Flights of Fancy

The dance brought a smile to Luca’s lips, eyebrows raising in surprised. Nodding, he chuckled a bit, an impressed expression overtaking his features. “I can’t say I’ve ever gotten quite that reaction before, but I also can’t say I’m mad at it.” 

Following Birdie’s gesture, Luca stepped towards the man- Bob- who had been indicated. Giving the man a bright smile of his own, Luca bent to begin making out the check. Pausing, he turned back to Birdie. “Do they have any thoughts yet on how much a restoration might run? How extensive was the damage?” Straightening his back. Luca kept the tip of his pen hovering over the still-blank check. “I mean, I can see the damage is…Vast. But, structurally, have they released any thoughts?”

The pat on the shoulder came and Luca nodded with a smile. “It’s no trouble. In fact, it is the least I can do. My family has been vacationing here for years- my parents simply adore it here. As do I. The locals have been more than gracious hosts over the years. It is high time we repay the debt.”

Birdie was a little hopped up on caffeine, she might admit, but instead she just teased the young man. “Then you should hang out with me more often. This old bird has a lot of dances left in her. Oh, I’m Birdie by the way. Beatrice if you want to be formal.” 

Birdie sighed, looking back over her shoulder. It was surreal to see sky where a wall should be. “Still too early to tell, but I think I heard the firefighters say the foundation was in tact so that’s a god send. We might have to source some masonry from some older buildings in town which should help restore the façade but it’s an expensive prospect. I think the city council might do another open forum to discus how much taxpayers might contribute to the restoration so any donations we get on top of that will help make sure the job is as good as possible.” She knew it wasn’t a good answer, just what she knew of some of these processes. 

The fire had taken Luca by surprise, as it had everyone else in town. Of course, he was aware of the town’s illustrious past when it came to large and devastating fires, though he hadn’t quite been able to bring himself to make the leap, or more than a passing connection, between the two incidents. He’d been strolling through town, enjoying the day, and looking for something to occupy himself when he’d heard the chiming of a bell nearby. Amused and curious, Luca made his way toward the sound, smiling to himself when he happened upon Birdie, preaching to the passing masses. Stepping forward, he crossed his arms loosely over his chest. “I didn’t necessarily set out to do so- not today, at least- though I must say, your passion has been very persuasive.” Chuckling, he reached into the messenger bag he’d slung across his chest and shoulders, producing his checkbook and a pen immediately. “So, tell me, who do I make this out to, and where should I place it?”

Birdie had been ready to haggle with the young man, very much in her element of wheeling and dealing. When he praised her, she brightened and gave a celebratory dance. 

“I do my best.” She said, trying to be modest and probably failing. “Yes, over here. Bob we got a guardian angel in our midst.” She said, loudly in the hopes to push others to donate if they noticed the young man’s generosity. She directed Luca to the man taking donations and helped him fill it out.

Harriet walked up to the familiar woman, giving a sad smile. “Do you have a bell?” she joked slightly, stopping beside her. “But yeah, yeah of course. This is my hometown. Me and my son. We’ll help with anything. I’ll donut. I’ll help with a fundraiser. I could even use my art skills?”

She sighed. “I’m so sad about this.”

“It’s to keep my voice from getting hoarse.” Birdie said, defensively. “What am I the town crier... you know what don’t answer that.” She said, dropping her bell heavily on the table. 

“Oh, that’s a fantastic idea!” Birdie said, suddenly a better idea striking her. “You know, I bet you and Chris could collaborate on a couple of pieces highlighting the historical buildings in town! Oh yes, and then we can auction them off!” Birdie said, giddy with the idea of throwing a party and inviting some of her high society contacts.

Alex had spent most of the evening worrying about her sister and now to see her bright and early already preaching about the restorations she let out a groan. Pulling the elder fields into a hug still, she grimaced. “If i donate will it stop you running the four thousand fund raisers that i know you’re already planning in your head?” 

“Oh!” Birdie said, caught a little off guard by the hug. “My god, you’re affectionate this morning.” She said, pulling back a little and giving Alex a bemused smile. “Are you okay, sweetie?”

Jonah let out a breath, his own thoughts were already spiralling with so many questions and theories about the fire. He looked back at Birdie, giving a small nod of his head. “It’s terrible. It’s making my heart race.” He sighed. “Well, my response to that is… it was no accident to get so out of hand. I just… I don’t know. I try not to think the worst but my head already goes there.”

