Ariel endured the invasive stares and awkward silence until her meal arrived, accompanied by Noah. The young man pulled up a chair beside John, peering around him to look at Ariel. By now, Ariel had lost her appetite; she stared at her food, trying to summon the will to eat. Instead, she reached for her coffee and took a long sip.
"How is it? I asked them to make something special," Noah said, expecting a delighted response. Ariel's mouth was dry despite the coffee. The meal looked and smelled delicious, but she couldn't bring herself to take a bite. Sensing her hesitation, Noah became concerned.
"Wait- could it be that you're allergic to something in there? I should have checked with you first, especially knowing about your magnolia allergy. Ariel, I'm so sorry," Noah rambled anxiously. Ariel felt a pang of guilt as she stared at him in surprise.
"Magnolias? You're allergic to Magnolias? Since when-" Leroy began, but Ariel quickly interrupted,
"No, no! It's not that. I was just waiting for it to cool!" she exclaimed cheerfully and took an enthusiastic bite. She looked at Noah with pleasant surprise.
"This is really good, Noah. Thank you."
Noah beamed with pride.
"It was nothing; I'm glad you like it."
Ariel smiled and took another bite as her hunger returned with gusto.
"Oh no," Noah said suddenly, glancing out the window behind Ariel. "It's getting late; the festival will start soon. I have to go help set up. Will you be there?" he asked hopefully.
Ariel sipped her coffee and replied kindly, "Sure, we'll see you there."
"Great," Noah said with satisfaction before waving and heading out the door. A little later, Jasper stood up.
"We should get going too if Ariel is done," he announced.
"I am done," she replied, feeling unexpectedly irritated with him.
"Good, let's go then," he said and left the table with Max following closely behind. Taylor and John went next. Ariel lingered for a moment, glaring at Jasper's retreating back until Leroy nudged her forward gently. She glanced up intending to scowl but saw understanding in his eyes.
"I'm sure he thinks you look beautiful tonight, even if he won't admit it," the monk said softly. Ariel's expression softened at his words.
"Thanks, Leroy," she smiled, and the two of them exited on much better terms. The journey to the festival grounds was brief, and the GPI group soon found themselves amidst a large crowd of eager attendees. The air buzzed with excitement as people around them pointed, shouted, laughed, whispered, and gasped. This was only the beginning; by the time they reached the bustling town square where the festivities were in full swing, the celebration music drowned out almost everything else, and all that could be seen were the heads of the people packed tightly in front.
Magnolia-shaped fireworks lit up the night sky, prompting Ariel to smile and clap in delight. They passed numerous vibrantly decorated stalls where vendors—old women and young men alike—called out to showcase their wares or tempt passersby with delicious food. Ariel was enthralled by it all—the vivid colors, joyous sounds, and sheer number of people. To avoid getting separated, Leroy linked arms with her while Taylor took John as her partner. Together, Jasper and Max forged a path through the crowds.
"Mmmm, smell that? That's what was being deep-fried earlier," Leroy said, leaning in close so she could hear him over the noise as they walked past one of the many food stalls. Ariel laughed and shot him a look.
"Leroy, are you still hungry? Didn't you have enough at dinner?"
"Maybe I would be full if someone had kept their end of the deal..." he replied slyly, watching her from the corner of his eye.
"Hey!" Ariel exclaimed playfully, swatting his shoulder.
"Ouch, Ariel!" Leroy winced, grabbing his still tender shoulder.
"Oh. Sorry. I forgot," Ariel apologized with an innocent smile. "How about I buy you that deep-fried treat after all..."
But just then a voice that Ariel recognized instantly shouted above the crowd. Her heart sank as her worst fears were confirmed: Mandy had found them. It was a slim hope that they might lose each other in such a large crowd, but there stood Mandy in all her glory, giggling behind her sleeve after having conned Jasper into saying she looked 'nice.'
Nice? Bah! Ariel fumed internally—nice and vain!
Leroy gave Ariel a sympathetic look and patted her shoulder.
"Isn't this marvelous!" Mr. Warner exclaimed with enthusiasm, gesturing towards all the merriment around them.
