Storytime

"Oh, what a wonderful moment," Deidre Kappmeyer gushed, wiping her eyes. "Honey, get a picture."

"Seriously?" Keira questioned her mother.

Yet, she knew her mom enough to pick up her phone and take a picture of Sean and Finn hugging at the bottom of the stage stairs. Actually, the brunette needed several tries to capture an image that would please her mom, as several younger girls kept getting in her way.

"What's the deal with all those girls hovering around Sean?' Keira asked, turning to face another of her neighbors.

"Well, Sean's a bigshot now, so that means he's got to have an entourage," JoJo replied. She struggled to maintain a look of annoyance but couldn't keep it up and broke into a giggle.

"Jo, don't lie!" Zoey ordered her older sister. Then, sitting in-between her sister and Keira, she turned to face the buxom twenty-something that she viewed as somewhat of a role model. "Some of those girls are my good friends. Don't you remember them?"

"Ah, I thought a couple looked familiar. So did you put them up to helping your Sean?" Keira queried, emphasizing the last two words with a knowing smile.

"It-It's not like that. I've moved on from those feelings," Zoey insisted, brushing off her old crush on Sean. "My friends are cheerleaders. And with Whitney as varsity captain, she asked them to keep an eye on and watch over Sean."

"I think Whitney straight up ordered the Babybees to serve him," JoJo clarified.

"Ah, the Babybees. And Whitney is who he rescued. No further explanation needed," Keira added, chuckling.

Most of the adults at the table focused on Sean getting back into his wheelchair. Jillian Gibble thanked Deidre for the photo idea. She mentioned that she wanted to show her husband, Patrick, what he missed.

"When's Pat getting off work tonight?" Hugh Kappmeyer inquired.

"Supposed to be ten o'clock, but you know how things go. It's New Year's Eve, and a snowstorm is in the forecast," Jillian responded, showing her disappointment. "I'd hoped that he could've gotten tonight off, but holidays are busy times for the police."

"Tell me about it. The holidays are the same for the fire department," Samantha Denton commented. "But Vince always found a way to be there for Newt and me."

"Don't worry. I'm sure he'll do his best to get back for the romantic moments," Deidre whispered, causing Jillian to blush. Next, she turned her attention to her other neighbor. "And we're going to find you a partner for the ball drop, young lady. It's time."

"Oh, no! I told you I'm fine," Samantha protested, shooting a worried glance at her son. Fortunately, Newt's phone held his focus as always.

"Nope. Not happening," Jillian declared with a firm head shake. "You either let one of us find you a dance and kiss partner, or we're siccing Bridget on you."

With her date off to use the restroom, one adult opted to join the conversation of her younger tablemates. Lemon Leighton, Jillian's cousin, addressed an issue that had bothered her for the last several months.

"Zo, wouldn't you feel better if you were over there helping? I think it'd also be a lot more fun to sit at their table."

"Here we go again," JoJo muttered.

"What?" Keira questioned.

"I'll get to you next, Jo," Lemon promised/warned. "Now, I just don't understand, Zo. Why aren't you a cheerleader this year?"

"Wait, you're not?!" Keira exclaimed. "But you loved it and were even elected captain last year."

"I was not elected. Fern got appointed by our coach," Zoey explained.

"And when she turned out to be a bust, your squadmates looked to you. That's an amazing show of their respect for your leadership," Lemon gushed. "And think of all the fun you're missing out on. My cheerleading days were awesome."

"Yeah, I loved it, but I have other things I also like. I have Drama Club and Art Club. Plus, I also like to have free time to work on--"

"You'll have plenty of free time to paint all by yourself when you're older. Right now, being part of a squad is the only opportunity you'll ever have. So don't waste these years by holing yourself up in your room. I've dealt with that enough with your sister," Lemon remarked. "At least I don't have to worry about you finding a boyfriend. Lord knows how many times I tried to get Joanne to date."

"Hey, don't bring me into--"

"Yes, why don't you have a boyfriend, JoJo?" Keira challenged. "I've seen you play soccer. Scrappy, spunky, and confident on the field; shy, demure, and timid off it. You're like Jekyll and Hyde."

