For the Twins: a serial story, part 2

[Editor’s note: This is Part 2 of the Washington Public Library’s serial story “For the Twins” with a different writer submitting the next chapter in the story each week.]

“Before we learn of the mischief Aurelia got into, let’s get to know the rest of the ensemble, for their attributes and activities are of great importance: Of course we’ve already met Danielle, whose mezzo soprano voice sustains the melody of the ditty. Her partner, Taylor, with shaggy tan hair, long gait, and cumbersome wicker basket in hand, croons beautiful harmonies pairing nicely. At times, it was as though they were in their own little bubble, entranced by each other’s voices. But Alex, the redheaded dancer of the group, was quick to create quite a scene with limbs flying in all directions, voice brassy and often off-key, which inevitably popped the idyllic state. And then there was Julien, always the percussionist with sticks in hand, tapping warped trees and ancient rocks in time with the cadence, dark curly hair bobbing along.”

“Just as if the merry troubadours summoned it themselves, a foggy, foggy dew rose up from the ground. Pleasantly surprised by the occurrence, Danielle let out a chuckle yet continued in her tune, switching to a hum. Alex was a whirlwind, spinning, spinning, spinning until: ‘Waah’-- it was almost as if a root rose up to clutch at the human tornado’s shoe.”

“‘You OK, Alex?’ Julien inquired, pausing the rhythm keeping. A dense bush was the landing spot of their comrade, and no one could see past the engulfing leaves and intertwining branches. Finally, they heard a rustle.”

“‘Yeah, I’m OK’. But appearance would say otherwise: Leaves and twigs stuck out of clothes. Blank doe-like eyes mirrored the others who’d froze. Stubborn thorns poked out of fiery hair. Blackberry balsam scent was in the dewy air.”

“‘Are you sure?’ Setting the lunch upon the ground, lanky Taylor hesitantly bent down so as to examine things more closely. Like a bolt of lightning, a mob of masked forest dwellers with striped tails, lifted the lid with their long fingers and snouts, whisking away sandwiches and treats right into their wilderness home. All stood motionless in shock, blinking. Julien was able to swing makeshift swords at the ones that brought up the rear.”

“Danielle, very shaken by the events that took place, sank down in the middle of the path to keep from feeling faint. As she took a closer look, the person standing before her did not match the demeanor of her companion. With all senses suddenly now on high alert, her sharp ears detected a muffled murmur floating through the calm winds. Rising up slowly to borrow Julien’s drumsticks, she pinned back the brush of the forest fringe to carve a path …”

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“Dad, I thought this story was about Aurelia? Where is she? Why are we spending so much time on this nonsense?” whined the youngest twin.

“Oh, but you must not have been paying attention, my child. Keep listening!”

“Aurelia grew worried her ruse may be up, as the blonde one waded further into the thicket. She realized she needed to come up with an escape plan and quick. Now that all eyes were focused elsewhere, with a wave of her hand she summoned a breeze to part the sea of undergrowth uncovering the body of their friend. Mice, squirrels, and chipmunks scattered. There was Alex tied up and stifled with vines. Danielle swiftly took to loosening the gag and untying the knots. Once untangled, Alex took some deep breaths and said, “‘I well near died!’”

“When the party turned back to the path to examine the mysterious figure once more, Aurelia had already vanished, transformed back into her natural identity, lounging on a broad leaf near her home. ‘Remarkable work out there my critter accomplices! Nothing like a nutritious breakfast of cucumber sandwiches to ease a throbbing headache and empty stomach.’ She thought, ‘Serves those youths right for all that commotion, banging on my trees and singing loudly, especially that one who was out of tune.’ Aurelia licked her lips as she gazed at the feast before her, ‘The day is still young! What next?’”