Levi smiled as she ate the hash browns. They tasted delicious. Her smile grew as she looked over in Eva’s general direction. The young woman could make the most delicious food. The smile faded when Levi jumped in her seat because of Gerry’s voice. She was thankful she didn’t choke on her food, but her fingers gripped her fork tightly. She ignored how gooseflesh appeared all over her visible skin. Levi kept her gaze on her plate and quickly nodded in response to Gerry. It took her a second before she chewed the rest of her food and swallowed. Slowly she shifted herself, so her body faced away from Gerry slightly. She listened as Gerry and Ravana asked questions.
It seemed as if Tricentennial Day was going to be the subject of the day. Levi kept a smile on her face as she thought of ways she could stay in the house. The house had become her sanctuary. No men lived in the house and everyone in the house had special skills. She grabbed her cup of coffee and took a sip. She wouldn’t dare take more than a sip in case of any surprises. Her eyes focused on the flowers at the center of the table. They were beautiful. Levi could spend all day in a garden, surrounded by plants. Her mind wandered to all the different types of plants she had around her room. She thought of the window boxes she had hang out of each window in her room. They both held bright red flowers.
Just as she thought about needing to water her plants, Stella began to speak. Levi listened, but kept her eyes on the flowers. She was notorious for not making eye contact with anyone. Some were even surprised if she even made eye contact for a second. If she wasn’t looking at some object, she’d looked at a harmless body part on whoever spoke. Her smile faded a bit as she thought of the Fourth Of July carnival Mr. Cherry would always take her and her mother to. It was one day out of the year where he was more decent. Levi always enjoyed the rides and fireworks at the end. She pulled herself out of the bittersweet memories as Stella continued to speak. Levi parted her lips to encourage Stella to participate in the pageant and do the ‘Open Mic’, but then she mentioned the group doing a booth.
She couldn’t help it when her smile left her lips. Levi’s expression was now blank, a bit somber. Levi didn’t want to be trapped at a booth. Townspeople would stop by. She knew that meant men would appear at the booth. She tensed at the thought. Levi knew she wouldn’t be much help at the booth. She could help set up, but her special skill did require spirits. Levi took to holding her mug in front of her lips to hide her frown. Levi made sure to keep her elbows off the table and tucked against her body. She took a long sip of warm coffee. Her eyes wandered over to Lina’s chin as she spoke. She could sympathize as to why Lina asked her question. Levi was able to bring a small smile to her lips as she placed her cup down. She placed her hands in her lap, lacing her fingers together.
“I don’t think they’ll be afraid. This house has been in this town for ages. I think most will be curious,” she paused as she thought of how her mother lived here before she was born, “If you’d like to make some flower crowns, I can help you collect flowers Lina.” She looked at the flower arrangement at the center of the table again. “I can run to the grocery store as well if anyone plans on participating in the potluck and needs ingredients,” she added. She picked up her cup again to finish off her coffee. Levi would get more in a few minutes. She’d likely go water her plants once she left the dining room too. Levi didn’t want to get wrapped up in helping with the booth. Levi became distracted by thoughts as she wondered how she could get out of joining the festivities. She had these thought every year and always got caught up in participating.