Azalea

Milkshakes and Disasters

**AZALEA**

   Sarah wasn't really sure what to do next. It was dark out and it was a little past ten, so we just drove, looking for something to do. Once, she asked me if I should go home, and I told her no.
   "Won't your dad be worried or something?" She frowned. I shook my head.
   "He's probably already asleep. He isn't really good on the whole staying up and scaring the child as they come home late thing." I said, trying to make a joke out of all that was going on. I looked in the rear view mirror, and watched for headlights. Suddenly, Sarah turned into a parking lot. I looked up at the lit up sign that still said open. She parked the car, and turned it off.
   No way, this place is still running? I used to come here as a little kid!" Sarah said excitedly. I squinted at the building. The name looked to be The Clam Diner, but it was still faded so some of the letters were missing. Why not, no place else was open, this might actually be fun. I got out with Sarah, then opened the door, peaking in. There was only one car out in the parking lot, one I didn't recognize, but I was still paranoid. There was a man at the far corner, cleaning the booth and working hard at it too. He looked up as we entered, and smiled, walking to the counter in front of us.
   "How can I help you ladies?" He said, pulling out a little notepad and some paper. Sarah grinned.
   "Do you guys still have the chocolate milkshakes around?" She asked. The man nodded.
   "We'll take two milkshakes and to mini fries, please." Sarah said, looking around. The man jotted it down, then looked back up.
   "Hum, you guys can sit anywhere, I'll just bring your order out to you." He said, walking to the swing door that led into the kitchen. Sarah chose a booth close to the counter, which was fine by me. Sitting here, I had a whole view of the parking lot. Sarah started playing with her hair. She suddenly straightened.
   "I have a question." She said, looking out the window with me. I waited.
   "Do you think I'm ugly?" She said. I looked at her. My immediate thought was no, because really, Sarah was beautiful. She had honey blonde hair, today it was up in a ponytail, but it was still touching her back. Her eyes were startling green, jade almost, and they filled me with wonder. She always wore clothes that fit, so afraid to show skin. When my dad had starting dating her, he would give compliments constantly, but as it progressed.. well, he was cruel. He'd start making fun of her. I could still remember the first time he did it in front of me, and then he'd laugh and say he was only joking. What he did to her the longer they dated... no, I couldn't go there.
"Sarah, you're stunning. I want to look just like you someday." I said earnestly. She looked at me skeptically.
"Really? Why? I'm... well look at me, Azalea." Sarah looked down at herself, scowling. My words caught in my throat. She was so beautiful, she just didn't see it. Sure, she was big, but somehow that added to the beauty side. She looked perfect, she was perfect. I desperately needed her to see herself the way I did.
"Sarah, you're perfect. You are my goal." I said. She looked up, slowly smiling.
"I'm your goal?" She asked. I nodded. She grinned, right when the man brought out our drinks and fries. She let the smile play on her mouth as she dipped her fries in the milkshake. I smiled too, doing the same. She reached out her hand, and I took it. We held hands, eating fries and just being happy. I guess that's when it all went wrong. Someone pulled into the diner parking lot, a white Jeep, with Mrs. Henry sitting at the wheel. She looked alone, and mad. She honestly didn't look like herself, her hair was everywhere, her eyebrows furrowed so much they looked like one furry caterpillar on her face, and I didn't even notice she had facial hair. Her nose was crooked, broken like, and her mouth was in a permanent scowl. Sarah turned to see what I was looking at and looked back at me.
"What's up with her face?" She said laughing. I smiled forcefully, too nervous to speak. She got out of the car and stormed into the diner. A harsh wind blew through the doors and throughout the diner, her eyes fierce as she scanned the area, her eyes landing on me and Sarah. Her scowl turned into an evil smile.
"Why hello, little brat. Isn't it past your bedtime?" She asked, taking calm steps toward me. Sarah turned around, a wild flash in her eyes.
"What did you just say?" She said, standing to meet Mrs. Henry. Henry scowled some more. Then reached out to touch her shoulder. This was when things got really wack. As Mrs. Henry touched Sarah, slowly, Sarah began to vanish. I screamed, Sarah standing still, staring at Mrs. Henry's hand. When she was fully gone, Henry smiled again and sat in her spot. I was too shocked to do or say anything. Mrs. Henry was speaking, but I couldn't understand her, I really wasn't listening. I felt something drip onto my dress, and looked down to find some wet spots in my lap. I reached up and touched my cheek, feeling wet streaks that went down to my chin. I looked at Henry, who was suddenly beautiful again. I stared at her, finally hearing her and taking everything in. She was in the middle of her sentence.
"...I wish I could spare you, but alas, you are a big threat in the masters plans. I promise, it won't hurt that bad." She said, smiling sweetly. She reached across the table, then the doors to the diner burst open, three boys running into the space, looking wild.