The Grande Finale

Golden sunlight streams through the window. Russell strokes Poirot tenderly, feeling wholly at peace.

He stretches, his spine clicking as he arches his back.

He withdraws a small item from his pocket and holds it up to the sunlight.

The ring shines brightly under Sol's gaze, bringing a wistful smile to Russell's face, just as it had done all those years ago.

His door slams open.

Colleen: I have a bone to bone to pick with you, RUSSELL.

Russell jumps, the ring flying out of his hand, out of sight. He cries out and looks frantically for it.

Colleen: Hey! LOOK at me.

Russell snaps his head up.

Russell: What?

Colleen blinks.

Colleen: Victoria.

Russell grins.

Russell: I'm Russell, dearest.

Colleen: ...

Russell: Did you forget?

Colleen: What? Russell, I...

Russell: Uh-uh. Russell DEAREST, please.

Colleen: No.

Russell chuckles. He leans back against the wall. His eyes dart quickly around the room, before returning to Colleen. He reads the scowl on her face carefully.

Russell breathes deeply once. He withdraws a deck of cards from his pocket.

Russell: Would you care to join me for a game?

Colleen scowls at him.

Russell: I'll deal. Please sit.

Colleen sinks to a wicker chair but sits upright at his table. The sound of shuffling cards cracks in the air, before the hands are dealt.

Russell: I trust you know rummy?

Colleen: Yes.

They take up their hands.

Russell draws a card and returns it.

Russell: Let's talk, Colleen. What did Victoria tell you?

Colleen: She says you hurt her.

Colleen returns a card.

Russell: Yes, accidentally. I apologized accordingly.

Colleen: She mentioned something like that, yes.

Russell: Hmm.

Colleen: ...

Russell looks at Colleen over his fan of cards.

Russell: Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?

Colleen: Yes, actually.

Russell: Do tell.

Colleen: She says you're a sexist.

Russell coughs.

Russell: She said that?

Colleen places down a set of eights.

Colleen: Yes, she did. She says you insulted her. She says she slapped you because of it.

Russell: And you believe her?

Colleen pauses and looks up at Russell curiously.

Colleen: Are you... Denying it?

Russell coughs.

Russell: Yes, I am.

Colleen blinks, uncertain.

Colleen: You're lying.

Russell: You believe Victoria over me?

Colleen: Yes, I think I do.

Russell: ...

Russell looks away. He sighs, then looks back.

Russell: I wouldn't expect any less. She's a... Persuasive woman.

Colleen: ...

Russell: I'm hurt that you don't trust me, of course.

He smiles at her.

Russell: Shall we continue the game?

Colleen: I... Don't think that would be appropriate... Russell. I have all I need.

Russell frowns.

Russell: You can trust me, Colleen. I'm not a dishonest man, despite what you may believe.

Colleen hesitates.

Colleen: Fine, we can finish the game.

Russell grins.

Russell: Great!

They play for a few minutes in silence. Russell clears his throat.

Russell: Hmm.

Colleen: ?

Russell: You know... They say marriage is like a deck of cards.

Colleen: What do you mean?

Russell: In the beginning, it's all hearts and diamonds...

Colleen: Aww...

Russell: And at the end, you'll want clubs and spades.

Russell puts down four aces with a flourish.

Colleen: What would you know about marriage?

Russell coughs.

Russell: It's just a joke. Don't read too much into it.

Colleen sighs, then look up.

Colleen: You were holding a ring.

Russell: What?

Colleen: You were holding a ring when I came in. A wedding ring!

Russell blanches.

Russell: I.... don't.... know what you're...

Colleen: Yes you do!

Russell glares coldly at her.

Russell: Stop it.

Colleen: Oh.

Russell: Get out, Colleen.

Colleen blinks.

Colleen: What?

Russell: The game is over. Please leave.

Colleen: ...

Russell: I said LEAVE.

Colleen skips to her feet and walks quietly out.

Russell glances across the room to Poirot, whose quiet gaze presses him gently, quizzically, disappointedly.

Russell: Don't look at me like that, Poirot. I don't need this right now.

Poirot cočks his head, then opens his wings, displaying his coloured span,

and soars like a bullet out the open window.



                                                  *************************

Thunder cracks overhead as Poirot soars through the morning sky. Clouds billow out like powder and smoke as he cuts through the gloom, closing fast behind him. Rivers below knit together in dendritic veins, bleeding out into the countryside.

Mighty wings beat the blackness and blue, breaking the silence as the bones of our good morning.

