Blueberry Season (July) Part 2

 "If it isn't true," Steve said, "that was a despicable thing for a brother to say. If it is true, that's something that Fabian should have the opportunity to explain. Either way, you judged him without giving him a chance to defend himself."

 "What would be defensible about that?"

 "What if it isn't true?" Steve challenged. "What if somebody was saying things about you? Wouldn't you like the opportunity to deny it? I'm not mad at you, Lisa. I am disappointed. I can forgive you; God will forgive you. You'll need to ask Fabian separately."

Oh she's gotten these headaches since she was a little kid. I don't think anyone knows what brings them on. -- overheard at the diner.

 "Hi, Grandma. It's Lisa." She swallowed, trying to keep the nausea at bay. Guilt and misery over Fabian had turned the aura she'd had earlier into a full-blown migraine, and she had things she needed to settle before she went to bed and stayed there.

 "Oh, my -- you sound terrible! Another of your headaches, dear?"

 "Yes. I got blueberry pies ready for baking last night. They're in the refrigerator in the pie kitchen, if you wouldn't mind putting them in the oven for me? There should be more blueberries from Carol today, but I can use those later." It was work being audible -- the sound of her own voice made her head pound. She picked up the stuffed lion from between her pillows; touching the soft felt and faux fur gave her comfort, which led to strength.

 "I wouldn't mind at all, and I'll look after the chickens until you're feeling better. Did you call Anne and George?"

 "Not yet." She swallowed again and rested her face against the toy.

 "I'll take care of that, too. Get some rest and call if you need anything."

 "Thank you, Grandma. I have to go now." Lisa hung up the phone and curled up in the center of her bed, her nose buried in the soft faux fur mane that smelled of innocence and childhood.

I don't know. He didn't do his show today. There was a different show instead. It's weird.

 "Your transcript is very impressive, Mr. DiSanti, and you have glowing letters of recommendation from your practice teaching schools. Kids apparently love you, and you're very good with them. One thing has me curious, though. You're a little older than the typical college graduate."

 Fabian nodded.

 "I missed a year of school when I was young," he said. "It's part of the reason why I'm so interested in physical fitness. I had rheumatic fever and got a little behind, so my parents held me back a year. As for college, I think you can see by my transcript that I had a double major and more than caught up."

 "Are you willing to relocate?"

 "That's not a problem, sir."

It was an especially good parade this year! The carnival people really added a lot! I'm thinking they were just what we needed after what happened in April! -- overheard at the diner.

 Lisa always felt like she'd just hatched after one of her headaches. After a day or two of darkness and quiet, the world always seemed extra vibrant and she felt like she couldn't bear to look directly at it. Still, the Fourth of July parade was not to be missed. Greg and Amy had invited her to join their families at Kendall's Department Store. The second and third floor offices that faced Main Street had balconies, and the Kendalls usually set out chairs and raffled the seats to employees. Amy and Greg usually raffled Greg's balcony off since he was on a higher floor and they used Amy's balcony for friends and family. Greg's parents did something similar.

 Amy had thought that Lisa would have a date on the balcony this year, but was disappointed. She kept this to herself, however. She knew Lisa felt as fragile as she looked.

 "I can't believe you want me around," Lisa said as she moved out onto the balcony. Amy gave her a hug, then showed her to a seat.

 "Of course we do! We miss you when you get those things, you know." As if to prove his mother's point, Ryan squirmed off of Greg's lap and sat on Lisa's lap instead. She smiled and hugged the little boy. Amy's heart melted. It wasn't fair -- Lisa would be such a good mother. Ryan had always adored her. She wanted to ask Lisa what had happed with Fabian, but didn't dare. Annie and her boyfriend Keith arrived and both greeted Lisa warmly. Then they took seats as the sound of drums in the distance told them the parade was on its way.

 The town's veterans led the parade. They were the color guard and also carried a banner with the town's name on it. A troop of boy scouts was next with their two leaders. They were going to camp out on the beach and then clean up after the fireworks tomorrow morning. This time of year, there were no cabins available in the camp. A church was using the camp at the moment for a retreat.

 Lisa managed to applaud as the Kreider Dairy float went by. Traditionally each of the farms had a float in every parade, and there was a rivalry among them over who had the best one. Fortunately, the entire Council judged the floats and not just the mayor. The Shriners came along, some of them riding in little cars. Annie and Amy hid their faces, embarrassed -- Abe Wright was one of them. Lisa felt a pang, reminded of Fabian, the bumper cars, and what a good time they'd had. As though summoned by her thoughts, the carnival contingent was next. A young woman with a group of trained dogs and several clowns walked ahead of a float with Madame Fatima and The Great Lorenzo. Someone on the next balcony wondered, "Where's the strong man? You'd think he'd be in the parade." Lisa looked, but the person was right -- Fabian wasn't with the carnies. She would have recognized him, even if he'd filled in as a clown. Jealously shot through her as the mental picture of Fabian and the shooting gallery floozy returned, but the floozy was on the float, too. With a very large bald man who reminded Lisa of Mr. Clean. So Fabian wasn't with his mistress. Now Lisa wondered where he was. Maybe he was with Shelly. Several more floats, the fire engines, and other parade attractions went by. Finally, the high school band, fortified with many alumni for summer, marched by. They would continue to march down to the band shell near the lake shore and give a concert later that would last until the fireworks started.

 Amy touched Lisa's arm.

 "You're pale. Are you okay?" Lisa nodded.

 "Tell you what," Annie said. "Why don't we go over to the diner and get you some soup? I heard they have chicken noodle today."

 "That sounds great," Lisa said. "Thank you."