The Black Lily

Chapter 4

**1 hour later**

To say I regret being here is a complete understatement.

I should have gone with my gut and stayed my ass home but no, I'm stuck listening to three blonde barbies and their non stop gossiping. I've already learnt the full version of Gwen and her ex's utter disaster of a relationship; though I will give her credit, it seems she's finally standing her ground and not putting up with his shit anymore. However, what respect I had for her went down the toilet with the next choice of conversation.

Once the bitch fest that was Gwens ex was over, they quickly followed it by telling us about Gretchen some workers wife at the cafe; who is having a secret affair with a man in the neighbouring town and that she's basically a whore. Than to top it off, they pointed out a lady that goes around protesting against kids not learning about sex at Blackwater high; apparently she had an secret abortion in her teens (can't understand how it's secret when they know) and she blames not learning about sex in school for it.

Each piece of what they think is juicy gossip, chips away at me and I'm finding it increasingly hard to keep myself sane. Abby's looked over at me multiple times throughout their conversations and I can tell by her face, that she can't believe I haven't snapped yet; and neither can I. Well that's not entirely true, my tether on my anger has snapped but I know causing a scene or getting on these women's bad side won't serve us any good; so I'll bite my tongue until it bleeds and endure the torture they're exposing me too.

Yet I'm finding that hard because I honestly don't understand, how these ladies know so much about people or even care enough to want to know. When did people's private business become someone else's entertainment anyway, I get it's a small town but this is ridiculous. I love Abby but putting up with these three non-stop gossip lovers, makes me want to gouge my eyes out with Abby's beer bottle.

'So Anna, any love interests?' Rachel asks out of the blue, as she looks at me with her smug pretty face resting on her entwined fingers waiting for my response.

Her unsolicited question pulls me out of my subconscious rant and I look at her in disbelief, while Abby chokes on her drink.

'If you don't, I know Daryl is interested. He saw you at Ma's a little while ago and you obviously made an impression because he's always asking if you've been in and did you see the way he was staring at you before?'

'No' I firmly answer wide eyed and look at Abby to tell her to shut up with my eyes, as she fails to cover up a laugh with a cough.

Now I regret wishing their gossiping mouths would shut up, my personal life is no concern of theirs and I desperately want them to go back to taking about any Tom, dick or Harry; rather than a potential new love interest for me.

'Oh come now, you've been here long enough a new romance would be so thrilling. You don't have to be shy if you do fancy Daryl, I can set you guys up. He isn't a bad guy, he owns his own business and I've heard from some of the ladies in town, that he's quite pleasing if you catch my drift' she wiggles her eyebrows in a suggestive way and I have to fight the urge to not throw up in my mouth.

While Abby on the other hand, finds this line of conversation hilarious and laughs into the beer in her hands; and I whack her with the back of my hand under the table before gritting my teeth.

'If you'd excuse me ladies I need a strong drink' a complete an utter lie and they know it, but I need to get away from this table; before I'm sucked further into this conversation about being hooked up with Daryl.

Leaving a stunned Abby and the three blonde barbies, I'm up from my seat before any of them can protest and head for the bar. I earn myself a few sneers as I make my way over, as I have to literally push some people out the way that refuse to move in their drunken state. Eyeing an empty stool at the end of the bar away from the crowd, I almost sigh in relief at being by myself; but it's short lived and my decision to leave the table turns to instant regret.