JanTom: Complete Opposites

Chapter Forty-Nine : Festival

Chapter Forty-Nine : Festival

    "Ready for the festival, neighbour?" Tom smiles, looking a bit too bright than usual, which in sense, made me blind.

    I answered with a grumble, shutting the door behind me and tightening the straps of my back pack. Today is going to be hectic I tell you.

    "Did you bring your costume?" he blurt out of the sudden  as we pass through our usual street.

   "Yeah," I replied, eyes straining to the view right in front of me.

    "You nervous?"

   "I would be lying if I said I didn't."

And that was the truth. Having to interact with strangers?  The horror--not to mention giving them advices? What advices can I give anyway when I'm  a whole glob of mess?

    I sigh, feeling even my wrinkles aged a million years and my shoulders never felt this burdened.

    "If you're overwhelmed by everything  happening then I suggest you take a deep breath, close your eyes and say to yourself that you are doing awesome," he props a finger up, trying to seem like some life coach.

   I snorted, eyeing him in amusement. "Sorry, but that's just for people like you. The bubbly, happy lucky guys like you anyway."

    "Well there's no harm in trying," he shrugs. "--or you can talk to me about it?"

   He looks a bit expectant, as if I'll say it. I smirked. "Don't count on it."

. . .

    "You look so adorable, Janna!" Star gushed, eyeing my outfit with twinkle in her eyes. Geez, as if she doesn't look like a model herself. "---they really did well with your witch costume."

"I guess," I say just for the sake of saying something. She smiles, placing a hand on my shoulder and squeezing it softly. "Let's do our best today."

   I nod. "Likewise."

   Then we were positioned to our station as planned. I begrudgingly went to the corner where the small booth was, clad in dark curtains and a mini table and plastic seat. I head inside, then took a seat and felt immediately hot.

   Who wouldn't be hot when everything around me is black? I took off my hat and used it as a fan at the moment. I mean it doesn't really give me that much of satisfaction, but just a tiny breeze is alright.

   Will anyone even line up at this booth? No one would probably bother. I sigh, already feeling tired even though the day has yet to start. For starters I guess I should take a nap. I'm sure no one wi---

    "Yo."

"Oskar," I grit my teeth, forcing up a smile. "---nice to see you here, supporting me."

   "I wouldn't miss it for the world, best friend," he says with amusement, taking the vacant seat in front of me.

    I roll my eyes then crossed my arms. "So what advice do you want from me?"

    He pretends to be hurt, clutching a hand to his chest. "You're so cold. I'm a costumer right now. I pay you."

   "You make me sound like a prostitute," I replied non-chalantly, eyeing him. "--so? Cut to the chase already."

    "Fine," he gives in and leans forward, propping a hand under his chin that rested on the table. "---I have this friend of mine. She's really stubborn. She really insists she doesn't like him. You get what I mean?"