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"Cones"

An Appalachian memoirs story

by Kantuck Nadie Nata-akon

"I see a clearin' up yonder, Claire!" Jefferson yelled.

"Yeah, me too. I rekin we're bout there!" I was hoping we was, because we three, had been four hours hiking and pressing steady upwards though sweet smelling pines, on rocky soil with the sun beating down upon us in the thick still air. I knew there was wind, judging by the way the trees was moving. But as thick as the timberline was, it wasn't moving down with us. Now with the end possibly in sight, we made a sprint to the finish, as I exclaimed, "Made it!" When pointing to the sign, I read it aloud to the others, "Pine Mountain, 3,149 Feet'

Laughing, we hugged each other nearly dancing in our excitement. "Jefferson!" I said, laughing as he stole a kiss from me. "Now you's know, twarntspose ta be kissin none. We promissed!" I however winked at him then made Richard blush as I hugged, then kissed him! The tall blond moose of a boy just chuckled and looked to the ground, knowing Jefferson was my fellow, but Dick and I was close enough to have a sort of triangle starting.

This hike was planned in January, and we three made a pledge to hike up the mountain before the heat kicked in. Even two days after school let out in May, it was hot but it wasn't noticeable until Jefferson's father let us out of the car.

Now we was here, and the excitement of finishing this quest was over. The heat really blossomed, and we all headed for trees, and the cool darkness of their shade. The open summit directed a refreshing mountain breeze over us, and we took advantage. I released my loose auburn ponytail, letting it dry as I spread it out and Jefferson fluffed up his own black hair.

Richard was jerking his t-shirt back and forth, when he asked "Whut 'bout the picnic, Claire? Yous fixin' it?"

"Gimma a minnit..." is all I could say as I watched Jefferson pull off his top. I sighed, wishing I could do that now but I wasn't dressed the right way. "I'm purty whupd now."

"Gotta tell yens tho, it's almos too hot to eat." Jefferson said, mirroring my own thoughts.

"Yeah, alla want now, is a gallon o'tea, and floatin in Straight Holler swimmin hole." I said.

Standing to get more of the breeze, and looking at the view, Richard came up with a better idea "This'n ice cream weather." he turned at us and caught my eye with his mischievous grin.

"Oh yeah! I'd love a triple scoop of rocky road" I said, laughing,

Richard added, "Make me a mint-chip. Just fill upa swimmin pool and I'll dive in."

"Oh yeah! Heck with cones, make it a nanner split! I laughed.

"Guys..." Jefferson laughed, "I'm so hotn' hungry, I'd give-a twenty to innyone who get me a cone, any cone!"

We all had to admit, that sounded mighty nice, but I had to pour some cold water on the idea. "Be nuther four hours befor we gettin over home" I noted, then looking around on the ground, I giggled softly. "Hey Jefferson, pay me..."

He turned, "Whut?"

"yed pay a twenty fer someone ta get yens a cone?" I giggled softly, as I tossed something at him, "Here's a pine cone!"

He laughed, and said "Oh yens!" When he picked it up, I jumped up and started laughing, and running. Richard joined in and both of the boys started tossing pine-cones at me. Squealing, I ran and hid behind trees but I was outflanked by both of them. Jefferson's expert pitching eye aimed the cones at my rump, Richard's strength helped him lift me and carry me into the open where Jefferson was able to attack me more. I couldn't help but to laugh, and sequel once again. But finally, panting, I gave the hand-signal for "time out"

"Guys!, Guys! Time! Lets eat!" I flopped down on the ground, a laugh panting out from me.

"Food isa good truce" Jefferson noted, grinning a bit. "You 'gree, Dick?"

He nodded virgiously, "Yeah, lets eat!"

Under a large oak, we brought out our picnic supplies. I for one brought an extra large water supply, along with a bag of home-made dill, and sweet gerkins, Wonder bread and Grippo's BBQ potato chips. The chip's box had taken a bit of a beating, but the chips was intact. From Richard's heavy laden pack came the ice to keep the dozens of slices of red-rinded K-B Bologna cold. and fresh. Jefferson's final pack had a dozen cans of Ale-81 soda as well.

A picnic is always better when you have friends along. The fiery bar-be-q flavoring of the chips, clashed strongly with the smoky, garlicky meat I chewed on. Jefferson winched, when the carbonated soda, along with the natural bite of ginger hit him after eating some of the grippos. "Ow!" He yelled, and Richard and I both laughed. "Gotta take it slow, honey!" I told Jefferson, with a laugh.

"Yeah, wishin I'd brung some milk or..." then he grinned, "A six pack"

Richard pushed me playfully, "Or druther have some of Clair's Mt. Dew, hm?"

I giggled, "Naw, that there fire-water twoodnt cool likein beer, or milk would."

Jefferson just laughed, "Then Nobidy'd keer"

We three laughed, and continued the picnic, then a couple of older hikers came by too, "cums' over, sit a spell!" Richard asked them, which they did. We shared the remainder of the picnic with them, and spent another hour on the top talking, and enjoying one another's company.

end