𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐄𝐑 | 𝐂𝐒

𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭

July 25th, 2022 

8:46 AM

___________________________

It has been three days since I last had my encounter with Chris. 

Every so often I would think about Chris trying to imagine what his routine would be. Sometimes I'd even have the temporarily confidence to show up on their doorstep just to see his face again. I begin swirling the buttercream frosting onto the vanilla base, getting lost in the visually appealing decorations of the pearl toppings and pastel sprinkles. 

Preparing for the cookout was one thing, but being in front of a crowd and socializing with everybody for almost the whole day? 

My mother was essentially mentally and physically trains me to behave in front of the wealthy residents of Massachusetts like I was some show dog, and our backyard was some sort of substantial stage. The town basically knew me and my mother, but nevertheless, I was used to the torture of my mother's construct. 

We had about 6 hours before the big barbeque promenade. Madi, Zo, and I were cleaning floors, doing dishes, marinating ribs, and mowing grass; executing every single housework a person could ever implement. 

Ordered to retrieve fresh produce as it was "crucial for the garden salad" as instructed by my master, I grabbed a throw-on crocheted sweater and rode my bike across town to the farmer's market. Making it to the market shortly in 10 minutes, I buy the necessary items and place them in the basket racked in front of my bike. 

"Pleasure seeing you again, Jade," the old man recognizes, "How is your mother doing?" 

It was an old, lanky man with a thick mustache you wouldn't mistake for anybody else's. 

"She's doing well, thank you."

"Say, my wife and I can't wait to stop by tonight, make sure to save a couple of ribs for me, would 'ya?" 

"Of course, Sir."

I turn, hoisting my leg over my bike as I turn the mobile until I was stopped by a tall figure wearing a pair of yellow retro sunglasses he'd look like he bought from Urban Outfitters. His lilac shorts and plain tee made it was Nick. 

I smile at his presence but hesitate once I realize that Chris might've also been with him. 

"It's good to see you!" Nick says playfully. 

"Same, Nick! Hey listen, sorry we haven't been in touch recently, my mother's been driving me nuts about the cookout," I say, giving myself a half-hearted excuse. 

"You're good, you gotta keep that family rep y'know?" 

"It's like everybody in this town has to make a big deal out of it." 

"No pressure too," he reverts the topic, "how's your eye by the way?"

"It's great, the purple's completely faded." I give him a smile. 

There was a moment of silence as if Nick was deciding whether to bring me along to his next destination. 

"I'm buying some popsicles for Chris and Matt, you wanna come with?"