Caught In A Lie

5: From the Outside

   The rest of the evening went… well, it went. I had more fun than I had ever had before. Mikhael introduced me to some of his friends – close ones, from what I gathered. There were three people from his college days and one from the Museum. Matthias, Dimitris and Alexander were very friendly. Zinon was a little aloof, but cordial.

    “I see you finally decided to join us.” Eleanor announced.

    “Yes, we did.” Mikhael said. “What have we missed?”

    “Nothing other than tales from your sister’s rather inglorious student days.” Dimitris said with a smirk. “If we hadn’t been as bad, I’d say they were simply scandalous.”

    “I think we were worse.” Alexander chimed in. “I mean, the worst Ellie has told us was turning off the hot water supply on the day of the exams and filling up hairdryers with sand – which, by the way was genius in a women's dorm. But I think we still win with the greased classroom and the fake pamphlets to make sure people went there.”

    “No way! You people got away with greasing a classroom and advertising it? You never told me!” Ellie glared at Mikhael playfully.

    “Yeah, you should’ve told her, Mikki!” Matthias teased, to hoots of laughter from the other three. I had to laugh at that. Mikhael looked mortified.

    “See? Even your girlfriend thinks it’s funny!” Dimitris said, in between bouts of laughter.

    “I’m not-” I started to say, but Mikhael cut me off with, “Yes, yes that’s very funny. By all means, continue. Meanwhile I’m going to go talk some sane people. And I’m sure Stella here has better things to do than listen to all this... drivel.”

    “I’d love to listen to more.” I said, trying to put on an apologetic expression. I’m quite sure it ended up somewhere between uncontrollable mirth and chagrin.

    “Spoilsport!” Dimitris accused, as Alexander cheered, “Go, girl!”

    I grinned uncontrollably.

    “Well, Mik, it seems you’re outnumbered.” Zinon spoke up, fighting back laughter himself.

    “Tut, tut, brother. You can think about work and all your serious shit later. Right now you need to relax.” Ellie said, raising her glass to him.

    “And you, sister dear, are drunk. Already.”

    “Of course I am. I’m drunk, sloshed, pissed… call it what you will.” She said sultrily, smiling at the four men.

    Mikhael walked away, shaking his head and muttering to himself. I caught the words ‘chaperone’ and ‘irresponsible’ before I turned my attention back to Ellie and the others. I kind of felt bad for him, watching him leave that way. And after Ellie’s little outburst just now, I was feeling uneasy.

    The conversation returned to exchanging stories, but I wasn’t that intrigued now. It seemed… incomplete without Mikhael. After all, he was the reason I was here. And I didn’t know anyone else well enough to be comfortable around them. My thoughts began to wander to things that had happened since I came here. Athens had been good for me… so far. Which was more than I could say for my home.

    “Stella, are you with us? You seem distracted.” Ellie cut into my reminiscence.

    I focused on her, instantly alert. “No, no. I’m fine. I’ll be right back.” I offered them a smile before turning away. I scanned the small crowd as I went to the drinks counter, but Mikhael was nowhere to be seen.