Piece Of Cake~ A Teaberry Chronicle(COMPLETED BOOK I.)

XVI. Festival Of Founders

April 1st, 2016

Founders Festival at Teaberry Square~

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"Welcome to the Ten Year Anniversary of the Founder's Festival. Now I know we are all excited to bring back such a wonderful tradition. Due to past circumstances...the festival was put on hold for ten long years, but I am proud to announce that the Founders Festival has returned....and is here to stay. Welcome all Teaberrians and enjoy!" Mayor Duncan speech rang out over the microphone, his tone nervous as he holds the giant scissors and prepares to cut the red ribbon. "On second thought, Ivvy...would you do the honors? After all it was your family's festival and think it only right that you cut the ribbon."

Snapped from my thoughts, I hear Mayor Duncan call my name as I'm standing to the side just off of the make shift stage next to Hikari, who is holding my hand. Hikari gives me a look of "go ahead" as he lets go of my hand. Watching the could of locals glare daggers at me for bring back such a tradition, they can all kiss my ass. This is something I should have done years ago, but circumstances prevented me from it.

I inhale a deep breath and step up to the front of  the stage as Mayor Duncan puts the large golden scissors in my hands. Placing the open scissor blade over the ribbon, I look to the crowd. "Duvain....a name well known in this small town known as Teaberry. A proud family name. A family who began as colonists, breaking away from the puritans that came to the new world and building a home on new lands. Becoming a community that joined together to create a place for people to raise families of their own and make a new life separate from the puritans that landed on Plymouth Rock. Thriving and growing until now, the Duvain name was scattered to the four winds ten years ago. A name I had forsaken because I had lost those who were dear to me."

              I stop for a moment as I feel the tears trying to surface. I hold them back as my hands are shaking. "But I stand here now in memory of my father, his father before him, and my ancestors who founded Teaberry. To say that I will not let the Duvain name die with them. The Founders Festival......IS HERE TO STAY!" As I say those last words I cut the ribbon. The children cheered as their parents scowled, yet joined in despite how they felt. Handing the scissors to Mayor Duncan, I keep my composure and leave the stage. Katy waved near the door of the cake shoppe as I spot her from where I stood.

I already asked her why she didn't show up the other day, but she gave the "I wasn't feeling good" excuse, so I dropped it. Everyone enjoys the festivities as children run through the street checking out every game booth available. As I came closer to the cake shop I over hear that old hag running her mouth. "This whole thing is a farce. She acts as if she is doing this town a service by bringing back the Founders Festival. We would be better off if her family name disappeared from existence." Hearing her words made me furious as I clutch my fist.

                     Before I could say anything, Hikari touched my shoulders, making me turn to face him. "You okay?" He asks with a smile. I let go of my anger and smile at him with closed eyes. "Yeah, I'm gonna go clean up shop and close it down. I should have done it this morning,but-" Hikari places a finger on my lips to hush my rambling. "Are you sure you're okay?" He asks again as he furrows his brow. I nod to reassure him as he pulls me into a hug. I kept thinking of what people were saying under their breath as Hikari holds me close. "Don't let them bother you." He whispers, then releases me from his arms. I turn to walk toward the shop, leaving Hikari to handle the Festival in my absence.

Hikari's POV~

Watching her walk away from the middle of the chaotic festivities, I think about how releived I am that I haven't seen Akito lately. I know he is still here, no way he would just tuck tail and run home so easily. As I walk to the pie throwing booth, I was stopped by Mrs. Prockter. 'What the fuck does she want.' I thought as she stood in front of me, a look of pompous superiority written all over her face.