Sunflower Serenade

by Tricia Goyer

  “So did you talk to him? Talk to Keanu?” Natalie asked.

  “Well, he was with this woman, and they stopped to buy movie tickets at the theater. I walked up and touched his arm—just to say hi—and this crowd of people realized who he was and rushed forward.”

  “A crowd?” Sam smirked. Last time Jordan told this story it hadn’t been a crowd but rather two rappers who’d been trying to sell their CDs on the street.

  “Yeah, there were people rushing forward trying to talk to him, and I kinda got pushed to the side.”

  “But at least you touched him,” Natalie sighed. “I’ve never touched anyone famous.” She grabbed Jordan’s hand. “But now I’ve touched someone who’s touched someone famous.”

  Arielle laughed, and Sam shook his head. He leaned close to Arielle’s ear as they walked. “I think she just wanted to hold his hand. She’s not letting go.”

  Arielle glanced up at Sam and nodded. “You think?”

  Once inside the fairgrounds, Jordan attempted not to seem too impressed by their simple country ways, but the more they walked around, the more excited he became.

  “Hey look, a mechanical bull. Do you want to watch me ride it?”

  “I’d love to watch you.” Sam crossed him arms over his chest.

  “You going to try?” Jordan asked as he took out his wallet to pay for the ride.

  “Are you kidding? I’d rather buy a corn dog than pay to get thrown on my butt.”

  “They have corn dogs here?” A smile lit up Jordan’s face. “After this ride, my treat. Corn dogs all around.”

  Sam crossed his arms again as Jordan climbed onto the mechanical bull.

  “I can’t believe he’s doing it.” Arielle covered her mouth with her hand.

  “Go, Jordan!” Natalie clapped her hands.

  A guy in a cowboy hat helped Jordan get settled on the mechanical bull and gave him a strap to hold.

  The bull started slowly. “Yahoo!” Jordan laughed, waving his free hand in the air as the machine started to spin and jerk.

  “So, how’s it going?” Arielle asked. “You know, are things different with you and Jordan than they were in California? I mean—”

  Jordan’s yelp interrupted Arielle’s words, and Sam looked up in time to see his friend flying through the air, all arms and legs. He landed on the padded ground with a thump amid the girls’ screams of laughter. Natalie ran over to help him up, and Sam couldn’t help but laugh too, especially over the fact that Jordan had no idea how much country he’d be colliding with over the next few days.

  “Everything’s good,” Sam replied and smiled at Arielle.

  As he said it he could see from Jordan’s face that their disagreement on Saturday had been forgotten.

  “Dude, that was the best thing ever!” Jordan exclaimed, brushing himself off.

  “Yeah, he’ll be repeating that story soon,” Arielle said, leaning in to speak into Sam’s ear.

  “Totally.” Sam squeezed her shoulder. “Come on. I believe we were promised corn dogs.”

  Jordan couldn’t stop talking about the ride as they stood in line at the carnival food booth. They were just about to order when Sam heard the sounds of his friends’ voices. He turned around to see Jake and Paul approaching.

  “Hey, Sam, Jordan,” Paul called, waving.

  “Make that six corn dogs,” Jordan said, paying the lady.

  As they ate their corn dogs, Paul and Jake talked about the tractor pull. They were just tossing their corn-dog sticks into the large trash bin when Jake’s eyes brightened as he remembered something. “Oh, man, that’s what I was going to ask you. We need two more people to help with the pig wrestling. You guys interested?”

  “Pig wrestling?” Jordan took his last bite, wiped the mustard from his lips, and stepped closer. “That sounds even better than the mechanical bull.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Emily glanced toward the entrance to the fairgrounds and watched the lines of people heading inside. Everyone was in a group and happy to be there. She was neither. Christopher had met up with Dylan and his mom and was probably going on every ride possible.

  Her only hope was that Ashley could meet up with her. When Ashley didn’t answer her cell phone, Emily called Mel’s Place.

  It took five rings before someone picked up the phone.

  “Mel’s Place,” said a tired voice that Emily recognized as Ashley’s mom’s.