Flying through a good morning, many years before. Pulsing hearts in the house by the river. The skirts of the city pulled tight on a low budget. Frumpy red hair.
Later every night. Slamming doors. Slamming shut.

Poirot beats his wings harder, flies higher. Further into the smoke and haze.



                                                     ******************************

Victoria: Married?

Colleen: That's what it looks like.

Victoria: Hmmf. Surprised he convinced anyone with HIS demeanour.

Colleen looks away, quiet.

Victoria: What?

Colleen: I... Victoria... Are you sure about him? I mean... Are you absolutely SURE he was really... Sexist? Rude to you? I mean... When I talked with him earlier he seemed pretty...

Victoria: Ex-CUSE me?

Colleen: ...err

Victoria: Are you SERIOUSLY believing HIM? He's CHARMING you, can't you SEE?

Colleen: No! I'm just...

Victoria pivots and storms out, her long hair whacking Colleen square across the face in her exit.

Somewhere in the distance, the front door closes. Colleen shrinks back, ashamed.

Russell walks idly by, whistling softly. Colleen breathes, then stalks after him, determined.

                                                           ************************

Laurey: "I've heard rumours. Rumours about a relational crisis between Colleen and Scot. I must go and have a talk with them. After all, I've been through 69 relationships, currently in my 70th. That makes me an expert, of course. Off I go!"


[Later on, Laurey has found Colleen, and started talking to her]

Laurey: "I can't believe you! How could you?!"

Colleen: "What?"

Laurey: "You judge Scot for simply being who he wants to be."

Colleen: "He's sleeping with other girls."

Laurey: "And?"

Colleen: "He cheated on me."

Laurey: "And?"

Colleen: "... That's not true love, is it?"

Laurey: "What is love?"

Colleen: ".. Seriously?"

Laurey: "If he believes polygamy can be true love, then he has the right to believe so."

Colleen: "But polygamy is not true love, it's just an attempt to cover up cheating."

Laurey: "Can't a mother of 2 love both her children equally?"

Colleen: "Yes, but that's differe-"

Laurey: "Nope."

Colleen: "... Laurey, act normal please!"

Laurey: "Normal?! NORMAL?!?!"

Colleen: "Uh oh...."

Laurey: "There is NO SUCH THING as NORMAL!! NORMAL is a rotten fantasy, an errored code forced down our throat by the establishment to try and ELIMINATE individuality in the individual individual!! A LIE!!! So we must RESIST!! Resist the mold the authority wants us to be crammed in! We must RESIST, PERSEVERE our INDIVIDUALITY and DEFY NORMAL by PRACTICING the ABNORMAL!!! JOIN US, and truly be free to DO what you want, LIVE how you want and BE what you want!! EI EI EI EI EI EI EI!!!!"

Colleen: "... You really DO belong in Midnight Hollow, don't you?"

Laurey: "Nope. Not my colour."

Colleen: "Oh........"

Laurey: "Bye."


                                                            ********************************

As Poirot's feathers tickle the grass, the flowers throw petals to trail his tender airborne stride. The wind whistles softly to accompany his dance.

A maiden runs across a green field, her golden hair of wheat glowing in the sunshine. Poirot's eyes watch her from lonely heights.

Thoughts flash before him of hot afternoons: Sparkling sunshine, liquid and intangible. Open windows. Laundry hanging out to dry.

Victoria sits silently under a tree, quietly watching a river run its course of iridescent blue. Birds sing overhead, as leaves float quietly down the river.

 A man with frumpy red hair closes the door behind him.

The clouds are smothering gray and black. Poirot chokes upon their poisoned thickness.

The door had closed for the final time. Russell had left with nothing, with hopes to find. His car was set ablaze, and the rain was holding its breath. A broken neck. The sound of sobs. A bottleneck of broken tears. Cry me a river.

A single beating heart, a bird, met with a gentle hand. Sometimes that's all. Fly me away, the man had said. And he had flown. The man with the frumpy red hair. Poirot, the leader of his fate.

Victoria sighs softly, tenderly. The river flows as her thoughts, her blood. The tree above her is hot as ash. A shape approaches from the heavens. Coloured and bright. She squints her eyes.

A crunch of feet and a sweaty brow. A hunter with frumpy red hair coćks his rifle, his eyes vaguely set on a movement under an ash, far away. He takes a drink.

Victoria is still as Poirot approaches. Her eyes are tired and pained.

