Pangaia: Agendas (Year One: Fall)

Chapter Thirteen - Cheyenne

From the outside, the Old Union didn't look like much of anything.

The paint on the wood lining was chipping, the bricks were crumbling apart onto the cracked sidewalk, and some rather seedy-looking individuals stood outside of its doors to smoke cigarettes. It didn't look like the kind of place a group of teenagers should have been spending their time during the early hours of the evening. It was barely eight o'clock, and already Cheyenne was nervous. Thankfully, they weren't allowed to be off school grounds any later than ten.

Zes, Anj, and Jewl walked inside like they owned the place, completely ignoring the smokers.

Once Cheyenne and Halyn entered the building, it became clear why. On the inside, the Old Union was new, hip, and modern in decor. The lights were dimmed, so the entire restaurant was covered in a soft orange glow. In the center was a bar, and this was the busiest spot. Off toward the back, she saw a small dance floor, but it was void of life.

This particular evening the entertainment was a DJ. Beyond the customers at the bar, hardly anyone was there.

The boys escorted the group toward the first open booth they could find, claiming one side of the table, while Halyn, Cheyenne, and Jewl attempted to seat themselves together. It wasn't working too well, but Jewl also refused to be anywhere near Cheyenne.

"I'm going to grab a chair," Jewl said after the girls failed to find a suitable arrangement. She flipped her curly hair over her shoulder before stomping off.

Cheyenne buried her head in her hands, letting her hair create a shield around her. Zes reached across the table and touched her gently.

"Hey, no hiding. Ignore her. We'll take care of it," he said, then whispered something in his brother's ear. Anj nodded.

"Take care of what?" she asked.

Zes opened his mouth to say something else when Jewl returned. Instead, he gave Cheyenne a nod before standing up. "Actually, Jewl, can I have the chair? My back's been giving me a hard time lately and I think the stiff backing will help it feel better. I mean, if you don't mind. I know Anj smells and all, but I'd love you forever if you would."

"Fine," Jewl stared between him and his brother for a moment and then proceeded to cross her arms in front of her chest, tapping her fingers impatiently. "But I want the end."

"Thanks." Zes climbed over his brother and carefully made his way out of the booth.

He gave Anj a swift, hard kick in the thigh as he regained his balance on the floor again. Anj, taking this as a signal, moved toward the inside of the booth and Jewl sat beside him. She kept a comfortable distance from him, but the triumphant smirk on her face made it clear she would be closer if she could have things her way.

Zes let out a soft, happy sigh as he sat down in his chair. "That's more like it."

"I demand we get mozzarella sticks," Anj stated while simultaneously moving closer to the wall. He propped a leg up on the booth casually, creating a natural barrier between him and Jewl. There was so much tension between the two it was almost like watching a bad soap opera. "I also demand a dance from all of the ladies at the table."

Jewl let out a quiet snort. "You would, wouldn't you? What if I don't want to dance with you?"

"Then I suppose you'll be missing out on a grand old time." He held up a finger to pause the conversation as the waitress came to their table to take their order. "We'll be having the mozzie sticks, the garlic cheese bread, and the mushroom poppers. Shirley Temple's all around please."

Cheyenne didn't argue, and neither did anyone else, surprisingly enough.

He returned his attention to Jewl. "Now to rewind and replay: then I suppose you'll be missing out on a grand old time."