Crossing the Crossroads

[Haruske Elmdor]

Chapter I: Revelations Revealed



A man sat on a chair beyond a screened window that kept his face partly concealed from the person he was talking to on the other side. The atmosphere inside the building was very solemn, the unholy aura of sin and crime unable to penetrate its warm yet silent corners of the church. This was frequently the scenario during Wednesdays in Mineral Town, where a bunch of townspeople visited the church, particularly because of the confessional, to repent for their sins, wondering whether the Harvest Goddess would forgive them. Conversations could often be heard from the people waiting for their turn to confess to Carter, the town priest. Two women were waiting for their turn to confess that day.

“Hey Popuri, you never miss a single confessional don’t you? Whenever I’m here to confess, I always see you. Do you have any plans to become Carter’s acolyte and ditch you love life and become a priestess someday?” the first woman joked. Apparently she had the talent of having her say in a matter-of-factly mood, and she executed it in a monotone that made the other woman think she was serious.

“Yeah, there’s nothing wrong with confessing anyway, right?” Popuri replied.

The other woman frowned. “Yes there is. That means every week you commit a sin. You’re a bad girl!”<br>
“No I’m not! You’re mean Elli!”<br>
The person named Elli raised her eyebrows as she saw her friend scowl. A very pretty woman in her twenties, her neck length hair gracefully swayed and sparkled as she too scowled and tossed her hair to her friend Popuri who was also in her twenties. “I am not mean Popuri,” she calmly replied.

“Yes you are! You’re telling me that frequent confessing is wrong because I am a regular sinner! That’s not true at all…” Popuri was blushing a little, and this fell prey to Elli’s pensive eyes.

“Well then, if you would kindly make me see some reason, I’ll take back what I said. I might give you a free consultation with the doctor some time if you want. But I pretty much know his findings. Love fever,” Elli said with a smirk. She gracefully readjusted her bow revealing a red mark on her hand. She quickly placed her hands back to her pockets when Popuri looked up and resumed her casual smirk, though she could have sworn she saw Popuri gazing at the reddish mark from the corner of her eyes. “Why are you blushing Popuri?”<br>
“I… I uhh…” Popuri mumbled, starting to go pink, almost as pink as her wavy hair that she inherited from her mother Lillia. “Well you see... It’s kinda like this… No, umm, yes. No, that’s not it. I er…”

“Yes?” Elli’s eyes were twinkling innocently as she reached for Popuri’s hand. “Go on, you can tell me. What is it? It has something to do with Carter I can tell. Is there anything wrong?”<br>
“I want to see Carter,” Popuri blurted, sighing afterwards. She glanced at Elli’s hand and noticed that the red mark was a name written in red ink. She couldn’t make out the name, and she never saw as Elli hastily took back her hand, nervously pocketing it to her skirt.

“Now that wasn’t hard was it? Well, you can always see him outside the confession booth right? Besides, you can’t really see him behind the screen, his face is concealed.” She found the smirk she was wearing moments ago and readjusted it to her pretty face, eyes still twinkling.

“Carter sometimes sees me after the confession though, and I get to see his whole body, so there. Anyways, I’m curious about something.” Popuri imitated her friend’s smirk and fitted it to her equally charming face. “I’ve noticed something written on your hand. I think it’s a name of someone. Can I guess who it is?”<br>
It was Elli’s turn to be in the frying pan.

“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about! There’s nothing written on my hand! See?” she held out her right arm for Popuri to inspect, but her friend was already way ahead of her.

“I saw Jack at the inn last night. He had dinner with Karen. They were very romantic; too romantic I almost grabbed Carter from the other table to dine with him so it would be a double date. But shame that he was talking to Harris. I almost choked him outside. Worse, Harris knew I wanted to have dinner with Carter! Oh the humanity… I’m going get him one day, that Harris, playing around like that… Hey Elli are you even listening to me?” she smirked as she saw Elli slowly panting and turning to beet red in color.

“Nothing’s wrong!” she automatically said. “That Jack, I’m going to kill him...” She was pausing at irregular intervals and muttering to herself. “That Karen, dating with my Jack, how dare she...” She went on talking to herself until she noticed that her friend was still there, listening to every word she said. “Oh!”

