Sorry this took so long. I had a chapter typed up, hated how it was written and had to redo it. of course I was also super busy this week so I didn't have a lot of time to just sit down and write. Anyways, new chapter is here. Things are starting to get good. It's festival day. I have at least two more chapters devoted to this festival and the events that unfold during it. that being said, I am looking for someone who would be willing to beta this story for me. nothing complicated, just grammar and spell check mostly, but i may ask for ideas of help writing scenes from time to time as well. PM me if you are interested. Please read and review. Enjoy!

The Domino City Festival was the most highly anticipated event of the year for Domino. Every business that could, closed up shop for the weekend and the businesses that couldn't would be working with skeleton crews. The festival opened every year with a parade and ever since we were little Kids, Musa would make us wake up early so we could get the best seats she could find to watch the parade. As she got older, her excitement over the parade faded some. She didn't wake us up real early anymore, but she still insisted we get to the parade half an hour early to find good seats.

As I rolled out of bed, not too thrilled at the prospect of having to wake up at seven in the morning on a Saturday, the sound of a new text message quickly changed my mood. Only one person would be texting me right now. Flora. During lunch on Friday, we talked more about the festival and started planning when to meet up.

Flashback

"What time do you guys usually meet up?" Flora asked as we took our seats at the lunch table.

"Usually after the parade?" Musa had answered. I took a bite out of my apple, when Flora turned to me.

"Parade? What parade?"

"You didn't tell her about the parade Helia? The parade is what kicks off the festival. It starts at eight in the morning, bur we normally get there at seven-thirty so we can snag a good spot to watch. Stella hates waking up before nine on the weekends and the crowds are so large for the parade its hard to find everyone, so we meet up afterwards in front of the Frutti Music Bar." Musa explained.

"I'd love to join for the parade… if that's okay?" She asked hesitantly. One thing I've learned about Flora is that she doesn't like to interfere in what other people have planned.

"we'd love to have you join us. We can pick you up or you can come to our place and we can all leave from there. Whatever is easier for you." I said, putting my apple core aside, a smile on my face.

"What's your address?" She asked.

End Flashback

I checked my phone to see that she had let me know she was on her way to my place. Panicking slightly at this, I scrambled out of bed. My foot however got twisted in my sheet and I fell flat on the floor. Nevertheless, after detangling myself and brushing myself off, I changed into a pair of medium wash jeans, a white t-shirt and a pale green hoodie.

Musa and Riven were already downstairs and ready to go when I walked into the kitchen ten minutes later.

"You planning on going back to your house anytime soon?" I asked as I made a bowl of cereal.

"Helia I get that it's early but that's no excuse for being rude." Musa spoke back.

"Where's Mom and Dad?" I asked, realizing that they weren't in the kitchen.

"Out in the garage doing who knows what. Flora on her way?" Musa responded. I nodded my head as I finished my breakfast, cleaning up the dishes that were made in the process. I had just put the bowl in the dishwasher when the doorbell rang.

"I got it." I shouted running for the door, before Musa or Riven could even move a muscle.

"Good Morning Helia." Flora greeted me when I opened the door. She wore a white sweater with pale pink jeans and grey ankle books. Her hair was tied in a high ponytail, her bangs swept off to one side.

"M-morning Flora. Come um… come on in." I slightly stuttered. She walked and I closed the door, taking a giant breath and calming my nerves.

"You look great." I complimented, feeling like my old self around her again.

"Thanks." She responded. I lead her to the garage where Musa and Riven had headed and mom and Dad were already waiting.

"Good morning Musa, Riven. It's nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Knightly." Flora greeted everyone.

"Good Morning. You must be Flora. It's a pleasure." Dad greeted her back. He turned to the rest of us. "Is everyone ready to go?" He asked. A chorus of ready's echoed in the garage as we piled into the car. Mom and Dad sat up front, Musa ad Riven were in the middle row and Flora and I took the back row. Dad started the car and we left for the parade.

To say it was crowded would be an understatement. The entire town had shown up for the parade. Musa made us all hold hands in a human chain as she weaved us through the crowds and as close to the front as she could. Floats were moving down the street and music could be heard as a marching band came up from behind them. Right after the band come another float and this one had caught Flora's attention. It was covered in greenery on the base and flowers could be seen spilling over from the top. A structure that was made to look like a tree stood tall, with a girl sitting on a swing moving back and forth, as she plucked petals off daisies that sat in her lap. The float mesmerized me too. I imagined that it was Flora sitting in that swing on the top of a flowery hill, plucking at the daisies as I gently pushed her.

Behind the float were children who through flowers out into the crowd. I caught one of them, a pink rose and looked at it for a moment. The petals were delicate and I could smell its fragrance in the breeze. While Flora continued to stare at the flora, I placed the rose in her hair. She must have felt the careful movements of my hands because her hand went straight to her hair where I had placed the rose.

"Helia did you…" Her thoughts were cut off as she turned to look at me, and I at her.

"I thought you would like it and I have to admit, it suits you. A beautiful flower for a beautiful girl." I spoke. It was taking a lot of will power to not take her face in my hands and kiss her right then and there. A red blush appeared on her cheeks as she turned away, but not before she said thank you. I turned my attention back to the parade as some horse trotted by. More floats passes, some dancers and another band before the parade ended and the festival was declared open. People crowded the streets as the last float went by.

"You kids go have fun, but remember to stay safe." Mom said. Musa grabbed Riven's hand who had strangely enough taken mine and I took Flora's. Musa pulled us through the crowd ad towards the meeting spot. The crowds thinned out when we reached the next block and we were able to separate without losing each other. The Frutti Music bar was just ahead and I could already see Sky, Bloom, Aisha, Nabu, Tecna and Timmy waiting for us.

"Stella running late again?" Musa shouted to the others, as we get closer. That was to be expected of Stella Moon. She was never on time for anything. It was wonder she was ever on time for school.

"She probably couldn't find the right shade of lip gloss to match her shoes." Riven mocked.

"I heard that Riven!" the golden blonde shouted as she and Brandon appeared from around the corner. Now the real fun could begin.