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Day Four 5:30am
Ariel turned over in her slumber, her hand smacking the empty pillow beside her. Her room was tranquil and hushed, with soft gray light seeping through her window just before dawn. Lost in dreams of Noah, Jasper, blue dresses, and ice cream, she had no inkling that her peace was on the verge of being shattered.
With a sudden bang, Ariel's door burst open and then slammed shut. Sharp footsteps, reminiscent of heels striking a hardwood floor, advanced toward her, followed by a whoosh akin to curtains being flung open as pale light spilled across her face.
Abruptly yanked from her dreams, Ariel's eyes flew open with a start.
"Wha- Taylor...?" she mumbled, her voice raspy from sleep. At the foot of the bed, hands on hips, stood a very annoyed-looking priestess.
"Come on, get in the shower. I'll pick out your clothes..."
Before Ariel could respond, the tall woman bent down and began rummaging through her suitcase.
"Eh, these stink—don't tell me you haven't been washing your clothes?!" Taylor exclaimed, surfacing with a t-shirt she held up in disgust.
Still groggy, Ariel chose to ignore the embarrassing but true insult and cut to the chase. Glancing at the clock, she looked back at Taylor in bewilderment,
"Taylor, what are you doing in my room-"
"It was unlocked."
"-at five in the morning...?"
The priestess dropped the t-shirt and crossed her arms smugly,
"Well, if I had to be up at this time, I sure wasn't going to let you keep sleeping."
Ariel's brain struggled to process this. It made no sense. With a helpless glance at the clock again and back to Taylor,
"But it's five in the morning!"
Taylor examined her nails nonchalantly,
"Yeah, well I didn't like it either, but tough. Now get showered."
Ariel stared hard at the woman, trying to grasp some part of this scenario.
This has to be a joke. Just some stupid joke Taylor's playing on me...
With that thought, Ariel threw herself back onto the bed and pulled the covers over her shoulders.
"Hey! Ariel, I'm serious! We're going to be late if you don't get up!"
Ariel shut her eyes tightly, willing dreams to sweep her away again because she couldn't care less about what they might be late for.
"Ariel, I'm telling you, I'm not a morning person. If you don’t get out of that bed..."
Ariel yanked a pillow over her head.
"Leave me alone, Taylor! Tomorrow morning at four, I'll come storming into your room to see how you like it!"
Taylor snatched the pillow away and leered down at her.
"You won’t need to. Mrs. Williams woke me up this morning, and if you think this is yelling, try listening to her!"
Mrs. Williams?
Ariel groaned and rolled over.
"It’s not my fault she doesn’t like you! Don’t take your problems out on me!"
Taylor took a furious breath and then, in one swift motion, pulled Ariel’s covers off the bed. Ariel bolted upright.
"Hey!"
"Hey nothing! Get in the shower or I'll drag you there myself!"
Ariel almost asked where she'd be dragged in her pajamas but thought better of it when she saw the dangerous glint in Taylor’s eye. She meant it.
Feeling flustered and confused, Ariel slid out of bed and stalked to the bathroom. When she emerged some time later, Taylor was sitting on her bed with a neat pile of clothes next to her.
"I picked out the ones that smelled the least," Taylor said, wrinkling her nose at them. Ariel shot her a dark look, snatched them up, and marched back to the bathroom to change.
"Ready?" Taylor asked as Ariel came out again. Smoothing out her shirt, Ariel gave her a cold look that Taylor took for a yes. Rising to her feet, Taylor led the way out of the room and down the hall.
"Can you at least tell me where we’re going?" Ariel asked while hurrying to keep up with her.
"Some meeting. I don’t know. Mrs. Williams just said to be there and bring you with me," Taylor replied, sounding just as annoyed as Ariel felt about the whole situation.
A meeting? Like the guys' meeting yesterday morning?