"Now would be a good time to stake your claim on Sean," Lemon noted. "He's going to have a lot of offers."

"Yeah, how long will you two continue to be blind?" Keira questioned. "Haven't you noticed how handsome he's become? He always seemed mature for his age in a few areas. But I think now he's going to be--"

"Will all of you just stop! Why does everyone think I'm secretly pining over my best friend? Sean's like my brother. I. Am. Not. Interested. Like. That!" JoJo proclaimed.

"Yeah, not when she's got another friend to bang," Zoey chimed in.

"Zoey!" the older sister screeched.

"Girls, what's the issue now? Can't you keep it down?" Jillian challenged.

"Another friend? Who? No way!" Keria rattled off in excitement. The brunette also turned to face the one suspect nearest to her.

Newt felt the gaze of Lemon, Keira, and Keira's parents on him. Even more absurdly, his mother's jaw had dropped at the possibility of her son and JoJo having sex together.

"W-Why...It's not me!"

"Duh, I didn't say it was Newt," Zoey clarified, scoffing at the notion. "JoJo gave it up to Jared this week."

"Jared?" Lemon repeated, trying to recall the name. Then it hit her: Jared was Gabby Lockett's son.

"Jared? As in little chubby Jared?" Keira questioned, remembering the boy she babysat a few times.

"Jared's not chubby any longer. Well, maybe down below," Jillian remarked.

"Mother!" JoJo screeched.

"Oh, I know he's not pudgy these days. I've seen how he turned that extra weight into some impressive muscles. Talk about studly," Keira commented, waving her hand in front of her face. Then, she peered around Zoey to see JoJo's mortified face. "So, how was he--I mean, it?"

"It was fine," JoJo said softly. She held in the urge to strangle her sister for revealing that she wasn't a virgin any longer. Sure, it was the talk amongst some people, but not her neighbors. JoJo should've been more worried about her mother.

"Fine? From what Gabriela told me, fine is a huge understatement, dear," Jillian said before turning to face the other women at the table. "She reported that they went at it day and night. My oldest is quite a foul-mouthed screamer."

"Oh, my," Deidre sounded, covering her mouth with a hand.

"Mom!"

"They supposedly kept the cabin awake for the whole first night. Gabby said that no one there could recall a more satisfying and crazier first time for a person."

"Wait, even Bridget and Harvey?" Lemon questioned, the shock written over her face.

"Oh, I didn't think of it that way," Jillian admitted. Suddenly, her face showed concern. "Perhaps we need to have another talk, young lady. I don't want you turning--"

"They weren't there!" JoJo shouted in response. Catching herself, she lowered her voice. "I mean, Mrs. Tarver and Mr. Diamond were at the hospital. We-I...it happened that night...ask Newt!"

"I...Don't drag me...I don't want to talk about what you screamed," Newt responded, shooting her a glare.

"Sean saves Whitney's life while JoJo and Jared...do that. What has been going on at Wasp Lake?" Samantha asked her son. "Have you..."

"I didn't do anything!" Newt insisted. "JoJo's the one that turned into a wild animal."

"Me?! Why was Polly mad at you before she left? What about what you did while I was in the bedroom with Jared?" JoJo shot back.

Unfortunately for Newt, everyone at the table assumed the worst. Theories bounced around heads, with the worst settling inside his mom's mind. She'd constantly worried about his fear around girls.

"Oh, no. Please tell me that you didn't peep on--"

"Whoa! That's not what I meant!" JoJo exclaimed, cutting off that fear. "Newt risked his life to save Mr. Singer."

Every head swung from JoJo to Newt.

"You did what?!" Samantha questioned, feeling faint.

Newt shot JoJo a dirty look, but her selling him out worked as everyone focused on him, not her missing virginity.

---

"No, no, it's okay. Go ahead," Bridget reassured. Almost like a proud mother, she gestured for Serinda and Sanna to have their moment at the microphone.

"Uh, hi, remember us?" Serinda asked as Sanna rolled her eyes.

Bridget found it adorable how shy the two redheads acted when it came to public speaking. It was the exact opposite of their confident attitude when recording their videos, which had the potential to be seen by far more people than those sitting in the ballroom.