The hunter takes dizzy aim. His vision is poor with the glare of the Sun upon the river. Bullets jingle loose in his pockets. Another one down the hatch.

Russell spies Victoria under a tree and watches Poirot approach her curiously. He pauses before the glint of a rifle catches his eye.

A rifle not in his hand.

He begins to run.

The hunter hears thunderous feet approaching. He feels his way to the trigger.

Russell: Victoria!

A shot rings out over the countryside. Victoria screams as she sees blood. Leaves rustle as branches snap. Birds fly away in a flurry.

Russell strides to the shooter, grabbing him around the neck. Russell's breath is hot on his face.

Russell: WHAT. Do you THINK. YOU ARE DOING? HMM?

Russell's eye twitches madly.

The hunter struggles, flailing his limbs.

Russell: ANSWER ME. Are you drunk?

Russell shakes him violently.

Russell: I said ANSWER ME!

The hunter gurgles, whimpering in pain. Russell shoves him into a tree. He picks up the rifle.

The hunter stares at him with wide eyes.

Hunter: Please, please... Jack. Jack!

Russell grows pale.

Russell: My name is Russell.

The hunter staggers forward, then slumps over, intoxicated. Russell steadies his weapon, taking careful aim.

Victoria: Russell!

Russell jumps, whipping his head around.

Russell: WHAT?

Victoria: Russell STOP!

Russell freezes, letting the gun fall from his hands.

Russell: Naomi..

He mutters. Victoria blinks from across the river.

Russell: What are you doing here?

Russell's eyes focus on Victoria. He squints to examine her.

Russell: Is that... Blood...

Victoria: I...

Russell notices a coloured mass of feathers by her feet. Victoria grows silent as his lips form a silent word.

Russell: Poirot.

Russell cries out in pain, beginning to shake. His eyes burn with rage as he focuses on Victoria, who gasps.

Victoria's eyes dart frantically from Poirot to Russell. To his anger and rage. She screams and covers her face with her hands.

Russell: You killed him. YOU KILLED HIM!

Victoria: I didn't! I'm sorry! Russell!

Russell clenches a fist, shouting.

Russell: YOU ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THAT.

Russell comes at her, blind and raging, then snaps, doubling over in pain. A bottleneck of broken tears. He clutches the grass under him, trembling.

Victoria stands frozen, fearful. A minute passes in silence before she approaches him.

Russell: Why... Him...

Russell's fist beats the ground.

Victoria: Russell...

Victoria looks upon him with pity. She hesitates, then scoops up Poirot, to return him to Russell's side.

The clouds open and the rain begins. Victoria turns and walks back towards the house. Alone.



                                             *********************************

Larry: Hehe... Those two... Will they ever get enough?

Laureo: That's my grams... Just remember...

Mom: Whatsh ish you guys lookish at? *just then Laureo gets out of the tree house* Oh...? Whatsh she doish there?

Maxwell: Oh oh... Here comes trouble...

Laureo: Eeh... Nothing... Maybe she thinks she's a little girl and wanna play house... *whispering to the other... "She's going to ruin everything!"*

 Mom: Oh... But Ish thinks shesh too big for that... Doesh you guys seesh T-Roll? I wanna saysh goodbye...

 Just then T-Roll also gets down and mom sees him...

Mom: What the hecksh! T-Roll?!

T-Roll: Yeah, Momma?

Mom: Whatsh you doesh with that women in the tree house?

T-Roll: Ish....

Mom: Andsh you still gotsh your pj's on this time of the day! How doesh I teach you?

T-Roll: Momma...?

Mom: Goesh putsh your day clothes on now! And then you comesh saysh goodbye too meish... It's getsh late and I need to goesh back to the castle...

T-Roll: Sure mom...



                                                     ***********************************

Sergeant finally got the courage to invites Colleen out for a picnic with his son Collin... Just the three of them.

Colleen: So did you hear from the government yet?

Sergeant: Nothing... I'm still waiting. I don't know what to expect... Are they coming for my son? If so, when? And his mother is also quiet...

Colleen: Oh well... No news can also be good news...

Sergeant: I can just hope... I've got a bad feeling...

Colleen: Don't.... I'm sure everything will work out for the best...

Sergeant: Collin! Where are you going...? Stay here where we can see you... If something must happen to him...

Colleen: Awww... I'm sure everything will be just fine...

Sergeant: Yep! I think it will... I want to ask you something... *But before he can ask, Collin starts crying*


                                                             **********************************

Russell buttons his trench coat tighter as his feet crunch along the garden path. There is a chill in the air, biting his callused feet and knuckles. He fumbles in his pocket for his keys, which are not there.

