Piercing Chill
Chapter 9

Saturdaynight, Tina and I were getting ready to go to the food festival. The eventfocused on showcasing the local produce and foods from the many cultural groupsthat made up Amoris and the surrounding small towns. There was usually amazingfood, market stalls, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations andcompetitions. Tina and I had never missed any of the festivals since theirhumble beginnings in 2004.

Tina was busy pulling her eyelashes with athick brush of mascara. Her mouth hung slightly open in concentration.

“Are you sure you don’t want somemascara?” Tina pondered.

“No its fine.” I returned. Remaining firmon my decisions. Jason had said I looked beautiful without makeup. For now, Iwas going to believe him.

“Your loss. I was planning on putting youon the market tonight and replace someone worth it for you.”

“Only me?” I asked confused, “What aboutyou?”

“Well, lets just say I have found someoneworth it.”

“No way. Since when? Who is it? Do I knowhim?”

“Since last week. You know Darren fromlast year.” Tina question turning her attention towards me.

“That Darren? The one majoring inEngineering?” My mouth hung open at the revelation.

“He’s in town and he asked me to meet him tonightat the festival.”

“But you said it was going to be girl’snight only. I already cancelled with Jason.” I spoke feeling annoyed.

“I’m so sorry Mary-Kay.” Tina sighedtaking my hands in hers, “It was sudden, he asked me this morning and you knowhow much I like him. I couldn’t say no. I’m sorry. You can still come with us.”

“It’s ok. I’m not going to miss thefestival just because some guy will be by your side all the time.” I said.

“Thank you, Mary-Kay. I owe you one.” Shereplied kissing my hand.

I removed my hand from her grinning facewith a disgusted look on my face. “You know you love it.” Tina teased beforecontinuing probing her eyes with the mascara wand.

“I met Carla Thursday night.” I saidcasually.

“Where?” Tina asked with a confusedexpression on her face.

“At the Cibo Incredibile.” I spoke casually.

“What were you doing there on a Thursdaynight?” Tina questioned eyeing me through the mirror.

“Um, that’s not important.” I repliedlooking away from her.

“Oh, you’re blushing. Did you go on adate? Was it Craig? Jason?” She cooed moving towards me again.

I hesitated before speaking softly,“Jason.”

“What!?” Tina exclaimed, “Why am I justhearing about this?” She rushed to my side. “Tell me everything.”

So I did, keeping out the bit aboutJason’s ambushing.

“Wow! that makes so much sense.” Tinareplied turning her body away from me. I could see in her expression, she hadsomething that was bothering her.

“What do you mean?”

Tina turned towards me, tears glisteningher eyes. What was happening? She sighed before beginning, “I’m such a badfriend.” She didn’t wait for me to let her know she wasn’t. “I didn’t want totell you this because he asked you out. That night after you left with Jason,Craig had an outburst. He threw the glass vase that was in the hallway onto theground and kicked several furniture before Carla stopped him. She dragged himupstairs so they could talk in private. I was so curious to hear what they weretalking about. So, I excused myself to go to the bathroom. I could see Carla’sdress sipping through the rail of the stairs. I followed it until I caught themboth in a heated kiss. I slipped away from the stairs and informed everyonethat I was going home.

I’m so sorry Mary-Kay. When he asked youout, I went to him and questioned him if something was going on between him andCarla. He told me they used to date but broke up and weren’t together anymore.That’s why I let you go on that date. But hearing from Jason’s point of view,it seems something is still going on between the two.”

My mouth hung wide open at this suddendisclosure. Jason may have been a flirt and a very unstable guy but at least herealised his mistakes and apologised genuinely and didn’t make me feel like Iwas the bad guy. Craig had made it look like I was the bad guy on our date. DidCraig warn me to stay from Jason because he knew that Jason would tell me thetruth?

However, something wasn’t adding up. Athis party, Craig had hugged, kept me close to his side the whole time and Carladidn’t complain a bit. Was that why Carla was so rude to me at the restaurantand flirted with Jason? Was she trying to get back at me for that?

Twenty minutes later, Tina and I wereexiting her beetle. We were forced to park about a minute walk from the mainstreet. There were cars and people everywhere like usual. We rushed towards thestreet not wanting to miss out on the good food. When we got there, the lineswere already stretching about fifteen metres on both sides. We sighed beforejoining the queue for our favourite. I still don’t know what it was called butall I know is that it delighted my palate.

