Chapter 2
Lottie
TheFallFestivalisone of my favorite events that we do with the foundation and I’m thankful that the weather has held up thus far and allowing an enticing and fun evening. The firetrucks and squad cars come in setting up for enrichment programs. The vendors have set up activities and games and treats for the whole community, local community programs out for outreach and engagement, and the once miniature haunted house with the local high school theater troupes preparing for a fun evening, now expanding and stretching across the field.
The leaves turn into the reddish, orange, transitioning into a faded brown, piling up on the ground. The sun glistened through the trees, beaming across the way. Something about fall and the warm, bright colors speaks to my soul. As if to say that all things take a rest and start anew in the spring. There is a slight breeze stirring around us, rustling the leaves even more.
The festival is coming along, giving the final touches, carnival games, candy corn, and cotton candy. Oh, how I wish I could be a kid again, at least like Finn with wonder in his eyes. “Lottie!” I hear from behind me as I go to inspect peoples tables and check in. Finn, dressed in his take of Peter Pan with a twist. Finn didn’t want the tights, but his mind said, what if he added some rock into it. So thrifty as I am, I found a green leather jacket, ripped jeans, and a hat we crafted to be inspired by the flying boy himself. When I asked if I should be Captain Hook, he put his foot down and said Tinker Bell. The kid has a vision and who am I to crush that vision? My nephew has imagination at least, something I am proud of.
Seems fitting, I tried to fit into his vision of costumes, and was able to find a white denim ripped jacket, with a tight green dress, fitting into the color scheme. But one thing I added were cotton balls on my boots. I threw my hair up in a Tinker Bell bun and added sparkle.
“Kiddo.” I pull him into a hug
“Tu es magnifique,”You are magical, he says. His eyes opened wide with amazement.
“Merci, mon petit bébé.”I glance behind him, trudging along, Brayden is in full costume as Willy Wonka.
“Um..” I glare at him.
“Don’t hate. I know I look fabulous.” He strikes a pose, swinging his cane. “What? You got plans after?”
“Yes bitch, someone has to findmygolden ticket.” He peers at me. I cover Finn’s ears, glaring at Brayden at the language. Finn wiggles in my hands, “It’s not like I haven’t heard worse.” I roll my eyes. I wish I had that much energy that matches his sometimes.
“What needs to be done?” Finn asks, looking around as if the world is his playground, bouncing with excitement.
Choices, choices, “Okay, you can either go check on the haunted house, see if they need anything, or check with Chef in the kitchen to see if he needs help.” Finn ponders but if I know my boy he’s going to pick the latter. He grinned wide, “Stay safe kiddo, see you back here in an hour.” I yell after him as he sprints to the education entrance to maneuver to get to the community kitchen.
I look back at Brayden, he’s studying my face. “What?”
“Nothing.”
“It’s something.”
He deeply sighs, “The dynamic between you two. I know he’s your nephew and all, but if someone doesn't know better they still mistake you as mother and son.”
“I told you, I’m never stepping into those shoes for him. He had a mother and a father that I know loved him deeply and unconditionally. I am the aunt that is raising that sweet boy, I’m not replacing her or him.”
I have always had this conversation with people. Finn is such a remarkable boy, that most times, they mistake and call him my son. Sometimes, it scares me to feel like that he is. My role was never to replace the parents he had, but to help guide him into the boy he is now and what his parents wanted him to be. But he had my brother and my sister in law who were taken away too soon, too soon to see the beauty of that little boy who will turn into a young man before my eyes. I’m doing my best to never let Finn forget who his parents were and tell him stories. He’s my nephew but a small part of me claims him as my kid. That part will never get easier.
“I know Lottie, just I know it’s hard to be a parent and an aunt and be the responsible one.”
I scuff, “Please, he’s more responsible than I am.” Brayden chuckles at that. As the sun is soon setting, more people begin to fill the festival with spirits and wonder, and some spooks. The ground seems to rattle as a thunderous echo gravitates nearby. All attention appears to find the noise and wonder. Then there’s the rumble and roar of motorcycles in the distance, closing in around us. They need no introduction, but I think my cavalry has arrived.
Right on schedule, I count ten bikes entering the parking lot, as a parade of chrome and glimmer. But, that is the only sound that echoes around us, everyone has stopped and stared at these burly men in leather and jeans. This has to be one of the most diverse group of bikers I’ve ever seen. Only person I recognize is on the back of another bike, with a curvy frame. They turn off the bikes and I can sense Brayden’s jaw has hit the floor. Because he is seeing what I am seeing, and to him there are options. For me, distractions.
Tessa swings her legs off the bike, unbuckling her helmet. Then I see a giant man grab her and pull her in. Scratch that, all these men seem to tower over her and myself. That man must be Alexander, and as soon as he takes off his helmet, I can see the appeal. Alexander is a striking man, blonde hair that almost looks white, chiseled jawline, shoulders squared and toned. The way he gravitates towards her, keeping her close. Compared to him, Tessa is tiny, a squirrel compared to his tree-like form. They look so infatuated with each other, I sense a small twinge of jealousy wash over me. I shake the thought away. The sensation of happiness and love surrounding them. Each man and woman have something fall or Halloween related, close enough, except Tessa, dressed as a little red riding hood. The message was clear, but I will take what I can get today.
Before I could make my next step, walking towards them, they walked towards me in return. I looked at the group, something must be in the water with this group because all these men and the other woman are gorgeous. All ranging in muscle and strength. One caught my eye with his tan skinned and dark brown eyes, high cheekbones, thick eyebrows, and lips that appear plump. One look could kill someone or make them swoon.Snap out of it. His hair in a short fade, I’d say adds to the charm. I peep tattoos running down towards his elbows. Something tribal draping over his arm.
Tessa leads the group, she and one other female among the group. Makes me wonder who else is involved in this group. If I remember correctly this group has been the talk of the community and owns a few places in the downtown area.
“Lottie,” Tessa reaches out for a hug.
“Boss lady,” I retorted back. She pulls back, stepping to the side of me. Taking notice of my appearance. “Finn’s idea?” She whispers, I nod in reply. “The dress?” She chuckles?
“My idea.” I smirk at her. She nods and turns her attention back to the bikers.
“Wolves, this is Charlotte Ashers, our education program’s leader and your leader for the night. Best behavior please, don’t need a repeat of the last time.” She stares them down.
