End of Summer Festival (Pt. 1)

--- Maya ---

“Okay, and that should be everything.” She told herself, hiding what gear she’d decided to bring with her underneath a towel and a pile of drinks and snacks at the bottom of her old backpack.

(So, we’re not bringing the armor?)

“Carrying a backpack full of ‘snacks’ around is one thing, but carrying a bag weighed down by actual metal? Someone would comment and we’d have to leave everything behind.” She explained, zipping the bag shut.

(Sensible enough.)

“Also, I don’t feel like carrying around ten pounds of metal all day just in case something happens.” She admitted, shifting the weight of the bag as she put it on.

(Okay, I can get behind being lazy.) Her inner child agreed. (Now let’s get moving we’ve got a party to get to!)

(It’s not actually a party.) Her inner logic felt the need to point out.

(If there are people gathered to have fun it is a party.) Her inner passion argued soundly.

(I suppose…)

“You got everything chica? Dad ‘s back from dropping off Tommy, and mamá says it’s time to load up.” Vi told her, before noticing Maya’s backpack. “What’s with the bag?”

“Bringing drinks and snacks of my own, since festival prices are obscene.” She explained.

“You know we’ve already got a bag packed.” Vi reminded her with a wry grin. “Mom just as much of a cheapskate as you.”

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She couldn’t help but scoff at that. “I’m pretty sure everyone but Dad and Tommy are the same way.”

“So, the girls?” Vi clarified.

“Well we are the smarter sex after all.” She pointed out in an overly haughty tone, getting a laugh out of her sister.

“Whatever.” Vi shook her head with a grin as she turned to leave. “Either way, get a move on hermanita, you know how impatient mamá gets.”

---

“So, everyone remembers the rules, right?” Her mamá asked, once everyone had their festival bands, and a few dollars she was sure her parents had been saving up all summer.

“Keep an eye on the younger kids.” Vi answered off handedly.

“Right.” Her mamá nodded, before pointing at Maya.

“Don’t wander too far from everyone, and if I start feeling an ‘episode’ call and let someone know.” She answered, before remembering what her dad told her last year. “Oh, and don’t talk to any boys!”

Her mother blinked once before glaring at the husband who refused to meet her eyes.

“Uh, Izzy?” Her dad asked with just a hint of desperation.

“Stay where someone can see me and break the kneecaps of anyone who tries to touch me.” Izzy supplied in her own bored tone.

“Good enough.” Her mother told them, still glaring at her husband as she shifted Seamus on her hip. “Tommy’s battle of the bands thing is in a couple of hours, and I want all of you there. Got it?” Maya and her sisters all nodded, getting their own nod back. “Good, have fun and stay safe.”

As her family scattered she vaguely caught her mother rounding on her father with something about hindering her future grandkids (and I’m just going to go and pay attention to something else now.)

(That’s probably best for our sanity.)

(Yeah, we’ve already given that thing one hell of a beating.) Her inner madness agreed, before pausing in thought. (Wonder if that’s why she won’t talk to us?)

That was a rabbit hole she didn’t feel like exploring just yet. So instead she took a look around the street festival the city threw every so often in a mixed attempt to ring up tourism and make the people forget about the city’s various problems. Taking note of the numerous stalls, games, and attractions people were visiting or walking between, as well as the various directions the rest of her family members were heading in as they set off to do their own things.

“Alright, since we’ve got a couple of hours, what should we do first?”