Chapter 11

The fall festival was officially open. Early in the morning, the gates opened, and people rushed in. The festivities lasted just one weekend, thus everyone wanted to make the most of it. There were different food trucks and stands, as well as stands for local stores and businesses and a part of the stands was dedicated to fall products made from apples and pumpkins, such as soaps and candles. Different activities would take part during the weekend like apple picking, apple bobbing, and pumpkin carving for the kids. There were kids running around while nibbling on candy apples or cotton candy, while the adults warmed themselves with a cup of warm cider.

While Faith ran around making sure everything was going smoothly, everyone else seemed to be enjoying the different activities. Lydia and Kade walked past her while drinking some cider and shopping for some honey and jam. Her parents stopped by to congratulate her and then went on to also do some shopping of their own, and Mira and Richard, after walking around the festival for a while, reserved a spot for lunch and waited for Faith to take a break and join them. Ronnie had also walked by, and despite his efforts to try to talk to Faith, she kept being called away. One person she hadn't seen yet was Callum. Why am I so interested in knowing if he's around... She grumbled to herself.

Callum was trying to enjoy the festival, but he couldn't find Faith anywhere and while looking for her, he was intercepted by Dr Clark in the medical tent.

"Have you given any thought to my offer?" Dr Clark asked as soon as he saw Callum.

"I...I'm inclined to say yes."

"What's stopping you, then?"

"I'm not entirely sure, to be quite honest."

"The job is yours if you want to. I've told you this before and I'll say it again. To put it simply, we won't find better than you, Dr Grant. In fact, you are too qualified for a small clinic like ours. The truth is, no one wants to work and live in small towns anymore. So, it's entirely up to you. We would be lucky to have you."

"With all this flattery, how can I say no?" Callum chuckled nervously.

"It's not flattery. Not all of it, anyway. It's just reality." Dr Clark sighed. "I can't keep waiting for an answer forever, Dr Grant, but for now, how about you just give me a hand here at the medical tent tomorrow? I'd like to enjoy the festival a little bit too, you know."

"Of course, Dr Clark. You can count on me."

"Now off you go. Go enjoy the festivities."

As Callum wandered through the festival, he couldn't stop thinking about his conversation with Dr Clark. What's stopping me from saying yes? He wondered. There was really nothing waiting for him back home. Sure, he could still have a promising career if he went back, but it was a promising career that was making him miserable. And the life he had would never be the same again, and he wasn't even sure that he wanted things to go back the way they were. His weeks away were feeling a lot better than he had ever thought possible, and in such a short amount of time, Callum also realized how much he had changed, and the truth was, he didn't miss his old self. He didn't miss his old life. Despite the chaos of the last few months, he was starting to truly feel like himself.

"Oh, hi there." A voice called out, waking up Callum from his thoughts.

"Hi. Mira and Richard, right?" Callum asked and Mira nodded with a smile.

"Do you want to seat with us?" Richard asked as he gave Callum a handshake. "We're waiting for Faith. We're going to get some food as soon as she gets here."

Callum accepted the offer and sat with them as they all waited for Faith while their stomachs were starting to grumble.

"So, I heard I'm invited to your wedding."

"And I heard you're coming." Mira smirked.

"I am indeed. Is there a dress code?"

"Not at all. But in case you're wondering, Faith's dress is dark blue. Wait, I have a picture of her. I'll show you."

"Thanks," Callum chuckled. "She said we didn't need to match when I asked her."

Mira pulled out her phone from her purse, scrolled vigorously through her photos as if she was on a very important mission, until she found the best picture she had taken of Faith at the dress boutique. Faith had been completely clueless to the fact that Mira was taking those pictures, which made her look even more beautiful while trying on the dress. She was smiling at Mira through the reflection in the mirror while looking effortlessly stunning.

"Here." Mira turned her phone to Callum, who was completely mesmerized by Faith. "Beautiful, right?"

"Yes, she is..." Callum mumbled. Mira meant to say that the dress was beautiful, even though she knew that her best friend was too, but after hearing such a compliment coming from the handsome doctor slash gardener, she wasn't going to tell him that. "Where is she, by the way?"

"I'm not sure. She should be here by now. She hasn't texted me back, but she said she would meet us here. She's probably working around the festival, fixing something that doesn't even need fixing to begin with."

"I'll go take a look around."

"Richard and I will still be waiting here," Mira sighed as her stomach growled again. "If we don't die from starvation in the meantime."

After wandering around for a few minutes, Callum finally found Faith in the crowd. She didn't seem to notice his presence at all, as she was focused on something else. Faith had an evil glare, that Callum thought was adorable, as she looked at the person right in front of her. In front of her, there was a man about her age, same height as her, slender built, with black shaggy curly hair, light blue eyes, and smug smile on his lips.

"Josh." She sighed. "I hope you are here to cover the festival and nothing else."

"Of course. Unless you do something embarrassing, that is far more interesting." He smirked.

Faith rolled her eyes. "Why are you so obsessed with me, Josh?"