A face appears in the window, looking out.

The light flips on, and the door swings open.

Victoria: Russell.

Russell nods.

Russell: Victoria.

There is silence. Russell's joints click as he moves past her into the lobby.

Victoria: I didn't think you would come back.

Russell speaks with his back to her.

Russell: How ironic.

He pauses on the stairs.

Victoria: How so, Russell?

Russell: ...

Victoria: Or is it rather... Jack?

Russell: It's Russell.

He turns back towards her, surprised to meet a mask of pity. His eyes narrow.

Russell: Why wouldn't I come back, Victoria?

Victoria: ...Well, I.... I...

Russell: .....

Victoria: Poirot... ...he was your.... friend and.....you looked like.....

Russell: I'm not a woman, Victoria.

Victoria flinches and scowls.

Victoria: That reminds me. You denied saying those things to me. Earlier. To Colleen.

Russell: Yes, I did.

Victoria: And why is that?

Russell: Force of habit, perhaps. To charm and to deny. That's the man's job.

He grins blankly. She scowls and looks away.

Victoria: I hate you, Russell.

Russell: I know. Me too.

Russell coughs.

Russell: It's not a nice feeling, is it?

Her head snaps up.

Victoria: What? Hatred?

Russell: Guilt.

Victoria: Guilt? What is THAT supposed to mean?

Russell: I think you know.

There is silence.

Victoria: I don't feel guilty. Not about this afternoon, or... Anything.

Russell smiles, looking down at her from his place on the stairs.

Russell: Yes, you do.

Victoria: ...

Russell: That's the woman's job, to feel guilty.

Soft clumps are heard as Russell climbs the rest of the stairs, away.




                                                         *********************

The sun is out in full force as Russell stands by the gray box.

An envelope slips from his hands, tumbling down to rest with a clatter.

MRS NAOMI FRANCIS
13 HYACINTH CLOSE
RIVERVIEW
1945

He sighs.

Russell: What? Are you stalking me now?

Colleen steps out from behind the tree. She looks at him curiously.

Colleen: I can't tell.

Russell: Hmm?

Colleen: I can't tell if you're an honest and warm person or a terrible liar.

Russell coughs.

Russell: Well, it depends, doesn't it?

Colleen: On what?

He grins.

Russell: On whether or not you believe what I say.

Colleen smiles.

Colleen: I know Victoria doesn't believe you.

Russell: And what do you believe?

Colleen sighs.

Russell: Why are you here, Colleen?

Colleen: I don't know.

Russell chuckles.

Russell: Aye.

Colleen: ...

Russell: Shouldn't you be choosing between suitors, though?

Colleen: I don't know about them, either.

Russell: Mmm. It's complicated, yes?

Colleen: Yes.

Colleen: So... To whom are you sending love letters?

Russell: What? Oh... That? That's hardly a love letter.

Colleen: Oh? How disappointing. I was hoping for some juicy goss.

Russell: I'm sure.

Colleen looks at him, expectantly.

Russell: It was just a bit of money. A cheque.

Colleen: Oh. For some reason, I thought you were... Broke.

Russell: I won a reality show, didn't I?

Colleen: Oh... You've cashed the cheque already, then?

Russell: No, I haven't.

Colleen: Then... What did you send...

Russell: ...

Colleen: Oh. Your cheque...

Russell: I don't need the money, Colleen.

Colleen: But someone you know does?

Russell: ...Yes, I'd say so.

Colleen: Is it that Naomi person?

Russell: I don't know a Naomi, Colleen.

Colleen: Oh.

Russell: ...

Colleen: Why don't you want to settle, Russell?

Russell: ..Can't settle the unsettled. I'm fine with a nomadic existence.

Colleen: ...

Russell: Oh.. Is that mine?

Colleen looks down at the ring playing between her fingers, she hands it to Russell.

Colleen: I found it in the garden... Near your window.

Russell pockets it.

Russell: Do you want to head back now, Colleen?

Colleen: Why?

Russell smiles.

Russell: You're nervous?

Colleen: Aren't you?

Russell: About what? Lady Victoria?

Colleen: No! The ceremony!

Russell: What's that supposed to mean?

Colleen: There will be a pitcher of milk. What if you can't control yourself?

Russell slams Colleen on the back.

Russell: Ha!

Colleen laughs.

