The Meaning Games

9. For Tiffany

Some people just deserved what is known as Karma. 

Havana Avenue put her arms up as Avarie slid a dress over her body, letting the material flow to the ground. Without another word, Avarie turned and walked out the door, her bag, which was stashed with Vodka and string, in tow. Havana stayed, looking at herself in the mirror instead of initially following Avarie out and down the stairs. She narrowed her eyes, concentrating on how wide the dress was on her. 

"You're going to make us late." 

Havana sighed and walked out of the bedroom. She padded across the landing and descended the stairs. She didn't' realise that everyone else was waiting for her in the hallway near the front door. Collins smiled at Havana reassuringly as her foot hit the last step. She was wearing hot pants and a Batman tee with a large, thick coat on. Collins, Havana thought, didn't look like she was going to a party. Neither, for that matter, did Jordan. She was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans and a light blue top. She had an iced coffee in her hand with Dunkin' Donuts logo on it. At least Shay looked dressed appropriate for a party. She was wearing a pale pink dress that was surprisingly similar to Avarie's. 

Havana met Avarie's gaze before she quickly looked away, shimmying on her coat. "I want to talk to you all," Avarie started immediately. "We need to decide on a prank for tonight. For Tiffany."

"Put a dead rat in her cake?"

"Hey," Collins exclaimed, turning her attention to Shay. "I want to eat some of that cake."

"OK," Shay said, thinking of something else. "Can't we put cling film on her toilet seat. That way she'll pee all over herself."

"The whole reason we're doing this prank is for everyone to see. Isn't that right, Havana?" Avarie asked, smiling at Havana sincerely, although Havana wasn't looking to see it. "She has to be humiliated, as revenge for what she's done with Trent. So, I have a couple of suggestions." 

Shay snapped some gum. "What're you thinking of?"

Clearing her throat, Avarie began to tell her friends the ideas that she had. Pretty soon they had a plan in motion and were on their way to Tiffany's house, for a party they were sure the birthday girl wouldn't forget.

-

"Did you hear that Marshall West is opening up a Sushi bar in the next town over? I bumped into him today. First time I've seen him since he left school, actually."

"Apparently it's going to be a steak house, too." Jordan answered, indicating left. The girls were all in Avarie's Range Rover with the heating on full blast and the radio playing a chart hit. The Range Rover was just one of many cars that the Castelo family owned, but ever since they'd had their license, Avarie always put Jordan's name down on the insurance for this car, trusting her to use it. Of course, Jordan had her own car, but Avarie didn't always want to drive, and knew Jordan was sensible enough to look after her car. Jordan, however, was always annoyed that Avarie wouldn't take a penny for the insurance, claiming that she didn't want it. 

Avarie took a long drag of her cigarette from the passenger seat, relaxed as warmth from the heated seat engulfed her. All the girls knew where Tiffany lived – she'd put the address on the RVSP invitations, which, of course, all the girls had chosen to ignore. Instead they were just planning to show up, to add to the element of surprise. 

"We should go there sometime," Shay decided. 

Avarie craned her neck around so she could see Shay. "Sure. When we get back from the lake."