While not part of Rachel's plan, she'd readily agreed to Bridget's suggestion about including Cassie's nieces in this segment. They should have a moment to honor their aunt while helping cut some potential tension with the main speaker during this portion.

"I was only four when Aunt Cassie had her accident," Sanna stated. "That means my memories of her are limited."

"Since I was two years older, I have more moments to recall," Serinda chimed in.

"However, both our memories of Aunt Cassie mainly come down to all the wonderful, creative ways she entertained us," Sanna took back over, sharing a look with her sister.

"The one that stands out most is storytime. Aunt Cassie had a special ability to mesmerize her audience with how she read those stories," Serinda recalled.

"A superpower!" Sanna added.

"Right! And even though she didn't need to, Aunt Cassie often dressed up as a character from those books. Or something close to them," Serinda said, sharing a smile with her little sister.

"We're lucky that we spent parts of our last two summers with her in Honey Hollow. She'd take us to her storybook readings for other kids while also giving us extra readings at her house," Sanna recounted, beaming from the memories.

"That's because you whined for more," Serinda pointed out. "And I guess I did too."

"So we're thrilled to be up here to announce that--"

"Whoa, whoa! You're not supposed to do that part," Bridget interrupted, waving the girls off. "Just introduce the speaker."

"Oh, right!"

"Sorry, Bridget," Serinda apologized.

"It's Aunt Bridget," Sanna hissed at her older sister.

"Is it? Hmm, I guess so."

"Girls," Bridget hissed.

"Oh, so we're supposed to introduce the main speaker for this part," Sanna admitted to the audience."

"And that's Kimberly Lufflutz!" Serinda announced.

Sanna had to nudge her sister into remembering to clap for the next speaker. They and the ball-goers politely did so as the former cheerleader made her way up the stairs and onto the stage. The platinum blonde met Bridget before reaching the podium. The two former squadmates shared a stiff hug for the sake of appearances.

"Is that your second dress of the night?" Bridget questioned, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Planning on a third?"

"I had to change dresses because your little bitch sister spilled a drink on me," Kimberly responded through gritted teeth. "Probably on purpose."

Tinsley laughed in the background.

"Well, I'm sure Brandy had her reasons," the former cheer captain remarked, shrugging.

"I think being a bitch is reason enough," Kimberly hissed over her shoulder while walking to the podium. Then, reaching it, she plastered a smile on her face and hugged the two teenagers. Finished, she adjusted the microphone. "It's scary how much they look like their aunt."

Murmurs around the tables agreed with the sentiment.

"Also, I'm Kimberly Goose, not Lufflutz."

Bridget rolled her eyes while Tinny called Kimberly a cunt. This time, Bridget regretted having the phone's volume down low. Still, the Bank sisters caught the comment and covered their mouths. However, they couldn't hide their giggles when they heard their uncle say, "Fuck her, Larry."

Despite the shocked whispering amongst the tables, Kimberly began her speech. She retold the story of moving from the county to Honey Hollow and the first meeting with Cassandra. Despite her bitchy attitude, Kim's soft spot for Cassie couldn't be denied. The platinum blonde gushed about her new friend's ability to connect with young children. She also praised her acceptance of a newcomer and her encouragement of Kimberly to meet her other friends who were cheerleaders, after learning that Kimberly always wanted to be a cheerleader.

Thankful for the introductions and a bookworm herself, Kim recounted how she agreed to become another storyteller at the local library with Cassie. Then, showing past humility that she'd lost as a grownup, she admitted, "The kids definitely preferred Cassie over me, but I might've reached third-favorite by graduation. Okay, fourth-favorite."

Taking a moment to dab her eyes with a tissue, Kimberly talked about how Cassie continued to show up at storytime readings as often as she could. College, pregnancy, motherhood, and teaching never stopped her passion for spending a few Saturdays a month at the library. Unfortunately, retirements and turnover in the Honey Hollow library system caused the readings to fade away after Cassandra's accident.

"I'm delighted to announce the return of those old storytime readings! Not only has this been a personal request of Finley, but also the new head of Stork Memorial Library. So please stand up," Kimberly checked her notes. "Davy Earp! Hey, I know you."