  “Hi, Mrs. Givens. This is Emily. Can Ashley talk?”

  The noise of the diner filled the phone. “Emily, thank goodness you’re not another call-in order. If I get one more …” Then, realizing who she was talking to, her voice calmed. “Actually Ashley is running an order for me. Can I have her call you back?”

  “Yes. I mean, okay, I just thought we could meet at the fair. I’m over here right now. I know she’s been busy …”

  “I know, poor Ashley. I’ll pass the word, but I doubt she can head over to the fair today. I do know she was planning on going to the barrel races tomorrow though—Ginger! No, that order is for the gentleman waiting by the back door. Yes, I told you it was a to-go order. Anyway, Emily, I’m sorry Ashley hasn’t been able to do much, but she’s looking forward to the barrel races, and she can even stay at your house afterward if—no, Ginger, the coffee is for table four.”

  Emily listened as Melody directed more orders, and just when she was sure Mrs. Givens had forgotten she was on the line, the harried woman continued the conversation.

  “Okay, sweetie, I’ve gotta run. I’ll have Ashley call you. Enjoy the day.” Mrs. Givens’s voice trailed off, and then she hung up.

  Great. Just great. Nothing was worse than walking around the fair and looking like a total loser, with a capital L.

  But that’s what she did for a while, glad she’d brought her camera. It made her feel like she wasn’t a complete dork, hanging out all alone. Instead, she wandered around taking photos of the people at the fair—the cowboy with a black vest and a cell phone hanging off his belt, the 4-H girls combing out their cows’ tails, and all the parents laughing at the wide grins on their children’s faces as they rode the mini-motorcycles around the track—and around and around.

  The sky was overcast, providing a slight barrier from the sun’s rays, but it still didn’t do much for the heat. The air was thick and muggy, and it carried on it the aromas of all the greasy fair food. Emily’s stomach turned; she’d do anything for a cool ocean breeze like they used to get in San Diego.

  “Emily!” She turned to find her Aunt Anna coming toward her with Jennifer and Madison.

  “Hi, Aunt Anna.” She waved. “Hi, guys.” Emily squatted down and gave her cousins a hug. They were dressed in matching denim skirts and adorable red button-up blouses. Both of them had their hair in pony tails and red bows.

  “Emily! Emily!” They squeezed her neck so hard it was hard for her to breathe.

  Emily stood. “So what are you guys up to?”

  “We rode the horses on the carousel.” Jennifer’s face shone.

  “And the ponies.” Madison clapped her hands.

  Anna placed a hand on her hip. “Yes, they loved it. Even though it really doesn’t make sense to me. We paid five dollars for them to go around in a circle for five minutes when they could ride a horse at Grandpa’s house for free.”

  “So what are you doing?” Anna looked into Emily’s face with an expectant smile. “Jennifer wanted me to go on the Scrambler with her, but I told her I can’t.” Anna rubbed her stomach that showed the smallest baby bump. “You know, pregnant mommies aren’t allowed on those rides.”

  Emily’s heart fell, noticing the hopeful look on her cousins’ faces. She loved both of them, but the last thing she wanted was to spend all afternoon riding on the kiddie rides. As she was trying to think of a good excuse, Emily looked up and noticed Arielle and Natalie walking toward her. Her heart pounded.

  “Arielle!” Emily called.

  Arielle wandered over. “Emily! Hi, Mrs. Steven
son. Hi, girls. This is my cousin Natalie. What are you doing today? Are you having fun at the fair?”

  “I rode on a pony,” Jennifer exclaimed.

  “And we’re going to go on rides,” Madison added. “Maybe Emily will go with us.”

  Emily eyed Arielle and Natalie. “Actually, I was going to spend time with my friends. Right, Arielle?” Emily nodded enthusiastically.

  “Yeah, uh, we’re going to hang out. Sam and the guys are watching the tractor pull, so we’re going to check out some of the displays and stuff.”

  “But, Emily, can’t you just go on a few rides? Jennifer has been waiting all year.” Anna wore a smile, but Emily could tell she wasn’t happy that Emily wasn’t cooperating with her plan.