Russell: Come on, then, Colleen. We can find out.





                                           ***************************************





And then it's finally the big day....!

Did they choose right? Are they going to win the money?

Gerard: Let's drink on the two of us!

Lillian: Are we sure we're a perfect match?

Gerard: You are my perfect match... I couldn't hope for anything better...

Alani: I'm sorry that I can't give you something more.... Maybe in another lifetime...?

Berry: Aww... It's okay... But I'm glad the two of us is a perfect match... I can't see me with one of the other girls...

Berry: On a hopefully long friendship...

Alani: Cheers!

Lavender: I can't believe we are at the end of this show? Can it be true?

Nael: ...

Lavender: Cheers...

Nael: ....

Lavender: Hopefully one day, you will speak to me... Deal?

Nael: ....

Larry: So what do you think?

Andy: About what? *but she can just read his mind and start blushing*

Larry: Okay?

*Mmmm.... Do I have to say more?*

T-Roll: Eish wondersh why momma wash so upset? She doeshn't greetsh me... Doesh you knowsh?

Laurey: Aww... Don't worry about that.... When you went to dress, your mom and I had a nice chat...

T-Roll: So ish she also happy that I gotsh a wife?

Laurey: You can say so... She's very happy... Don't worry about that...

Colleen: Aww... I wonder what are those two fighting about?

Sergeant: Who?

Colleen: Russell and Victoria...

Sergeant: Aww... Let's not break our heads about them... Let's celebrate...!

Colleen: Oh yes! Tonight we are richer than a few months ago...

Sergeant: Yep! And more, I got custody over Collin... Isn't that something to celebrate?

Collin: Really? That's awesome! When did you get the news?

Sergeant: This morning....

Victoria: I'm sorry that you are stuck with me... I saw how you're looking at Colleen... You got the hots for her?

Russell: Oh well... I guess Sergeant got to her first...

Victoria: I'm sorry...

Russell: Don't be... Life is too short to worry about stuff you can't get...

Victoria: So, am I forgiven?

Russell: For the moment, yeah. Let's just forget about everything and have fun... Cheers!

Edgar: My darling Hope, the nights are endless without you by my side.  Tortured sleep I endure until I might wake at dawn's first light and rush to be by your side.  I am certain that we are a true love match, and I do not need the Truth Booth to tell me this.

Edgar: I asked you before atop the parapet on our date and I shall ask you again.  Would you do me the honor of marrying me?

Hope: Oh Edgar, you’re wonderful. You make all my wishes come true. Of course, I want to marry you! I can’t imagine a life without you anymore and it would be an honor to spend the rest of it by your side as your wife.

Tim: So they say the two of us are a match... Do you believe that?

Brianna: Let's give that a try... Shall we?

Tim: Why not? Let's go for it...

Brianna: Cheers!

Maxwell: So T-Roll's mom almost ruined our prank...

Laureo: Yep... But it actually worked out better this way... I just wished I could hear gram's and mom's conversation...

Maxwell: I think it must be something, but enough of them... So what about us?

Laureo: Us?

Maxwell: Yep, we are a perfect match after all, so will we take it further from here?

Jade: Thanks for understanding....

Scot: Aww.... It's okay... I actually prefer your company...

Jade: Oh really...? Or are the rumors wrong about Colleen dumped you?

Scot: Where did you hear... Awww.... Oh well, I guess I can't deny it forever...

Jade: So what will we celebrate?

Scot: Life... And what we make of it!

Jade: True... I will drink on that...

And then it's time to land the Hot air balloons...

Oops! Someone became one up there... Haha

And every couple got their own cozy cubicle...

Hope: So Mr. Edgar, where are you taking me after we got married?

Edgar: Mmm... I guess I need to introduce you to my family first... Did I tell you I got seven siblings?

Hope: Really...? Awesome...! Are they also talented like you...?

Lillian: So are you happy with your perfect match?

Gerard: Let me put it this way...

Tim: Will I serve for us?

Brianna: Aww... A really charming gentleman I see... I can live with that...

Alani: So tell me more about yourself... How did you become the tooth fairy?

Berry: Hehe... Children do need tooth fairies... Don't you think?

Lavender: So besides milk, what do you also like?

Nael: ....

Andi: Mmm... I really loves the song you wrote to me... Now I want you to perform it to me...

Larry: Ah, damn... I knew I forgot something.... As soon as I get my guitar I will do it, okay...?

Maxwell: So did you think of my question up there...?