At first, hoping for another opportunity at the handsome man whose drink had spilled on her first dress of the evening, Kimberly's eyes narrowed as she found him in the ballroom, along with who he sat with. She frowned as Brandy and Fawn encouraged their tablemate to stand up and wave to the clapping crowd.

"Not only is Mr. Earp planning to hold the first readings at Stork Library, but he's also gotten assurances that the other library branches will hold and promote similar storytime readings," Kimberly hurriedly added, hoping to cut off the clapping for the man she now disliked. "In addition to the public library system, Mayor Dunkley and the Parks Department have signed off on holding summertime readings at several local parks, including Beekeepers Square. Let's give a hand to Dwight Dunkley!"

The reaction to the friendly, popular mayor spoke volumes about the divisions forming in Honey Hollow. While most of the ball-goers cheered for Dewey, several sizable groups merely clapped politely, and a handful of tables sat silently. Those tables earned glares and several comments about acting rudely.

"Also, in conjunction with the planned reading contests, The Worm Bookery will hold several storytime readings," Kimberly continued. "I think it speaks volumes to how fondly people remember Cassandra that we've had multiple requests for storytime readings. While nothing is finalized, both the Honey Hollow Public Museum and Historical Society have offered to hold reading events that tie in with their exhibits. I can personally say that Cassie would've been delighted to hear about those offers. It would align nicely with her ideas about teaching and entertaining jointly."

At one of the Wynwick tables, Fletcher yelled for his relatives, Abraham and Dahlia Abbott, to get an ovation. The well-respected curator of the public museum and the beloved director of the historical society received the acknowledgment they asked for. It even soothed a bit of Fiona's anger toward her son from his earlier scene.

"We've received many more requests. While a line hasn't formed yet, Mr. and Mrs. Bank have hinted that they'd like Pinhead's Recreation Center and Little Stingers Daycare to be next in line. Pinheads might be a bit noisy if you ask me, but the Dawkins family has known and lived near the Banks for decades. Unfortunately, how many of these requests are filled depends on what our next speaker addresses. Personally, I'm sorry to say that since I live in Arbor Corners, I won't be able to participate."

"More like because she hates kids," Tinny remarked to Bridget.

"So I'd like to introduce one of our future storytellers, who is also the daughter of one of Cassie's old friends from the cheer squad. Give a warm welcome to Aurora Rusk," Kimberly introduced.

Two tables erupted in cheers. Aurora's family clapped and whistled for her while the cheerleading table all jumped to their feet. Chants of "Rory" came from the latter table.

After hugging the four people on stage, along with a two-sentence pep talk from Bridget, Rory took her place in front of the microphone. The crowd watched in surprise and fascination as the teenager performed several passages from a romance novel. She pleaded with her lost love to forget their families' wishes and do what their hearts wanted. Vowing that all they needed was each other's love, Rory sobbed as she told him they needed to forget their controlling families and their only concern about reputations. Eventually, she faked a swoon as her unseen lover kissed her passionately.

"Thank you, thank you," Rory bowed to the crowd, naming the book and author from which she took that excerpt. "I thought I'd get the more grown-up material out of my head since the kids might gag over that stuff."

Austin sat at his table, fuming. Even he could pick up on the scene's criticism of a controlling father and brutish brother. Scanning the ballroom, he wondered what his father thought of Rory's performance.

"I'm utterly delighted to be one of the first storytellers for Cassandra's Story Society. As many of you know, Aunt Cassie wasn't a cheerleader with my mom, but she was always there helping in any way she could. Some people called her the unofficial student manager. To me, I hear those old tales and think that she was one damn good friend. She was also an awesome mom and a teacher that I wished I had. Because of my mom's connection to her, I attended many storytime readings and other events where Cassie showed off her creativity and passion. So when I heard that the readings were part of this project, I demanded to be included. Yep, I might have caused a few scenes."

The crowd chuckled after Aurora pounded the podium.