Birdie gave Jonah a worried once over, pursing her lips, and making an executive decision. “It’s just the smoke, come on sweetie let’s take a step back.” She said, gently pulling him back from the growing crowd and the haze of smoke and kicked up debris. The street had a small incline and the vantage was actually a little better stepping back.

“It...” She didn’t know what to say to that, she was normally overly dramatic to a fault, but this was too close to reality. “It’s just an old building, Jonah. Probably still insulated with asbestos and all sorts of other fire code violations.” She said, trying to offer another rational though his words were certainly digging into her thoughts and running rampant with the possibility of foul play.

“With your support we can start on the hard work of restoring City Hall. It’s not just a building but our shared history and every little bit will help restore City Hall so that it can continue standing for our children’s children.” Birdie was proselytizing on the street in front of the City Hall. She’d been contacted by a few people who were working on a fundraiser. “If not the building then consider donating some money to the families of those who were hurt in the flames.” She said, ringing a bell to get as many people’s attention as possible.

Jonah’s mind was overthinking and he had no idea what was going on with the cards. He pressed his lips together for a moment, lost in his own thoughts before standing from the table too. “Thanks, Birdie,” he breathed, giving her a small smile back. She was good to him.

“Selfish? I don’t know. Maybe I am. This was my grandad’s, you know? But I have given it 15 years of my life. I’m 40… maybe it’s time for me to do something,” he rambled on, his eyes glancing back over at Birdie.

His features softened. “You’re really doing that? I… thank you. I already agreed to a share. So if you have one too… I know it’s in safer hands.”

“I know, and you’re doing the best for that old piece of land. The best we can do is work to preserve it, but doesn’t mean you have to tie you’re whole life to it.”

“It’s exciting isn’t it. Got the world ahead of you, sweetie.” Birdie gave him a genuinely warm smile. Jonah was one of the good ones, and Birdie was happy to be around to help him out, a small consolation for having imploded her own life.

“I’m having my lawyers look over the paperwork now, but yeah, I think I’ll bite the bullet. It’s worth it.” She shrugged, but smiled, feeling warm that he thought she was safe hands. 

“I think i’m better not answering that.” Alex’s smile didn’t leave her lips, she enjoyed teasing Birdie. Just as Birdie enjoyed teasing her. “Ideas huh?” She quirked a brow. She remembered the fire so vividly, having worked as a counsellor at the time. “I… don’t even know what’s there still.” She replied, her tone serious. “I think you should do it. I’d do it if i had the money. But alas… teaching yoga only gets you so far in life.” 

Alex’s natural reaction to life was to joke. But truth be told, she did understand the gravity of this situation. “Maybe you’re the next victim of the ghost of Maple Creek… maybe it’s calling to you to buy the old place.” She wiggled her fingers, joking to cover up her sister’s worries. “No i’m sure whoever it is just as a tight NDA or something.” 

“Yes, ideas, Alex. I have them from time to time. I’m not just a pretty face, you know.” Birdie said, a little defensive since she knew how she could come off as flighty and flippant, the nickname continuing to fit her to a T.

“It’s not pretty.” She agreed. “I got a chance to look at some aerial shots and preliminary zoning maps... don’t ask me how.” She said from behind a hand, “And it needs a lot of work. Large sections of the camp have been off-limits ever since. It makes a lot more sense why it has to be a group project now.”

“Ghosts I can deal with!” Birdie said, a little shrilly as if maybe she couldn’t. “Did I ever tell you we performed the scottish play in an old haunted church on Staten Island. Like daring all the old ghosts to get up and try and mess with us.” She was only marginally a superstitious person, but she loved a good story.

“Aww but it’s cute, you have like sisterly traits. I will so wind her up about it. She’ll love me for it,” she laughed. She really did love her friendship with Alex. 

Harriet pretended to gasp, her cheeks flushing just slightly. “I… no. I don’t even know… I don’t think he likes me like that,” she rambled a little. “Maybe I want to though.”

