Her Miracle

CHAPTER 28

I don't know what my brothers' plan was after the parade. Maybe they'll go out and hang out at someone's house and have some drinks. And I pray that it isn't ours this time. I have faith that they're now much mindful of their actions. This is the least they can do for me, now that they're also arguing with mom. It wasn't me versus mom anymore. It was all three of her children versus her now. 

Zach parked the car in the designated parking area, which was the same parking area of the carnival. All the cars lined up on the side of the road. We went our separate ways because they have to meet with the rest of the guys for the parade. They had a call time to meet up before the parade starts. 

The parade would start in front of the town hall then near the market, the community hospital, and pass by Eleanor's. Basically, just the central part of Castle Rock. The park across the town hall was filled with people who were dressed up. It was another reason for the residents to go out and be able to dress up since Halloween was a whole new level of dress up for them. 

A group of people was already grouped into sections. Every group had a banner. It may be the founding family, Willoughby, the town grill where it's the town pub too called Grizzrill, the community hospital.  I mean I've always got the realization that the town anniversary was important because of the founding families and all that stuff... but was a parade really necessary? I toss these thoughts aside and fixed my eyes at a spot that I'd be able to witness a good view of the parade.  

This bunch of people must've been hoping that it won't rain. A stage was plastered in front of the town hall for the program after the parade. A few minutes left and the drum and bugle corps. would play the beat and start the march. I snuck both my hands in my pockets, it was freezing yet the rest of the residents don't feel like they're bothered about it. I shrugged it off and positioned myself on the stairs of the town hall to give myself some view and not just face the heads of the strangers right in front of me. From here, everything was clearer. 

If the organizers were busy instructing the people included in the parade, caterers also rushed in and out of the town hall, carrying with them trays of food and the tables and chairs needed. A busy day, indeed. Some students from Willoughby were brave enough to volunteer in coming up with the decors and organizing, at least there was a teenager's perspective to give a new voice and color to the old traditions, you know. 

Some residents had the same thinking like me, they also stood up on the stairs to see the parade, completely covering my front. I need the space, it might be hard to breathe. I say in a serious tone, "Excuse me, you're blocking my way..." 

It's never my intention to harm or lash out at anyone, it's just I might get suffocated. I don't care if they give me the usual looks. I'm used to it. Familiar faces now appeared in the crowd. Students from Willoughby, mom's friends, customers from Eleanor's. I'm looking forward to seeing Chester with his family.

The pair who stood right in front of me, even if I was a level higher, their heads were on my eye level. They were no more than 25, almost like 22 but the guy looked older than the girl. The girl just snubbed at me and dragged her man away like I was going to steal him away. Seriously? I don't even know them. They stepped aside transferring to another place to watch the parade. 

I crossed my arms, tapping my foot on the floor with impatience. Finally, the drum and bugle finally started to play and the line started to move. The different groups showcased banners of different colors and now started to wave to the audience. 

An emcee startled us when she tweaked the mic. "So now, we welcome you to Castle Rock's 49th Anniversary!" 

A round of applause filled in the air, with the audience anticipating. I clapped my hands but with no sound, it was the boring kind of clap. They did this on a Saturday so that the entire town would be able to make time for it, including students. Kai's dad's men were roving around the square, trying to see if everything was okay and nothing would harm the residents today. 

More people filled in the square who were shrieking and yelling because my brothers together with the town's lacrosse team were waving like they were in a pageant. My brothers had huge smiles on their faces as they waved. Aiden and Kai stood beside each other, and that made me want to scream for my happiness about them. Sheriff Waters might also be proud of it. 

The town mascot, a bear was up in the front, parading proudly with what he wore. I salute the person behind it. It's exhausting. As the Willoughby stars walked, they had a huge wolf logo in their banner which was Willoughby's mascot. If Izzy were here, we would've laughed about this. I let go of the thought and let my eyes fall on the parade of people with huge smiles on their faces. 

