Dancing in the Oaks

Hoedown

My mom didn't seem to be happy about me going to the town hoedown, which I understand. I know that I would be safe if I just stayed by Nicholas. I did not know that his mother was one of 'em who disappeared. I still can't help myself but dwell on the whole number 12 thing.

Here's my list so far:

-Every twelve years someone is murdered
-Every 12th month is the town hoedown
-Every 12 months someone disappears on the night of the hoedown
-Nick and I are exactly 12 months apart on October 12th
-The Merchants were 12 months apart
-Every 12 years the big red barn is caught on fire
-The barn is caught on fire at 12 AM
-The murder happens at 12 AM the day before, 24 hours
-October 12

The list just keeps getting worse. I don't like the fact that our beautiful 28 acres could catch a blaze tonight. Livin' in the countryside is simple, but not at the same time. This is beginning to be scary.

I drove the 2006 Chevy farm truck to the hoedown at Farmer Joe's place. I just sat in the truck for a while before walking out. There were a lot of people there that I knew. Basil, a friend from high school, was there. Mary White, who lives just across from my family's land, was there. I did see Haldon Jones there. He is a peach farmer and sells them at the farmers market. At first I couldn't find Nicholas, but soon found him drinking Farmer Joe's watermelon mint juice. "Hey Norah! Everything alright?" I'm pretty sure that the entire 48 hours I've known him he has only worn a black and red plaid shirt. It makes me laugh because that means he is simple and does not care about that 'city stuff.  I purposefully wore my red plaid shirt. "Huh. It looks like you have the same red shirt as me. You did that on purpose didn't ya?" His face lit up as the sun touched it.

"I actually did do that on purpose. I brought a cinnamon peach pie!" I smiled. "So, why did the Merchants move away? I thought you said it was due to their business tanking." My mind yearned to know more and Nick was the only source of information at this point. I thought that maybe I could use him for information.

"No, I meant financially and emotionally. Their business was declining because no one would stop by anymore. They died, Norah." His eyes permeated my soul. I could feel the sorrow and the worry coming from his eyes. They were conveying messages without words.

"They died in my house? No you're lying!" I gave a confused face and threw up my arms. My eyes had to have been as big as the sun and my jaw dropped to the ground.

"Yes it is true. The husband died on December 12th. The wife was going to sell off everything because she couldn't afford it or physically complete tasks alone. The sorrow got to her too much. They ruled it as a heartbreak and stress related. After he died from good ol' cardiac arrest, precisely 12 days later that was the end of the Merchant legacy.  It's really a sad story. It is true that both died in your home."

I couldn't help but have tears pour down my face. "That's why I have always felt uncomfortable in the house. I love the place, and wouldn't trade it for anything. I just feel so uncomfortable walking in and staying in the house. It's almost a sad feeling." I couldn't even compose my words. "That's... just too coincidental. Nick... I."

"I know it's a lot to take in. That's a tough thing. What's the reason behind this whole thing?" I could tell he felt bad for me.

I got a drink of the watermelon mint juice straight from Joe's garden. It tasted so heavenly. It was as if my taste buds were going crazy. Walking around while drinking juice and crying is just too hard. "Nicholas?" I asked while my cheeks turned pink. The juice left a sweet taste in my mouth, but my breath smelled of mint. The beverage was smooth and cold as it traveled down my throat.

"Yeah?" He cleared his throat.

"I don't know what I'm gonna do when I go home 'night. What's gonna happen? The barn... I cannot take this. Replacing a 50,000 dollar barn. My parents have medical bills that go to Tallahassee. We have so many animals that can be lined up from Oak Ridge to Memphis. If that barn burned down, my parents would sell everything. I wouldn't be able to see you or my animals. Nick, I would have to say goodbye! I cannot do that." I just silently cried while standing under the Oak tree next to Nick. "This is making me physically sick!" He gave me a hug and I couldn't believe it. His hug was comforting, yet strong. My body shook in sadness in his arms. My arms were under his arms and my hands rested on his shoulder blades. It was short, but I felt better.