Serendipity & the Serpent

The Truth

In the weeks leading up to the Halloween dance, Marty tried drawing the most realistic sketch of Baby's dress to show your mother. She sewed it up beautifully, and Marty said it was perfect.

You continued to visit Mr. Miyagi every evening. He taught you the ways of balance, and helped you regain that feeling you had when your father was with you. It felt almost as if Mr. Miyagi was becoming another kind of father figure to you.

Daniel still avoided you. There were times when you even chased him down, and he managed to hide away again. You wondered what his problem was. Did you do something to him?

It was time to find out.

And there was only one person who would tell you the truth.
•••
You worked up an appetite as you walked. Which was good, considering where you were headed after school.

The Orient Express came into view, and you picked up your pace miraculously. Pushing open the door, you were greeted by the hostess. She seated you happily next to the window.

It wasn't the exact seat you had sat in with your mother, but you were still right up against the glass. You watched the people walk by, the cars drive past, anything to pass the time.

When it came time to order your food, you requested the service of a special waitress. The waiter who took your order said that the waitress you had in mind would be happy to deliver your food.

After it was prepared and ready, she brought out your plate with a bright smile.

"Lucile!" You grinned.

"Oh doll! How have you been? I missed you kiddo!"

"I've been great," your voice faltered, "how are you?"

"Oh you know," she laughed and swatted at you playfully, "just working."

Lucille looked around the room before sitting in the seat across from you. Her smile wavered, and her gaze was hard to turn away from. It was almost as if she knew why you were there.

Before she could speak, you initiated the conversation.

"How's Daniel been?"

She sighed. "Well... that's what I was going to talk to you about actually..."

You leaned forward, desperate for more. Your breath hitched in your throat.

Lucille fumbled with the tablecloth as she tried to arrange her words properly.

"Has something happened between you two? I miss you coming around. I figured that even after you finished your history project you would still come to visit but... Daniel hasn't said a word about you. I'm sorry if that offends you, I'm just trying to see both sides here."

You smiled gratefully, "of course it doesn't offend me! I want to know just as bad as you do. I mean, he's just... been avoiding me. I have no idea what I did."

Lucille pondered this for a moment. Her mind was clearly drawing a blank.

"Honey," she grabbed your hands, "if I knew the truth I would cough it up to you,
but you knew that, right? You're one of Daniel's only friends here. I trust you."

"I know, Lucille."

"And it hurts that he's going through all this. I mean, you are a loyal friend to him. I can see it in your eyes. I just think... after the incident he may be having a hard time trusting anyone. That's the only thing I can think of."

She stood to her feet and started to adjust her apron. "Well, hon. It was nice talking to you but I gotta run. Hopefully I'll see you again sometime soon!"