a girls night for us."  Then examining her decidedly less fashionable friend, "Is this what you are wearing tonight?"

"Yes" defiantly replies Jennings feeling that her outfit was quite an accomplishment of effort "I'm even wearing a skirt too."

"Yes, you are" acknowledges Alice Hammer "it's quite khaki with the matching Northern Staff Band polo shirt that is at least twenty years old."

"I worked very hard for this.  It's my badge of honor" sharply replies Jennings putting on the matching coat with logo "I want to show them my support and for all the other young female musicians out there too. It look a long time for some of my music to be published because it was such a rare thing to have a woman composer. Believe it or not, I actually now have somewhat of a following."

"I think they would follow you whether you had been in the band or not" markedly replies Alice Hammer rather impressed with her friend's loyalty to the band.  "I was never much of a bandsman.  My corps band master told me so."

"What do you mean?" asks Jennings wondering where this story will go.  She cannot recall Alice Hammer ever attempting to learn an instrument.

"Lt. Grant, the corps assistant, at the Crestwood corps years ago started a junior band.  I tried very hard but I just couldn't get the off-beats.  This whole one, two, three, four nonsense was a bit much for me and then wanting to hit a note in the in-between, how did he really expect me to do that" explains Alice Hammer and then to explain her rationale  "All I remember is that if the beginning of the line had a four in it, it meant four beats, but I couldn't understand how there could be so many notes in a measure if there were only four beats when each note is a beat."'

"That might have been a problem" agrees Jennings trying to discover Alice Hammer's thought pattern which could be quite complex at times.

"I couldn't understand why there couldn't be 7 beats in a measure if it was a really good one" continues Alice Hammer.

"What?" whispers Jennings trying to figure out what she means by that.

"For instance, let's say it is a really pretty phrase, sometimes I just wanted to repeat it again.  But Lt. Grant would get so mad at me.  He said I wasn't playing it correctly.  Of course I was, I was just playing it again because it sounded so lovely".

"That might be a problem if you were playing with others" astutely remarks Jennings wanting to understand her friend.

"Sometimes I use to sing my part rather than play it. You know some parts would sound better if they were sung rather than played. He eventually told me that I would be a better candidate for songsters" admits Alice Hammer.  "I still remember the names of the instruments though, or at least names I gave them".

"Really?" wonders Jennings anticipating some interesting answers "What were they?"

"Well there was the bigger trumpet, the captial P, the tiny berries, trouser legs, and the bagels" admirably states Alice Hammer impressed that she could remember all of the names at once.

"Let's see if I can translate" thoughtfully considers Jennings "I think the bigger trumpet, might mean the flugal.  Is that right?"

"Yes, I forgot that is what it is called" pleased announces Alice Hammer as if playing Family Feud.

"I'm at a bit of a loss about the 'Capital P's', I really don't know what you are talking about" honestly replies Jennings feeling a bit miffed that she wasn't able to transpose all of her vocabulary.

"You know, the big Umpa things in the back row.  When they sit them down to rest they look like big "P"s written in calligraphy" sincerely describes Alice Hammer.

"Oh, I never thought about that.  Let's see the "tiny berries", are you talking about the tenor horns?" inquires Jennings feeling at least she got a couple of them right so far. "I get it, instead of a smaller baritone, you called it a berry."

"Yes, that's right.  But now that I think about it they look like they are shaped more like a small acorn, don't you think?" nodding her head in delight, Alice Hammer asks "Can you guess the others?"

"Trouser legs would be trombones.  I'm guessing the cornets are the bagels".

"Yes, I originally got them confused with the word bugle but after discovering that thought that bagels sounded like a cuter name" replies Alice Hammer "There is one more I forgot, the Key of B and the cinnamon"

"What?" curiously asks Jennings scratching her head.

"Well I didn't understand when someone first explained what a euphonium was, I thought they had said cinnamon like a cinnamon roll.  I must have been hungry at the time" explains Alice Hammer "the key of B was short for B-tone which seemed like much too long of nickname for the baritone so since it is in the key of B and begins with B, this seemed much better."

"The "key-of-B" is longer than "B-tone" though" accurately points out Jennings not fully contemplating the logic of her friend.