“Defensive aren’t we? You sure get jumpy when the topic is about handsome Jack. Oh I forgot! You fancy him, my bad my bad. I shouldn’t have told you that eh?” She noticed her friend was still shocked from the news. “Oh brother... Elli? Earth calling to Elli. Snap out of it will you, I was just kidding!” she exclaimed as she snapped her finger in front of Elli’s still blank eyes.

That woke her up.

“You big meanie! Ahem where was I? Dear me I’ve lost my poise,” she casually said as she adjusted her bow again out of habit. “Shame you didn’t get the chance to grab Carter though.”<br>
The church suddenly became quiet, except for a few sobs that could be heard inside the confession booth. Popuri busied herself by staring at the large crucifix in the center wall, where Carter used to stand whenever he celebrates mass sessions. Elli was looking at her intently, placing her hand on Popuri’s shoulder as she waited for her to reply.

“That big cross sure is pretty don’t you think?”

Elli frowned. “Oh if you’re going to change the subject, I’ll be the crossed one and you’ll be crossed-eyed after getting knocked out.” She decided to do the business talks and took matter to her hands. “You like Carter very much don’t you?”<br>
Popuri sighed. Yes, she liked Carter very much, but it was impossible for him to like her back. He was a priest after all, and he had already devoted his whole life in service to God and to the church. She nodded to Elli as she continued to stare at the cross.

“I know it’s hard for you, suppressing your feelings for him so he wouldn’t be distracted with his work. Well Kai has been tailing you ever since, why not try him?”<br>
“No, I haven’t turned him down, but I don’t know. I think I really like Carter very much to give up easily. I’m glad that you’re here Elli. I haven’t talked about this to anyone yet. Thanks.”<br>
“Don’t mention it. I’m your best friend! By the way, have you told Carter that you have feelings for him?” Elli asked curiously, but her friend didn’t get the chance to reply as the door to the confession booth opened, exposing Jeff as he bid Carter good-bye. Both Elli and Popuri saw that his eyes were puffy, presumably due to crying.

“Oh, wrong timing. I guess that question of mine will be hanging on to your skirt my friend. I’ll see you later,” Elli said as she stood up and walked towards the door. She passed Jeff on the way and greeted him, but she could’ve greeted the doorknob the same way and it would have made no difference as Jeff continued walking slowly while staring down to the floor, sobbing incoherently. “Softball,” she murmured.

“I heard that Elli,” whispered Jeff.

“Heard what exactly?” Elli replied, her voice faltering a little.

“You ordered squid balls. I’ll ask Karen to deliver them to your grandmother Ellen later ok?”<br>
“Erm, sure thing, thanks Jeff,” Elli nervously said as she said good-bye to Jeff. “I thought I had it, a softball, and deaf too. Very interesting that Jeff is.” She stopped for a few seconds to reminisce her confession before she entered the door. She was on the verge of twisting the doorknob open when she heard a shriek from Jeff.

“How dare you make fun of me Popuri!”<br>
“Jeff I was just teasing you! I’m sorry!”<br>
“I am not soft! It’s just that, well… My confession was touching!”<br>
“Whatever floats your boat Jeff. You know? It wouldn’t be surprising if history repeats itself if my brother Rick marries your daughter Karen.” Popuri’s eyes were twinkling the same way as Elli’s moments ago.

“And what does that supposed to mean?!” Jeff raged, his voice and temper rising.

“Well let’s see. My brother Rick cries, whines, pouts and shouts all the time. If he marries Karen, it would be like the day that you married Sasha Jeff!” she said. She was smiling sweetly and said this very quickly so it would sound less menacing. Too bad Jeff caught all of the words. It was his turn to turn beet red as he cracked his knuckles.

“Popuri! I’m going to make you feel pain! No one insults me like that and walks away unscathed! You will pay!” He boomed as he jumped and attacked his mocker. Elli was about to rush aid to Popuri but she abruptly stopped and snorted. “I thought so,” she said smiling.

“Oooh that tickles Jeff! Hahaha stop it! Cut that out will you! Help someone! Child abuse! Molestation! Call Harris quick!”<br>
“I’m just tickling you silly! Eat that, and that! Yaah!”<br>

[Haruske Elmdor]

“Ok ok I give up! Truce! No silly I’m not going to raise my skirt as a white flag Elli, help me out will you? Hihihi Jeff I’m sorry ok? Stop tickling me!”<br>
“No can do my dear, you’ve been a bad girl for teasing me. Take the poke of death!”<br>
“Poke of death huh? I’m sure Popuri will die laughing not because of your tickling but because it sounds corny Jeff,” Elli giggled as she cautiously approached Jeff and Popuri. She quickly backed off as she saw Jeff turn towards her. “You want to face my wrath as well?” he said as he brandished his index finger to Elli. She couldn’t help but laugh. Jeff’s eyes weren’t puffy now, but were twinkling.

