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Chapter Three: Cluck Cluck/ Spring 23rd

Elli woke up, did her usual, and sat down to eat breakfast. Her brother, Stu, soon woke up after she was cleaning the dishes. He walked up besides her and pulled on her dress. “Elli? Can you make me breakfast?” Elli looked down. “You’ve got to be kidding me Stu. You’re six. I think you can take can of yourself.” She sighed and continued to wash dishes as her dress got tugged on again. “What?” Stu stared at her. “I can’t reach the bowls.” Elli let out a gruff sigh and got a bowl for him and a spoon. “Happy?” He smiled and nodded as he sat at the table.

She could hear him pouring the cheerios into the bowl and the milk, then putting the milk back in the fridge. He said something while he was eating but she couldn’t understand him. “What?” He swallowed and said it again. “So when are we going to the festival?” “What festival?” “The chicken one!” Elli gave him a long stare, and then she remembered the date. Adam had given them free tickets to the chicken festival. She groaned as she slammed dishes into the dish tray. Stu set his bowl next to the sink, still in his buzz lightyear pjs. Elli said slowly, “Get dressed.” Stu jumped up and down as he ran to the bathroom and got on his overalls and white shirt. He came back out carrying his shoes.

“Elli, could you tie these for me?” Elli came over and tied his shoes, then went back to finishing the dishes. She dried off her hands. “You set?” Stu nodded as she got the tickets off the counter. “Let’s go.” She kissed her grandmother on the cheek as she still slept. She held Stu’s hand as they walked down the street. Sometimes people mistook her for his mother, but they were just brother and sister. Elli didn’t really like to talk about her parent’s and she was happy people understood not to ask.

They shortly arrived to the fair grounds. Zach and Adam were setting up poles to hang up the flags. Adam looked so small compared to Zach. Zach was a huge muscle builder. He also delivered packages and pick up stuff from shipping bins. Adam noticed them and waved. She smiled as Stu ran up to them. Stu started to ask what they are doing. “Well, we set these up for when it gets dark.” He seemed to be struggling with the pole till Zach came up and helped. “Thanks.” He rubbed the back of his head as Zach smiled and laughed. He walked away to set up other poles. Elli was looking around. “I wonder if the doctor ever comes to these festivals.” Something grabbed her shoulder as she jumped out of her skin. She slowly looked around to see Adam there.

“You okay? You don’t look so good.” Her face went back to normal “Yeah, I’m fine. You just startled me is all.” “Oh, sorry. Anyway, want to play some games with Stu and me?” Stu was already at the fish catching stand jumping up and down excitedly. “I guess so…” Adam grabbed her hand as they ran down to the stands, or more of him dragging her behind him. They got to the stand as Adam handed the man 3 dollars. He handed them back 3 nets.

“Alright you get three tries, after that your turn is over.” Stu started to splash the water, and broke his net after the first try. Adam managed to catch two fish and gave one to Stu. Elli almost got one fish, but then her net snapped after she caught it. Sure she was a tiny bit disappointed but it didn’t matter too much. She got up to find a fish in front of her. She then heard Adam’s voice “You want this little guy?” She stared at the fish as it swam around “Sure.” She took the fish and held it in her arms.

After that they went and played all the games at the fair until it was time to vote on the chickens. The mayor and Rick came out. “Welcome to the 28th annual Chicken festival.” People clapped and cheered. “As always, we have Rick to judge the chickens. Let’s hope your chicken is the best and good luck!” People whistled as the mayor walked off stage and Rick took the microphone. “Afternoon people! Let’s have a good time and let’s hope your chicken wins!” He walked off the stage. He and the mayor walked into a giant tent as the crowd followed behind. Chickens clucked and cooed.

After the chickens had been looked at everyone shuffled out of the tent again as the mayor and Rick walked back on the stage. Rick spoke. “Well ladies and gentlemen! We had quite some marvelous chickens this year, but I’m afraid only one has to come on top.” He pulled out an envelope and slowly opened it. “This year’s winner is… Molly! From Wilson ranch! Congratulations!”

An old farmer walked up on stage and received a blue ribbon. He waved his arms around and smiled as he walked off stage. “Second place goes to… Emily! From Adam’s Ranch! Congratz!” Adam walked up as Elli clapped and Stu cheered. “It was very close Adam, maybe next year.” Rick said as he patted him on the back. Adam still had a smile that reached ear to ear. “Third place goes to… Lila! From Moomoo Ranch! Thank you for participating! Your chickens will get sent home to their coops! We hope to see all you next year! Have a good night!” He and the mayor waved as they walked off the stage. Elli walked up to Adam while Stu ran up and hugged him. “It’s alright Adam. You’ll win next year!” Adam laughed as he put Stu on his shoulders. “You and Emily did great.” Elli added with a small smile.

“Thanks.” Adam smiled as he started to walk back to Elli’s and Stu’s house. Elli walked next to them. “Stu when we get home you have to take a bath and brush your teeth.” Stu whined as he sat on Adam’s shoulders. “Adam doesn’t take baths. He’s a manly man.” Adam laughed. “Actually, I’m taking a bath after I get a drink and walk you guys home.” Stu whined again, knowing he had lost the argument. Elli and Adam chuckled as they reach their house. Adam put down Stu as he grumpily walked inside. Elli looked at Adam while he stared back. “Thank you so much for today.” He laughed as he ruffled her hair “No problem. Tell Stu I’m sorry though.” He walked away waving as she walked inside getting ready to wash a whining little boy.

Elli went out on her evening walk as she saw Adam. He seemed to be walking strangely. Suddenly he fell. Elli ran to him. “Are you alright?!” Adam hiccupped, and adjusted his hat as he stood up. “I’m fine.” He tried to walk but fell down again. “He’s drunk…” Elli helped him up and put his arm around her shoulder. “He weighs a ton!!!” She struggled to walk down the street. She almost fell over once or twice until she reached the ranch. She was surprised to see that Adam kept his door unlocked. She slowly walked into the house with Adam starting to regain control.

He started to walk to what seemed like his bedroom. Elli looked around. It seemed rather big for looking so small from the outside. There was a kitchen/dining room, a front room, a bathroom, and of course Adam’s room. Elli heard a thud. She jumped as she looked to see Adam had fallen against the wall. “Idiot…” She yelled at him. “Hey! I’m leaving! Will you be okay?” He grunted as he walked into his room. She took that as a yes. She walked out the door as she closed the door behind her.