"No, there is just one letter in the title of the key"  counters Alice Hammer "I don't understand that key anyway."

"What do you mean?" asks Jennings afraid of what the answer might be.

"You know how warm-ups are usually in the key of C or sometimes G depending on the instrument.  I still don't understand why it was permissible for a cornet to start in c while the tenor horns were in G.   Why don't band masters ever let you play a scale using all of your favorite notes if you have to warm up anyway" continues Alice Hammer "My favorite notes were E flat, F sharp, and B flat.  I don't understand why sharps and flats couldn't be in the same scale together either.  If you have to bother to warm up, why wouldn't it be all right just to play your favorite notes instead.  The bandmaster didn't appreciate my creative touch to the scales."

"I can see why Lt. Grant said that you would be a better candidate for songsters" agrees Jennings "Maybe band wasn't exactly the thing for you."

"Come on let's go, we're going to be late at this rate" offers Jennings feeling as if her mind has been expanded a little much for a day.  "Watch your hat so the feathers don't crumble going outside the door".

"I love my hat!" exclaims Alice Hammer modeling and nodding to the ghost audience as the walk down the hallway of the Silvercrest Residence.

As the exit the lobby, Alice Hammer and Jennings climb into the large people mover with significant signage to point out who the vehicle belongs to and where to call for donations just in case anyone needs to be aware of that particular piece of information in any spare moment of time.

Sitting next to each other, Alice Hammer reaches into the depths of her endless bag and pulls out a single size serving of chips, turning towards Jennings  "Would you like to share?"

"No, thank you.  Dinner was very good tonight in the cafeteria" remarks Jennings "Ever since your sweetie starting volunteering in the kitchen the food has greatly improved. Give my condolences to him".

"What?" asks Alice Hammer reflecting on the definition of her vocabulary for a moment  "Why condolences?"

"I imagine that you have already provided an alternate menu with some of your special recipes" suggests Jennings knowing her friends less than stellar cooking skills but being entirely oblivious to it.

"How did you know?  You really know me so well" pleased remarks Alice Hammer  "I gave him my dressing with jalapenos, jello with jolly ranchers, sweet cornbread and fried pickles, and a few of my other favorites for him to try."

"Remind me that I need to start looking at the menu each day on the Silvercrest web site" sincerely  replies Jennings "Then I'll know when to buy my groceries."

Alice Hammer raises one eyebrow and glares at her dear friend for a moment, "I don't know whether you are being sincere or not."

"I am sincere, but in my opinion you will just have to guess" replies Jennings enjoying the company of her friend "It looks like we're about here.  I'm looking forward to the concert tonight and seeing a few of my old friends again."

"Yes, I've been missing some of our friends who use to attend Crestwood but have been transferred to other places.  It will be fun catching up with them" admits Alice hammer correcting the angle of her vintage hat of turkey feathers for the performance as they approach the entrance of the corps.

Camp Mansfield - Chapter Ten

The crackle of small rocks knocking against each other as the pressure of tires beat against the country road echoes in the valley of the wooded camp.  The gentle cool breeze shifts the ember, scarlet, and hazel hue leaves across the front window pane of the truck slightly frosted from the morning dew  

Breathing in as much as her lungs can capture in that moment, Faith wishes to remember this precise event forever.  She feels at peace and happy.  She softly shivers  while tightening the knitted aqua scarf around her neck to keep her warm.  She instinctively claps her covered gloved hands and lets out a light sigh of a mixture  between enjoyment and pleasure.  "This is going to be a good day" she whispers to herself confirming her mantra for life. 

As the gears contradict this statement of affirmation by letting out an argumentative roar, she speaks out load as if the truck needs to hear some encouraging words of hope, "Come on Bessie, you can work. It will be all right, just stay in gear a little longer".  She nervously attempts to stubbornly move the gear forward into its natural place.  It clicks. Faith exhales and relaxes back into the well worn leather seat of the truck grateful that Bessie is working for yet another day.