“Good that you’re cheered up now Jeff. Well if you will excuse me, I still have a confession to make. I’ll see you two later. Have fun with you game,” she snorted as she walked towards the door for the second time. She was again on the verge of twisting the doorknob open when she remembered something. “Jeff?”<br>
“Yes I know Elli; I’ll cancel your order of squid balls.”<br>
“Thanks and sorry…” She mumbled as she entered the confession booth.


More to come later…

Sneaky sneaks: a name unfolds, the cold breeze blows, dark memories relive, a Blue Feather spots the booth. Next on Crossing the Crossroads, "Haunts and Confessions"

[Butterscotch]

Great story, Naps!

[allmighty]

That was good Naps! ;D

[Kayla]

That's good, Jem...

And it does sound like something you would write...

[Zinovia]

that was the most horrible thing I've ever read!

blech!



j/k

it was great!

and that's not realistic! NO ONE is that ticklish!

<_<
>_>

especially not me!

[Haruske Elmdor]

Unlike my old chapter fic, this will concentrate on a few characters only, mainly Elli, Carter, Popuri and *BLEEP*

I wonder who could that be.

[allmighty]

Bleep=Nappy the Harvest Sprite

[Butterscotch]

Allmighty said:

Bleep=Nappy the Harvest Sprite

I would love to see a story like that!

[Haruske Elmdor]

Chapter II: Haunts and Confessions



Elli heard a soft creak as she softly closed the door behind her. There was very little light inside the room; a ray of light given by the afternoon sun that passed through a closed window and hundreds of little circles the screen in front of her showered the marble floor with pale light that came from another window on the opposite side of the room. It was more than enough for Elli to make out an antique bench in front of her, an old unlit lamp, and the familiar handle that concealed a hidden door to the other side. She was expecting the door to open that day as she wanted to ask Carter a thing that has been lingering on her mind for some time now. Elli started as she heard a familiar voice break the deafening silence inside the confession booth.

“Good afternoon Elli,” said a familiar voice on the other side of the screen.

“Lovely to see you today Carter,” she paused for a second and continued, “although I really couldn’t see you clearly.” She beamed as she made out a faint smile from the screen.

“You never cease to amuse me young lady. By the way, what was that noise I heard a while ago? I hope everything’s in order outside?” Carter asked. He quickly added, “I was just teasing you when I called you a young lady Elli.”<br>
“No need for you to tell me that!” Elli grinned. “Oh and about that noise, Jeff and Popuri were playing a game. I think they called it the poke of death or something. Wanna join their game Carter?”<br>
He was already used to Elli’s jokes and comments that he considered it perfectly normal and replied. “No thank you Elli I still have to give confessions right?” My job will be hindered. I don’t want the townspeople waiting for me. Besides I won’t have a face to show if they caught me playing that poke of death you speak of. I could do with some laughs, but thanks for the offer,” he said in a cool soothing voice, winking afterwards.

“Don’t mention it. So umm, how are you today Carter?”<br>
The screen the separated Carter and Elli stirred. It was indeed a secret door after all whom Carter only opened whenever he wanted to talk to people before giving a confession. Elli saw a tall and handsome man appear from the door that now stood ajar. His straw colored hair glimmered as the pale sunlight passed through the window. He brushed off a cascade of hair that partially hid his bright cheery eyes. He looked at Elli with his serene face and asked. “What’s wrong? Is there any dirt on my face?”<br>
“You know Carter if only I didn’t fancy Jack I would’ve regarded you as Adonis. Shame isn’t it?” She was blushing a little, but Carter took no notice as he too blushed.