"However, I was surprised when Mrs. Bank and Mrs. Stratton asked me to help be a leader and organizer for the storytime readings. Which we need to think of a better name, to be honest, but, hey, that's just me," Rory said, to more chuckles. "Fortunately, I found a co-leader in Jessalyn Granmeyer, who many of you know as an awesome actress from our school plays. She couldn't be here tonight as she's away visiting relatives. Additionally, the best and most underappreciated actress in the club, Dora Delay, has joined us as a fellow reader/performer. Unfortunately, after that, most of the Drama Club hasn't been--"

Rory broke off as a person scurried over to the stage on a pair of very high heels.

"Sorry, sorry!" Lux Chaumont apologized as she struggled to cross the stage quickly.

"What are you doing?' Rory challenged, covering the mic with her hand. "You didn't want to be part of this."

"I never said that," Lux hissed upon reaching Rory. "I'm in it for Mrs. Singer."

"What about your parents?"

"They'll learn the benefits of good publicity, even if I have to smack them in the face with it," Lux replied before waving at Rory. "You'd better get back to your speech."

"Uh, we also have another Drama Club member in Lux Chaumont. She was off tinkling when I began," Rory teased, getting a dig in while also covering for Lux's late decision. "Now, as I was saying, there hasn't been enough support from other members of the Drama Club. Several younger members have volunteered, but we're meeting resistance as well. The so-called patrons of the arts who make up the booster club have lobbied the school board to forbid the use of school auditoriums or costume collections for storytime readings. We were also denied support by the local theatre group. What kind of bullshit is that? Yep, they're a bunch of--"

"Uh, Rory, less anger," Bridget whispered.

"Nah, let her go," Tinny said from her living room.

"Oh, sorry. So what I'm getting at is that the lack of support from the people you already give your money to means that we'll have to hold fundraisers for our costumes and materials," Rory revealed, still pissed off. "Fortunately, Jessalyn, Dora, and myself have our own costume collections that might help."

"Me too!" Lux said, leaning over toward the microphone.

"That's dandy. But what happens when the four of us leave for college later this summer?"

"Speech, Rory, speech," Bridget reminded softly.

"I know! So expect some sort of fundraisers, or maybe stop giving your money to wannabe art assholes. Um, sorry," Rory apologized after seeing her mom's glare.

"Well, besides us four seniors, we've gotten several younger girls willing to help. Will Zoey Gibble, Robin Ridge, and Winnie Wirch please stand up?" The three sophomores did so. "You're looking at the future storytellers/performers of Cassandra's Story Society before it even begins. Now, we are also hoping non-Drama Club students will join us. Maybe a few cheerleaders?" Rory hinted, looking over at their table.

"We-We will! Us, us!" Yumi screamed, jumping to her feet. She dragged a less enthusiastic Kaitlin to her feet, too.

Kizzy and Harley also stood to show their interest and support.

"Thanks, girls. However, does anyone notice something missing? Do you?" Rory questioned in exasperation. "Where are the boys? This is unacceptable. Boys also like to read and perform. Well, at least we have one guy willing to be a storyteller. But, of course, that's Finn Singer."

The crowd began to clap again before Rory cut them off.

"Yeah, yeah, that's great, but Finn doesn't really count, does he? We need guys willing to step up and volunteer. And if they won't? Then us girls will have to **** them because the little boys who show up to listen need role models. Not every boy needs to see dumb jocks as role models."

"Aurora!" Miranda hissed from her table.

"Yes, that's an excellent point--Hey!" Kimberly commented, nearly succeeding in nudging Rory away from the podium. She would've if Lux hadn't elbowed her back.

"We definitely need some guys to join us. And why wouldn't they want to? Can I have our volunteers stand up again? Look at the gorgeous girls that you'd be working with. If the joy on the kids' faces doesn't warm up your hearts, think about heating up another part of you," Lux said, running a hand down her dress seductively.

"Okay, girls, thank--" Bridget said from behind everyone.

"Hey, Rory, do you know what else guys can be good for you?' Lux inquired in an overly cheery voice.

"Hold up, this is getting good," Tinny ordered Bridget.

"What's that, Lux?" Rory asked with extra sass.

"Group readings. We can have several storytellers do their thing, with each performing a character or two from the book. Kinda like a table read," Lux suggested.

"Holy shit! That's a great idea," Rory exclaimed, not faking her excitement.

"Okay, it's gone boring. Pull them out," Tinny told Bridget, sounding dejected.