While approaching the long gravel driveway to the Bertrams caretakers home, she notices an unfamiliar dark blue luxury car parked in front of the garage.  Faith can feel her heart drop into her stomach as her body unwillingly responds to this dire event.  Looking down into her lap in hopes of gaining some missing confidence, she reminds herself that it has been years since she was last around the Crawfords, "Everyone grows up at some time, right?" stating out loud to comfort herself.   She pulls down the visor in front of her and looks into her own reflection, stating as a matter of fact "You're being silly.  You're both adults now.  Life has entirely moved on.  She's probably a wonderful person now.  You were just kids then".  Satisfied, she smiles as if confirming this hopeful piece of knowledge and firmly flips the visor back into place.

Sliding out of the driver's door, she plants her feet solidly on the ground, then removes the momentarily visible dust from her faded patched jeans.  She straightens the purple knitted beanie that she is wearing to keep her head warm. Placing her gloves in the pocket of her parka, Faith heads towards the front door to greet her old friends, or in a more truthful statement, unintentional rivals.

After ringing the door bell, Tom  who is Ted's older brother, wistfully greets her at the door, "Faithless!  We've been waiting for you.  We have so many good stories that the Crawfords have been reminding us of when we were younger. Faith you were the best.  You were a natural comedienne.  We've been laughing all morning of your tales of adventure that Mary Crawford has been sharing with us."

Feeling the color rise in her cheeks, Faith only nods hoping that this day will improve in the very near future.  She wonders just how good Mary's memory is since it was such a long time ago.  While chuckling with a hidden smirk, Tom wraps his arm around Faith's shoulder and squeezes tightly pushing her towards the living room where her past is gathered together again.

Sitting next to the fire where he has saved a place for Faith, Ted is suddenly aware that his older brother is moving Faith towards the sofa where there appears to be an empty spot reserved for her.  Not wanting his brother to win the unspoken challenge, he yells out "Hey Faith, you can sit over here!  You look cold, the fire will warm you up."

Shyly Faith nods her head and obediently moves towards the fire place.  Tom tilts his head and makes eye contact with Ted minutely shaking his head in defeat.   Noticing the interaction and not one to ignore the opportunity to be the center of attention, Mary Crawford jumps to her feet and grabs each of Faith's hands into her own.  "I can't believe it's you!  It's been so long!  You haven't changed one bit.  You look the same as always as if you've never left being on a farm.  Even your clothes are the same!" while looking back over her shoulder at Tom and flirtatiously winking as if also participating on the same team.

"I thought that you weren't coming until the end of the week" quietly returns Faith internally wishing that had been the case to give her more time with Ted on her own.

"I talked to Henry and we both couldn't wait any longer to see our old friends.  When we heard that both Ted and Tom were here, we just HAD to come right now"  tossing her shoulders up and down for special affect while shining a bright friendly smile to Ted and Tom each in turn making sure to catch a second of eye contact with both.  Resting her hand on Tom's arm, "We wouldn't have wanted to miss seeing you again!"

Raising her eyebrows, Faith grins and nods in acknowledgement of their rational for arriving early.  Henry smoothly takes a sip of his coffee while focusing his gaze on Faith before speaking.  "So Faith, how long has it been?  It looks like the country air has been good for you.  You've always been the outdoorsy type that I remember."

"I guess it has been  about ten years" reservedly answers Faith still determining what changes in Henry have occurred during that time.  "It looks like you and Mary seem to be doing well.  It's been awhile."

Uncrossing his legs, Henry takes a moment before speaking to make sure that he has Faith's full attention and everyone else in the room as well, "Yes, things have been quite good for us.  I don't know how much Ted has told you, but we are renting his parents retirement home about a mile up the road for the summer.  I do a lot of consulting with my management firm and it's the perfect place to form a new PR project for my team."

Looking over at Mary who has now moved into her former spot next to Ted, Faith politely asks as a experienced hostess "What about you, Mary?  What kind of things have you been doing?"

"Well, I've been doing so much that I don't even know where to start.  I've traveled all over the world.  I currently have a tenure now at the university where I lecture. I have more than enough time on my hands that I just don't know what to do with so I thought that the camp would be a wonderful place for some downtime to recover with such handsome friends too" turning towards Ted and placing her hand on his knee for a second but definitely longer than necessary to make an impression.  In turn, Ted's cheeks change into a temporary pinkish glow and fade as his eyes follow the smile flirtatiously reflecting back at him.

