ok, cut and pasted this from word, and i cant get the old thread so this is just chapter six :) if you need past chapters let me know :D
Chapter 6
It was four weeks to the celebration and the second full meeting of the decorations committee was afoot. Bess had already gotten everyone's attention, for which she did not have to fight this time. Fairies had come ready with questions and focus for the nearing of the date was felt by everyone.
Bess had each member of the design team run their portion of the meeting wherein the floor was opened to general concerns and questions as well as brainstorming for problems faced. There were not so many problems as logistics to be worked out: timing and set up and who was to do what.
Rickie was having a bit of trouble with his team in finding an aesthetic way to get the prisms around the tree. Everyone wanted them to be in a halo, but no one could quite figure how to do it without it being a real eye sore. During the brainstorming session it was suggested by Carrie that some ladybugs be commissioned. Some fresh pollen could be painted on the halo leaves and the ladybugs would be happy enough to fly from leaf to leaf with the prisms hanging from their necks.
Everyone thought this was a wonderful idea, especially since it was always a good idea to keep up ladybug relations. There were a few more pressing problems like that one solved, and everyone left the meeting feeling like they had some real, clear goals.
Bess took notes diligently on everything that was discussed and what was decided as a resolution so she could go home and enter all the pertinant information on her timetable. She was so involved in her organizations that she did not even notice that antoine had been staring at her the whole meeting.
By the end, he finally worked up enough courage to approach her. ?bess?'
?o yes, antoine, what can I do for you?'
?well, I was ah, I was wondering if we could maybe, um, maybe have some dinner tonight?'
?oh! You want to discuss the silk commission? I know you have a friend in the business but I really think we should go with the east river company.'
?o, no, no, that's fine. I was hoping we could just, you know, go out?'
there was a silence that was far to long for antoine.
?well? What do you think?'
bess fidgeted a bit, she was really hoping this day would not come. ?um, antoine, I am really flattered. In fact, I am even a little curious, but this just isnt the time for me. There is so much going on, and I really don't think there is room in my life for this sort of thing. I hope you understand.'
Antoine, crushed, pretended that he understood completely. ?o, of course, bessie, that's fine. I really did not want to put an extra stain on you-?
?no its not that, its just-?
?no, don't worry, I understand. I am happy to be working with you. You are a wonderful fairy.'
?and so are you antoine, I do admire your work very much. Thank you for understanding. This will not effect our working relationship at all.'
Antoine left sad and dissapointed, but hid it well out of a sense of being polite. He did understand that bess was busy, he just hoped he would mean more to her than that. As bess watched him walk away, bewildered, and heartsick, sharon approached her.
Sharon was an exceptionally large fairy. Not too tall, but very big. In her day she had been one of the most desired fairies and was almost as beautiful then as she was now. (fairies tend to get more beautiful with age.) She was a red fairy, from head to toe, and every part of her was quite large except her feet and hands, which were about normal. She had a huge bust and a huge bottom, balanced by big broad shoulders and wide round hips. She had a big pear shaped belly and strong shapely legs and arms. Her face was her best feature, with high arching eyebrows and cheekbones, a big face with a strong jaw and perfect lips. She didn't smile often, but when she did, she lit up the whole forest.
?bessie, honey, I couldn't help but overhear the last part of your talk with antoine.'
?o, really? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a scene or anything?'
?no not at all, bess, not at all.' Sharon knew enough to know that if she just stood there long enough bessie would pour her heart out to her.
?well, sharon, the truth is I just don't know what to do about antoine! He is so sweet and all but I just don't have time for that sort of thing in my life right now? I don't know. I don't want to hurt him though. Why couldn't he wait until after the celebration at least?'
sharon was quiet and let bessie relax a little, and she thought of what she wanted to say and how she wanted to say it. ?well sweetie, of course these are things that only you and your own heart can decide. Just don't put off love, it is one of the few things you really shouldn't procrastinate about.' Sharon gave bessie a hug; then her enormous wings unfolded well below her feet and carried her away.
Bessie walked home that night, she couldn't bring herself to fly. She thought about what sharon had said. She thought of all her diligence and attention to detail when it came to glass and charts and goals, and how little time she spent thinking about love. She didn't know what to do. She had a restless sleep that night.
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