So Called Love

Chapter 2 - Wakes and Surprises.

Chapter 2 – Wakes and Surprises.

Saturday 25th July.

    ‘Le Gâteau Jaffa’ was the hottest restaurant in the whole of North Calmere, so I had to dress the part. But ever since the day before, my mind was somewhere else. (So) I left my pale blue hair free to fall down to just above my hips. I wore a high-low dress, the bottom of the dress the same colour as my hair,with a floral design on it, and the top half white, with a gold glittery belt. I then put on my favourite black 1.5” heels. And finally, a few pieces of jewellery, including my favourite 2 finger feather ring my father gave me, just before he died. I always wore this ring, because then it was as if he was still always with me. As if he had never left.

    I prayed to god that my outfit was enough and not stupid, but I realised I had nothing to worry about when I jumped into the Chevy and saw my friends’ outfits. Dean was just in his usual jeans, top and varsity jacket, but Lilly had gone all out, with a floor length, red evening dress, and just the right amount of make-up (anymore and it would’ve been far too much).

    “Don’t say a word!” Lilly frowned.

    “You look lovely! Oh shit! I’m so stupid!” Dean cursed.

    “Well we all know that! What did you do this time?” Lilly said, playfully pushing him.

    I love my two best friends, but ever since they started dating 2 years ago, things have been different. I liked them together, it was cute, two brunettes with brown eyes, dating after they had been best friends for years. And it wasn’t all the time, it was just, they had these moments, where I feel as if I shouldn’t be there. As if I was intruding. It’s the worst on their anniversary, because it’s also the same day my dad died. It isn’t their fault. Dad died a whole 3 hours after they got together. It’s just unfair, how they can have so much happiness and leave me in the dark and misery.

   “I left my wallet; I guess were going back to my room.” Dean said.

    We walked into Dean’s room at medical school, to find a surprise. There was a sort of wake going on for Dean’s roommate’s mother, who had passed away soon after the game. Dean didn't seem to notice, or it didn't register in his brain what was going on, because all he could think about was his wallet.

    “Oh, hey Dean. Why are you back?” a boy inquired. I turned around to see HIM. Inches away from me, the boy with the eyes. I noticed his voice was rough and soft at the same time, like a blue’s singer’s mix of gravel and silk. I inspected him with my greeny grey eyes. And then, I felt it. I could see it in his eyes, the sadness. I prayed to god repeatedly that it wasn’t his mother. Anyone but his mother. I didn't know why, but I just carried on praying it wasn’t.

    God didn’t seem to hear me.

    “Oh, Lilly, Ariel, this is my roommate Christopher. His mother...passed, yesterday and he’s having a wake. We’re just here for my wallet.”

   “No, were here for the wake.” Someone spoke. It seemed to come from my mouth, but why would I say that? That was stupid, I didn't even know him. But it was me. I knew what it was like to lose a parent. I knew how inconsiderate people could be. Nobody likes to be pitied, but it never hurt to be kind. I felt like I had to stay there for him. For Christopher.

    He smiled at me, a dazzling smile. His blue eyes glittered and he pushed back his light brown hair. For a moment all his sadness seemed to disappear somewhere.

    “Thank you.” he said. And then, he was off. He disappeared into the swarm of people.

    Dean and Lilly both tried the rest of the night, to persuade me to go to ‘Le Gâteau Jaffa’, but I just refused. I just watched him, talking to people. Faking smiles and laughs. And when Christopher thought no one was looking, I saw the despair in his eyes. The sorrow. The anger. I had to stay.