He's That Summer Breeze

Annual Country Festival

Pulling up to the festival in Uncle Hank's Chevy was quite the sight might I tell you. It was held at a large empty chunk of land filled with big trees and old buildings, towards the edge of town. Uncle Hank was telling me this is the place to see everyone in Nowhere in Particular all at once. I tried to imagine how many people there could be, which I imagined wouldn't be much, but this town is full of surprises. Once we were parked, Zach, Uncle Hank, and I began to walk towards all the supposed exciting festivities.

To give you an idea of what this grand festival looked like, just imagine string lights and colored lanterns hung up in the trees like small fairies, colorful booths set up for games, a massive dance floor, a stage where a band was in the middle of playing upbeat country music, and people of all ages and appearances laughing and smiling.

Most people were wearing leather cowboy boots and a nice sundress, or a button up shirt. People began to file out of the parking area towards the festival, and I didn't see anyone without a smile on their face. This really must be something to look forward to. I myself was wearing the same dress Rachael picked out for me yesterday with the help of Miss Tate, and I had my hair and make-up done to the best of my ability. I looked over to Zach who was walking right beside me. He wore the green flannel I had previously helped him with and cowboy boots he apparently owned, but never had the chance to wear until now. He looked as good as always. My mind couldn't help but to wander to the kiss we had shared only hours prior. My cheeks became warm from the thought.

On the other hand, Uncle Hank seemed to have a new air about him. His strides became longer and he held himself with what seemed to be a new confidence.

I leaned toward my Uncle saying, "You sure clean up well Uncle Hank, the ladies won't be able to take their eyes off of you tonight!"

He put his arm around my shoulder and hugged me towards him while we continued to walk,"You sure I don't look like one of em' ridiculous rednecks that try to be classy?"

I laughed,"I don't know what that looks like, but I think you look great."

He smiled then kissed the top of my head. He then said,"This is why you're my favorite niece."

"Uncle Hank I'm your only niece." I looked up at him hoping he was joking.

"Exactly." He then went on with that wheezy laugh he has and soon enough I was laughing myself.

We continued on towards the festival when I felt a hand intertwine with my own. I looked down at the calloused and paint stained hand of Zach and smiled to myself. I looked up at him and saw him looking straight ahead with a content smile on his face. He sure did look handsome in the fading, evening light.

Round tables surrounded the dance floor, where people began to seat themselves and head over to either dance or fill up on greasy treats. Uncle Hank stopped and introduced us to several of his friends from town, all of them equally or almost as loud. We gradually made our way over to the tables and seated ourselves towards the edge of the dance floor because Uncle Hank claimed the ladies could "spot him easier" or whatever he had in mind.

I was sitting and listening to the music and admiring all of the lights, while Zach was getting us both a plate of food. Uncle Hank meanwhile was somewhere roaming around being a social butterfly.

"Hey... It's Callia right?" I turned around in my chair to see who the deep voice belonged to and recognized him to be the guy who worked at the general store.

"Yeah! And you're Josh?" He stood there with one hand on the chair next to me leaning his weight against it. He wore a white button up with the sleeves rolled up and blue jeans and cowboy boots. He sure looked like he came out of a southern romance movie. I noticed a few girls on the other side of the dance floor glaring over at me and giggling at him.