“I’m just going to text Darren where weare.” Tina said before tapping furiously on her phone, “Did you end up textingJason?”

I shook my head no. Tina didn’t reply as she continued to textfuriously. A few minutes later Darren appeared. He was very tall, maybe sixfeet two. He had shaggy brown hair and laughing eyes. He wore a sheepish grinas he came to view of Tina. The two hugged when they were in optimal distance.They detached, Tina turned to face me.

“You remember Mary-Kate, Darren?”

He nodded his head smiling, “Of course.The dux of the school right now. Nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise.” I replied, shaking hisoutstretched hand.

Tina smiled before turning her attentionto Darren, “Have you tried this?” She motioned to the stall.

There were only three people ahead of usnow. I heard Darren reply Tina with a no. Soon after Tina was persuading him totry. I was pulled out of their conversation by the hairs on my neck standingup. I could feel the person’s gaze grilling my skin. I couldn’t shake away thefeeling of being watched. My skin crawled as the fright started in the pit ofmy stomach. I quietly panicked while searching for the eyes I was sure werewatching me. On my far right in the middle of the road, a figure stood wearingblack throughout. I couldn’t make out if it was a woman or a man. People seemedto not notice the figure as they passed by it without acknowledgement. Noticingmy gaze was trained on it, the figure whirled around and went the other way. Ifelt the urge to follow it but I didn’t want to risk my life. Was this the samefigure I saw under the tree outside my room the other night?

“You’re next Mary-Kate.” Tina pulled meout of my thoughts.

“Oh sorry.” I replied shaking the feelingaway. I turned towards the Greek woman who stood there smiling widely.

“How many would you like sweetheart?” Thewoman politely asked.

“Only one small please.” I requested,before glancing where the figure disappeared to.

“Here you go.” The woman informed, makingme snap my attention towards her. I took the plastic container containing thefood from her hands before handing her a five-dollar note. “Thanks”

I thanked her as well before moving out ofthe line, letting Darren and Tina through. I gazed in the direction the figuredisappeared to. I searched around me for the figure but it wasn’t anywhere insite. I sighed. I had to stay in crowded places so that the figure didn’t dragme away.

After grabbing something to eat, we walkedup and down the main street, observing and judging the market stalls. However,I seemed to be the only one doing that as Tina and Darren were whispering sweetnothings to each other the whole stroll.

“Hey Mary-Kay,” Tina’s voice dragged mefrom my thoughts, “We were thinking of watching the live entertainment acrossthe theatre. Would you like to come?” Tina asked her arm hanging lazily aroundDarren.

“Sure, but I’m just going to look forthose gulab jamun things.” I quipped, “Would you like some?”

“Yes please.” Tina chirped turning towardsDarren, “Would you like some? We can share mine if you want.” Darren noddedwith a smile on his lips.

“Ok,” I replied, turning towards theIndian stall. It was about ten metres away from the live entertainment.

When I arrived at the stall, a youngIndian girl greeted me. I quickly gave her my order. I had to wait about tenminutes for another batch to cook. Luckily she had about four already made soshe gave me to eat while I waited. When I was about to place one in my mouth Iheard a voice behind me.

“How’s the girl’s night going?” I whirledaround at Jason’s modulated voice.

“Hey,” I acknowledged him. He was dressedin casual blue jeans and a baby blue casual dress shirt. He looked good but itwas freezing, how was he surviving with only that. “Aren’t you cold?” I blurtedbefore I could stop myself.

“I don’t get cold. I’m from Yakutsk, Romania.Remember?” He chuckled, “This weather is like summer to me.”

“Right,” I responded popping a gulabjamun into my mouth.

“Where’s your companion?” Jason chuckledputting his hands in his pockets. I thought he didn’t get cold.

“She’s at the live entertainment withher lover.” I replied, annoyance radiating from my voice. “You want some?” Ipushed the plate of sweetness towards him.

“No thanks,” He continued, “It soundslike it’s not a girl’s night out anymore.” I glanced at Jason, a suggestingsmile on his lips

“Not really.” I laughed before offeringthe gulab jamun to Jason again.

“I’m allergic to gluten and alsolactose intolerant. Thank you for the offer though.” Jason replied waving ahand in front of me.

“Really? That must suck.” I replied,feeling selfish.