“It’s lucky the sun isn’t as fierce now that the afternoon is ending and the room’s a bit dark. I haven’t blushed since Popuri told me she liked my new haircut very much.” Carter said smiling as he closed the door behind him. “Oh, thanks for the compliment Elli. You look charming yourself today as well.”<br>
“Is that why you’re brushing your hair on purpose? Oh stop it Carter I might fall in love with you! The Harvest Goddess will sure be jealous if one of his servants goes missing because I asked you on a date!”<br>
“You know that’s impossible Elli…”

Elli cut Carter’s words short. “Stop it. Why do you always get uncomfortable when the subject is about dating and women? You know you should loosen up! I mean, you’re very handsome…” She paused for a second and she tossed her hair once more, but Carter saw this time that Elli was blushing. “I don’t think you’re thick enough that you haven’t set your eyes on anyone else but your work you know…”

Silence. A faint chattering could be heard outside the confession booth. A soft tapping noise. Elli was softly drumming her fingers on the bench looking tense. “I shouldn’t have said that! Oh why does my big mouth get the better of me most of the time! Oh Carter.” The tapping noise became louder. “Carter? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.”<br>
But Carter couldn’t hear anything. A soft tingling sensation was electrocuting his entire body, numbing his thoughts. A blurry thought passed. Soft rustling sounds could be heard. The cherry blossoms that gave the afternoon an aura of romance were dancing with him. He could see it clearly now. A young woman was holding a petal in hand. She was very pretty. He heard a faint noise but it wasn’t enough to snap him out of his trance. He stood there gazing at such a beautiful scene.

“Carter? Okay I know I was mean but quit staring at me like that! Hey are you OK?” Elli waved her hand, snapped her fingers, and stuck out her tongue, but Carter sat unperturbed, his thoughts drifting away to the soft breeze that cradled the blossoms to the sky.

“Good afternoon Carter! Isn’t it lovely to see the pink blossoms flowing freely with the wind?”<br>“It’s lovelier to see you rather than the trees and their blossoms you know?”<br>“Oh stop it you’re making me blush again! You know I get so embarrassed when you do that!”<br>“You don’t need to get embarrassed around me. I’ll never grow tired saying those kinds of things to you…”
“Oh Carter…”

He suddenly saw the trees slowly fading into the darkness, the young woman running towards the abyss. Carter’s eyes slowly focused as he felt Elli holding his hand. “You look pale Carter. Do you want to go to the clinic? Oh I forgot the doctor’s out. You should rest for a while. I’ll go outside and tell the others you can’t continue any…”

“No Elli I’m fine. It must have been a cold blast of wind that struck my bones. Don’t worry about it. Where were we?”<br>
The window was closed.

“I was mentioning about the upcoming music festival. How are the preparations coming? I heard that Karen’s sick and she might not be able to participate this year. But it seemed you weren’t holding on to a word I said.” She raised her eyebrows and pressed on Carter’s hand. “Are you sure you’re ok? You know you could have made a better excuse. The windows are closed.”

He looked taken back. “Oh! I erm... Yeah, the music festival. He frowned. “I’ve been thinking about that as well. If things get desperate, I might need to ask Mayor Thomas if he could sing and take Karen’s place.

Elli looked perplexed. “Mayor Thomas?! No way! I might as well wear earmuffs at the festival! And I very much think earmuffs are cheaper than hearing aids,” she said in her matter-of-factly tone while tossing her hair afterwards. “You’re kidding right? What I mean to say is lots of people here have golden voices. I think the Mayor’s voice is bronze, no tin. Maybe not but it’s worse than...”<br>
Another blast of cold wind struck Carter as pools of thoughts flooded his mind. It was dark but the bright moonlight showered the evening with warmth and energy. He could hear a lot of chattering as people came out of the church.

“She sure has a melancholy voice don’t you think?”<br>“Indeed she has, Hey Gray do you think she’d refuse if I asked her on a date sometime?”<br>“Ho I was going to ask you the same thing Rick. But I think that’s not possible. Didn’t your sister Popuri told you that something has been going on with Jennifer and Carter?”<br>“The hell? You’re kidding right?”<br>“Sorry to burst your bubble bro but that wasn’t just a rumor.”<br>“Geez and I thought she was free! Well Carter has plans on being a priest right? I’m gonna wait in the bushes until the coast is clear.”<br>“Shhh I think Carter just heard us…”

The crowd was slowly thinning as the last of the townspeople exited the church. Finally a young woman came out and waved to a young man whose straw colored hair glimmered in the pale moonlight. “Carter? Hey Carter! How was my singing?”<br>
“Great, I loved it! The pastor thought this year’s Music Festival became a huge success, thanks to you.” He sweetly smiled as he pinched the girl’s nose. He got closer to the woman as he broke into a whisper. “I heard Rick and Gray a while ago, they were thinking of asking you on a date. Going to let them take you away from me?