Nervously, Faith nibbles on her lower lip feeling subconscious and out of place. "I'd like to hear about your travels.  I've traveled some but not anywhere near as much as you have.  I hope to see different places in the future when I get a chance."

"You just have to take the opportunity Faith when it is available" encourages Mary while flipping the edges of her raven hair over her shoulder. "You've never been one to take risks, so I will be your self-appointed mentor and help you discover yourself.  Won't this be fun?  You can be my pet project!  I need something to do while I am here, and you are my answer."

Surprised and confused about how to politely respond to being described as a Pygmalion project, Faith finds herself responding "Uhhh .... okay...." with the remnants of a grimace of a smile.

"I think Faith can figure out things on her own.  She's one of the smartest people I know" counters Ted observing Faith's discomfort of the prospective game plan.

"Well, she can come to me anytime that she wants.  It doesn't look like she's had much of a chance to leave camp. I could teach her a lot from my own experiences" defiantly adds Mary as if Faith is no longer part of the conversation but rather an art project instead. "What do you think Henry?  Maybe I could give Faith an entire makeover.  Wardrobe, hair, just some updating here and there ... you know this would be quite easy for me."

Enjoying the opportunity to share his opinion, Henry advocates "I think Mary could tremendously help Faith.  It doesn't appear that Faith has changed much.  She's always been the shy one.  Mary knows her stuff.  Faith could be her model of her talented artistic ability."

"Strategy would be more like it" confirms Tom wanting to join the conversation taking a few moments break from answering emails on his phone. "She'll make Faith good enough to be the runner-up, you know Mary must come in first no matter what game she is playing."

"Touche Tom!" smirks Mary walking over to him and placing her hand on Tom's shoulder and looking cunningly sideways "You are quite apt at playing games too."

Standing up as if to be an equal competitor but offering truce, Tom asks "Would you like another cup of coffee?  I'm heading to the kitchen."

"Yes, that would be great" giggling Mary ethusiastically replies stroking his arm as he starts to walk away "You know I'm just joking with you.  Each of us know the rules of the game and how to play it well."

A little confused by the conversation, Ted looks towards Faith for a silent explanation that she does not visibly offer. Faith is relieved that conversation has changed from being centered around herself to someone else.

"What time are your sisters arriving?" excitedly asks Henry "There were plenty of good time with Mariah and Julia.  Does Mariah still sing?  Or has she finally given it up for a better cause?"

"Of course I still sing" confidently answers Mariah walking into the room as if she is a star entering into the world of her fandom.  "I'm the best there is."

"Mariah!" while immediately jumping up and giving her a huge hug, Henry holds her a foot away and then they hug again "It's so good to see you!"

Mariah brushes some sticky foam hair away from her face before replying, "You can never keep a hair in place with the wind outside.  It's good to see you too Henry!  It's been such a long time.  I can't believe it.  You must be use to everyone admiring you.  I think you could be on the cover of GQ."

In response Henry poses for a second as he replies "Well, you look good too Mariah.  Time is ageless with you."

"Oh I didn't see you in the corner.  You have always been quiet like a mouse.  You're name should have been Minnie instead of Faith.  Get it?" Mariah giggles hoping others will join in her own sense of humor,  "I don't think you ever spoke much but you always are scampering place to place with your tiny feet for food, work, or whatever."

Unsure of how to respond to the unaccustomed childlike teasing, Faith stares at her as if pretending not to hear and then looks down at her hot chocolate simmering in the cup before replying. "It's nice to see you again too, Mariah."

"Let me tell you about myself, Henry, because I don't know if you have heard or not yet" informs Mariah moving in as close as she can on the sofa while squeezing between her brother and Henry.  Accidentally falling into him as she sits down, Mariah leans over and grabs Henry's arm for support "These heels.  I don't know why I wear them.  At $500 a pair that should be able to float, right?"

For a moment Faith lets her imagination wander and dreams of being able to float out of the room to back into the comfort of her own living room.  She sighs confirming her own inner thoughts  and subconsciously states out loud, "Maybe one day I'll need to do that".

"What are you thinking about Faith?  You seem a little lost in thought" asks Ted interrupting her thoughts, "Maybe floating shoes?"

Feeling as if she has been caught, Faith raises her eyebrows and smiles back at Ted  feeling as if he can read her mind, "Just for a moment ..."