Laureo: Awww man, don't ruin the night... We really don't have to discuss it now... We've got years in front of us to worry about that...! Let's just have fun for now, okay?

Maxwell: Okay, I guess...

T-Roll: So whatsh doesh momma saysh? Cansh Ish taksh you home?

Laurey: Aww... Let's talks about that later and just have fun... Okay?

Sergeant: Colleen, there is something I need to talk to you about.  I know that you and Scot were matched together in the truth booth -- but we are a perfect match, too.  Just because Scot got to you first, doesn't mean that you have to stick with him.

As far as I can tell, he's be giving attention to a lot of other girls and not giving enough attention to you.  I don't know, maybe you like that...but if you don't...well, maybe you might want to consider dating me.

We can take it slow, I don't want to rush you into anything.  I just don't want to see you be matched to Scot when it seems to me he just did this for a lark instead of doing it to find someone he might fall in love with for the rest of his life.

Colleen: You’re absolutely right. Scot is not the guy I was hoping to find here. I don’t know why the truth booth matched us together when he is clearly the opposite of what I was looking for. That’s why I spoke to him already. I wanted to set things straight with him first before talking to you.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how to feel about you having a baby at first. It was quite a shock! But the last few days we spent together with Collin felt really good, almost as if we were a happy little family. Even though I’m not his mother, I got attached to him immediately.

But I know this isn’t about Collin. It’s about you and me and so far we had a good time together, right? I would like to get to know you better, so I’d say let’s go for it! According to the truth booth, we’re a perfect match after all. So what could go wrong?

Russell: Can I dish for you?

Victoria: Aww... Maybe I was wrong about you after all...

Russell: Hey, we got an agreement...! For the rest of the evening, we're not going to talk about it anymore, okay?

Victoria: Sorry...

And everyone is having a great time...

Then Jade call everybody to the center piece...


Jade: So guys and girls, now is the time for the truth... Are you sure the person on your side is your perfect match?

Everybody: Yes!

Jade: Okay, we will see that in a few minutes if you are right... Let's go up to the roof...!

Maxwell: Hey! Where did all the Hot Air Balloons goes?

Jade: Awww... Don't worry, they will be back before the party is over... We just need to take them away for the ceremony... Everybody, come over to this corner...

Jade: Look at that small lot between the two bigger ones...

As everyone looks there, a light goes on....

Jade: That is the beam for the first couple...

Everybody: Wow! Colleen and Scot...!

Sergeant: Nope... Colleen and Sergeant...! *everybody laughs*

Everybody: That's so cool!

And the next moment there's also beams coming up from the lower floor...

Everybody: Aww... That's amazing...!

Jade: Guys look at the second lot...

And the beam goes on...

And another set of laser beams...

Laureo: That's grams and T-Roll...

Lot number three...

Everybody: Gerard and Lillian...!

More laser beams...

Lot number four...

Everybody: That's....

Edgar: Hope and me...!

Lot number five...

Maxwell: That's Laureo and me!

Lot number six...

Larry: That's Andi and me...

Lot number seven...

Tim: I guess it's Brianna and me...

Lot number eight...

Berry: That's Alani and me...

Lot number nine

Victoria: I hope that's Russell and me...

Lot number ten...

Lavender: That's Nael and me! Woot!

Everybody: Wow! We made it!!! Woot! Woot!

Jade: Congratulations, guys and girls! You've done it! Awesome! And now it's party time! Let's go dance!

Scot: Can I kidnap you for a moment?

Jade: Hehe... Where to?

Scot: Not far...

Jade: Okay... Let's go!

Jade: Wow! You did that?

Scot: Yep!

Jade: But you were with me all the time...

Scot: I can organize... Can't I?

Jade: Awesome....!

Jade: So, what do you think of this place?

Scot: Oh, it’s ok. One day, if I have time and the money, I’d like to build a place kinda like this.

Jade: One day? Like when you’re an elder?

Scot: I don’t know. Does it matter?

Jade: Of course it does.

Scot: Why? So you can be rich and live in a palace?

Jade: Well, maybe.

Scot: That’s not how I operate. I work hard for what I want, but I’m doing it for me. And if we’re going to marry one day, I’d do it for you and any kids we might have. But I don’t know what will happen in the future. For me, it’s up in the air. I like that. Of course, I’ll ensure our needs are met, but beyond that, life is an adventure.

Jade: You’re not even sure you’ll marry me?

Scot: Do you know for sure about me?

Jade shakes her head.

Scot: See? We have to get to know each other better.