“Its alright. I’ve grown to live withit.” I watched him as he tried to hide his disappointment. “However, I’vealways wondered what it tastes like. Tell me.” Jason smiled before leaning intowards the plate and sniffing. “It smells really good.”

“Well, They’re so soft, sweet andjuicy. They just melt right in your mouth. Oh, I wish you could try them. Maybewe could try to make you ones that are gluten and lactose free. I hope theytaste the same.” I finished with a small smile on my face.

“I would like that.” Jason repliedwatching me deeply with a small smile on his face.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”I urged after he didn’t look away for a few seconds.

“You’re not wearing make up.” Hepraised with a small smile on his face.

“Well, I decided to try your advice.” Ireplied shyly looking away from him. “Any who, who are you here with?”

“Me, myself and I.” He repliedcasually. “I was going to bring you here but you said you had girl’s night so Ithought I would check it out by myself.”

“Well, since you’re here and this isn’treally a girl’s night anymore, how about you join us.” I suggested, trying tobe an accommodating person that I am.

“Sure,” Jason smiled.

“Here is your plate of gulab jamunMiss.” The Indian girl said behind me making me whirl around to face her.

I handed her a five-dollar note whiletaking the plate from her. I picked up two forks from the table before thankingher. Jason and I started walking towards the live entertainment. A rock bandwas playing and the sound increased the closer we got to the stage. I lookedaround until I spotted Tina and Darren cuddled in the sixth row. We marchedtowards them trying not to block the other audience.

When I was in eye sight, Tina turnedtowards us. A confused expression danced on her face when she saw Jason behindme. I just shrugged my shoulders before taking my seat next to her. Jasongreeted her and Darren before taking his own seat. I handed the plate of goodiesto Tina.

“Where did you pick up Jason?” Tinawhispered, “I don’t feel as bad now.” She giggled before turning towardsDarren. They dug into the dessert as we watched the performers.

Jason and I didn’t say anything but Icould feel his presence loud and clear next to me. I swallowed, nervousnessstarting to form in the pit of my stomach. What was wrong with me?

After what felt like hours of silence,I felt Tina nudge my arm. I turned towards her. “Darren wants me to go with himto his house.” Tina giggled.

“What?!” I exclaimed in a whisper,“Why?”

“He said he just wants to hang out.” Iside glanced her.

“You know what guys mean when they saythey just want to hang out.”

“He promised we won’t do anything likethat.” Tina whispered, puppy dog eyes and everything.

“Fine, but how will I get home.”

“The same way Jason got here?” Tinareplied casually gesturing towards Jason, “Besides, Darren got dropped off byhis mother so I can’t give you the beetle to drive yourself home.”

“What if Jason doesn’t want to driveme?” I questioned her.

“I’m sure he will say yes. This guy issmitten of you. Ask him.” Tina replied, a mischievous grin plastered on herperfect lips.

I groaned before turning towards Jason.He was bobbing his head to the music. When he felt my gaze he turned towards mewith a smile on his lips. “That kid is really good.” I smiled back at him andnodded my head. “What’s up? Your facial expression tells me there is somethingyou want to tell me or ask me?” I cleared my throat getting ready to present mycase. “We really got to do something with that because its getting worse.”Jason teased.

I playfully punched him on theshoulder, “Ow, you sure got a lot of strength for a girl.” He teased.

I ignored him and tried to replace a wayto present my case. “Would you be able to give me a ride back home?”

“May I ask why?” Jason answered, aconfused expression on his face.

“Well, Tina here and Darren are goingto go to his house, like now.” I replied, discontent radiating in my everyword.

“Doesn’t the chap have a car?” Jasonasked as if he read my mind. Shouldn’t a college student have a car by now?

“That’s what I thought too, butapparently his mother dropped him off.” I whispered.

“Wow. Mary-Kate, you’ve got startthinking about the kind of people you keep close to you.” I was caughtoff-guard by his words. Was he trying to imply that Tina was a bad friend? Iglanced at him, saying “Are you any better?” in my head.

“I mean, if I were her, I would try andensure that my friend was safe before going off with some boy.” Jason spokecasually before turning towards the stage. Somewhat he was right.

“But putting me into your hands thatmeans she trusts you.” I informed him, begging for his gaze.

