The streets of Saltora were filled with people. “Sarah!” She heard her name being called. When she looked over her right shoulder she saw Fred. He ran across the street to greet her. She wiped frantically at her face to hide her tears.
“What are you doing here?” He huffed.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” She looked around. Music filled the air; people were dancing and carrying on. “What is going on here?” They walked down the street together.
“This is the Festival Saltora. They are celebrating the founding of the city.”
“Oh, isn’t that special.” She hissed. “I’m sorry. I have to get in a better mood.”
“Well, since I have found you out of the office, I will make sure you have a great time while you are here.”
“Right,” She laughed.
“Shirley told me you were going out of town for a while to see a friend.”
“Yes, I am. Where are you going?”
“I’m not quite there yet.”
They walked upon a group of people dancing. “I love Selira music.” He started to sway against the music.
“You are doing that all wrong. You have to sway with the music not against it.”
“What would you know about it?”
“Listen to the music. Listen to what it is saying.” She closed her eyes and started swaying her hips. It was like she was in a trance. The music over took her. This was a side to her that Fred had never seen before; a side that he really liked. Before long a little circle cleared out around her. People where hooting and hollering. A strange fellow joined her. It was as if they had dance together all their lives.
“I had no idea she could do that,” Fred spoke aloud.
He hadn’t noticed Orion standing beside of him. Orion thought he would play it cool, “who is she?”
“Co-worker and a friend,” Fred smiled. He still didn’t turn to look at Orion.
“She seems talented.”
“She is amazing.” He started wiggling to the music.
“Have you ever asked her out?”
“Yeah, but I work with her. She will not date co-workers.” Fred finally turned to see the man he was talking to. Orion stood like a tower over him. “What business is it of yours?” Fred snapped.
“None what so ever.”
Sarah stopped dancing and everyone applauded.
“Hi bro.” Juliah stood beside of Orion. “She was great wasn’t she?” Orion put his arm around Juliah’s shoulder.
“What are you doing here?”
“I am the Grand Marshalette of the parade tomorrow.” She giggled.
“I thirst.” Sarah panted as she joined Fred. She glared at Orion.
“Let’s all go get something to drink.” Orion offered.
They found a quiet little restaurant in the mist of the bustling festival.
“So,” Juliah started the conversation. “This excellent dancer is Dr. Carter’s guest?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Sarah, this is my sister Juliah.” Orion introduced her.
“A pleasure,” She nodded. “Orion, Juliah, this is my co-worker and friend Fred.”
Fred nodded.
The waiter came over to take their order. “Oh my, this is my lucky day. What can I get everyone?”
Juliah ordered water as did Orion. Sarah ordered unsweet tea and Fred ordered sweet tea.
“Sarah, you need to contact the office.” Fred filled her in on the events since she had been away. “Shirley is driving everyone crazy.”
“How so?”
“Oh man, were do I start. Dr. Finch is getting Dr. French’s messages and vis versa. Dr. Hamm is about to kill her because she isn’t filing things the way he wants them done.”
The waiter brought their drinks. “Can I get anyone anything else?”
Everyone nodded no.
“The office will not fall apart while I am gone. What is everyone doing to help Shirley?”
“Nothing except dumping more work on her.”
“And you?”
“I have helped her do some filing and answering the phone. But I have my own job to do.”
“Good, I am glad to hear that you are trying to help her.” She took a drink of her tea.
“Why is this your responsibility?” Orion asked.
“It’s my business.”
“Oh, I see.”
“So tell me,” Fred asked. “Where did you learn to dance like that?”
“My uncle taught me.”
“What an uncle?” He smiled.
“That was great. Can you teach me how to do that?” Juliah asked.
“I can try.”
“You teach someone how to do something?” Fred joked.
“You be still, I taught you everything you know. You couldn’t even dress yourself until you came to work for me.”
“That lavender shirt looks like one of your creations.” He nodded at Orion.
“What is wrong with his lavender shirt?” The waiter blushed filling up the water glasses. “That color looks great.”
“Yeah, I was going to ask you about that.” Juliah spoke. “I think it looks great. It takes a real man to wear pastels.”
“See, smarty pants. How many dates have you had since you started dressing like you have half a working brain?”
“You got me there.” Fred laughed.
“There,” she nodded.
“There is nothing better than a sharp dressed man.” Juliah smiled patting Orion on the shoulder.
“Perhaps one that smells good.” Sarah laughed.
“Right on sister.” Juliah cheered.
They toasted their glasses.
“You are right Orion, your sister would be better suited as an escort.” Sarah growled.
“I am sure she would have helped you eat your bagels as well.”
“I had help.”
“Oh yes, the porter. What’s his name?”
Juliah and Fred glanced at each other then at Sarah and Orion.
“He is a really nice fellow. And his name is Josh. Have you ever tried to get to know the people around you or do you just order them around like slaves?”
“When the occasion calls for me to ask?”
“Oh, I see. The occasion calls for you to be put up with me. Well, let me tell you what, once we get to Castle Morian,” she sourly reported, “You will not have to be put up with me any longer.”
She moved to leave. Orion was sitting in the corner and couldn’t get out. At that moment, the waiter stepped behind her. “Don’t let her leave,” Orion wiggled out of his corner.
“Get out of my way.” She hissed at the waiter, “or this will not be your lucky day.”
“Now who do you think I am going to obey?” The waiter scoffed.
“I know 20 pressure points just by looking at you that I can touch and make you fall down.”
“Right lady.”
Orion was now standing beside of the waiter. “Leave.”
“Yes sir.”
As soon as the waiter left, she headed for the street. Orion didn’t have the strength to hold her on his own.
“Man what have you said to her?” Fred went after her.
“What did you say to her?” Juliah asked.
Orion sat down in the seat where Fred had been setting. “I don’t know.”
“This has really messed you up.”
“What makes you say that?”
“You are acting differently.”
“Last time anyone said that to me, I developed some horrible illness.”
“Well, not that you asked, but you can either make her talk about it. Or move on.” Juliah smiled.
He closed his eyes.
“The lavender really does look good on you. You know I wouldn’t lie to you. I haven’t yet.”
“Walk back to the train with me, help me figure out what I said wrong.”
“Of course.”
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