The Brooch

It Was A Mistake

Now it appeared like not a soul, with the exception of Mrs. Crowder of course, was not to be found anywhere but at that reception in Ponchas Avenue Row, that very joyous Sunday afternoon. In fact, seemed like the whole town was squashed into that tented backyard. And as big as the not so young, and never been married, Miss Millie Wexler's yard was, I'm sure, she could have fit the entire citizens of Orange Haven and Eden's shore too if she so desired. Why next to Mrs. Crowder, her house was the next largest in Ponchas. That ailed Mrs. Crowder something fierce. But that's for another tale.

So you see, that's how easy it was for Maple to escape and be unseen. At least for the time being. Besides, all eyes, but two, were focused on the new brides and their grooms.

While the musicians played and Daddy Woods seemed to be the life of the party, happily stuffing his belly full and talking up a storm, Tator and Mama Woods both searched for a missing and evidently hiding Maple...

Momentarily relieving himself from the chase, an entertained Tator, started to make himself comfortable at the reception. But it was short lived, as he almost encountered an aggressive peeking Jeffy. Nonetheless, before Jeffy could even get near him, a one Miss Georgia Pine made her advances and temporarily stole him away...Tator couldn't have been more delighted...

When Maple finally resurfaced, she purposely remained hidden away from her Mama's eyes. She wanted to deal with Tator first.

Just as Tator started to munch down on the plate he had just made, Maple grabbed him and pulled him out of sight. She took his hand and led him inside. They found themselves down a long hallway into the now empty, Miss Millie's house and into an old storage room. Ain't no doubt Tator was about to jump out of his skin with joy. But before he could, Maple closed the door making sure no one was near.

While he stood in the middle of that room, Maple was still leaning on the door. She mumbled something to herself. She took in a deep breath and turned around.

In swiftness, she started to walk up to an anticipating Tator. Before Tator could get one word out... she smacked him right dab in the kisser! She smacked him good! In fact you could say she fed that unsuspecting Tator, a knuckle sandwich! A bloody one at that!

"Well how you like that?" Tator fussed grabbing at his now sore jaw and wiping his lip.

"It's whut you git!" Maple hissed! "And don't thank I won't do it again!" She hollered trying to hide the pain from her now throbbing knuckles. "You thank you can threaten me and my family and get away with it? You got another thang comin! I ain't that little girl you first met some time ago!"

"Well how else was I supposed to see you, Maple? You been ignoring me! Let alone not givin me the time of day!" Tator bickered back.

"Why should I even give you one second of my time?!?" Maple growled. "I don't even like you!"

"That ain't whut yo lips said from the last time we talked! Or moreover didn't talk." Tator fussed.

"Don'tchu ever brang that day up again! That wuz a sure fire mistake!"

"Mistake my Fannie hide! You're the one, Maple, that kissed me first! I just returned you the favor!"

"Likely story!" Maple fussed shoving Tator away from her. "That kiss meant nuthin then... and it sure as heck's fire means nuthin now!"

"Liar!" Tator said walking up to Maple with an inquisitive grin.

Wrapping his finger around her dark locks.

"I know whut that kiss wuz." He said staring deep into her eyes.

For a moment.... Just one moment that is, it looked like Tator was gonna kiss her again. And it even looked like Maple was gonna let him. But just as quickly as he leaned in, Maple stomped on his foot. Tator yelped so loud, Miss Millie's schnauzer went to howling in the backyard.