She smiled, unable not to. Her reaction to the story genuine. She wanted to hear about Chris, more than she’d even realised. She had a soft spot for him… or something for him. She wasn’t even sure what that feeling was but it was there on her mind a lot. “Aww sensitive,” she repeated, putting her hand to her chest. “I bet Julian just loved being forced to take his baby brother. I’m so going to have to just mention… like ‘hey, Chris, so how do you feel about leprechaun’s? Want to check out a cave?’” She gave another laugh. “Poor kid though, being covered in mud. My son is 10, I would’ve killed him.”

Birdie nodded her head a little, thinking back at their teenage arguments. “We always fought, not wanting to admit we were our parents children. Probably why we both went off like we did, needing to really find ourselves, ya know.” She said.

She was beaming at the tidbit and at Harriet’s reaction. “Well, like we’ve established he is a hard cookie to crack. But if he doesn’t like you, than he’s an idiot.” Birdie said, genuinely. 

“Please! Please bring it up. It’s funnier knowing that he shot up way taller than Julian, but couldn’t really ever shake the nickname. But also, it may not be a bad ice breaker, especially if you go on down to the caves together.” She said, waggling her eyebrows. 

Malia shook her head. “I’ve lived in homes with military guys. Every night one or some of them were hungover and they got shit for it.” She smiled at the memory of living with Eric and his friends in college and all the things she saw and experienced. Being the only girl in a house full of men had it’s perks and curses. 

“It’s a remedy I learned from one of my husband’s friends. Just keep it in your back pocket for a rainy day.” she shrugged with a soft laugh at her way to get through hangovers. Her boys smiled at Birdie and waved back before going back to their pancakes and waffles. “Yeah, well looks can be deceiving.” she smirked winking at her boys. “That’s Ethan..” she said pointing to her son that sat across from her. “And this is Elijah, but we call him Eli for short.” The boy next to her made a face at his whole name but smiled at his nickname. “They did. They got to go to the classical music picnic for families. We learned about the violin and the cello during it too.” she nodded. ‘I like the cello because it makes a deep sound.’ Ethan said before imitating the sound. Malia chuckled and nodded. “Good job, E.” she said giving him a high five. “Did you get to make it to the picnic?” she asked the other woman as she ate.

“Military men, huh, sounds like a fun time.” Birdie said, eyes wide at the admittance. “Had an old high school boyfriend,” One of many, “that went into the marines, I think. Oh, I should look him up.” She said, more to herself, but she tapped something on her phone for later.

“Oh, I will. One bad hangover doesn’t ruin the fun.” She said, typing the recipe into her notes app, before putting the phone away so as not to be rude.

“Sweet and sour. The whole package.” She complimented the boys, and she was attentive as ever. “I’ve taught college courses and am now teaching high school, but every time I get to interact with kids their age I just want a classroom full of them.” She said, possibly her biological clock speaking more than her sense. “Eat ‘em up with syryp.” She said, making a silly face.

“Well, a woman like you should not be hiding in the dark,” he said with a grin. “Though believe it or not, I have never actually seen Gremlin’s all the way through,” he said. “Australian beaches are beautiful. I do always enjoy going back for a holiday.” He nodded. “Oh god, sunglasses and extra strong coffee are my best friends when I have a hangover.”

“Oh yeah, it’s nice to lift people up. Though I do feel like a constructive criticism can actually benefit. Builds resilience and helps you to improve,” he said, sharing to the conversation. 

“Yeah, yeah. I hung out with them a little while. I wouldn’t say thick as thieves but we do get on pretty well. Even if I seem to annoy her a little. I think she likes it.” He laughed. “Not too much, no. I stayed alert for work.”

“Well, I guess I’ll take the compliment.” Birdie said, playing up as if it was such a hard thing to do.

“You’ll have to let me know which are the best. Maybe I’ll escape the winter to Australia for a holiday of my own.” She said, knowing she’d have the school winter break available to her to play with.

“Strong coffee and lots of carbs.” Birdie said, taking a bite of her éclair. “I don’t remember it lasting this long when I was younger.” She lamented. “What a pain.” 

“Good way to put it.” She agreed, with his assessment.

“Hmmm,” She said, thinking he sounded honest enough about the situation. Alex being annoyed certainly fit, with the way she would try and put on that personality. “I hope so. I tend to try and annoy her on purpose.” She said, with a teasing smile. 

“Good. Good boy.” She said, patting him on the arm.

