The Secret of Aerythyka

Take Out

"Ouch, he said that to you? The same guy you've been infatuated with since you were, what, twelve? Why do you even bother with him? Wow, he is a jerk." Meg says.

"I know. I'm stubborn and I like his smile. Do you think he knows that I like him?" I ask.

"Don't worry, everyone but Ellis knows you like Ellis. He's a stupid jerk. And you're not all that stubborn and he doesn't smile. I'm think his smile shriveled up and died from lack of use." She replies. "No, my theory is whatever makes your eyes glow seeped into your brain causing some sort of malfunction that makes you attracted to him"

"We're in public." I hiss.

"No one heard me. I've kept your secret this long, I'm almost positive I can be trusted." She says nudging me in the arm. "You know you can trust me. Besides those dumb sunglasses bring more attention to your eyes than I ever will."

"Don't be mad because I look good."

Meg rolls her eyes and tosses her loose braid over her shoulder. She's dressed unusually calm today in jeans and a large sweater that hangs from her willowy figure. Meg comes from a family of six children and she's the only girl. Everything in her life is big, loud and bright and, normally, her hair and clothes follow that trend. When her life gets a bit too hectic and overwhelming she comes to my house for a break. She values the quiet solitude that my friendship offers.

"Order 23!" Shouts a man from behind the counter.

"Remind me again why we had to drive twenty miles out of the city to get food in this dump." Meg demands.

"Because we weren't allowed to walk alone somewhere close, I wanted to make Ryan hover us somewhere far." I explain.

"Not that I am complaining about being in tight quarters with Ryan, but you do realize he's getting the short end of the stick and it's not his fault he was forced to drive us."

"It's Tex's craft, at least it uses up his fuel." I say.

"That is the saddest attempt at revenge I've ever heard." Meg says, "Here's an idea, instead of making him wait in the craft, Ryan could come in and we could eat here. You know, before the food gets cold on the way back."

"No way. We can eat in the craft. And besides, Ryan would frighten all the customers."

             "Ryan is not scary," She insists scrunching up her face, "He is just tall and quiet; which are the two main qualities I look for in a man."

             "He's quiet because he's too stupid say much."

            I don't know why I give Ryan a hard time. He is tall and could rip someone's arms off, but he is actually very smart and kind, well, towards the few people he cares about anyway. The trick to Ryan is being one of those few people.

            We fall into silence, Meg picking at her cuticles as I people watch. From the corner of my eye I see movement and turn towards the entrance in time to see the last person I want to run into; Royal. He told Tex to make sure I stayed away so what will he do if he finds me here? I go rigid and watch as he makes his way to the counter, not bothering to wait in line. Meg must notice my change in demeanor.

            "Are you alright?" She asks

            Trying not to draw attention to us I mouth the words, "We need to leave," and nod towards the door.

            "What? Is there something wrong with your neck?" she asks loudly.

            "Are you kidding me?" I say through gritted teeth. "We need to leave, right now."