Split Love

CHAPTER 2

FRIDAY, April 20, 2018

The 'Annual Spring Fair' was popular in the state, and with several cities participating, Willow Creek couldn't be off the itinerary. That weekend it was the turn of the valley's citadels to shelter the tourists who would come to visit the fair. Willow Creek brought together local vendors and farmers to display their wares. There were craft workshops, weaving demonstrations, crochet classes, wool sales by the farmers, and even visits to some barns with newborn sheep, sheep shearing, and some crazy competitions.

And like every other year, Jasmine Davenport was one of the decorating volunteers. She had been using her artistic gifts for two weeks now, drawing, painting, and writing signposts, among other things. What does the mayor's wife, Mrs. Nora Lockwood, and the other people in the organization ask, Jamie did her best.

After arranging the books on their respective shelves, Jamie went back to reception to finalize some details of the drawings. Only when the church clock struck 2pm was it time to close the Library and move everything to the main square, where the other volunteers and organizers were.

As she locked the library door, a warm conversation caught her attention. The voice was strong and its tone conveyed anger. Jamie didn't have to look around to see who was causing all the fuss. On the next corner, it was possible to see a man with one hand holding the cell phone close to his ear and the other moving frantically in the air.

He was clearly not from there. Other residents also looked up as they passed the man in black. He contrasts with the calm and light climate of the city.

For a minute Jamie felt mesmerized, her hand still gripping the key in the door lock. She couldn't stop staring at him - the way he paced right and left, the way his right hand ruffled his dark hair before gesturing in the air again. That mysterious man had a strong and somewhat frightening voice.

Jamie felt an icy shiver run down her spine as some children ran past and one of them bumped into her leg.
Her heart raced causing her to take her hands to her chest and the keys fell to the floor.

- What did I say about running in the streets? It's dangerous! You three, get back here now! - The children's mother ran past and screamed. In her arms were some paper bags from Smith's Market.

Jamie took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She bent down to pick up her keys and before she even got up, her eyes searched for the man on the phone. But there was no one else there. She concentrated so she could hear the voice that had been arguing and cursing a few seconds ago, but the only thing she could hear was the children's laughter as their mother yelled at them to stop.

- Stop it, Jamie. You have many things to do. - She whispered to herself. Curiosity was vast, but Jamie ignored it and headed to the town square.

Willow Creek's main square was huge, it could easily be considered a small park. The exhibition tents were already set up, as well as the various food stalls. Everything seemed to be ready, but Jamie knew better. Nora Lockwood was meticulous about details.

And as soon as Jamie was getting close to the place, Nora's voice could be heard giving instructions for the organization of the Festival.

- Finally, you're here! - The mayor's wife placed a large box in Jamie's arms as soon as they found themselves in front of the gazebo. - I thought you would never close that Library. We've got a big weekend ahead of us Jamie, the books are for another time.