"You use to daydream a lot.  You were always getting in trouble for not paying attention" remembers Mariah, "I thought it was so funny when Captain Johnson was leading the chorus at camp and you were dreaming in your own world as usual while the guys went over their parts, and I told you that the Captain needed you to stand up and sing the first line of the song when he really had just paused to pray.  You stood up and sang it for us all.  It was the funniest thing ever.  Do you remember Henry?"  Grabbing his shoulder to confirm his participation in their secret prank.

"Yes, I do.  Do you want to sing it for us now Faith?  I'm sure that I can remember the words" laughs Tom remembering the absurd moment of time.  "You sang it very well."

Blushing Faith adds "yeah, sometimes ... I just don't know"  agreeing that even as an adult she still continues to have those type of public moments on occasion.

"You did sing it well.  But I could have sung it better I'm sure.  I was just never given the opportunity.  They always let you sing.  You must have begged them for the solos Faith.  I wish that I could have brown-nosed as much as you" snidely remarks Mariah as if they were fifteen again competing with each other for a prize.

"I never asked to sing a solo, it just happened" honestly replies Faith not wanting to hurt Mariah for memories that cannot be replaced but are no longer relevant.

"Whatever"  retorts Mariah still feeling as if she was erroneously replaced as the star "it's doesn't matter. I have my own fan club online."

Feeling mutual support Tom and Henry share a quick glance between each other wondering how these supposed tone-deaf fans came into existence.

"That's very interesting Mariah" curiously assesses Mary guarding the temperature of the emotions in the room "When and where do you perform?  The next time, let me know and I will go see you."

"You can listen to me as much as you would like.  I  regularly post to my youtube channel once a week.  I find Karoake songs and share them with my fans. I'm quite popular" confidently assures Mariah "I already have 23 views this month for one of my songs."

Unable to hold it in any longer, Ted starts to chuckle and chokes grabbing the cup of coffee next to him to defer his reaction.

Squinting her eyes as if daring Ted to challenge her, Mariah defiantly exclaims "Some people just don't appreciate the amazing talent that is in front of them. What do brothers know anyway?"

Just at that moment, a loud knock at the door can be heard throughout the living room, a few seconds later Julia barges into the room.  "I'm here!  Why didn't anyone tell me you were all already here.  I guess I'm just always fashionably late ...."

Walking over to her, Henry gives Julia a nice welcoming hug which Julia more than politely responds to and impulsively gushes "Wow Henry. You're so good looking now! Long time no see!"

Then after a long awkward pause of staring at Henry, Julia looks around "Oh hi Mary!  That dress is to die for!  Where did you get it?  It's perfect on you!"

Julia finds a spot on the carpet in front of where Henry is sitting and leans back against the sofa.  Faith offers "Hi Julia.  How are you doing?"

"Faith I didn't even notice you" honestly replies Julia taking out her cosmetic case and checking her lipstick in the mirror. "I'm doing well, thanks.  Hey Henry, what are you doing tomorrow night?"

"Tomorrow?  I hadn't thought about it" looking around to the group Henry asks "Do you have any plans for tomorrow?  Would you like to do something together?"

"Yes, that sounds wonderful!" exclaims Mariah,"I don't have any plans at all!"

"You do to!" argues Julia "Rush is coming into town.  You're picking him up at the airport. Remember him? The walking piece of celery with absolutely no personality whatsoever.  The guy you're practically engaged to!"

"That's not fair Julia", snaps Mariah but inwardly agreeing without malice, "Rush will be here tomorrow and he can join all of us."

When Faith thinks of Rush by contrast she doesn't recall him not having a personality but only sometimes saying the wrong things at the wrong moment which unfortunately he seemed to have a talent at doing.  She looks over at Mariah and wonders how they got together other than the fact he probably adores her and Mariah would appreciate the attention of anyone adoring her.

"How did you two end up dating?" inquires Henry trying to piece a timeline in his mind of when he broke up with Mariah and when the relationship started with Rush.  The last he remembered was that Rush had dated Faith, or at least that is what Rush use to tell everyone although he can't recall them ever being together as a couple.

"We started going out the day we broke up our first year of college.  Faith tried to steal him from me, but I was no competition for her" explains Mariah projecting her focus directly at Faith to ensure that she is aware that she lost.

