CHAPTER 236: Humour & Hijinks

"So this is the famous Humour & Hijinks Festival.  Do you know, I've never been before" said David Wright; a former friend from Julia's university days.  Was this a date?  Not in her mind it wasn't.  Yesterday her friend, Suzy, was dropping not so subtle hints that she thought Julia had a little crush on this guy.  Did she?  Well, she admired David's intellect, his charming demeanour as well as his clean cut good looks but "crush"?  Julia dismissed the idea.

"I try to go every month" replied Julia.  "I first came here in my freshman year at college and I liked it.  It gives me a chance to examine the psychology of humour"

"As well as throwing a custard pie in someone's face." said David.  "Shall we get a drink?"

They headed over to the festival's Tiki Bar and got themselves a round of drinks.  Julia was curious as to what David was doing now, as he was a postgrad and working on some kind of field work.

"What's this work you're doing now?" she asked.

David took a big gulp of his drink before answering.  "You mean my field work?  Well I wish I could tell you but it's government work...of a kind...and I'm bound to keep it secret."

"You're kidding me" said Julia

"I wish I was, Jules.  There's been some kind of epidemic...although we're not sure it is an epidemic but we suspect it is...that's broken out in Strangerville and I'm working with this British scientist to see what the cause is.  And that's all I can tell you."

"Golly gee!  Medical emergency?  Could I get a place on your team?  Do you need a doctor to help find the cause of this epidemic?"

"Jules, my boss...this English guy...is a genius and he's a doctor, and scientist, and a bit of everything really.  Say, though...I don't think I'd be betraying any secrets if I sought your expert medical opinion on the symptoms the afflicted have shown?"

Julia's eyes lit up.  "Try me!"

"OK...symptoms are a rigidity in movement, like they're robotic, one eye enlarged, pupils dilated, face fixed in a hideous grin, enhanced strength and a complete disconnect with the world around them." said David, matter of factly.

"Hmmm" Julia said, stroking her chin.  "My first guess is it's something neurological"

"That's what Cornelius...my boss...thinks"

"I'd like to meet him" she replied.

"I'm sure you would."

"Anyway, David, I've just spotted a friend of mine over there by the stage area.  Her name's Joelene and she's a really talented singer.  I think she's going to perform here tonight"

David looked across to the stage area and saw a very attractive woman with a long, blonde ponytail and wearing a cream coloured minidress that showed off her very shapely legs.  She looked a star, he thought, even if he didn't know she was an entertainer beforehand although she did look familiar from somewhere...

"Julia, you made it!" said a pleasantly surprised Joelene.  "I'm just doing one last sound check and then it's showtime"

"I wouldn't miss your debut at the Humour and Hijinks Festival for anything" replied Julia.

"Technically this isn't my debut; I performed here with the other Lothario Kittens back in March"

"That's it!" exclaimed David all of a sudden:  He had remembered where he had seen this Joelene before but as soon as he'd said the words, he felt embarrassed.

"This is my friend, David.  David, this is Joelene; I used to be her accompanist before she turned pro"

"Pleased to meet you" said Joelene.  She was impressed by Julia's 'date', he was a dish and she gave Julia a knowing smile but it didn't register with her.

"Well you sock it to 'em tonight, Joelene." said Julia, giving her friend some encouragement.

A few minutes later the set started and Julia and David enjoyed the show, which drew in a lot of exhausted Pranksters and Jokesters.  The Fall weather was starting to become cooler and some of the Jokesters were shivering from having buckets of water thrown over them by the Pranksters.

Julia and David watched the show and then wandered around the festival, taking in the sights and sounds with corny jokes being thrown around like confetti.

"I'm glad you've ended up living your dream of being a doctor and I will ask Cornelius if there could be a place for you on the team."

"Thanks, David.  It looks like things are working out for you as well....it sounds exciting whatever it is you're doing."

"It is.  So...are you still the dedicated workaholic?"

"I am very dedicated to my job but I have a good circle of friends and I do let my hair down from time to time.  And yourself?"

"Me?  I seem to have two lives:  The one with Cornelius and the other member of the team, Peggy.  She's smart but she's a bit full of herself.  The other life is that on campus, hanging out with others on my course and around the place.  And, well...there's...ach, never mind." he said, waving his hand as if he was wafting away a fly.  He stopped short of mentioning Lauren, the Strangerville Librarian who he was attracted to but wasn't sure if it was unprofessional of him to pursue a relationship with.

Julia figured there was something he didn't want to talk about.  Possibly a relationship or something else that was deeply private to him.  It was at that moment that both of them was stuck for something to say to each other.

"It's been great catching up, Jules" said David, breaking the silence.

"Oh yes, it has.  It would be nice to meet again." replied Julia, primly.

"I would like that.  I trust I'm not making someone jealous if you and I were to meet socially?" he said, rather forwardly.

"Jealous?  Oh no!  You know me...dedicated to my work as always." said Julia, blushing awkwardly.

"Still the same girl I met in our freshman year." said David, smiling.  "It looks like things are winding down here, can I walk you home or get you a cab?"

"That's kind but I've arranged to share a taxi with Joelene when this has finished.  David, it's...." she said, not knowing what to say next.  She had to admit to herself that her relationship with David was on a precipice.  He was smart, handsome and eligible and on the surface all what she wanted in a partner but on the other hand her feelings weren't strong enough to make her flirt with him or offer encouragement in that department.

"Give us a hug, Jules...if that's OK with you?" he said, interjecting when she was stuck for words.

"That's absolutely fine.  Good seeing you again." she said, sincerely and reciprocating his embrace with a firm hug.

David's evening continues in chapter 10 of CORNELIUS....