Ariel and Taylor fell into an irritated silence. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Ariel noticed a few people beginning to wake up and wander the halls. Some held cups of morning coffee and smiled kindly at Ariel. Somehow she couldn't muster a smile back; like Taylor, she wasn’t a morning person either.
Finally, after what felt like ages, Taylor's pace began to slow as she examined each door they passed.
"WE'RE STILL MISSING A FEW PEOPLE; WE NEED EVERYONE TO START-"
Mrs. Williams's unmistakable voice reached Ariel's ears, signaling their proximity. Three doors down, Ariel could hear the elderly woman's voice as clearly as if she were beside her. Wincing, Taylor shot Ariel a look of resignation before opening the door, allowing Mrs. Williams's booming voice to flood their ears.
This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
"AH! ARIEL MY DEAR, COME IN! WE WERE WAITING FOR YOU!" the old woman greeted with a broad grin as Ariel shuffled in with Taylor by her side.
Ariel managed a smile in return, her eyes scanning the room she had just entered. Half the size of the dining hall, the large room was packed with chairs, all occupied by the Inn's female guests. Amidst the sea of chairs and women, someone in a vibrant floral dress rose to stand and Ariel's stomach sank: Mandy. After a polite wave to invite them over, Mandy sat back down. Taylor made a beeline for the medium and Ariel reluctantly followed.
"What are you doing here?" the priestess inquired, taking a seat next to Mandy. The medium's eyes remained fixed on the front of the room as she replied,
"Well, naturally I was asked to come. Mrs. Williams's instructions for the festival are crucial."
"Instructions...?" Taylor pressed on, an edge of unease in her voice.
Mandy glanced at Taylor from the corner of her eye,
"Yes, don't you know? Today is dedicated to women, to wives..."
"What?" Ariel burst out, speaking for the first time since sitting down on Taylor's other side. The medium turned fully towards Ariel, a small smirk playing on her lips,
"Yes, Mr. Warner explained everything to me. I assumed you'd be aware, given your relationship with Noah..."
Ariel's face flushed red; she made a sudden move towards Mandy but was restrained by Taylor’s arm.
"So you're saying this meeting is similar to what the men had yesterday? We have tasks too?" Taylor asked while holding Ariel back.
Mandy turned her gaze forward again, trying to appear composed though a smug smile tugged at her lips as she enjoyed Ariel's reaction,
"Yes."
Frustratedly, Ariel fell back into her chair and rubbed the spot on her arm where Taylor had been pushing hard.
That Mandy.
Just then the door opened again and two young women entered with many apologies for being late and quickly took the last two available seats.
"GOOD, EVERYONE'S HERE," Mrs. Williams shouted. The soft murmuring that had filled the room went silent as her voice cut through the air. Smiling, the elderly innkeeper continued,
"AS YOU ALL MUST KNOW, TODAY IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY. THE DAY OF THE WOMAN, THE DAY OF THE WIFE, THE DAY OF COURTSHIP!"
At this, more murmuring ensued, accompanied by giggles and claps. Mrs. Williams chuckled,
"YES, FOR US WOMEN THERE IS NO DAY MORE SPECIAL. AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW-" the old woman's eyes locked onto Ariel, "-I'LL TELL YOU WHY. THIS SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL HONORS MR. MARLOWE'S WIFE, YVONNE, AND HER BEAUTY AND CHARACTER WHICH INSPIRED HIM IMMENSELY. THIS CELEBRATION ENCOURAGES US ALL TO BE INSPIRATIONS TO THE MEN IN OUR LIVES. YYONNE ODDLY WAS MR. MARLOWE'S GREATEST MUSE, AND WHILE MANY THINK A WIFE INSPIRING HER HUSBAND ISN'T STRANGE, THEY DIDN'T KNOW YVONNE. SHE WAS A TROUBLESOME WIFE AND UNFORTUNATELY, I KNEW HER PERSONALLY. SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL, YES- BUT HAD A PERSONALITY LIKE A SHRIVELED UP PRUNE!"