“What do you mean by take myself away from you?”<br>“It’s…. It’s nothing. Forget I said anything Jennifer. Oh here they come now.”<br>
The young man with the straw colored hair backed off a little as two boys approached them, both holding a red rose. Carter looked grave but he didn’t mutter a single word. The first boy in his teens wore round spectacles beaming widely as he handed the rose to the woman. The other one had wore a cap, and he was trying very hard to hide his eyes beneath his cap due to embarrassment.

“Th-these are for you Jennifer!” The young males stuttered.

“Why thank you. That’s sweet of you both. I’ll put this in vase when I get home. I love roses, did you know?”<br>
The guy wearing a cap mustered his guts and spoke. “Hey can I ask you something? I was wondering if you’re free tomorrow night…”

[Haruske Elmdor]

“She’s mine you hear?!” Carter angrily shouted as she suddenly rose wiping his forehead of cold sweat, his eyes burning with cold fury.

Elli gave a soft yelp as she got surprised with Carter’s sudden burst of anger. She tried to pull Carter to sit down again. “Carter calm down! What on earth happened?”<br>
“She’s mine. You can’t hurt her. I’m not going to allow that to happen…” Carter said breathing heavily at irregular intervals. He finally calmed down and looked at Elli with fear in his eyes. I’m sorry Elli. Forget this ever happened.”<br>
“Forget? How can I forget? This is ridiculous Carter! Tell me what’s wrong will you?!” She snapped while slamming her palm on the bench. A clattering sound was heard. A wooden mug came rolling down from beneath the old bench. Elli saw something blue was neatly attached to the mug.

“Oh! A Blue Feather…”


More to come later...

Sneaky sneaks: The promise that two souls kept. How long would be be left in such broken hearts? Nightmares faced next on Crossing the Crossroads, "Broken Promises"

[Butterscotch]

*sniffle, sniff*
Poor Carter! Good chapter, Jem!

[Kayla]

Jem I loved it... ;D

[Haruske Elmdor]

Chapter III: Broken Promises



Carter hastily grabbed the wooden mug from a dumbstruck Elli as she slowly sat down on the bench again. “Why? Why do you have a Blue Feather Carter? I…I don’t get it. And you’re hiding it. Huh?” she looked dazed and ill at ease but she calmly held him to sit next to her. Carter looked relaxed, but he couldn’t hide his defiant voice.

“I just used the Blue Feather as a decoration, nothing more. I thought it doesn’t match the mug so I left it beneath the bench.” He tried to act casual and placed the mug beside the lamp. “There, I think it goes well with the lamp don’t you think? Elli?” Cold fear in his eyes was still visible, as he was afraid that Elli might remember that cold night, an imminent feeling of dread and hate from the past surged to his veins. Why had he been so reckless hiding it in a conspicuous spot? He heard a faint whisper. “You’re lying Carter.”<br>
“You’re lying Carter! I know you love me! Why would you give me this Feather in the first place! Tell me! Stop… Just stop pretending and tell me the truth…”
“Oh Jennifer… I don’t know what to say.”

Carter looked dazed as well, as dark thoughts slowly poured into his mind once more. “Pardon?”<br>
“You’re lying!” Elli cried, her hands covering her eyes. “Jeff only sells Blue Feathers to people who are committed for marriage! It’s not a decorative! You, of all the people should know that. It was the church that forbade people from buying Blue Feathers because it’s supposed to be a sign of love! Don’t lie to me and tell me. Why do you have one?” She was acting a bit strange and Carter noticed it, but he chose to act evasive. “I… I don’t know. I can’t tell you.”<br>
Elli looked up at Carter, her eyes sparkling with tears. She was indeed acting strange as she slowly took her handkerchief from her pocket to wipe off her tears, but Carter already had his and wiped cold tears from Elli’s warm cheek. “Thanks,” she mumbled.

“What’s wrong Elli? Why are you crying? I know you’re not crying because of me but for something else. As far as I’m concerned I haven’t said anything that can possibly make you cry,” Carter said, with a hint of concern on his voice.

“Don’t change the subject Carter,” she whispered in a deadly tone.

