A Work of Fiction

Chapter Six

Updated and Edited 16/06/12.

 

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Chapter Six

“Rule of the Bone? Okay, who are you and what have you done to Viola?” Callie said as she sat down at our lunch table.

“Oh ha ha. Very funny,” I replied sarcastically.

“No really. What is going on? This isn't like you at all.” From the tone of Natalie's voice, I could tell she was a little worried.

“I just felt like a change, that's all.” I looked around the table, only to be faced with complete looks of shock on my three friend’s faces. “Why is it so hard to believe that I might actually want to read something different?” I asked, half amused and half exasperated. Natalie was the first to thaw out.

“Well, you have to admit, it's a little sudden.” I looked at her, confused by what she said. “What I mean is, we've known you for years, and in all that time, it's always been the same kind of books. And now, you've expanded your focus, so to speak.” Callie nodded in agreement.

“I think it's good,” Julie said, speaking for the first time. “No, seriously,” she responded to the once again shocked looks both Callie and Natalie were wearing. “It's about time she left the pirates behind.” They all laughed at this and even I cracked a smile. I had to admit, it did seem a little funny, a senior in high school, reading pirate stories. Although, in my defence, they were classics.

“Julie's right,” said Callie, her usual gleam of mischief in her eyes. “I mean, even if the pirates are hot, you need to get yourself a real character.” I just laughed at her comment, whilst Julie almost chocked on her water.

“Which reminds me,” asked Natalie. “How was the ever so lovely and proud Mr. Darcy?”

“He was good. And ever so proud, like you said,” I replied, smiling at her. “And so was Colin Firth in his clingy wet pants.” We all burst out laughing, remembering Natalie's little fantasy before the holidays. As we all settled down, I noticed a dreamy look come over Natalie's face.

“Isn't he though,” she sighed. We all exchanged looks and smirks, trying to hold back our laughter.

“Christ, you're worse than Vi here. Maybe you should, what was it I said, 'expand your focus' on someone else. Maybe someone who actually relates to the real world.” Callie said, whilst Julie and I chuckled at Natalie's facing falling back to reality.

Talk eventually turned towards the events of the Christoph's Christmas Eve party, and Julie didn't waste any time in causing me to blush twenty shades of red, as she told the others about my not-so-subtle stalker for the evening.

“Oh man! And I missed that,” Callie spoke in mock outrage. “Damn my Uncle Ned for making us go over to his place.”