"Yes!" Annabelle was already picturing it. "What a perfect opportunity for her to get involved in the community. She could help with the fundraiser, maybe perform, or just make an appearance, and the children would be so excited."
"The entire village would turn out," Blossom agreed. "A celebrity performance would definitely raise money."
"Exactly." Annabelle beamed. "And surely she'd love to help the children. This is for such a good cause."
"Annabelle," Arty said.
But Annabelle was already planning. "We could have her do a short concert, or maybe she could just introduce the acts if she doesn't want to perform. Either way, it would be—"
"Annabelle." Arty's voice was firmer now. "Can I have a word?"
He stood up and gestured toward the door.
Annabelle followed him outside onto the pavement, slightly confused. "What's wrong?"
Arty crossed his arms and gave her a look that was somewhere between amused and concerned. "You're not seriously planning to ask Raven to be part of this fundraiser, are you?"
"Of course I am. It's a wonderful idea."
"Is it, though?"
"Yes," Annabelle said. "She's talented, she's famous, and she's right here in the village. Why wouldn't we ask her?"
"Because," Arty said slowly, like he was explaining something to a small child, "she came here for privacy. She's made that very clear. She doesn't want attention. She doesn't want to be recognized. And she definitely doesn't want to be the star attraction at a village fundraiser."
"But this is different," Annabelle insisted. "This isn't about her fame. This is about helping children. About the library." She smiled brightly. "Surely she'd want to contribute to something meaningful. Deep down, everyone does."
"Has she given you any indication, any indication at all, that she wants to be involved in village activities?"
"Well… not exactly. But that's just because she's new. She's still settling in. Once she understands what we're trying to do…"
"Annabelle." Arty's expression was patient but firm. "I've met Raven. I've talked to her at the pub. She came here to get away from all of this. From people asking her for things. From being on display."
"We're not asking her to be on display," Annabelle said reasonably. "We're asking her to be a neighbor. To help her community. That's completely different."
Arty sighed. "You really believe that, don't you?"
"Of course I do. Because it's true." Annabelle's smile was unwavering. "Everyone wants to belong somewhere, Arty. Everyone wants to be part of something good. They just need someone to show them how."
"And you think you're going to show Raven how to be part of a community?"
"Why not?" Annabelle said brightly. "I showed Jamie Long how to enjoy reading. I convinced Mrs. Patterson to let us do story time in the library garden. I even got Kayley Long to volunteer for the PTA, and everyone said that was impossible."
"This is different."
"How?"
Arty studied her for a long moment, then shook his head. "You know what? Fine. Go ahead and ask her. But don't say I didn't warn you when she tells you to sod off."
"She won't," Annabelle said confidently. "You'll see."
They went back inside, and Annabelle spent the rest of the meeting making plans with the kind of sunny determination that had gotten her through every challenge she'd ever faced.
By the time they all filed out an hour later, she'd convinced herself that asking Raven to help was not only a good idea, it was the perfect idea.
After all, everyone wanted to help children. Even grumpy rockstars who accidentally made their neighbors internet famous.
She just needed to ask in the right way.