"It is exciting," Mandy agreed (still giddy from extracting a compliment from Jasper).
"Quite so! And to think this isn't even the best part! The play is yet to be performed!" Mr. Warner pointed out proudly with a glance at the finished outdoor stage.
"Daniel!" a voice suddenly cried out urgently. "Daniel!"
As everyone turned toward the source of the calls, Shiloh emerged from the sea of people surrounding her.
"Shiloh! Excellent, you're here. You need to get to the stage immediately; the ceremony will begin soon..." Mr. Warner declared anxiously, casting nervous glances at the stage and checking his watch. The actress's smile wavered.
"Yes, yes, I know. I'll be there on time, I promise, but-" she said, recovering her smile, "I had to see you before we started; I'd think it bad luck not to... What do you think of my dress? I had it sent from Atlanta."
Mr. Warner's expression shifted from nervousness to discomfort and then to a forced politeness.
"Yes, it's quite beautiful. Very similar to Mandy's. You had yours custom-made in Atlanta, didn't you?" Mr. Warner remarked, his gaze shifting uncomfortably. It was clear which dress he preferred.
Ariel frowned as she observed the exchange. Shiloh looked utterly dejected. Ariel could almost feel the cold knot in her own stomach as if it were her own disappointment.
That Mandy.
Ariel found some solace in the strained expression on her rival's face. Mandy was still trying to appear composed and relaxed despite being compared, but Ariel could see the cracks in her facade.
"Oh, from Atlanta too. What a pleasant coincidence," Shiloh managed weakly after Mandy had stolen her thunder. Mr. Warner glanced at his watch again and urged Shiloh,
"Yes, yes, we'll see Atlanta's finest dresses showcased by you two, but if you don't hurry back to the stage, Magnolia Midlands won't get to see its best play," Mr. Warner said urgently as the crowds began to thin out in anticipation of the ceremony starting soon. Shiloh nodded earnestly, her cheeks flushing from the unexpected compliment. With a much lighter heart than before, she turned and hurried toward the stage.
"Good heavens, what Magnolia Midlands would do without me, I hardly wish to know..." he muttered under his breath and then added as he noticed their dwindling group, "shall we then?"
Everyone agreed as expected Mr. Warner led the way to the stage with Mandy on his arm. Walking beside Leroy, Ariel admired the paper lanterns casting an orange glow against the dark sky and attracting bright fireflies in their wake. They passed under strands of Magnolias overhead, each step greeted by a fresh burst of fragrance.
The stars above shone more brilliantly than Ariel could imagine seeing them in Atlanta while a warm breeze gently stirred the balmy night air soothingly around them. The whole scene appeared magical like a dream—no wonder everyone in Magnolia Midlands looked forward to this event so eagerly.
As they neared their destination through heads bobbing ahead of them came into view—the stage where all awaited unfolded before them.
"Hm. We've missed out on all the prime spots, but that's alright. I have my place reserved and can certainly take one of you along," Mr. Warner declared. His invitation was general, but it was obvious who he meant. Especially when he immediately turned to Mandy,
"Come Mandy, we must hurry if we want to be there before it starts..." he urged, extending a welcoming hand.
"Mr. Warner," Jasper suddenly interjected, freezing Mandy in her tracks and halting Mr. Warner as well.
"Yes? What is it? You see I'm in a hurry-"
"Please take these with you; they need to be submitted," Jasper instructed, taking a hefty stack of paper from Max and handing it over to the playwright. For a brief moment, Mr. Warner looked like he might complain (you should have had them turned in by now!), but wisely chose not to and accepted the papers. Moments later they vanished into a sea of people.
Suddenly, two spotlights swung around and focused on the stage; the large curtains parted. The festival music died instantly. Ariel bounced on her toes trying to peek over and around the tall man blocking her view, but it was no use—she was too short. Taylor, on her left, had no such problem, being tall enough naturally and adding three-inch heels for good measure. John, on her right, seemed just tall enough and had the good fortune of having a petite woman in front of him. Beyond John were Jasper and Max, who had no trouble seeing over anyone's head.
