Accidentally Tasha

Chapter 16

The week goes by without any more drama, thank God. I am beginning to get used to the school. Nyanda and I have become inseparable, and Kate is always somewhere around us. Jake and the boys (my incredibly gorgeous boyfriend is in there somewhere- lest you forget) have been practicing like crazy for the Crestshore Festival this Saturday. This is going to be their big break. A large number of tourists come to the fair every year, and the event is aired live on TV. There's bound to be a music producer or twenty at the festival. Oh, and I am so in love I've even started talking to strangers' puppies, not kidding. Jake is watching me in amusement and a bit of nostalgia, I can feel. In short, the week goes on smoothly, except that dad is not home a lot. I notice that mom is on edge but tries to hide it.

When Saturday reaches, mom and I are glad because finally Jake will talk about something other than today. We are however excited for the band because they will finally get their hard work rewarded. I can't wait to see my brother be mega famous. Jake leaves for the Crestshore Park earlier than us to put in some final arrangements. Mom later drives me there.

"Mom, where's dad?" I ask.

She inhales deeply. "He's got a huge case that he's working on."

She didn't even answer my question.

"Is he going to come today?" I ask.

"He has to."

It almost sounds like she's trying to convince herself, and I feel sorry for her. Working out of town is the most overused lie in the world. Couldn't men just come up with a better one? Or better yet, just tell the truth?

The festival is in full swing, although it is barely nine in the morning. There is a lot of laughing and dancing and the air smells like greasy spicy food. The sun is up, although not scorching, and the clouds in the sky are blue. The excitement of the day is infectious, so much so that mom laughs.

I make my way over to Nyanda and Kate. The two still don't get along, and I'm some kind of the mediator.

"Tasha," Kate whines "tell Nyanda that Judge and Jury will be performing second."

Christ, what are you guys, ten?

"No, they'll be performing last!" Nyanda says.

They both look at me for support. Judge and Jury will be supporting last, but I don't want to hurt Kate. She's a bit sensitive.

"I don't really know. Jake didn't tell me." I lie.

Nyanda looks at me thoughtfully. I know what she's thinking about. I still haven't told Kate that I'm dating Ashton, and all she ever talks about is him. I'm going to tell her some time, I just don't know when.

"Come on you guys, lets drink and make merry. 'Tis our last day on this blasted world," I say.

Kate and Nyanda laugh.

"You are such a nerd!" Nyanda says.

As we are ordering tacos in one of the food stand (It's nine in the morning, I know) I notice a tall girl in a short black leather skirt and black booties. She is beautiful, to say the least. Her dark hair is highlighted with red dye and cascades down her back. She looks like a Victoria Secrets model.

"Oh- oh!" Nyanda and Kate both say.

"What?" I ask.

"That's Miranda! Jake's ex. What's she doing here?" Kate says.

"Do you know how they ended things?" I ask.

"They didn't, actually. She just left one day and no one has heard from her until now."