If it were possible, Mrs. Williams raised her voice even louder to emphasize her disdain,
"SHE NEVER SUPPORTED MR. MARLOWE'S DREAMS OF BUILDING THEATERS AND WRITING PLAYS, BUT HE STILL LOVED HER DEARLY AND HER BEAUTY INSPIRED SOME OF HIS MOST MAGNIFICENT CHARACTERS; HER VARIED PERSONALITIES INSPIRED SOME OF HIS MOST MEMORABLE ONES TOO. THIS SHOWCASES HIS GREAT TALENT IF YOU ASK ME—ANYONE WHO COULD CREATE A CHARACTER BASED ON THAT WOMAN AND MAKE IT DECENT IS A GENIUS! SO TODAY IS ABOUT INSPIRATION. EVERY WOMAN HERE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE AN INSPIRATION, BUT TONIGHT ONLY ONE WILL BE CHOSEN AS THE TRULY INSPIRING YVONNE MARLOWE!” she exclaimed passionately as Ariel massaged her ears and tried to avoid the innkeeper's intense gaze.
I've already inspired one character in Noah and one is more than enough...
Beside her, Taylor looked confident, clearly seeing herself as beautiful and inspiring above all others. Ariel suppressed a laugh. On Taylor's other side was Mandy with her inscrutable mask back on; it was frustratingly hard for Ariel to read her thoughts. Just then, Mrs. Williams's booming voice interrupted Ariel's thoughts,
"TO BECOME MRS. MARLOWE (MY GRANDSON HAS TAKEN UP THAT NAME BY THE WAY) YOU MUST CAPTIVATE AND INSPIRE ALL MEN AROUND YOU WITH YOUR BEAUTY AND PRESENCE. YOU MUST DRESS EXQUISITELY TO ENSURE YOU RECEIVE MORE MAGNOLIAS (WHICH THE MEN WILL PICK AT DUSK) THAN ANY OTHER WOMAN IN MAGNOLIA MIDLANDS—NO SIMPLE TASK I ADMIT—BUT EACH YEAR SOMEONE EARNS THE TITLE OF YOSHI!" she announced grandly,
“NOW ABOUT THESE MAGNOLIAS- EACH MAN WILL BE GIVEN TWO TO DISTRIBUTE..." she trailed off, wiggling her eyebrows at them all.
"THERE ARE TWO SIDES: THE PERSONAL AND THE IMPERSONAL. WHEN YOU RECEIVE A MAGNOLIA, IT SYMBOLIZES ATTRACTION, ADMIRATION, AND APPRECIATION. IT SAYS THAT THE MAN FINDS YOU BEAUTIFUL AND THAT YOU INSPIRE HIM IN SOME WAY. BUT WHAT IF A FRIEND GIVES YOU A MAGNOLIA...?" the innkeeper queried, her eyes twinkling with a deeper understanding as they settled on Ariel.
"IT CHANGES EVERYTHING, DOESN'T IT? THIS FRIEND HAS NO OBLIGATION TO PRESENT YOU WITH A MAGNOLIA. IT'S A TOKEN OF AFFECTION, PURE AND SIMPLE. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY NEW COUPLES BLOSSOM AFTER THIS DAY, HOW MANY FRIENDSHIPS TURN INTO ENGAGEMENTS BY MORNING!" she paused for dramatic effect, her scrutinizing eyes causing Ariel to avert her gaze.
"NOW, A FRIEND'S GIFT OF A MAGNOLIA DOESN'T ALWAYS IMPLY ROMANCE. I'VE RECEIVED MAGNOLIAS FROM MY SONS FOR YEARS AND FROM OLD FRIENDS WITH NO INTENTIONS OF MARRIAGE. IT ULTIMATELY DEPENDS ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. IF YOU'RE JUST FRIENDS AND GET A MAGNOLIA, WELL, THERE MIGHT BE SOMETHING MORE," she cast a meaningful glance at Ariel.