Ariel sighed and crossed her arms, then futilely bounced on her feet again.
Maybe I could get John to switch places with me; then I might catch a glimpse of the stage... Ariel pondered as she glanced uncertainly at the priest. Suddenly, she felt herself being lifted off her feet. She let out half a gasp before realizing it was Leroy who had picked her up and was now settling her onto his shoulders. The stage came into clear view; Ariel blushed at this kind gesture.
"Leroy, thank you, but are you sure? What about your shoulder?" Ariel asked gently.
Leroy glanced up at her with a wink,
"Not a problem—it only bothers me if someone hits it."
Ariel blushed deeper and laughed nervously,
"Sorry about that."
Just then a loud, old voice echoed across the festival grounds.
"Welcome to the 4th annual Festival of Magnolias!" Cheers and applause erupted from the massive crowd around the stage. Perched on Leroy's shoulders, Ariel clapped along with a smile.
"As you all know well, this festival is held every year after our Mr. Marlowe's passing—honoring the magic and creativity he brought us all. Today marks the beginning of what promises to be a glorious week! Tonight we celebrate the man himself—the husband, the playwright—Mr. Marlowe." Following tradition, I hold in my hands one play written by each man in our town; within one of these plays lies the spirit of Mr. Marlowe—the creativity he was loved for! The author of this special play will be named 'Mr. Marlowe' for the rest of our festival—a tremendous honor," announced the man on stage, his ancient voice both powerful and light.
The crowd clapped enthusiastically at this pause, and once it quieted down, he continued...
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves as I draw the winning play and reveal the brilliant mind behind it... drum roll, please," the man announced, dramatically hovering his hand over a towering pile of scripts, his eyes twinkling as he winked at the off-stage band. The audience chuckled, and a lively drumroll began. Ariel perched high on Leroy's shoulders, watched intently, her heart racing. The old man theatrically waved his hand over the scripts, selecting and discarding several amid the persistent drumbeat. Ariel's anticipation soared,
"What if it's your play, Leroy?" she whispered down to her companion.
"If it is, Max will be surprised because we all know I didn't pen any of these," Leroy answered with a grin.
Ariel giggled and redirected her attention just as the old man dramatically withdrew a paper from the middle of the stack. He brandished it triumphantly, signaling an end to the drumroll. The room fell silent as he approached the microphone and cleared his throat,
"...could Mr. Noah Williams kindly come up to the stage?"
The crowd buzzed with murmurs and sporadic applause as heads turned in search of this mysterious Noah Williams.
"Noah Williams? You mean the heir to Williams Inn?" someone questioned loudly.
"NOAH! OUR NOAH IS THE WINNER!" another voice suddenly cried from among the people.
Ariel, still atop Leroy's shoulders and exchanging confused glances with him, recognized old Mr. Williams's voice.
"HURRY NOAH! GET ON STAGE AND DON'T FORGET TO MENTION YOUR BELOVED MISS ARIEL!" another familiar voice urged.
Ariel's heart sank; it was Mrs. Williams. The crowd erupted in hushed whispers that spread like wildfire, drawing more eyes toward her with curious smiles.
"She's staying at the Inn, right?"
"Yes, I saw her this morning. Rumor has it he's going to propose..."
"Propose? Aren't they already engaged?"
"No way! Maybe it'll happen tonight? Right here on stage!"
"Oh my gosh, how romantic would that be? I hope he does!"
Ariel felt her stomach churn; more and more people were turning to stare at her, speculation spreading through the audience like an unstoppable wave. Giggles and gasps filled the air as excitement swelled toward the front rows. Overwhelmed by panic and embarrassment, Ariel desperately wanted to escape from Leroy's shoulders where she was too conspicuous.
"Leroy, put me down," she insisted urgently.
The monk tried to maintain a serious expression, but his eyes gleamed with amusement at her. Quickly, she was lowered as Noah's voice resonated through the air, "I am so honored; I can hardly believe this is happening..."
"Well, it is! You're our new Mr. Marlowe!" the old man declared, and the audience erupted in applause.
