Billy was dragged by one of the boys, whom he could not identify in the dark. After a couple of minutes, all movement from the pack of boys stopped. The six kids encircled him in the field. The only source of light were the stars, moon, and the fireflies that floated around them. Billy would've admired the enchanting scene if he wasn't being ganged up on by the Holeman boys.
"Mama and Papa seem to accept ya into the house for the night, but we're not lettin' you in until we trust ya." Karl announced into the night.
Billy found that fair, and shrugged even though he doubted the boys could see him.
"Mama and Papa been hurt before. We won't let that happen again." Karl spoke again in a warning tone.
"What's ya full name? Where ya from? Why ya here?" Desmond interrogated quickly.
"William S Francis. I'm from the streets of the kingdom. I'm on a mission." Billy explained calmly.
"Search his bag, boys." Karl ordered.
Billy heard the rustling of his bag being emptied.
"There's a piece of bread, three onions, a sharp rock, and some dying flowers." Desmond reported to his big brother.
"Hm." Was all Karl replied with.
Five of the boys hustled up to discuss Billy's future. Little Gilbert Gus kept watch over their temporary captive, stick still in his mouth. Billy avoided eye-contact with the 4-year-old, feeling strangely intimidated.
After a couple of minutes, the boys arranged themselves in the line that they introduced themselves in.
"We accept ya, Billy, into the Holeman Clan for the night." Karl announced with a nod.
Billy smiled at the thought of being a part of a family, even if it was only temporary.
"Pack hug!!" Floyd howled out like a wolf.
All of a sudden, Billy was squished under all six of the Holeman boys.
"This is more of a pile than a hug." Billy pointed out as he tried, and struggled to breathe.
"I'm just happy I'm not at the bottom this time." Edgar commented as he wiggled around, trying to get out of the pile.
Gilbert Gus was making the whole situation worse as he hit everyone he could reach with his stick.
"This hug has lasted too long." Karl complained.
"You're at the top of the pile. If you want it to end, then get up." Desmond pointed out.
"Yeah, Karl. Why ya even at the top if ya one of the heaviest boys here?" Edgar joined his twin.
There was a chorus of "yeahs" in agreement as the five other boys teamed up on their big brother.
Karl just got up and stood quietly to the side in embarrassment. After everyone had gotten up, no one spoke a word. Billy watched in surprise as Albert, or Albie, walked up to his big brother and gave him a hug.
"I embarrassed the family." Karl mumbled as he cried a bit into his little brother's shoulder.
Billy watched on, shocked at the sudden mood change. The whole time he had been at the Holeman house, Karl seemed like a tough leader of the group.
"Let it all out." Albert said as he hugged Karl tighter.
The four other boys stared at Billy like they thought he could fix the problem.
"Hey Karl, its ok. You didn't embarrass anyone." Billy tried to comfort him.
"Really?" Karl asked quietly.
YOU ARE READING
Where the Purple Flowers Grow
FantasiaWilliam (Billy) Francis had been a peasant in the Empire of Pratopia for his whole life. He spent his days begging for food and stealing what he needed alongside his best friend Todd. However, one day, he's pinned with a huge crime he didn't commit...