“True and she can trust me, but I’m justdisappointed that she chose him over you.” Jason finished, gazing in my eyes. Iwas kind of disappointed too. “I can drop you off at your house. You can trustme. I won’t do anything. If I wanted to do something to you I would’ve done itages ago.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, his wordscutting me deep inside. I turned towards Tina, all cuddled in Darren’s arms.Jealousy pinged me, if only I had my own boyfriend so I wouldn’t feel soexcluded. “He said yes.”

“Excellent.” Tina squealed before turningtowards Darren to break the news. I could see a smile tagging on Darren’s lips.It looked genuine and innocent. “We’ll be going now then. I will see you onMonday ok?” She hugged me and blew me a kiss before saying goodbye to Jason. Iwaved at them as they disappeared into the crowd hand in hand.

“So…,” I said to Jason not sure of what todo now.

“So?” He repeated before glancing at hiswatch, “You want to go home now? It’s eight-fifty.”

“Is that alright with you?” I retorted.

“Of course.” He replied before standing upand offering his hand. I took it and stood up as well. He didn’t release myhand until we got to his car.

When we pulled up into the driveway, I sawmum opening the door to the house. I had forgotten that mum worked an afternoonshift today instead of her usual night shift. Jason was already out of the doorbefore I could stop him. I walked out as well just as Jason reached to open mydoor.

“You’ve to go back in the car?” Iinterjected.

“No, I’m going to meet your mum, besidesshe’s already walking over here.” Jason whispered causing me to whirl aroundand sure enough mum was walking towards us, curiosity written all over herface.

“Keep quiet, I’ll handle everything.” Iwhispered at Jason before turning to face mum. “Hello mamma.”

“Hello Kate. Where’s Tina? Either she’sstill at the festival or she’s turned into this young man over here.” Mumlaughed before turning towards Jason. “I’m Jane. You must be Craig.”

“No mum this is Jason, my uh, Chemistrypartner.” I blurted out.

“Oh sorry Jason. Nice to meet you dear.Are guys doing another experiment together?” Mum questioned glancing between meand Jason.

Jason answered ‘no’ at the same time Ianswered ‘yes’.

“Yes, we got another experiment we havestarted. Isn’t that right?” I stammered glancing at Jason.

He glanced at me for a few seconds beforereplying, “Of course, we do.”

“Lovely. I don’t think I’ve seen you intown before. Have you just moved here?” Mum asked curiously.

I opened my mouth to reply but Jason beatme to it, “I just moved here with my uncle. Mr Orfeo, the owner of CiboIncredibile.”

“That’s your uncle? Wow! That man must bedoing very well. I’ve heard great things about the restaurant.” Mum praised.

“Thank you.” Jason replied.

“What about your parents?” Mum curiouslyquestioned.

“Mum, I think Jas -,”

Jason interrupted me, “My mother is backin Romania working and my father has passed.” Jason replied casually.

“I’m sorry about your father darling.”

“Thank you. I think it’s better if I takemy leave now. It was nice to meet you Jane.” Jason started before turningtowards me, “Mary-Kate, I’ll see you later.”

I hummed in reply before waving at him.Mum and I made our way towards the house when Jason’s car started roaring.

“He seems like a nice guy.” Mum said whileclosing the door behind her. “Is there something happening between you two?”

“No.” I laughed.

“Interesting because I could feelsomething in the air.” Mum teased as she followed me into the kitchen. Shewatched me filling a cup with water. “Has he been in this house before?”

“What?” I nearly choked on the water.

“I have smelt his cologne in here before.”Mum casually replied eyeing me curiously.

“Must’ve rubbed on my clothes orsomething.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“Whatever happened to Craig?” Mum askedpropping her arms onto the bench top.

“He already has a girlfriend.” I calmlyinformed my mum.

“What?!” Mum exclaimed. “That stupid guy.However, by the sound of it, you don’t sound sad about it.” I shook my head asI watched my mum lifting herself from the benchtop. “Where’s Tina?”

“She had to leave early because her mumcalled her.” I lied. I couldn’t tell mum about Darren. I knew Tina’s mum didn’twant her dating while in high school.

“Right.” Mum replied before sighing.“You’ve eaten right?” I nodded my head. “Excellent. Would you like to watch amovie with me tonight before going to bed?”

I nodded before making my way towards thestairs, “I’m just going to get changed.”

“Awesome. I’m going to make popcorn.” Mumreplied before turning towards the food cabinet.

I ended up having a girl’s night with mymum instead. It was excellent, way better than I had imagined. For your owninformation there were no pillow fights and skimpy pyjamas.