Rewritten Fate

Leigh “Girl! Come on already!” I dodge a couple kids running as I make my way through the crowded street. Janie whines. “My feet are killing me!” I can hear her eyes rolling. “St John’s is around the corner. I have to see Bennys display. I can’t go in Monday without seeing it. He’d cry! I can’t make him cry!” I holler over my shoulder. Between the band playing Beetles songs and the hundreds of people in the streets, and the venders, it’s so loud. . The band plays: “Yesterday Love was such an easy game to play Now I need a place to hide away Oh, I believe in yesterday Why she had to go, I don't know, she wouldn't say I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday” “Ugh! Fine. But I’m waiting here! Come get me when you’re done” she shouts back to me. As she sinks onto the metal bench, I hear her complaining. “I told you not to wear those hideous boots!” I taunt her. They’re the absolute worst things I’ve ever seen! Dark brown and pink leather high healed boots. She’s had them a week but today she wore them for the art walk. 5 hrs of walking, I hurt just looking at them. I much prefer my tennis shoes. Then again, I don’t have anyone to impress. The old church is 3 stories of red brick with a tan sand stone entrance. The circular pillars on the sides of the building have been decorated with colorful signs and lights for tonight. . Above the main door is a huge stain glass window of a cross done in reds and blues with a brown cross and a white shawl. A sign sits on a tripod that directs everyone to the side entrance to the right. I follow the cobblestone walkway to the courtyard entrance. It’s beautifully decorated! The Japanese maple trees have glass sun catchers in a range of reds, blue and greens, multi colored bird houses and twinkling fairy lights. The sun set about half an hour ago, the fairy lights and the lanterns lining the walkway are lighting up the path well. A variety of flowers pepper the courtyard. Beautiful purple hasta’s, blue callia Lillie’s and yellow black eyes Susan’s among others line the path. Nestled among the flowers sets a pond. It’s rather large for the size of the courtyard. It homes 3 pretty koi fish. Under the 3 tier waterfall in the back right lazies the large black and orange fish. The smallest one flashes its red and white colors as it circles the front of the pond. Hiding under the Lilly pads in the middle of the pond, the most beautiful shiny golden yellow I’ve ever seen, pokes its head out to watch me pass by. I make my way toward the entrance when a memorial catches my eye. I didn’t know her, but she was a teacher at the high school and worked with the teens at the church. I pause to pay my respects. Just as I turn to head for the door, it crashes open and a group come stumbling out. They’re laughing and talking loudly about the displays inside. “That cow! I was so awkward “ “I loved the wedding painting “ The groups chatter quiets as they walk back towards the chaos in the street. I slide in the door just before it closes. To my right is the kitchen, all pristine and clean, waiting for the church staff to make breakfast Sunday morning. I’ve heard it’s the best! I turn left and walk into a little study room. Book cases line the walls, full of books in all shades of browns and picture frames of happy people from church functions. There’s a love seat and overstuffed chair in soft, maroon fabric with emerald green pillows with gold fringe. The carpet is emerald green that matches the pillows. Making my way through the open doorway to my left, I enter the banquet room, filled with displays and a handful of people whispering about the displays. Paintings on easels and 3 legged tables covered in fabrics holding handmade pottery and flower arrangements. In the middle of the room, lattase work is placed between the pillars holding canvas paintings, bird houses and other items. A wave of sweetness invades my nose, reminding my stomach I haven’t eaten much and our friends are waiting for us at Bobs BBQ down the street. They usually host the ice cream social. This year, they’re selling art work and sweets to fund their teen trip to bible camp next month. The table to my right has gooy brownies, soft cookies and small decorated cakes. There’s also cups of lemonade and bottles of water on one end and plates and napkins at the other. There’s a fish bowl with a cross engraved in the front with a sign the says “Donations for our teens” sticking out of the top. I pull out $10 and stick in the bowl. With my brownie in hand, I start making my was around the room in search of Bennys work. He refused to tell me what he made. There are paintings of farms with cows in fields,, flowers in vases and birds sitting in bird baths, all meticulously painted in oils and watercolors. I stop in front of a painting of a wedding. The couple standing with the minister under lattice work full of white flowers and purple fabric. They’re enjoying their day. Her sleeveless gown flows over her body, her rose bouquet in hand. His black suit and purple tie, black shoes. It almost seems real. As I’m remembering a particular wedding from my past, I notice a movement to me right. I tighten your just in time to hear his familiar voice. My heart races and I blink hade before turning to look him in the face.