"Come on, Fay. You know it's a joke. It's how our friendship works."

"Friendship? So, we're friends now?"

"Of course. Do you think I would bother bickering with someone I don't care about?"

"So, embarrassing me in front of the whole town is you caring?"

"You embarrass yourself, sweetheart. You make it too easy for me. And nothing ever happens around here, so what can I say? Your pretty face looks good on the front page."

She couldn't help but to roll her eyes again. "I should file a restraining order against you. I don't know why I haven't done it yet."

"Don't be like that, Fay. Let me buy you a cider."

"No." She glared at him.

"Why are you so angry with me? Is this still about the fundraising scandal?"

"What scandal? I tripped."

"I know. It was hilarious."

"Keep going like this and you might be the one having to file a restrain order before I kill you."

"Please, Fay. Just admit that you like all the attention I give you."

"You are so obnoxious. How do you put up with yourself?"

"You should thank me. I keep your life interesting."

"Don't you have real news to cover?"

"The social life of our small town is relevant news."

"Just go and take pictures of the festival. Please. I worked really hard for it, Josh. All I'm asking is for you to take some nice pictures, write a good article, and keep my name and face off it."

"On it. But I'll look for you later and buy you a cider and caramelised apple."

"I don't want you to."

"Oh, but I will. You can't get rid of me that easily, Fay," he said as he started to walk away, still with a smug smile on his face.

Faith was boiling. Josh had always been like that since high school. Annoying and a pain in her ass. And yet, as much as it pained her to admit it, she didn't hate him one bit, but she also wasn't about to admit they were friends either. A complicated relationship was the best way of describing the past ten years of them coexisting.

"He's quite the character, isn't he?" Callum asked with a sweet smile.

"Don't even get me started. I've been putting up with him since tenth grade."

"Are you the only one that suffers with him?"

"Thankfully, no. Josh covers all the gossip and every major event. Literally anything. I don't even know how he does it. It must be some superpower of sorts. He has announced a lot of engagements before the couple has even time to announce it to their own families."

"Sounds like it's a lot more difficult to live here than I thought."

"It is. But, as much as it annoys me to say it, he can be useful sometimes."

"Really?"

"Thanks to him, a lot of lost pets have been found. Fundraisings for the school and the church, too. Amongst other good deeds that I don't feel like giving him credit for."

"So, he's a good guy. Eccentric maybe. But a good guy."

"I would definitely say so. He's always been a little weird. People used to make fun of him in school. Mock his school newspaper. Now everyone reads his columns." Faith sighed as she watched Josh disappear into the crowd while taking some photos.

Callum glanced at Faith. She looked tired, and even paler than usual. It was obvious that she had been working too much without taking the time to take care of herself. "Mira and Richard are waiting for you. How about you take a break and eat something?"

"I don't have a lot of time."

"That's fine. Just grab a quick bite with us." Callum smiled and Faith nodded.

Faith couldn't believe how tired she was. It was only when her legs finally had time to rest that she realized how heavy her body felt. How sore her muscles were, and how she was about to fall asleep. The food was delicious, and it did give her some energy, but as much as she would like to stay and spend some more time with her friends, she needed to get back to work, she still needed to go over some details with the event planner and the staff for tomorrow's activities. As Faith got back to work, she placed her hand in her pocket and felt the little fidget cube that Callum gave her. For some reason, holding it throughout the day had made her feel less anxious.

***

The gates were about to close for the night and Faith could feel the exhaustion setting in. How am I going to do this again tomorrow? She cried to herself while laying on a bench looking at the sky. Stars were starting to appear, and the moon was shining bright. It's not bright enough, though. We'll need more lanterns on the tables for tomorrow. Despite the beautiful scenery above her, Faith could only think about work.

"Here you go, Fay," Josh said as he showed up out of nowhere. "A caramelized apple and a cider."

Faith sat up and smiled. "You didn't have to, Josh."

"I said I would." He winked. "You outdid yourself this year. The place looks great, and everyone had a lot of fun. Can't wait to see what you have in store for tomorrow."

"Thanks."

"So, what can you tell me about your new handsome boyfriend?"

"I knew you were up to something. Is this a bribe? This must be a bribe," she said while holding her apple and cider. "And he's not my anything."

"Is that so..."

"Aren't you married, Josh? I think I attended your wedding last year, didn't I? And I don't think he's gay."

"Happily married, yes. And sweety, he's definitely not gay. I'm just interested in the latest new shiny thing in town. He's Kade's nephew, right? One of the doctors?"

"Why are you asking me if you already know? You probably know more than I do. You should think about switching careers. Becoming a private investigator instead of small-town news's reporter."

"And who says I'm not doing both already?" He smirked.

"Are you?" Faith raised an eyebrow.

"Let's just say you can call me if you ever need dirt on someone. Anyone. Anyone at all. For you, my dear, I'll do it for free and I'll find the nastiest secrets out there."

Faith chuckled. "Thanks, Josh. I hope I won't ever need your services but if I ever do, I'll hold you to that."

