SUNSHINE - COLE WALTER

006.

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"Oh wow... What is it again?" Jamie asks, curiosity evident in her voice, as Will reveals a large wooden box.

"Abigail Walter sold cider to weary prospectors with this very cart during the Colorado Gold Rush. And her grandson, Bernard Walter, used it for bootlegging," Will informs her.

"Allegedly. Though, I will admit, his nickname was Boozy Bernie," Alex chimes in with a mischievous grin.

"These days, we only wheel it out on special occasions," Will explains.

"And that includes... football games?" Jamie asks, her confusion evident.

"This isn't just any ordinary football game, okay? This is homecoming. Bighorns versus Hawks. A gridiron rivalry over 100 years old. Did you not have homecoming back East?" Will replies.

"My old school didn't have a football team. Or boys," Jamie admits.

"Well, it's good small-town fun. You know, working the cart at Homecoming Huddle has kind of become a Walter rite of passage. And it's for charity. We do it every year," Will adds.

"Still confused as to why Jamie and I need a babysitter to see apple cider," Alex teases, causing Jamie to giggle.

"You'll be glad I'm there if it springs a leak or rolls down Main Street or something. Okay, Butch Cassidy. Give me a hand here," Will requests from the two.

Jamie moves to leave the barn but pauses at the door when she spots Cole talking to Parker. A small smile appears on her face, witnessing his caring nature, but it quickly fades as she remembers what he said to her.

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"I apologize for the wait. It seems we're experiencing some technical difficulties. Please come back later," Jamie says, causing the man to groan in frustration. She walks over to Alex, who was attempting to fix the tap, and asks, "Anything from Will?"

"Uh, I sent him a text, but I haven't heard back," Alex responds as the event begins. "Wanna go check out the chaos?"

"I don't think we should leave the cart unattended," Jamie hesitates.

"The cart has survived worse," Alex assures her, convincing Jamie to give in and join him in watching the stage. They maneuver their way through the crowd to get a better view as the cheer team performs.

"As you can see, there are many different ways to show your school spirit," Alex comments, observing a man passing by with a painted chest and no shirt. "So, what are your thoughts on homecoming?"

"Well, I know absolutely nothing about football. My dad and I were huge Knicks fans. But it's impossible to ignore the excitement in the air. What happens if the Bighorns lose?" Jamie asks, looking at Alex for an answer.

"There's a week-long mourning period, and then the cycle begins anew," he jests. "I'm guessing the thought of becoming a cheerleader has never crossed your mind?"

"So, you don't envision me waving pom poms in a short skirt? I'm hurt that you would think that," Jamie jokes.

"Funny. But no, I don't see you as a cheerleader, and I like that about you," Alex says, his eyes locked with Jamie's. Her face brightens with a small smile, appreciating his comment as the show continues.

As they make their way back towards the cart, Jamie hears her name being called.

"Jamie! Jamie!" Maddy exclaims, finally catching up to her.

"Hey Maddy, what's up?" Jamie greets her.

"You have to come help me with my stand. I can't keep up. Please, please," Maddy pleads.

Jamie looks to Alex, seeking his approval, and receives a nod indicating it's okay.

"Okay, just let me find Jackie to assist Alex. I'll meet you there," Jamie says, making plans as she pulls out her phone to text Jackie.

While Jamie walks back with Alex, engaged in conversation, she spots Jackie.

"Hey, do you mind helping Alex? I told Maddy I would assist her," Jamie asks her sister.

"Yeah, of course," Jackie agrees.

"Great, I'll just grab my stuff," Jamie says as the three head back toward the cart, only to notice Cole serving the cider.

"I thought you weren't coming," Alex comments to his brother.

"I had a change of heart," Cole responds.

"That would require you to have one," Alex retorts.

"Hey, I'm happy to leave," Cole says.

"But another pair of hands couldn't hurt. And he did fix the cart, right, Alex?" Jackie interjects.

"Right," Alex confirms.

"Well, I'm off," Jamie declares, avoiding Cole's gaze.

Jamie walks over to Maddy's stand, only to find it empty.

"Where is everyone?" Jamie inquiries, confused.

"Yeah, I lied," Maddy confesses, causing Jamie to look at her with wide eyes.

"Why?" Jamie asks.

"Because I saw Cole at the Walter cart and thought you wouldn't want to work with him," Maddy admits, eliciting a smile from Jamie.

"Thank you."

"Although maybe I should keep Jackie away as well," Maddy suggests, glancing over to see the two of them standing very close.

"Yeah, I'm not sure what's happening there," Jamie remarks, her eyes fixated on the pair.

After a while, Jamie looks up to see Cole on stage, making a grand gesture of putting himself up for bid, which sends the crowd into a frenzy. However, amidst Cole's words, Jamie can't help but feel uncomfortable under his intense gaze, as if he's specifically looking at her.

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"Hey, can I ask you something?" Jamie said to Jackie as they settled into their room after getting home.

"Of course, what's up?" Jackie turned towards her sister, ready to listen.

"Is there something going on between you and Cole?" Jamie asked, trying to sound casual.

Jackie chuckled and shook her head. "No, absolutely nothing."

Jamie's concern lingered as she spoke again. "Well, just be cautious. He may not be as charming as he seems."

Jackie's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Jamie paused, choosing her words carefully. "I'm just saying, it's important to be mindful and aware when getting close to someone new."

Jackie felt a sense of unease creeping in, sensing there might be more to Jamie's warning. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind." Her voice held a tinge of uncertainty.

Without elaborating further, Jamie excused herself, heading towards the bathroom for a shower. As the water ran, she silently hoped that her sister understood the underlying concern behind her words, knowing that it would ultimately be up to Jackie to make her own choices.

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