It Started With a Partnership (discontinued)

three: the family

"I swear you're hallucinating." Gideon shook his head at me. "A creature that was like that wouldn't even be near our town."

"No, Gideon, there's something off about this town." I said as we walked to the golf course. "After all, I met this boy--"

"You what?" He asked. "You met a boy in the woods? That's just creepy, Paz, what happened?"

"Nothing." I shrugged. "He just helped me."

"Helped you what?" Gideon raised a pale brow.

"Ah, never mind." I shook my head. It wasn't worth it if he wasn't going to believe me.

When we got to the golf course, Gideon froze. "Paz," he hissed. "We can't be here."

"Why?" I looked around and saw nothing suspicious. I picked up my golf club and started swinging.

"Because," he whispered, "they're here!"

I looked up and saw a group of people, adults and teens. "What's wrong with them?"

"Those are the Gleefuls." Gideon explained. "They are the most prestigious family in all of Reverse Falls. Maybe even the whole world!"

"And I should care, why?" I rolled my eyes and huffed in annoyance. "It's a golf course, why would people that are so rich wanna come here?"

Gideon opened his mouth, held up his pointer finger, but then closed his mouth. "I, uh, wow, um, I have no idea."

"See?" I crossed my arms. "Why do they even need to rent out the entire course for just them?"

"Well, when you have the money." Gideon muttered. "Well, anyways, let's go home."

"Why? We could sneak in ad play a few quick holes." I suggested. "They won't kill us if they find out, right?"

Gideon didn't answer, but he eventually caved. "Alright, alright, fine."

"besides, they can't be that dangerous." I rolled my eyes at the thought.

~ ~ ~

"I rest my case." Gideon stately triumphantly. "I am the best golfer in the whole heccin' world."

"Shut up," I groaned. "It makes no sense, I was ahead of you!"

"But I took the least amount of shots to finish. You didn't." Gideon kindly pointed out. "Also, you skipped holes five through eight."

By that point, I was already ignoring Gideon and focusing more on my stomach. "Gids, I'm hungry."

"And?" He plucked his golf ball from the ground.

"Let's find food." I continued.

"Ah, I see." Gideon shook his head. "I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Why's that?"

"Because if people see us walk up there and grab food they'll question it." He explained.

"Or they won't even care or notice us." I shot back. "Ever think of that?"

He shrugged. "I dunno, Paz. I'm thinking it's not such a good idea."

"You never think anything's a good idea." I grumbled. "You didn't think sneaking into a golf course would be a good idea, but you just had so much —if not more— fun than I did."

For once, Gideon had nothing to say. He caved once more. "Fine fine fine. You can go get more food. I'm going to wait here like a respectful person."

"Oh geez. Gideon." I groaned. "Alright. Suit yourself."

He waved to me as I walked away but I barely noticed. After all, I could smell that someone was grilling something and it was driving me insane.

~ ~ ~

I found the tent where the food was stored and I must say that I was pleasantly surprised when literally no one was around.

Looks like I'd be getting off easier than I anticipated.

I quickly snatched up a plate and began to fill my plate with food. There were so many types of exotic and American food that I hardly knew where to start.

Unfortunately, my attempts were cut off by the sound of people heading toward the tent.

I dropped my plate onto the table and dived underneath the thing, hoping that the tablecloth would hide me.

Maybe Gideon was right, maybe this wasn't such a good idea. But I'd never tell him that.

The voices were getting closer and I closed my eyes, praying that they wouldn't find me.

"I'm not feeling quite hungry." A girl's voice said. "Are you?"

No answer to her question.

"Ugh, where did you go, Mason?" She repeated, coming closer to where I was hiding. "Ugh, who left this plate here?"

I silently winced and wished I'd brought the plate with me. But then I risked the fact that I'd want to eat the food while I was supposed to be hiding.

Not a great idea.

The footfalls became quieter and quieter, so I assumed the girl was gone. And I was right.

I got out from my hiding spot and plucked up my plate. I'd just have to get out of there with no one noticing that I was ever there.

"What are you doing here, Barbie?"

I froze and dropped my plate onto the floor. I whirled around and much to my surprise, I saw the boy from last night.

He looked different though. Instead of his entirely black outfit, he was wearing blue jeans with his black trench coat.

But there was something about the way he carried himself that made him seem different.

"How'd you know it was me?"

Don't answer to 'Barbie', it's too girly!

He shrugged nonchalantly. "I happen to be a wonderful guesser. Now, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing!" I fired back. "The golf course is closed to all civilians."

"Oh? Then why are you here, Barbie?" He raised a brow.

"My name isn't Barbie." I crossed my arms over my chest. "It's Pacifica."

"Atlantica, who?"

"Pa-ci-fi-ca." I enunciated slowly. "Pacifica Southeast."

"Well it's lovely seeing you again." He commented. "But I suggest that you leave before they catch you."

"They?" I asked.

"The people that are coming right now." His smirk grew larger. "Au revoir."

He ducked out of the tent and by the time I reached the exit and peered out, he was nowhere to be seen.