“I wasn’t! I didn’t know it’s wrong to show concern for a friend Elli!” Carter’s voice rose as confusion and fear aggravated his temper as he pressed rather firmly on Elli’s palm.

“Don’t you even dare raise your voice on me!”<br>
“I can do as much as I please thank you very much!”<br>
“Y-you… You just snapped at me…” Elli softly said as she buried her face on her hands once more.

“I’m sorry Elli, I didn’t mean to…”

The seconds that passed in silence seemed hours of reminiscing bittersweet memories for Carter. He thought he had completely forgotten her, his first love, the love that came first before he offered his life in service to the church. He thought he had completely lost the ability to lose his temper when he felt strong emotions. He thought spending his hours helping people, giving sermons, praying, and even playing with little May and Stu would forever bury the pain he withstood after that cold, dark night. He was wrong.

“Carter? Can I ask you something?” Elli asked, breaking Carter’s thoughts.

“…Sure, what is it?”<br>
“It’s… Jennifer, isn’t it?” In Elli’s eyes sadness were no longer visible but were replaced with fear and anxiety. “I’ve never seen you get to uptight about something aside from… what happened that night.”<br>
He didn’t look scared anymore. His own eyes reflected sorrow as the inevitable just came face to face with him. Carter slowly nodded in response.

“I’m sorry Carter. It’s been years since she died. I thought you’ve already forgotten her.”<br>
“No, she didn’t—“

“Hang on I’m sorry! Geez your temper Carter!” Elli gave a faint smile as she gave Carter a friendly pat on the head. “I know sweetie. Nobody knows what happened to her that night…”

Carter and Jennifer were both orphans who moved to Mineral Town ever since they were little. The pastor that time took them both as siblings of his own and raised them to become fine teens. They both grew together as brother and sister, until the day came when Carter realized he loved Jennifer. Things were great between the two of them, despite the fact Carter did not tell Jennifer of his feelings. The situation became complicated for the two of them, as Carter openly planned to become a pastor someday. It became even more when the time arrived when Carter bought a Blue Feather at Jeff’s store.

Nobody knew what happened the night Jennifer disappeared. As far as anyone could guess, the Kappa might have possibly taken her underneath the pond to die, but everyone in Mineral Town knew how hard it was for Carter to accept that Jennifer’s gone.

“I didn’t know it would be the last time I’d see her. After I found out that she didn’t come back I immediately rushed back to the Kappa pond. All that was left of her was this, lying on the grass,” he muttered as he removed the Blue Feather from the mug and handed it to Elli. “If I didn’t ask her to meet me at the pond in the first place, she might still be here with us…” he sighed as he placed the mug back beside the lamp. “Elli? Hey what’s wrong?”<br>
“You gave me a Blue Feather Carter!” she exclaimed. “Oh take me away with you!” she giggled, blushing furiously afterwards.

“What? Oh yeah, that,” he flatly said as he snatched the feather back from Elli who was still giggling at him. “Nice way to break the mood, you even made me smile, thanks.”<br>
He took the chance to reach to his pocket for a comb and fixed his slightly rumpled hair. Elli was looking at him with utmost interest, wondering if he was being charming on purpose. “There, now that things are in order, I say we talk about something else. I think you pretty much know what I’m talking about Elli,” he said, regaining his cool soothing voice. He held out his handkerchief once again. He threw a short glance at her and gave a chuckle. “No no don’t think me wrong. I combed my hair because it was already a mess, don’t take the feather seriously Elli.”<br>
Elli raised her eyebrows. “Ha ha very funny. But I have to admit, you ain’t worse when your hair’s a mess you know? You still look very handsome.”<br>
“Elli,” Carter sternly replied. “This isn’t the time for fooling around with me.”<br>
“Okay okay I know. So you’ve noticed… Yeah, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you about.”<br>
“You’re a tough girl Elli. You’ve been through a lot of hardships. Growing up without your parents supporting you is a painstaking road we both know that. You raised Stu as a sister-parent at the same time. Your grandmother’s condition getting worse. Never have I seen you get so upset that you cried. Something, or somebody else is bothering you.”<br>
“Very perceptive. You’re right. And about my problem… It’s about Jack. He gave me a Blue Feather this morning.”<br>
Carter tried to act surprised, but this didn’t fell prey to Elli’s pensive eyes as she was looking down to the floor. “He did? Wow. Congratulations Elli. So what did you do afterwards?”<br>
Elli hesitated to answer. She wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to tell him she refused to take the feather. But Carter relieved her of doubt as he gently pressed on Elli’s shoulder.