"THAT'S OUR NOAH!" Mr. and Mrs. Williams shouted from somewhere in the crowd.
Standing again, Ariel had no chance of seeing the stage and was happier for it. Her cheeks burned, grateful for the dim lighting around the stage. She stared determinedly at the back of the tall man in front of her, feeling every gaze from her GPI teammates boring into her, particularly Jasper's.
"...and your play will be performed within the hour. Now Mr. Marlowe, who is this Miss Ariel you're supposed to mention?" the old man asked with curiosity.
If her blush could deepen, it did as she took small steps backward. Why? Why does this have to happen to me?
"Uh- well... she's a friend of mine-"
"NOAH! A FRIEND? IS THAT WHAT YOU CALL YOUR LOVE?" Mrs. Williams interjected from the audience.
Now Ariel truly felt like the world was slipping out from beneath her feet as laughter and whispers of new rumors swirled around her. She felt trapped; she needed to escape...
"No, I mean yes... I mean she really is a friend of mine, but just a friend-" Noah stammered, now sounding flustered and embarrassed.
Ariel felt mild relief at his words; he was just as uncomfortable with all this as she was. He's not going to propose...
Suddenly, a firm hand took hold of Ariel's elbow, leading her away as Mrs. Williams's voice boomed through the air, "JUST A FRIEND? NOAH DON'T BE SILLY-"
Thankfully lost in surprise, Ariel barely registered this last part and found herself fixated on Jasper's face as he led her away. He remained silent and didn't so much as glance at her throughout their departure from the crowd. Ariel had no idea where they were headed—towards the theater? Back to the Inn? And even more puzzling: why?
They were halfway through the festival grounds when he turned slightly and guided her toward one of the many food stands dotting the square. Emptiness and silence engulfed them except for distant voices from the stage. Jasper released her arm and cleared his throat.
Slouched in a chair and half asleep sat a young man who startled awake at their approach, running a hand through his hair in disarray until he recognized Ariel and Jasper. Then he visibly relaxed a bit.
"Oh, uh- hi, how can I assist you?" he inquired, glancing uncertainly between the bustling stage and them. For the first time, Jasper looked at Ariel, his dark eyes inscrutable,
"What would you like?"
Ariel glanced from Jasper to the young man, to the food behind him, and back to Jasper. Was this some sort of joke? Why was he doing this?
"She'll have an ice cream," Jasper commanded, apparently unwilling to wait for Ariel's response. The young man gave Ariel a quick look, nodded at Jasper, and turned to scoop some ice cream from a nearby basin. Ariel spent the next few moments trying to catch Jasper's eye, hoping for some explanation as to why he had pulled her away from the stage only to order her ice cream. But Jasper's gaze remained fixed on the young man as he scooped the ice cream and handed it over.
"Here you are, that'll be…" the young man trailed off, squinting at the sign. Jasper placed some money on the counter and handed Ariel her ice cream.
"Uh- right…" said the young man, picking up the money and dropping it into his till while casting puzzled glances at Jasper and Ariel.
"Thank you," Jasper said before turning to lead Ariel away. But then the young man called out,
"Hey- why aren't you at the stage?"
Jasper paused and looked back,
"Why aren't you?"
The young man blinked,
"Well, I have to mind the stand. Being the youngest, you know – it's my job…" he answered pensively. "Yeah, nobody ever thinks of Leroy – he's just a year older than me. I've never been able to go to the stage. Can you believe that? I remember Aunt Momo trying to help me once..."
Silently, Jasper and Ariel slipped away. Ariel licked her ice cream but could barely taste it; it felt as if all her senses had dulled. She could hear nothing but Jasper's footsteps beside her, see nothing but his face, smell nothing but his familiar coffee scent.
"Here," Jasper suddenly said.
Pulling her gaze away from his face, Ariel realized they had reached a small picnic table beside another food stand run by an old woman who was snoring peacefully. Dutifully, Ariel sat down and licked around her melting ice cream's edges while Jasper chose to remain standing. So many questions swirled in Ariel's mind; there were so many things she wanted to ask, but every time she opened her mouth, no words came out – she couldn't bring herself to say anything.