Inescapable Game of Tag

Two can Play

Sophie

I wasn't anticipating Lauren and George answering right away. They were really busy, so I could only hope they looked at their messages before heading to bed. Let them sleep, thinking he's locked in his room. Sorry, you two, but you're definitely not getting any sleep on this note.

I most definitely jinxed my predicament. Upon getting more strawberries and drinking more wine, that stomach and headache I used as an excuse was surely here to taunt me. Sitting back and making the occasional conversation with Juliet as we watched all the dancing go down, I was getting wearier and wearier.

Within another two hours, the lights were turned back on, and more words were said. I flinched at the lighting, covering my fragile eyes slightly, trying to get ahold of them to watch and listen to the bride and groom. Everything was coming in a rocky trail, I didn't even comprehend why everyone was standing up until Juliet tapped my shoulder.

Once outside and Jasmine and Jeffry were being led down to their car with the roses and teddy bears, everyone clapped and cheered. Kids were still trying to figure out their festive poppers, just disarming them when the bride and groom were already in the car. They were driven off, the sky black with the shining white stars over them, and more cheers down here erupted.

Some people had already gathered their things and went to the parking lot to go home. The rest of us went back into either retrieve our stuff, or help clean things up. I lumbered after Juliet back inside the banquet hall. "Did you know that putting Ikea stuff together is the hardest, and most frustrating thing to do?" I asked her once we were at the table.

She chuckled at me, "Why the weird question?"

"Just want you to know. Hey, about, well, how things turned out..."

"They turned out great. This is really gonna help with the rehabilitation. Of course, we have to discuss this with the Pedersens, first. And, well, even if you're already here and witnesses it, we'll still have to make a meeting with you about today, as well."

Oh, the Pedersens will know within the next hour, my dear Juliet. "You don't think anyone got suspicious with him, do you?"

"No, I don't think so. The newly weds explained the lack of title under photographer! A special freelance, doesn't work often. And, as you said, he looks different-"

Roger was bounding behind us, "Sonya, Sonya!" He cried, jumping right beside me with that grin of his. "You already got a ride home?"

"Yeah, just called for the cab!"

"Cool! So, um, back to what I was saying earlier." Leaning back and forth on his heels, he pulled out his cell phone. "We should exchange phone numbers! You know, so we can hang out another night, like you said." Ah, I did say that. Hopefully, I could still squeeze a little something outta him, he was very eager and gullible.

I gave him my number, and he texted swiftly with a picture of a fat pug. "Juliet! I'd need your number, too. I'm sure I'm getting it along the line of meetings, but now is better, I think." She had been going aimlessly in her purse before I spoke, so she jumped up. Looking away with pursed lips, she lifted up her cellphone higher. I gave her my number, and as soon as she locked her phone, I jumped over to her.

"Also," I held up the camera again, and she went red. "I think you should go in my scrapbook, too, for the second time. Come on!" It took awhile, her face still red, but she eventually smiled, and I did the same up to the camera before snapping the photo.

"Oh, yeah! Let's take pictures! I didn't take any, since Blake took care of it and all, but he never took pictures of us! I didn't dress this nice for nothing."