Crunching her brows together, Faith can't recall ever keeping Rush from noticing Mariah, let alone dating her, but allows Mariah space for her ego.

"Rush thought I was absolutely the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  According to him, it only took him minutes to realize that I was the only one for him" shares Mariah embellishing the reality of things where she actually was waiting three months for him to ask her out on their first date after much conniving and consternation.  "Faith didn't have a chance once I walked into the room."

Sipping on her hot chocolate, Faith nods her head in agreement feeling that she was glad that fish swam on by.   She can only recall him following her around class to class, asking people to move so he could sit next to her, purposely arranging to be in the same study groups, and thinking the entire time that he did not know the definition of a boundary or space.

"Rush was so sweet to me" challenges Mary with an air of superiority "I often received tiny presents in my mail box or a gift by my door from him.  I'm sure he was my secret admirer. I had so many though.  But he was definitely one of them.  Isn't it funny what you remember so many years later? I wonder if Rush will still remember his crush on me when I see him?"

"I think all the guys liked you, Sis.  How could they not?" encourages Henry feeling proud of his sister's popularity among his friends.  "I also remember you created a sibling rivalry between Ted and Tom over the years."

"It wasn't quite like that" intercedes Tom acknowledging his interest in Mary while looking directly at her across the room  "My heart was definitely hers but Ted was good about keeping that secret to himself. But we all have moved on, haven't we?"

"So, where are we going tomorrow?" asks Ted wanting to change the subject to avoid any unwanted public confessions "I heard there is an Autumn Festival  with the Northern Staff Band visiting in the area if anyone would like to attend."

"I haven't been to a band concert in awhile, it sounds good to me" offers Faith hoping to spend more time with Ted.

"Yeah, I would like to hear some excellent Euphonium playing.  I haven't played in a few years so it would be good to catch up with some old friends" suggests Tom helping Mary put her coat on.

"I guess it's a plan then.  Let's meet at the corps at 7 pm so that we can sit together for the concert" Mary decides for the group moving next to Henry by the door "We'll see you tomorrow!  Maybe Rush will join us too."

After the Crawfords leave for the evening, Ted turns towards Faith "Hold on a minute, I'll take you back".

"It's okay, I brought the truck over" reminds Faith wishing that she had not drove but walked that night.

"I need to take a look at the truck tomorrow in the daylight.  Let me drive you back to your cottage.  It's dark and cold out right now.  I think the temperature has dropped quite a few degrees" offers Ted wanting to talk with her for awhile without his family around to participate.

"Thank you for looking at the truck.  It is in dire need of a tune-up" replies Faith feeling relieved to have a legitimate excuse to spend a few more minutes with Ted.

"Let me get the door for you" politely offers Ted opening the passenger car door allowing Faith to get in before shutting it again. Faith smiles at him feeling sweetly flattered that he would treat her in such a gentlemanly way.

"Thank you for taking me home" gratefully Faith replies while tightening her scarf again and checking to see that her gloves are all the way on. Ted looks at her feeling slightly disappointed that they won't have much time left together.

"I hope you didn't listen too much to the nonsense of my sisters.   I don't remember you ever competing with them for attention, it was just the way things turned out" offers Ted  feeling  uncomfortably jealous "Henry hasn't changed much.  He's always been a player.  I'm surprised he could keep track of who he was dating."

Not entirely sure how to respond, Faith nods her head in agreement.  Feeling cautious she asks "What did you think of Mary?  She seemed very happy to see you."

"Mary has always been aware of her beauty" honestly replies Ted without thinking how his answer might affect Faith "She's easily the center of attention. I remember all the guys wanted to date her in college. A handful of my friends use to carry pictures of her in their wallets."

"Oh" is all that Faith can say.  Her heart sinks as she watches Ted respond to her question.

"Are you all right? You seem pretty quiet tonight" notices Ted turning up the heat "Are you warm enough?"

"Yes I'm fine" politely responds Faith finding her purse lodged in the floor of the car under the seat as Ted parks the car in her driveway.  Jumping out of the car before the conversation can continue, Faith waves back halfway up the driveway dashing for her front door "Thank you for the ride home.  See you tomorrow".