“Why did you refuse to take it then?”<br>
“…”<br>
“You’re not yet prepared for marriage?”<br>
“…”<br>
“You don’t like Jack to be your man?”<br>
“…”<br>
“You want ME instead to give you a Blue Feather, I can tell. I just noticed your reaction a while ago when I gave you my feather. That’s it correct?” Carter smirked as he saw Elli starting to go red again.

“Carter! You’re crazy!” Elli giggled, “Nice try though…”

Another cascade of straw colored hair swayed as Carter frowned and looked at the window. “I wasn’t trying. I got tired of thinking of any possible ideas. I’m a priest not a fortune teller Elli.”<br>
“Then you’re not trying hard enough.” She also threw a glance at the window as a pair of birds caught her attention. She gave a small sigh.

“What, so the confession booth’s a guessing booth now?” Carter scowled. “I can’t help you if I don’t know what’s wrong.”<br>
Elli sighed a bit more. “I don’t think he serious.”<br>
“What makes you think he’s not serious?” Carter asked. Then suddenly something clicked into place, completing the jigsaw puzzle. “I can see where you’re getting at. You think he’s not serious in proposing to you because he too, friendly with the girls here.”<br>
“Exactly,” she gave a huge sigh that Carter grew a bit uneasy but quickly recovered as he saw Elli rearrange her bow. “Uh huh, he told me that he loves me and everything. I can feel it, but you know me Carter. Remember that time before?”<br>
Carter was beginning to build a huge smirk. “That incident at the beach. Yes yes I remember you and your revealing polka dots you bad girl. I told you a hundred times before, the Goddess has not forgiven you.”

“I ain’t bad! And my bikini was not revealing at all. Maybe your eyes were blurry that time, I advise you to wear glasses. Or maybe you guys were just staring down that you thought it was revealing. The polka dots have fooled your eyesight my dear.” She glowered at him. “Excuse me but that ain’t my point.”<br>
“The Elli I know,” Carter paused for a second, “gives, and when she receives, becomes selfish.”<br>
“You know me all right, I’m very possessive of my belongings, and when Jack claimed me, he also became mine. Ain’t feeling special though, I almost believed Popuri when she told me Jack had a date with Karen. I mean, she’s sick for one…”

“Actually she did go to the inn last night to have a sip of her usual wine. And it so happened that Jack was around. I knew Karen wasn’t feeling well yet, but Jack beat me to it and sat next to her to accompany her. Typical of a man to do a gentlemanly thing like that,” Carter narrated uneasily, expecting Elli to explode with anger.

[Haruske Elmdor]

“So Jack did go out with her,” Elli sorrowfully said. “And then the next day he offered me a Blue Feather. Oh Carter, I don’t know what to do anymore…” She was about to bury her face of her hands but Carter held him. “Here,” Carter gently said as he raised his arm to hold Elli’s cheek with his handkerchief, catching tears full of confusion and grief.
“Elli, love is about trust. It is difficult to love someone if your heart is always on doubt. But don’t feel bad if your trust gets devastated, for love is always worth the pain in the end because it never hurts to try to find someone you’ll love He let Elli’s head rest on his shoulder, hugging her sweetly. “If things come to its worst, I’ll just give you my Blue Feather.”<br>
“CARTER! Elli sniffled as she jerked her head and flashed teary yet slightly cheerful eyes. “I almost believed you! You and your soothing voice! Meanie.” She shook her head and gazed at the window again. It was almost nightfall. “Oh it’s almost dark. Uhm Carter, about my…”

“Confession yes I know. Hating someone for breaking promises is wrong. But we are humans and express strong emotions sometimes. It can’t be helped. The Harvest Goddess has forgiven you my child.”<br>
“But how about you? D’you forgive me for making you remember Jennifer?” Elli nervously asked.

“I forgive you Elli. But don’t think I’m going to let you get away for calling me a meanie. I’ll have to ask Jeff to teach me how the poke of death works,” he said smiling.

“Ahh okay. But don’t expect me to raise my skirt as a white flag! In your fantasies!”<br>
Carter just grinned as he stood up and walked towards the door “I have to tell the others confession today’s over. I need to rest. I’m a bit strained from our conversation.”<br>
“Sorry again about that,” Elli sheepishly said as she too stood up and walked towards the door. She suddenly remembered something and grabbed Carter’s hard before he opened the door.

