My Controversial Secret

Chapter 32: The Dancing on Fingers

Jenna was silent. 

She didn't speak or laugh or converse with anyone at the festival, she simply handed out the packed stuff her mother made her to the coming customers. 

With her mind blank and Delilah's piercing stare on her back, Jenna didn't see anyone eye to eye nor tried to lift her head to greet anyone. Delilah's earlier words controlled her actions and it seems like from now there'll be two people who will dictate her movements. 

"If you want my apology then you need to do exactly what I tell you to do," She had whispered before Julie and others stepped into the stall. Since then, Jenna knew Delilah would leave no loose ends to destroy this controversial secret that isn't a secret anymore. 

Handing out the last strawberry tart to a family of three, Jenna wiped her hands on her apron and walked out of the stall for some air, Delilah following her closely. 

"What now?" she said tying her in a ponytail. Jenna did the same and made a messy bun of her blonde locks. 

"Nothing," she answers. "Just needed a breather,"

"I hope its not from my Dad,"

Jenna winced at her tone, "I am staying away from him,"

"The bare minimum," Del scoffed and Jenna averted her eyes. "Anyway looks like we're done with the festival today. Our stall did really well," 

"Just like you said,"

"Yup," They stared at each other. An atmosphere that was never present between them started to whirlwind like a sinking ship. Betrayal, animosity, and guilt floated evidently between the two. "How much do you think we earned?"

Jenna blinked, her expression neutral but inside everything was a rummage, "I don't know but it looks like we made some profit,"

"Hmm," Del nodded with her finger on her lip, "If you get your share I want you to take me out for dinner," Jenna turned to her, "Now that doesn't mean I forgave you but it's a start. You already know what you have to do to earn my apology anyway,"

"Of course," 

"Good," They both looked at the field in front, the evening air touching their face calmly. It was after sunset hours so people were starting to leave. Except for the stall owners, there was no one around. "Are you going to tell Dad that I know?" 

Jenna thought telling him would be the right thing to do but now it feels like the last thing on her list. Getting Delilah's forgiveness stands high on her priority. If she can do it on behalf of both of them then keeping this from David doesn't seem that bad. If the time comes, she will tell him but for now, Delilah is more important. 

"No," Jenna said with a shake of her head. 

"So you're just going to let him assume ten different things for why you stopped hanging out with him?"

"He's a grown man. He can take a hint," 

"Sounds like you know him better now after having spent a few nights with him."

Jenna met her eyes. Shame and anger coated her from inside. "You d-don't have to keep saying that,"

"But a reminder is always a good way to show people their mistake and as your friend I think it's my responsibility to make sure you know yours after all we did promise to help each other out during bad times," Del chirped and held her wrist. "Now come on. You have a lot of begging left to do."

After they packed all their stuff and made turns to put everything inside the jeep, David made his way to Jenna by the truck. "I feel like I haven't talked to you today," he says putting one hand in his pocket, the other on the roof of the truck. Jenna was standing near the trunk tying the ropes around the folding table.