Welcome to Deadwood

Chapter Nine

   “I don’t have time for this, Isaac,” I chuckled, holding a plate in each hand as I slid from behind the bar and hurried to my tables, placing mounds of hash browns and sloppy eggs in front of customers. It was a Tuesday night and the Deadwood bridge club had just finished their weekly session in town hall, meaning the seats of the diner were filled with elderly locals, all speaking loudly despite the abundance of hearing aids. 

   “Well, you have time for Amaya Young, am I right, am I right?” Isaac spun around on one of the stools pushed up against the breakfast bar, slurping at his mint and chocolate chip milkshake mischievously. 

   “You’re hilarious,” I rolled my eyes and went to clean up the coffee machine. 

   “Take a five minute break, hun, I’ll look after the oldies,” Helen flitted in from the kitchen carrying multiple dishes on each arm. I grabbed myself a glass, filling it with cold water and taking a sip. 

   “Is she a good kisser?” Isaac tore at his doughy bagel and shoved a piece into his mouth, chewing loudly. 

   “I wouldn’t know.” 

   “Oh come on, don’t talk to me like an infant. First base, second?”  

   “Nothing’s happened!” I held up my hands and laughed. “Really, man, you’re unbe-fucking-lievable, we just talked, she’s been through a lot, I’m surprised someone hasn't approached her before now.” 

   “Katya Hynes says she saw you guys making out in the woods by her house,” Isaac said. 

   “Well Katya Hynes is a liar, I walked her home, we sat on the porch for a little bit,” I just shrugged and stole a sip of Isaac’s shake. “If I had kissed her, I would tell you, but I didn’t, so there’s nothing to tell.” 

   “But how about at school today, she should have come sat with us at lunch, we’d be cool with the goth girl.” 

   “She didn’t want to, you guys intimidate her,” I took a damp cloth and started wiping down the bench. “And she’s not a goth.” 

   “She looks like a goth to me.” 

   “Just because she likes wearing black doesn’t make her a goth.” 

   “I don’t mind if you’re dating a goth.” 

   “We’re not dating, Isaac.” 

   “I was looking at her the other day in Physics and I’ve never noticed it before but you’re totally right, she’s hot if you like that pale skin, dead eyes kind of look. Personally I could see you more with a Natalie Portman kinda’ girl, girl next door kind of-” 

   “-Isaac! Stop!” I begged, holding my hands to my head. 

   “You know there’s this new rumor going around school that Amaya can communicate with the dead, was that what you were doing over at hers? Got out a Ouija board, a little alcohol, some candles, could be pretty romantic if you did it right, not for me, but-”  

   “-Fine, I like her!” I exclaimed, just wanting Isaac to stop rambling quite so much. “Is that what you wanted to hear, I think she’s cool and pretty and funny and I like her, okay, is that okay with you, Isaac?” He narrowed his eyes and leant forward thoughtfully. 

   “Do you really like her though?” 

   “You’re such an idiot,” I groaned. 

   “No, really, really I’m happy for you, I mean, Leah will be crushed but what can you do?” 

   “Nothing’s going to happen with Amaya, I really don’t think it can, and Leah’s lovely but I can’t be that boy for her, I can’t be that person,” I caught sight of my reflection in one of the gleaming toasters, my hair parted awkwardly with pieces sticking to my clammy forehead.