"BUT IF YOUR BOND IS BROTHERLY OR STRICTLY PLATONIC, DON’T READ TOO MUCH INTO IT. RECEIVING SUCH A FLOWER FROM MEN WHO VIEW YOU ONLY AS A FRIEND IS AN IMMENSE SIGN OF FRIENDSHIP WORTH CHERISHING AND BEING FLATTERED BY. SO MY ADVICE? CONTEMPLATE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE TONIGHT—"
Ariel's stomach churned, and seeing Taylor and Mandy no longer brimming with confidence didn't help.
Jasper...who will he give his Magnolia to? And Noah, would he choose me?
The thought of his choice dawned on her with growing unease.
Probably.
"NOW TO THE IMPERSONAL SIDE. AS YOU KNOW, TONIGHT'S FESTIVAL WILL SEE MANY MEN. ONCE YOU RECEIVE PERSONAL MAGNOLIAS—STEP OUT AND SEEK IMPERSONAL ONES. BE BEAUTIFUL, BE INSPIRING! TRY TO COLLECT AS MANY AS POSSIBLE FROM THE MEN YOU ENCOUNTER. THE WOMAN WITH THE MOST TONIGHT WILL BE HONORED AS YVONNE MARLOWE. ONE FINAL PERSONAL NOTE: THE SPECIAL MAGNOLIA I MENTIONED EARLIER—THE MOON MAGNOLIA PICKED AT MIDNIGHT UNDER THE FULL MOON LAST NIGHT. THESE RARE FLOWERS FROM NEAR MAGNOLIA MIDLANDS ARE SYMBOLS OF PROFOUND LOVE AND DEVOTION.” Ariel’s gaze dropped to her hands, evading Mrs. Williams' expected look as a blush crept up her neck.
"GIVING OR RECEIVING THIS MAGNOLIA IS SERIOUS BUSINESS; UNLIKE REGULAR ONES WHICH CAN MEAN FRIENDSHIP, THIS CANNOT BE MISTAKEN FOR ANYTHING BUT DEEP AFFECTION," the old woman concluded firmly as the room fell silent with anticipation of who might bestow such a cherished token upon them. Ariel felt a lump form in her throat and her stomach tighten in knots. Would Noah give her this Moon Magnolia?
"Please, no!" she exclaimed.
"Excuse me," someone interrupted, raising her hand.
"YES?" Mrs. Williams replied cheerfully.
"Um...what if you're given two moon Magnolias?"
A sudden wave of whispering swept through the room as curious heads turned to identify the daring questioner. Ariel's interest piqued, seeking an answer. The elderly woman smiled gravely,
"Then you are as fortunate as you are cursed."
An impenetrable silence enveloped the room. Ariel was stunned; she had never heard Mrs. Williams speak so gently before, nor, apparently, had anyone else.
"WELL, I THINK THAT CONCLUDES OUR MEETING. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL!" declared the old woman, breaking through the stifling silence. It took a moment for everyone to catch on before the room buzzed with murmurs and the shuffling of chairs.
With a heavy heart and a mind full of troubles, Ariel rose from her seat. Behind her, Taylor and Mandy seemed equally burdened; anyone observing them might think they were marching to their doom. Navigating slowly through the crowd of chattering women, Ariel's primary concern was avoiding Mrs. Williams' proximity—she needed that least right now. Just then, a snippet of conversation between two women ahead caught her attention,
"So, where is your husband?"
"At his own meeting, probably held by Mr. Williams?"
"Oh. Fitting, I suppose. Well, he's learning what to do with his Magnolias."
"All I know is if I don't get his moon Magnolia, he's in trouble..."
The women drifted ahead of Ariel, continuing their chatter. Suddenly self-conscious, Ariel wondered if Noah would be the only one to gift her a Magnolia.
Certainly not Jasper...
As they pushed through the door, Ariel glanced at Mandy with a twisted expression.
I know exactly who Mr. Warner will give his Magnolia to...