  Emily glanced over at the line of people waiting for the Scrambler. It was a forty-five-minute wait at least. Not to mention her stomach didn’t feel great. One thing was sure, “County Fair” would never be made into an air-freshener fragrance. The smells of animals, fried food, and sweaty people made Emily’s stomach turn just thinking about all of it.

  “Why don’t you try to find Christopher?” Emily encouraged her cousins. “He loves those kinds of rides. He’s wandering around here somewhere with his friend Dylan. And maybe I’ll see you later.”

  Anna rubbed her stomach again, and her forced smile turned into a scowl. “That’s it. That’s all you’re going to say?”

  Emily shrugged, not knowing what else to do. She bit her lip and turned to Arielle, seeking backup.

  Arielle crossed her arms over her chest, unsure of what to do and say. Natalie fidgeted awkwardly.

  “Okay, if you really don’t have time …” Anna let the last word drag out. “You know, after this I was thinking I might stop by the farm for the video shoot, but the way things are turning out, it seems like everyone has their own plans.”

  “Well, I don’t know. You should call Grandma. She always loves when you visit.”

  Anna nodded an acknowledgment, but she didn’t say anything else. As she walked away, Emily could hear her promising a balloon for each girl since they couldn’t go on the rides they wanted.

  Emily felt bad, but she also knew she couldn’t handle standing in that line in this heat. She also knew she probably couldn’t handle the ride either.

  “Okay, I’m totally confused.” Arielle confessed as she and Natalie watched Anna and the girls walk away. “Were we supposed to meet up and do something?”

  Emily laughed. “No, sorry. I just knew if I didn’t make a quick escape I would end up spending all my time on the kiddie rides. And for some reason that doesn’t sound fun at all.”

  “Yeah, well, we do have a little while to hang out. We’re supposed to be meeting Sam and the guys again a little later.”

  “Cool. I’ve just been walking around and taking photos.”

  “Oh yeah, I saw the ones you entered. Congratulations.”

  “Congratulations? For what?”

  “For your ribbons. It looked like you did really well.”

  “Really? I thought they weren’t going to be judged until the end of the week. You know, after the fair.”

  “No. They do it the first day. Right after they’re entered. Do you want to go over and look? We’ll walk with you.”

  “Sure.” Emily swung her camera case on her shoulder and couldn’t help but smile as they entered the arts and crafts barn.

  “Look, they’re over here.” Arielle pointed to a wall that said YOUTH OPEN CLASS. Sure enough, there were two of her prints with blue ribbons hanging from them. She felt her chest warm and all the cares of the day seemed to disappear.

  “Wow. I didn’t expect blues … but I only see two of them here. Did you see another one?”

  “Are you Emily Slater?” a voice said behind her.

  Emily turned and noticed an older woman standing there with bright red lips and a wide smile.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Well, we moved your photo … it’s the one with the sunflower. It’s over there on that wall.”

  Emily looked to where she was pointing and noticed the wall by the door said BEST OF SHOW. There, in the middle of them all, was her framed print of the sunflower with a large purple ribbon.

  “What’s it doing over there?” Emily asked in disbelief.

  She stepped closer, noticing the ribbon read BEST IN YOUTH DIVISION.

  “This is where we put all of our top winners. You should be proud, young lady. Some people have entered for years and years and have never won this.”

  The woman went on talking about Emily’s grandparents. She talked about how she’d gone to school with Grandpa Bob and how Emily must have gotten some of her grandmother’s talents in her genes. Emily nodded, but she didn’t answer. She was hardly listening. Her mind was just focused on that ribbon. Her fingers tightened around the strap of the camera case. She couldn’t wait to call her grandma and let her know.

  Emily’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a voice from the other side of the partition. “Yeah, she thinks she’s cool, but I heard from Nora, the girl at Kepler’s who developed the photos, that Emily didn’t even take the pictures. I heard her Uncle Pete did it, and she’s taking all the credit.”

  Emily recognized the voice. She didn’t have to walk to the other side to know it was Nicole. Meanwhile, the older woman next to Emily continued talking about all the new people who had entered this year, oblivious to the conversation happening nearby. Emily knew Arielle had heard Nicole because Emily felt the slightest touch of support on her arm.