He scoots closer, pulling her into his sitting space. She tries to ignore him.

Jade: Well, your future sounds like a meager life.

Scot: Maybe, maybe not.

Jade: But you don’t know what’s coming. Don’t you want to be able to plan your future?

Scot: Nope. That’s the fun. It’s an adventure. An expedition to places unknown. It’ll be awesome!

Jade: Where do you want to go first?

Scot: Don’t know. Maybe the pyramids or Venice. They both sound romantic.

He kisses her hair, smelling the lilac and jasmine. She tries not to shiver. It was getting harder to ignore his presence.

Jade: Venice sounds amorous. I’d be up for that adventure. I’m sure we could find a tour guide.

Scot: Nope. Let’s find our own way. I’m sure we could find some places no one has ever seen before.

Jade: Maybe we could ride one of those boats.

Scot: Maybe.

She looks up, imagining them together on a gondola. He kisses her soft lips, which he feels are pleading with him to do so. She pushes away a little, but he pulls her closer, kissing her with a fierce passion he’d never had before--for anyone. Jade yields to him for a moment but realizes she’s enjoying this too much and pushes him away. This time he lets go.

Jade: Jerk!

She stands up.

Scot: You couldn’t resist. I’ve been told it’s hard to do so with me. Has anyone ever told you how--

Jade: --amazing my mouth is. Yes. All the time. I gotta go now.

Scot: Not even one more kiss?

Jade: Nope.

Scot: Are you sure?

He stands up and takes a few steps towards her. His hand tugs on hers. She yanks it away, and then turns around, walking a few steps. She stops at his voice.

Scot: Jade, I’m sorry.

Jade: For what?

He takes a step forward.

Scot: For the kiss. I shouldn’t have been like that.

Jade: Yeah, probably not. But…

He takes another step, touching her shoulders slightly. He whispers.

Scot: You enjoyed it.

Jade nods.

Scot: I’m sorry. I know it’s not easy being with me. But it’s worth a shot. We’re good together. Really good. I can feel it.

Jade turns around, feeling their bodies touch. She lifts her head, and they’re eyes collide. He drops his mouth to hers but pulls back as their lips whisper to each other.

Scot: Can I kiss you?

Jade takes a half step toward him in an answer. He lowers his head again, kissing her like morning dew covers a rose. 

Soft and sweet it continues. At last, Scot pulls back for fear of what could happen if they don’t stop.

Scot: I th-thought you had to go.

Jade takes a breath in and puts her shaky fingers to her mouth. As their heart beats try to sync, she runs away.

It can take time for trust to fully intertwine with another heart, especially one as non-committal as Scot’s.

They went back to the dancing floor... 

And they dancing the night away...

                                               ************EPILOQUE*************

 After midnight 'fore the dawn.

Light is dead and Night is worn with

Gloom that stops them seeing far

The candlelight's their shooting star.

Make a wish on candlelight

Your deep desire's darkness bright

Will light the way to Heaven's bell

Whose silent chimes no secrets tell

But laugh at those who keep and sell

Bound fast within their lovers' spell

And trade away their dizzy hearts;

Their sturdy ends for shaky starts

Lavender chuckles dizzily to herself. She smiles as she glances at the flickering flame by her bedside. The clock strikes midnight.

An unconscious decision floats to the surface. Turning in the current as a branch in the tide, rippling as a liquid moon. Made and unmade....

Lavender: Gah! What is wrong with me? This is not right.

Lavender pulls herself to focus. Fully aware, she considers Nael. His dark brim... Of his hat... which covered twin blue... Eyes. Not moons. Eyes. Which he saw out of. He's also not here. In the room. Not by eyes.

Lavender shudders.

She blows out the candle and returns to bed.

Lavender awakens with a flame flickering beside her.

She blows it out carefully, then crosses to the window, throwing the curtain open. A starry sky greets her.

The clock strikes one.

Lavender: I slept for an hour. Okay, then.

Lavender: ........

Lavender: I'm... Cool with that.

Lavender glanced over to the puff of smoke above her candle. She feels the wax...

Lavender: Still warm. Someone lit this again. Right... I blew it out. I blew it out.

Lavender crosses the room and opens the door, and peers down the hallway. A sense of foreboding engulfs her form. She sighs and steps out as the world spins around her.

The kitchen lights grow dim as Lavender opens the fridge door. Darkness pours out as her hands reach for the milk sleeping within. A quick glass before bed, yes?

Lavender: Or was it after bed? I can't..

