The Freak| Jimmy Darling

Chapter Nineteen.

Waking up somewhere else besides my caravan is strange. I checked the clock on the wall. 10:13. The two beds in this room were bigger than the ones Jimmy and I have in the caravan. They're also more comfortable. I smiled as I listened to the quiet.

Nobody was yelling, nobody was arguing, nobody was crying, nobody was laughing, nobody was cheering and nobody was singing. It was peaceful. I loved it.

I got up out of bed and walked to my suitcase. I had packed my one and only bathing suit for the pool outside. Today was particularly hot and I was excited to go out there where no one could bother me. I rushed into the bathroom and changed out of my pajamas. I got into my bathing suit and grabbed my makeup bag. I sat down in front of the mirror in the living area and started applying.

"You know that if someone made fun of your skin I'd flip the fuck out, right?" I heard Peter say.

I turned around and smiled. "I know. But I really don't want to get kicked out of here. I'm actually enjoying myself for the first time in a few weeks," I responded.

He nodded. "Are you going to be okay by yourself? I wanna sleep more," he asked.

"Of course. I'll be fine. Just look out the window a few times if it makes you feel better," I responded. I grabbed a towel and some sunscreen.

"Will do. And if anybody gives you dirty looks, just tell me. Ya dig?" He asked.

"Yeah. See you out there," I responded and walked out the door.

Nobody was on the pool deck. Even better.

I walked over to the first chair I saw and claimed it. I put my towel over the top of the chair and sat down. Then I looked at the sunscreen. I laughed as I remembered that it would do nothing. A sunburn would actually be better for my skin.

I laid out in the sun for an hour before my first distraction.

"Melanie! It's amazing to see you. How are you?" I heard someone ask.

I looked up and saw Dandy. He was different. He seemed more... confident? I couldn't describe it if I tried. He stood up straighter and he had an anger in his eye. I didn't know why.

"Hi Dandy. I'm good, how are you?" I asked.

"I'm doing great thank you for asking. I saw you over here and just had to say hello. You're taking a break from the show?" He asked.

"Yes. I'm actually here with-" I began.

"Hey Melanie. Who's this?" Peter asked protectively.

"This is Dandy Mott. Him and his mother visited the show once. And he also housed the Tattler Twins for awhile," I explained.

"And this must be Peter," Dandy said.

"Yeah. It's a pleasure, man," Peter said and shook Dandy's hand.

"Yes. You too," Dandy said.

"So what are you doing here, Dandy?" Peter asked.

"Sometimes it's nice to get away from where you live. I'm sure both of you can understand that," Dandy said.

"What do you mean by that?" Peter asked.

"Oh I'm sorry. That came off as rude. The twins told me all about your family. And I am so sorry to hear about that," Dandy responded.

"Oh. Well thank you," Peter said with a smile.

"No problem. I'll get out of your hair and hopefully I will see you around. Good day," Dandy said and walked away.