“Hmm?”<br>
“How did you know that Jack broke his promise?”<br>
“A man confessed to me early this afternoon.”<br>
“I thought so. Rest well okay? Buhbye Carter!” she waved as she closed the door behind her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


That night Carter couldn’t sleep. A single phrase chanted itself to his mind that prevented his thoughts to be calm like the sea. He had a hard time dozing off to slumberland, cold sweat bathing his conscience with guilt and remorse.

“Broken promises… Broken Promises… Broken Promises… Broken Promises…”

A bright full moon shone and gave the freezing night an eerie speck of luminous light. Fireflies were circling around a tree stump Gotz, the woodcutter left undone. It mysteriously acted as a totem pole for the dancing fireflies, giving the pacing man more tension as he looked around. Everything was perfect, he had calculated his every move. No place to fret, no fidgeting or stuttering. He remembered that he was clutching something in his right arm. This was going to be his night.

“Not too cold, not too dark. Kappa, give me the guts tonight,” he whispered as he threw a cucumber into the cold pond. He then reached to his pocket and grasped a familiar feather he bought earlier that day. “Jeff this is the luckiest feather you’ve ever sold,” he mumbled with nerve. He waited for a couple of minutes, until his heart leapt as he saw a figure slowly approaching the pond. “Jennifer! You had me worrying for a second, thought you’d never come!”<br>
The woman was in her early twenties, not far from the man who was older by a few years. She had shiny jet-black hair that was wrapped around wooden chopsticks. Her pale blue eyes reflected serenity as she looked at the man and sweetly smiled. “Now when did I ever let you down Carter? But sure is odd of you inviting me here at a time like this. What’s up?”<br>
The younger version of Carter did not speak. He just slowly raised his arm and showed the woman a Blue Feather. Jennifer gave a small yelp of delight. “Oh Carter! Do you really mean it?”<br>“Remember what we used to say when we saw older people giving Blue Feathers?”<br>“Yeah, I remember…”

“Hey Jenny! I saw Mr. Basil this morning. He was looking very happy when he gave a feather to Miss Anna!”<br>“Oh yeah? Wow I want one too!”

“So now I’m giving you one myself.”<br>“But what about your dream of being a pastor.”<br>“I don’t know.”<br>“Do you really love me?”<br>“I don’t know…”

Jennifer looked simply befuddled. Her pale eyes were looking forlorn and desolate while she stared at the feather Carter clutched. You’re lying Carter…”

“What?”<br>“You’re lying Carter! I know you love me! Why would you give me this feather in the first place? Tell me!”<br>“Don’t accuse me of being a liar…”
“Stop… Just stop pretending and tell me the truth!”<br>“I love you Jennifer.”<br>“…”<br>“Oh Jennifer…”
“…”<br>“I don’t know what to say.”<br>
“Well I have something to say and do… And that is…” She opened Carter’s palm, took the feather and smiled afterwards. “I love you too Carter.”<br>
It slowly sank to Carter until he finally exploded with glee. “…REALLY? You accept?!”<br>
“Of course silly,” Jennifer said blushing crimson.

“Oh I’m going to tell the pastor right now!”<br>
“Carter! Hang on a sec! Oh great he’s already gone.”<br>
“…”<br>
Carter jerked up, bathing with his own sweat. He slowly remembered what was missing in his dream.

“Why do you think the grown ups give Blue Feathers huh?”<br>“I think they give it so someone so they’ll both be together forever.”<br>“Really? Well when I grow up, I want to give you one too!”<br>“Yay Carter! Promise?”<br>“I promise Jenny…”

He buried his head to his pillow to cover his tears, trying to get back to sleep. On the other hand, a girl was curling up her hair in front of the mirror, eyes illuminating malice.

“Tomorrow I’m gonna make sure that you will transform me into a woman,” she slyly murmured as she stoked a portrait of a man wearing a scapular, the familiar ripple of straw colored hair present in the picture, “in bed that is.”<br>

More to come later…

Sneak Peaks: As the heavens cry, a single soul cries with glee, contemplating her own devious actions. Lust and flesh come side by side next on Crossing the Crossroads, “Forbidden Embers”