She clamps the vessel between her palms and holds it up carefully. Relaxation washes over her as she steps into it. The garden beckons.

Trees dance under wind and cold. The moon is full below. The grass sways underfoot, or perhaps above.

Lavender: Goodness, it is white out.

Lavender holds the milk jug tenderly and carefully, peacefully aware of the gloomy light. The moonlight. The starlight filling the trees with... Fruit. Beautiful light on a beautiful night. Lavender giggles.

She follows the light around herself, letting it enrobe her as... A winter cape? Of... Frost? Or... Warmth. Summer? Summery winter.

She staggers forward, confused.

A pool of moonlight fills before her, casting a white mirror over herself. A young woman, no older than sixteen years stands with her back towards our Lavender. She is silent, vigilant... But walks away. 

Lavender stares after her, then follows, spilling milk from the jug in distraction as another pool of moonlight forms upon her path.

A little girl now, with soft, light hair, cast in shadow. She giggles, running farther away towards an oak at the end of the lawn. Lavender skips after her, intrigued. Milk flows as a river to mark her path... A river path. Walking on... Milk. Or... Water?

Lavender: No... Not water. Grass. Flowers.

A small toddler, clothed in frost... Or was it light? Darkness? The shadow of a flame, perhaps. All light is dark when all is light, and yet none is. Perhaps it doesn't matter, for it is not matter, yet most matter is not....

Lavender: Shut up!

Fudge, sorry. Anyway, the toddler moves towards the bottom of the garden. Lavender crawls after her eagerly now, dodging white flowers in the path of the oak.

She halts.

Under the shadow of the oak stands a tall woman... A baby nestling in her arms. The baby's hair is a soft lilac... Lavender smiles wistfully as she watches her suckling... Milk. A gift from a mother... A gift of life. Purer than any stream, waterfall, rain shower.

Lavender gazes into the silver eyes of the woman before her. The young lady. The little girl. The small toddler. Gathering before her under a tree of starlight. 

A soft spark of recognition finds our Lavender's heart, before a cloud covers the moon, casting a spell of darkness once more.

Lavender lets the milk jug fall from her arms. It shatters into crystals... Diamonds... Ice. Milk dregs spray around Lavenders' tiny feet, as she sighs with regret.

What do you see, Lavender?

Lavender opens her eyes, wide, focused.

A tree stump lies before her. 

Lavender turns away towards darkness.

Lavender: I see....

Lavender: I saw people.... They looked like me. A teen... A girl... A baby... A mother.

I showed them to you.

Lavender: Why? How?

I wanted to.

Lavender: I... Thought you were my narrator. You're not real!

I am not your narrator, Lavender, I have never been. I do not speak your words, I simply see, and describe, what your eyes, and his eyes do not feel, see. The eye is but a physical, meaningless property. I see without eyes, by the moonlight. Ears mean little. You hear me by your heart, your teller, your Rosey. But I am not Rosey, and neither are you.

Lavender: You've lost me.

I never had you, Lavender. I never could, as you are not me, nor real. But I guide you.. As you're under my eye I shall guide.

Lavender: Are you real?

That is up to you. You are the writer of your own story, not I. I am simply a companion. I have spoken as your narrator, but I am not. Such a silly thing, speech. All those meaty descriptions? That was me.

Lavender: But...

I shouldn't be talking to you. But yet, I'm not. Because this is your mind's eye. Your corporeal subconscious. Don't think of this conversation as more than it is. Open your eye, and tell me: What do you see?

Lavender: I see...

The moon returns from its prison free, beaming down over the garden in peace. Lavender blinks her eyes as a figure stands before her. Nael's cold breath touches her as she looks up at his face.

Lavender: I see you, Nael.

He is silent... As she takes his hands... My hands.

The sky explodes above them as we step out together. Stepping out; Out of step. The wind whistles a tune as we sweep over the grass. Stars above burst and shudder, some of them falling, some flying. 

Dancing with our two to the song of the wind.


                                                    ******************************

Lavender awakens the next morning in the garden... Cold. She gasps as she looks around her. Snow. Whiteness. Morning sunlight shines and reflects off the chill of shattered ice.

Her arm brushes something warm and waxy next to her. A candle. A promise. Burning despite the snow. She smiles at its little flame... Beating.

She picks it up and carries it inside, closing the door behind her.

The End

Thank you girls and guys for a wonderful season. And thank you also for the newcomers... Hope you enjoyed it!

Until the new season!