King Gnah

21-Pandora

KENNY (AGAIN)

I drove out of the gate after a short chat with the guard. He told me that the weekend curfew was ten at night, so I had all the time in the world ahead of me.

My phone rang, and I could tell who it was before I even answered. "Talk to me," I said, and I put it on speaker. I was at eighty miles an hour, no rush.

"I will go to Anya and give her some work while you are out. Buy flowers and a present when you get to town," Stefan instructed, sounding distracted, "and be sure to apologise for not being there for her."

I was shocked by her, "I'm sorry. What? Why would I do that?"

"She lost her cat, and apparently, it's a big deal to her. Her ex thought she was crazy for liking a cat that much." Stefan explained before adding, "Oh, and today is her high tea party, which is why I needed you on short notice. I have someone on the ground. You will not meet, but they will step in when the need arises."

I chewed on that for a second, "Okay, how do I get this gem?"

"She will be wearing it on her brooch. It is green, arrow-shaped, and it should dissolve on contact." he shifted the mike so he sounded louder when he asked, "Any questions?"

"No, sir, tell your colleague that I am one hour away." Then I rethought that statement and cranked up the speed, the engine roaring as I drove, "Make that thirty minutes." And I hung up and went forth with doing one of the dumbest rash things I have ever done.

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I arrived at the address with two minutes to spare. There were a bunch of luxury cars parked out front in the circular driveway. The house was two stories with a red tiled roof and a Hispanic design to the whole thing.

There was a rumour at school that Principal Wilson married a cartel boss's daughter. Looking at the house, I can see why the rumour would start.

There was a butler at the door, and he was making a fuss about the guest list, so I stood there for ten minutes while he called Amy to come verify me.

When I saw her, I could have sworn my jaw dropped. I last saw her like two weeks ago, and she already had a glow-up? 

Her black hair had these big curls, and her green eyes had a pop. She was in an emerald green off shoulder round dress, and the said brooch was on her bosom.

Yes, I said it. bosom. like her boobs were that big. i almost scared the crap out of me. I always liked slim girls.

Oh, God help me. "Amy..." I said as we did that French hug thing, and I handed her the flowers. I could read the shock on her expression, but she managed a smile.

"Kenny, what on earth are you doing here?" she said as she cradled the tulips.

I did one of my most friendly poker faces and said, "Well, we ended on a bad note, so I saw someone post about the party and took the chance to be here and make up for it. These are for you," and then I proceeded to give her the gift bag with...you guessed it, another green brooch.

I wanted a reason for her to take off her old one.

Amy was at a loss for words, but she took the present, thanked me and led me to the back patio where the other guests were. There were tables of six, and the people were roughly thirty or fewer. She hooked her hand in mine and practically dragged me to her table, where I noticed her two friends from school and some dude whose arm was snapped by Anya.

"Guys!!! Look who decided to show up!" Amy announced to the plastics. I said hi to everyone and completely ignored the dude with a cast. He seemed to be avoiding eye contact with me, so it was really not that hard.

I took a seat, and the conversation started about how I got here. They were in their country home, so I understood why everybody wanted to know. Then the talk is about my new school. And then about Amy's cat that she was (still) grieving about. All the while I kept leaning into Amy as she spoke, you know, to show my attentiveness.

The place had this romantic vibe, so I really didn't have to try. It was time for lunch shortly after, and a French chef made the meal, and we had a great time till people started to wander around.

This led to Amy and me taking a stroll in the flower garden, which was quite impressive, although I had my specific reason to hate flower gardens.

"So..." Amy started. I tilted my head to the side so she could tell it was her cue to keep talking. We were on a concrete bench facing the empty stables. "You really surprised me by coming here."

I let the statement hang in the air for dramatic effect. She must have thought I was thinking of the right words to say, "Well, I don't want to make you my enemy, so I might as well be your friend." Then I looked her dead in the eye, "right?"

She breathed a nervous laugh, "Yeah, I guess, and..." she looked toward the stables, "I'm sorry for hurting your cousin. I mean, I don't deserve to be forgiven, but I wanna try to make up for it."

That statement alone touched my heart. She was never a bad person; she just had the wrong people around her. Now I almost regretted scamming her. 

Almost.

I stroked her hair out of the way so that our eyes met, then she leaned in to kiss me. I leaned in too, wondering if it wasn't too late to back out when the funniest thing happened.

At this point in the day i had rolled up my sleeves. Note that. A horse started racing towards us. Someone yelled for us to watch out, and I looked up, saw the horse and some redhead running after it screaming, then I yanked Amy out of the way and threw myself in the grass as the horse cleared the bench and went on trampling the flowers.

I was cradling Amy in my arms with her back against my chest. I was panting and in shock when this redhead walked over and signalled my arm.

I noticed a green light and a sting on my fore arm. When I flinch and get my arm off Amy, the redhead helps Amy up and asks if we are both okay. Then she stares me dead in the eye and says, "Sir, I think it's best if you leave."

I take the hint and remember that Stefan planted someone here.

I was honestly concerned about Amy, so I walked her back at the house, an some maid led her off since she looked sick. I hug her before I bolt out of there because she has about thirty or fewer minutes to notice that the jewel was gone.

I step into the car, and my heart got the most massive jump scare of a lifetime. 

This redhead just sat there and went, "Hi, I'm Tasha!"