folklore: the novel

8. invisible string

The coming of Autumn has brought with it a chilly wind that has Betty pulling her wool cardigan snugger around her shoulders and stomach. She could, of course, wait indoors but the changing leaves are such pretty shades of crimson and gold that she can't resist reading at one of the outdoor benches. Besides, it's not like she has much longer to wait. Actually—

"If I didn't know any better, I'd think you're only keeping me around for the free frozen yogurt." Inez, still dressed in her teal uniform from her shift that just ended, teasingly scowls with her arms crossed... but she's betrayed by the two cups in both hands, filled to the brim with yogurt. Betty didn't ask for them. She never does, but Inez gives them anyway.

"It wouldn't matter whether or not you worked here, Inez. You know me better than that. Besides, if you're only here to save up a little money, it's not like I'll be getting free yogurt forever."

"If you say so, Saturn." The childhood nickname has Betty shaking her head, but she can't contain her joy for long, giggling as Inez swaps the faux-glare for her wide smile. She hands Betty one of the cups as she takes the open seat on the bench beside her. "I hope cake batter is okay. We're out of cookies and cream right now."

"That's perfect. Thank you."

Parks seem to be their thing. When Betty agrees to meet Inez or decides to surprise her after work, the park right across the way from the yogurt shop has become the designated spot. It wasn't a conscious thing; Betty can't recall either of them ever explicitly agreeing on the park, but it somehow happened. Neither seems to mind, so Betty doesn't question it. Don't try to fix something if it isn't broken, right?

"What are you reading today?"

Betty glances down at her lap, at her closed book that she's using as a makeshift table. Another habit they've fallen into, talking about whatever novel Betty is currently immersed in even though Inez is strictly a tv show/movie type of gal.

"It's a fantasy, actually. I think I'm slowly moving away from contemporary and..."

By the time their yogurt is gone, they've long-since moved on from talk of books and onto a topic that has Inez standing for the presentation. Betty curiously watches.

"Okay, well, Rebekah didn't officially say it was a surprise so I don't feel as bad about warning you but," Inez holds her hands up, palms facing forward in a show of faux-innocence, "full disclosure: your mom is planning to throw you a birthday party."

Since their reunion at the playground of their childhood—Betty refuses to think of their conversation at the school dance as their reason for reuniting—Inez has been at Betty's house almost every afternoon that she's not working. Rebekah recognized Inez right away, and it was like the years in between never even happened. Inez and Betty's mom have become thick as thieves.

So much so that her mom is including Inez on her not-so-secret plans.

"I'm sure our neighbor will be ecstatic."

"As long as he keeps his dog locked away," Inez laughs and Betty groans despite her own laughter.

There was no hiding the truth when Inez saw the lingering green-dye stains for herself. It's been an on-going joke that Inez mentions every chance she gets... when just so happens to be quite frequently. Good thing her mother's not at all ashamed and extremely difficult to embarrass.

"I also told your mom that I would help spread the word around school, even though it's a month or two away, but if you'd rather I didn't..."

Betty waves off her concern. "Mom's parties are tasteful, if not also a little loud, but I don't mind. It'll be a nice change to... celebrate for once."

They don't really talk about it. They seldom even dare to bring up his name, but Betty knows Inez still thinks about James. So does she.

But it's different now. Like a toothache or a healing scab, it's more of a dull ache rather than constant, unbearable pain. Still there, still noticeable sometimes but... It's not like it was. Not even close.

And Betty can thank Inez for that. She's not sure what would've happened if she didn't have her friend's support during such a difficult time of her life. It definitely wasn't a friendship she'd been expecting to gain back, but it's almost like... there was something pulling them together. Some invisible string that brought them back into each other's lives.

Even if not, it's still pretty to think. And Betty is infinitely grateful for it all regardless.

To change the subject from the mopey path her mind was taking, Betty reverts to talks of their plans for the rest of the day—which was the entire reason for her waiting for Inez's shift to end. Habit number three: getting sidetracked.

"Were you wanting to head straight out or did you want to go home to change first?"

"I'd like to change, I think, but I thought we could eat at that one spot you love. What's the name of the restaurant? And then we can go rolling skating after, if that sounds good to you?"

"That sounds great and—oh." A fat raindrop plunks right on the center of Betty's forehead, followed by another that drips down Inez's nose.

They hadn't even noticed the afternoon's purple-pink skies shifting into an overcast blue. A late-day shower. Instead of letting the unexpected rain ruin their fun, the girls jump in puddles and dance through the sprinkles the whole way home.