The Harper Generations: Country Roads

We salute you

Misty

We loaded into the cars and headed to the fair. Grandpa Fuller and Grandma Naomi rode in Grandpa's truck with the dozen pies in the bed. Thomas and Davis hitched the cattle trailer to Thomas's truck and loaded a few Angus cows inside. Grandpa was showcasing them at the fair so he could sell some later. Virginia loaded homemade quilts to display. The rest of us were going for the food.

We drove for half an hour until we arrived at the fairgrounds. Everyone pulled in and found a spot to park. I got out of my dad's car with Tino. Everyone exited their vehicles as the cousins and the girls approached us. They glanced around at the fairgrounds.

"When you said we were going to a fair, I figured it would have rides," Preston said.

"The fairs in West Virginia aren't like the ones back home. The locals display their crafts, baked goods, and animals." I said, rolling my eyes.

"Oh, so something boring to attend. Good to know," Ryan said, rolling his eyes.

"Well, they have a talent contest and pageant. One girl gets a crown and reigns as Miss Tucker County for a year."

"Do they have special privileges like Miss America or something?" River asked.

"Beats me. I never paid much attention when we attended a fair." I shrugged.

"Then, what's the point? It sounds like a girl wants to brag about wearing a stupid crown," Michael said.

"The girls down here take the pageants seriously."

"Good for them. It's like the homecoming or prom queen who thinks they're special when they're not," Preston said.

"With that attitude, no wonder no one picked you as homecoming or prom king," Ryan told Preston.

"Like I care." Preston shrugged, his thumbs hooked in his front jeans pockets.

"I don't know about anyone else, but I don't want to stand around here doing nothing," Lena said.

"I wouldn't mind checking out everything," Chelle said.

"You boys have fun with your griping. We're checking out the fair," Kass told the guys.

The girls walked away to check out the different exhibits.

"Leave it to the girls to leave us to fend for ourselves," River said.

"Can you blame them? I would leave us, too, if my dad would give me the car keys," Michael said.

"I'm getting some food before I shock someone," Ryan said, heading to a concession stand.

"I need to check in with my dad before he thinks someone kidnapped me." River rolled his eyes.

"I'll go with you," Michael said.

River and Michael head off to find Rafe so he doesn't think someone kidnapped River. I'm sure they would give back River if they did. Tino's family worries too much. It's not like anyone wants the former brothers. Have you met the Gray brothers? They make Chucky seem like a cakewalk.

"How is it everyone scatters when we go somewhere?" Tino asked.

"It's better than standing around with our dicks in our hands." Preston shrugged.

"For a future minister, you have one hell of a mouth on you."

"I'll ask God for forgiveness later. Let's scope out the place before our parents get wise to our plan." Preston clapped his hands together and rubbed them.

Let the games begin.

*******
Valentino

While Ryan, River, and Michael were doing God knows what, we scoped out the fairgrounds. In one section, there was a wooden structure with different animals. Another area had a building. Concession stands peppered the fairgrounds, with Porta John's off to the side. Then, we noticed a stage with curtains and bleacher seats. That must be the pageant stage.