My eyes roamed around still losing focus. It fell on Chester who was on the other side. He wore slacks with a button-down shirt. His hand was draped on a black-haired woman. She had soft features, petite and her dress fell unto her knees flawlessly. Their fashion sense was like from the 80s but it suits them.

Beside them was the girl I teased Chester with, his sister, and was with her husband, even if they were from the town right next to us. Just like the rest of the audience, they had their hands clap together, cheering on the parade, having a huge smile on their faces. My eyebrows furrow in realization, where was Chester's children. 

More squeals from the crowd simmered in the air, enjoying the parade. Grizzrills was about the bears, so in theme with the town mascot. If people loved Eleanor's for the coffee, the residents also love the town grill who at the same time could be a place for drinking. It's highly supervised so underaged Willoughby students can't just sneak in when they want to, that's why they prefer having parties at subdivisions like where we live because nobody is in control. The residents are highly untouchable. 

I see no signs of Titus. He should be here somewhere. He's a newbie in town and shouldn't miss this. This is his first-anniversary experience. Maybe he's with his family somewhere in the audience I can't figure out. 

A whistle caught my attention so I recovered my focus and laid my eyes on the last banner. It was from the Castle Rock hospital. If my mom is one of the best all-around doctors then she should've been there parading as well, right? Familiar faces. Therapists who I've met during surgery and the nurses who my mom hates waved, and those staff who she truly cares for, together with the doctors who she treats with fake kindness. She's just good once she faces them and when she has her back to them, she backbites so bad. 

Castle Rock was a small town but had one of hell hospital. The founders invested in medicine-practice and the preservation of the forests. Doctors are busy still even if we have a small population since residents from surrounding towns come here for check-ups, emergencies and etc. The entire town respects these front liners so well that they opt that they should be well paid..to the point that my mom is overpaid. That was how close-knitted Castle Rock was, including the rumors and labels. 

Now that they've finished rounding, the emcee took the mic. "Now that the parade is done, we have a meal for all inside the town hall. And right after, a program starts here on stage because we have a special guest. Enjoy! And once again, Happy Anniversary!" 

A number of people started to pile inside the town hall, pushing me aside to get inside. Great! Who doesn't love free food? The food this year is sure about steak and some grilled stuff. I step aside to really make way for these hungry people who just might have had breakfast. 

I felt a light tap on the shoulder. I think I know who it might be. "Oh, Titus, you shouldn't! Where were you?" I turned my back.

"What did you say?" It was Chester who had his wife clutched into his arm, sticking like a cute beautiful snail. 

"Oh..." My mouth hung in shock. I thought he was Titus. "Sorry about that, I thought you were a friend." I muffled a short laugh to make things not awkward. 

Chester laughs and his wife stares at me adoringly. Their children must be so beautiful. He then motions me to his wife and vice versa. "So, Andy...Let me introduce to you, my wife, Geraldine. Geraldine, this is Andy. The responsible ever assistant Eleanor's has ever had." 

I grinned stupidly. "Hi, Mrs. Toucan!" I waved at her but was astonished when she reached for me for a hug. That's really cute. 

"Call me, Geraldine. No time for formalities, Andy. Such a beautiful name." She smiles back at me. Geraldine had this beautiful vibe in her that's also infectious just like Titus'. 

"Uhh... Okay... Geraldine." I release a chuckle. "I saw you a while ago too you were over there. Your sister was also with you."

"Yeah, she's inside with her husband. But I wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to introduce you to my lovely wife who's been excited to meet you too. And the timing was right, we saw you standing up here watching the parade. It's not that hard to find a person when she's blonde." Chester answered. 

"Yes! Andy, if only I had hair like yours!" Geraldine gleamed brightly. 

I smile at both of them. They're too cute. Before I get to open my mouth in response, Chester stated, "So, what are you waiting for aren't you interested in the free food? Want to tag along?"

"Thanks..." I cut him off, still smiling. "But... uh. I'm waiting for my... brothers." 

 "Alright! We'll go now. See you Monday!" He called out. 

"Yes sir!" I nodded.