"Do you want any dirt on your ex?"

"No." She frowned. "I mean... Is there any dirt I should know about?"

"Not that I'm currently aware. But I can dig."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"No. Just let it be. I need to move forward. Knowing that Ronnie might not be as perfect as I think he is won't make me feel any better about what I did."

"He's not perfect, Fay. And between you and me, I think you made the right choice. I'm all for true love too, you know. One doesn't study literature otherwise, right? And besides, seems like you found yourself a better catch, anyway." Josh winked. "See you tomorrow, Fay. Oh! And Fay..."

"What?"

"I'm team doctor. Go for it."

"Shut up," Faith said blushing from head to toe while Josh chuckled.

It was time to go home. Faith's bed was calling her, and for sure she would fall into a deep slumber as soon as she got to her room, but first, the lanterns. Everything had to be perfect. She walked around until she finally found Kade and Callum that were helping with closing up for the day.

"Mr Grant," Faith whined as she dragged her feet while walking towards him. "Mr Grant."

"Yes, Faith?"

"Do we have more lanterns in storage? I think it was a little dark today. We need more."

"I think we still have some. But the lighting was perfectly fine, Faith. You should go home and rest."

"I will. After we get some more lanterns."

"Fine," Kade sighed. "Take Callum with you. You'll need help."

Faith and Callum followed the instruction that Kade gave them, and quickly found some lanterns from last year's festival, that were high up in the shelves in the storage room. And despite Faith's tiredness, she kept insisting that she was well enough to go get the lanterns on her own.

"You sure you don't want me to go up the ladder, Faith?"

"No, it's fine. I can't do it."

"At least let me hold it for you."

"Fine."

As soon as Faith reached the last step of the ladder, she felt her boot slip. There was almost no strength left in her. She closed her eyes, bracing herself for impact with the ground. Good think Josh already left, otherwise tomorrow's headline would be town's princess falls from ladder... She thought, right before she felt something warm around her. Nothing happened... I'm fine. How am I okay?

"Hi there, Rapunzel." Callum was holding Faith in his arms while she still had her eyes closed and tensed up body. He chuckled. "You're safe. You can open your eyes, princess."

Faith slowly opened one eye after the other. "Hi there, doc."

"Are you going to let me help you now?"

Faith nodded. Her heart was thumping, and she could swear that there were butterflies flying around... Dammed butterflies. I wish I could burp them out. "Are you going to put me down, doc?"

"Right." Callum slowly placed Faith back on her own two feet. "Are you okay? Any splinters from the ladder?" Callum asked, still with his hands around her waist. Faith only shook her head in response. "Cat got you tongue?" He chuckled.

"Please tell me Josh wasn't hiding in the dark, taking a picture of me stumbling down the ladder."

Callum laughed. "I'm pretty sure we are alone in here, princess." Alone... Faith's heart started beating even faster, something she thought wasn't possible.

Faith's body was stuck between the ladder and Callum. Both his hands were now on the ladder, his arms brushing against her shoulders. She couldn't move an inch. Her breathing was heavy, and so was his. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Something in him had suddenly shifted. He knew he wanted her. He wanted to kiss the freckles on her blushed face; he wanted to kiss her slightly parted lips; he wanted his hands on her hips... Callum clenched his hands around the ladder. Faith slowly bit her lower lip, completely unaware of the fact that she was doing it, and unaware that had made him want to kiss her even more. These feelings caught Callum off guard. He had never experienced desire this intense for anyone before. He thought he knew what wanting someone felt like, but this was on another whole level. What is it about her.... He wondered, as he tried to gather his thoughts. What am I doing? He thought as he was slowly starting to lose control.

Callum wasn't sure he was ready to give himself to someone again, and he also knew didn't want to hurt Faith in any way. I may not stay, after all... What would be the point of starting anything... What's even the point of trusting someone again... And I refuse to do anything that might hurt her... Even though these thoughts were running through his head, Callum couldn't help but to move one hand to Faith's waist, but as she leaned forward a phone started to buzz.

"Oh... I... It's Mr Grant. He's asking if we found the lanterns." Faith took a deep a breath. Her cheeks were burning and the sleepiness she had been feeling was suddenly gone and she felt wide awake. "Okay. Right. Let's get the lanterns and head back."

"Yes, the lanterns," Callum said with a smirk, while slowly realizing his grip on Faith's waist. She could feel the warm touch of his hands through the fabric of her sweater. "I'll go get them."

After getting the lanterns, Faith went home, took a warm shower, but despite feeling exhausted, she was staring at the ceiling, unable to fall asleep. The only thing she could think about was Callum's hand on her waist and the look he had on his face. Was he about to kiss me? She wondered... No way. I must be delusional. Must be the lack of sleep. Faith felt her cheeks warming up and butterflies dancing in stomach. Dammit, why didn't he kiss me? Faith squealed as she kicked the sheets and covered her face with a pillow. What am I thinking about? I'm like a teenager crushing on someone for the first time... What's happening to me?