  Emily smiled at the lady. “That’s so cool.” She took a step back, hoping the lady got the idea. “I think I’ll go call my grandma and tell her about the win.”

  Instead of letting Emily leave, the lady grabbed her arm. “Your grandparents aren’t here? They’re always at the fair.” Then she nodded, remembering. “Oh yes, they have that video being filmed on their farm. I bet you’re excited about that?”

  Emily tensed, hoping Nicole didn’t hear what the lady was saying. She didn’t need anything else for Nicole to talk about.

  “So have you had a hard time sleeping, knowing that a famous star is going to be on your farm?”

  “Yeah, well—” Emily stuttered.

  “You know, I usually don’t go to concerts but I just might get tickets this year,” the woman continued, “and see what this singer is all about.”

  “Great! Well, maybe we’ll see you there.” Arielle tugged on Emily’s arm, pulling her out into the bright sunshine with Natalie following behind them.

  “Have a great day,” Arielle called over her shoulder.

  They walked outside, and Emily took in a deep breath. Somehow in the last minute all the excitement she’d had from winning best of show was gone.

  “Thanks for getting me out of there.” Emily turned to Arielle. Her eyes watered from the sun. Or at least she tried to pretend the sun was the problem.

  “Don’t pay any attention to Nicole.” Arielle wrapped her arm around Emily’s shoulders. “She’s just jealous because she entered lots of photos and only got one blue.”

  “Yeah, well, I don’t know why she has to be so mean to me. We don’t even hang out in the same groups.”

  Arielle’s eyes lifted, and Emily knew without turning that Nicole had exited the building and was standing behind her.

  Emily turned slowly.

  “You talking about me?” Nicole asked. She was wearing jean shorts and a green T-shirt that read COUGARS on the front. Emily guessed that she’d be working at the cheerleaders’ food booth later today.

  “Only because you were talking about me first.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “And for your information, I took those photos myself.”

  “Yeah, whatever. I was just saying that’s what I heard. I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  Nicole was with Lily Cunningham and another girl Emily recognized as another one of the cheerleaders, but before Emily could respond Nicole stomped away.

  �
�See? She just didn’t know,” Arielle said, shrugging as if the words just exchanged made everything better.

  “Well, I just don’t understand what I ever did to her.”

  Arielle glanced at her watch, obviously finished with talking about Nicole. “Listen, Natalie and I are supposed to meet the guys over by the games. Sam promised to win me a big stuffed animal and I bet Jordan will try to win one for Natalie. Why don’t you come along?”

  Emily saw her grandma approaching in the distance. “Well, maybe I’ll meet you over there. My grandma’s here and I want to tell her about my ribbons.”

  “Okay, cool. Catch up with us later.” Arielle and Natalie walked away, and Emily watched her grandma approach from the opposite direction.

  “Hey, I was hoping I’d find you over here,” Charlotte said. “I wanted to see how you did on your photographs.”

  Emily looked into her grandma’s face, noticing that she looked tired and maybe a bit frustrated. Still, Grandma smiled as if trying to hide it. She always tried to act like everything was fine.

  “I thought you weren’t coming in to the fair until later.” Emily tried to return her grandma’s smile, knowing she did about as well at hiding her emotions as her grandmother did.

  “Yes, well, I was getting a little overwhelmed by the video people too. When I left they were rearranging my living room and putting all my plants in front of the window, just in case they were taping the front porch and someone could see in through the window.”

  “Are you serious?” The look of frustration on her grandmother’s face caused Emily to chuckle.

  “So I thought I’d come in early and console myself with an elephant ear or a funnel cake—and see how you did on your photos.” Grandma patted Emily’s shoulder. “I’m glad I caught you before you went in. I didn’t want you to be too disappointed. You need to remember that it’s your first year. I can’t think of many people who did great their first year out.”

  “Yeah, you can come see.” Emily shrugged, trying to hide her smile. “Oh, but one thing first, what’s an elephant ear?”