The carnival

                                    

                                          
Melody
We managed to inform the residents of Oakridge about the carnival. Oliver and Conner propped the doors open as people entered and headed to the carnival. Kids ran into the area toward the rides and booths. Adults wandered around the site and checked out everything. 
Mercedes and Rachel painted the kids' faces. Jorge spoke to the kids about service animals and let them pet Chase. Kyler and Sofie helped different kids. D's family worked the roses, booths, and concession stands. 
Out of darkness comes light. 
Why should the children suffer for one person's actions?
I walked around and greeted people.
Larkin approached me while eating an elephant ear. "Hello, Melody."
"Hey, Larkin. Are you having a good time?"
"The best. Marshmallow knows how to make elephant ears."
I snickered. 
"How are you doing?"
"I'm doing okay."
"I heard Oliver offered you a job."
"Reverend Harper didn't need to pay me. I would have helped, anyway."
"No, but Oliver follows Uncle Nix's teachings." Larkin winked at me. 
"Thank you."
"For what?" Larkin cocked her head. 
"For helping me."
"Sweetheart, you helped my boo-boo. It was the least I could do to repay the favor."
I smiled as Larkin munched on her elephant ear. 
******
Demarco
After helping a kid, I glanced at Mel and Grammy talking and smiled. My girl was remarkable. 
"What's with the cheesy grin?" Kyler asked. 
"I don't have a cheesy grin." I rolled my eyes. 
"D, you are the definition of cheese."
I shook my head. "It's nice to see Mel smile. I didn't think she would smile again after what happened."
"Unlike you, Melody doesn't sulk forever."
I gave Kyler an unamused look. "Weren't you the one who dragged your girl on horrible dates?"
"You just had to bring that up, didn't you?"
Kyler and I started arguing about his poor choices with Rachel. Yep, things are returning to normal between us. 
*******
Marla
I wandered around the carnival and approached people about a nanny job. People turned me down and walked away. I held a stack of resumes in my hands and sighed. 
Mercedes suggested I bring my resumes to the carnival and pass them out. The few people who took one crumpled it and tossed it away. 
I spotted my sisters having fun, sighed, and found an empty table to sit at. How is it so easy for others to get a job and not for me? I sat at the table and knitted my brows as people enjoyed the carnival. 
Maybe I should change my major to business. As I pondered my job choices, I heard yelling. A little human crashed into my back. I glanced behind me to see Julia and swiveled to face her. "Hey, what are you doing?"
"Hi, Marla." Julia smiled and waved. 
Maddie ran up to us, out of breath. "Julia!"
Julia gripped my legs and wouldn't let go.