Youth's Dew

Chapter 2

Heif

I'm flying solo for the first time in my adult life. Joven and I usually hang out all Summer Solstice Celebration week. Playing games, hitting the Hot Springs pond, visiting friends and basically not acting our age— good times, good times. Maybe I can get some of Karmony's attention, now that Joven is off the market. Speaking of which, where is she? She's 5'7", how hard can she be to find? I start scanning the area and discover what a definition of "disaster in action" would look like in a dictionary.

Oh no, Karmony did not just approach Joven's new wife, did she? Yes, she sure did. I see her standing on the bridge with Pann, and Joven nowhere in sight. What was he thinking? I warned him of "TSU-NA-MI" Karmony! This can't be good, two girls talking who just met, and I know for a fact one of those girls is a tad bitter about not being the new Mrs. Ainsworth.

I continue scanning the cavern area— and there Joven is, surrounded by the entire City Council, like sharks circling a boat with fish bait. This is bad, really, really, bad. Like when a plane's engines just died in midflight; there are no parachutes, the flight attendant is refusing to let us use the bathroom, and our oxygen masks are really balloons filled with helium. No one is surviving this plane crash. Rushing forward, I must go in and run interference, before too much damage is done. Joven is on his own with the council members, but I can assist with removing Karmony from his new wife.

Weaving amongst my fellow Dewbies, I often lose sight of the bridge. Small glimpses allow for only a quick view, but the bridge is getting closer. Success! I've made it to the arched wooden bridge, hurrying until I reach the top and look up. Great! No Karmony, she took off, and I'm now faced with the "scene of the crime." I glance around looking for the police tape and outline of the dead body. Gazing at Pann's face, maybe there is no reason to be alarmed. Pann is smiling and even greets me with a hug. Whew!

"Hey Pann! Congrats on marrying Joven, he's a great guy. Did I— umm just see Karmony leave?" secretly praying I've just become near-sighted in my old age, and maybe it's just a case of mistaken identity.

"Yes, I just met her, she seems great! I was so excited to meet another one of Joven's best friends, she even helped me better understand what some of the traditions from this night are about. We're planning on shopping or eating out some time."

Hang me on a hook! This is so much worse than I thought. That was a lot of information, when so few words were said. Rubbing my head, trying not to panic, think Heif and talk— she's waiting for you to talk. Don't scare your best friend's new wife, thank goodness she doesn't know where the exit or stun guns are located.

"Yep, Karmony is great, we've known each other for years. She's the dental hygienist here in town, and leads the kick-boxing classes at the gym. About ya'll hanging out, you might want to check with Joven first." Crap! Her eyes shot to her eyebrows. Good grief Heif! You DO NOT tell a wife she needs her husband's permission. Keep this up and Joven will be single and free to chill with me by Monday.

"Check with Joven"???? "Why would I need to do that? Is there some absolute male thumping power trip going on down here? Am I to be kept at home and let out on the weekends only?" she states with hands on hips and feet tapping.

Not good, not good.

Abort mission!

Every man for himself!

Hang me on a hook!

"No! No, I didn't' mean that or whatever way it sounded." I wave my hands in a defensive move, silently pleading my innocence in all things female, trying to back pedal, but her eyebrows have just about reached her hairline. "No, what I meant was with....."

"Hey Mrs. Ainsworth," Joven walks up, slides his arm around her waist and busses her cheek. He hasn't got a clue he's entering a war zone.

Signs should be posted saying, "DANGER Wife on final countdown to launch!" What to do? Think quick Heif. Be supportive, you can fix this, be the best friend that's strong and dependable, one who laughs in the face of danger.

"Later, guys!" I yell and— I'm off that bridge and walking away faster from the military tank I just threw Joven under.

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Author's note: Poor Joven, he has no idea what he's fixing to walk into. Karmony is up to no good, Pann seems to be floundering in her new life, and Heif unknowingly made things worse. Any guesses on what will happen next? Will we ever get to the wedding night?

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