Jonah sighed slightly, giving a nod of his head as he approached her. “I’m hoping so… and not just a selfish one for me,” he said, a little more quietly. He’d thought about his decision a lot and he knew it was time to step away from the camp. “Though I suppose, I couldn’t let it go completely,” he nodded. 

“I don’t know, I’m just hoping whatever happens… that people end up happy.”

“Oh, Jonah.” Birdie said, getting another shit hand and seething to the dealer, “What even are these cards, Bill.” She sighed at having to fold again and got up from the table.

She gave him a small smile, a soft pat on the shoulder. “Dear, if anyone gets to be selfish it’s you. You’re not a saint,” She said, keeping her voice low and fixing him with a stern look, “No matter how much you want to be punished like one.”

Birdie nodded with his hope. “Well, you’ll have my help. I’m seriously considering buying a stake in this. You’ll have the fields in your corner.” She said, hoping to reassure the man.

“Thanks.” Malia said as she saw the woman check the syrup as if it was a huge chore. She felt somewhat bad she disturbed her hangover recovery. It was clear that’s what it was after the festival and all. She believed the entire town took part in some letting loose which was well deserved all around. “It’s not maple, but it’ll do.” she said taking the container from her and pouring it on the boys’ food before her own. “A V8 with a splash of vodka, cayenne pepper, and lots of lemon was always my hangover cure if you need one.”

“That obvious?” Birdie said, putting her expensive sunglasses away, and she sighed. She’d been drinking more and more recently, and she wanted to attribute it mostly to loosening up for this event or that, but she wasn’t young anymore and the hangovers were harder and harder to bounce back from.

“That literally sounds like something she would say,” Harriet laughed, nodding her head. “’The kids need it, helps build resilience’,” she said, still laughing. “She’ll know. I love her too.” She gave a small sigh. “Yeah, I have a soft spot for this place.”

“Hmm, maybe. I guess, I told him that once. I can’t quite figure him out. I think because maybe I would like to know him more. I don’t know,” she said, shaking her head at herself. “How was he as a boy?”

“Hey,” she said, though she knew she was joking. “He loves me and loves when I make him babysit,” she laughed. 

Birdie squawked out a laugh, “Oh, please tell her I remind you of her. She’ll hate that we are actually quite alike.” Birdie said, devilishly. But she nodded along with Harriet happy that her sister had such a good friend and was just as happy to have met the young woman. 

“Oh would you!” Birdie said, eyes glistening and already thinking of trying to play matchmaker. Maybe she mostly wanted to embarrass Chris, but she also wanted to see Harriet happy, of course. “Does he know you want to get to know him more?” 

Birdie laughed a little, trying to think of memorable little Chris story. “Well, he was such a sensitive and withdrawn kid, but I remember one year, oh let’s see I think I would have been sixteen or seventeen, a bunch of us teenagers decided to go out to the Cavity. Julian didn’t sneak out quietly enough so his dad made him take Chris. So there we are a bunch of hormonal teenagers trying to find a way to ‘ditch’ the little brother while we, well, while we had fun.” She said, knowing that nobody ended up looking good in this story, but it was worth it to tell it, her face already cracking up.

“Julian promised he was distracted with a gameboy or something but while everyone paired off and went to explore the caves, oh my god, we start hearing the weirdest sounds. Like a mix between a cat and a banshee. Then a girl runs out and says she saw a leprechaun. It’s chaos. The guys all grab some sticks and are about to go in there to fight whatever is scaring us and who comes out of the cave but Chris. Pissed off and yelling like a strangled cat for Julian. And he’s covered in leaves and mud and,” Birdie is close to wheezing. “Julian was grounded for a like a month.” She finished. 

Alex was sad about the news, having worked there when she was a teenager. Although there was still no news on whether it would remain a campground or not. “Do you want to have a say?” Alex asked, tilting her head. It sounded like a lot of work. 

“Birdie at the moment you’re at the top of my list of mysterious townsfolk who might be a secret bidder.” A grin grew on her face. 

“Do I ever not want a say?” Birdie answered the question with a question, to be annoying. She waved the next hand and got up from the table to more fully talk to her sister. “I know mom and dad would approve obviously and I have my own ideas of what we can do to revitalize the old campgrounds. Mostly starting with an exorcism on that burned down cabin.” She said, shivering a little.

“So yes, I’m considering it.” She said, a little bit as a whisper since she was sure there were eavesdroppers everywhere.