Chapter Nine
Since Nora had decided she wouldn’t be going back to the music enclave the following day, she talked over breakfast with Sawyer and Maddie about where she might go next. She thought maybe she’d try the food enclave again, but Maddie had other ideas.
“You can be part of the Maypole dance!” Maddie exclaimed. “Yesterday, in the dance enclave, they were talking about it. May Day is in less than two weeks, and we’re going to start practicing. But everyone was moaning all about how it’s tradition for the Maypole dancers to be virgins and how half our dancers already had children. They wanted younger dancers, and they asked me if I knew anyone. I thought you were busy, though. This will be perfect.” Then Maddie suddenly blushed. “I mean, if you aren’t a virgin, it’s not a big deal—”
“I am,” said Nora. Although, she wouldn’t be for much longer if Owen got his way.
Maddie got very interested in her breakfast. “That’s good. I mean, I guess.”
“Maddie, I would tell you if that had happened,” said Nora.
“I hope you’d tell me too,” said Sawyer. “Maddie and I both have to live vicariously through you, since you’re the only one with an actual boyfriend.”
“Whatever,” said Maddie. “You were up half the night talking to Jack. He said you were bold.” She giggled.
“Yeah, I don’t even know if he’s gay,” said Sawyer.
“He sure seemed interested in you,” Maddie grinned.
“Maybe he was just being nice,” said Sawyer. “Besides, I think he’s kind of old.”
“I think he’s Agler’s age,” said Nora. “So, what, eighteen, maybe? And you’re sixteen, Sawyer. He’s not too old.”
Sawyer shrugged. “He probably won’t ever talk to me again.”
“Don’t be pessimistic,” said Maddie. “You have no idea what will happen.”
Sawyer popped some grapes into his mouth. “I think I should be allowed to dance on the Maypole.”
“You’re a guy,” said Maddie.
“I’m practically a girl,” said Sawyer. “Plus, I have a really awesome design in mind for Maypole dresses. I’m wearing one anyway.”
“I’ll ask,” said Nora. “When I get to the dance enclave, I’ll ask if you can.”
“So you’re coming with me?” asked Maddie.
Nora nodded. “Maypole dancing sounds fun.” She considered. “Hey, Sawyer, maybe if you promised to make the dresses for all the dancers, they’d be more likely to let you be a dancer.”
“Yeah.” Sawyer nodded. “But how many dancers are there? I mean, how many dresses are we talking about?”
Maddie counted on her fingers. “Probably fifteen or twenty.”
“Ouch,” said Sawyer. “And we’ve got two weeks until May Day? I could maybe do it.” He took a deep breath. “No. I could definitely do it.”
“You should come with us, then,” said Nora. “I bet it will be much harder to say no to your face.”
Sawyer laughed, eating a few more grapes. “I like the way you think, Nora.”