“I thought Margret was behind it all, but then Dave pops into the picture and completely throws you off!” Ida speaks with such enthusiasm that my smile easily turns real.
“I wanted her to pick Sam though, not James.” Ida pouts slightly.
“Are you mad?” Jasmine explodes beside me, making me jump. “Sam was a grade A jerk! And he’s Dave’s son! Of course she’s not going to pick him!”
While they continue arguing about my story, I sign each book uniquely, neatly and with love because they’re my friends.
“You know, the second book is about Sam…” I trail off, a smile stretching across my face.
Jasmine gives me a look of a kid on Christmas. “Can I read it?”
“It’s not finished yet, but sure; I’ll print you out a copy.”
“Hey! What about us? Can we read it?” Little Ida protests for everyone; all of a sudden it’s like she’s sunk into the mould of everyone, found where she fits in the group.
“Yes! You can all read it!” I laugh as JJ and Ida high-five each other. “But, it’s still in the early stage so there are quite a few mistakes. Also, you can’t show anyone or tell anyone.”
With that settled, Ida looks round at everyone. “So what’re we going to do?”
“I’ve brought a load of movies round, wanna watch one of them?” Amanda asks as she starts pouring the Coke into cups.
“Are they scary?” From the way she asks, I don’t know if she wants them to be or not.
“Some are, but we don’t have to watch those if you don’t want.” JJ reassures her as she reaches for Amanda’s bag behind her.
“I love scary movies! I’m always watching them at home so I’ve probably seen the ones you’ve brought.” She turns shy suddenly when everyone looks at her, and looks down.
Never would I ever have pegged little, nervous Ida for a scary movie lover.
“Paranormal Activity it is then!” JJ hands me the DVD so I can put it in the player. .
I’ve never been a big fan of scary movies, but I’m not about to tell them that.
The conversation moves on as we all crowd round the telly to watch the movie; I know I’m going to fall asleep, my eyes hurt from not sleeping last night and they droop and I snuggle under a blanket next to Jasmine, who holds a pillow ready to cover her eyes.
With my eyes closed, I try to ignore the sounds coming from the telly, and think of what comes when I wake up. I know I have work, and I know mum’s coming, but what’s the chance of it going smoothly?
***
“How was your sleepover?” Eloise asks with a warm smile as she mixes glace icing.
“It was really good; I had a lot of fun.”
She walks past me and pulls on a lock of my hair, leaving it sticky from the icing on her fingers. “Hair up, please.”
“Sorry!” I fling the apology over my shoulder as I head back to the front, knowing there is a table that needs clearing from this morning. When I come back I throw on my apron before standing and watching Eloise as she finishes a dozen or so cupcakes for a birthday party.
“My son is playing at The Queen’s Crown tonight, I told Bessie though I’m not sure if she remembers. I think you should talk to her about coming, it’s very inspirational.” She doesn’t look at me as she speaks; instead her gaze stays on the cupcake as she presses a little fondant football into place.
Frowning slightly, I shift so that I’m leaning against doorframe. “What do you mean by that?” I look at her through narrowed eyes.
“Exactly that.” She doesn’t look at me until I let out a sigh of frustration. “If you want me to spell it out for you then I will, it might give you some ideas for your writing… and it’s a lot of fun.”
When I just stare at her; refusing to react, she sighs dramatically and smiles at me warmly. “Don’t look at me like that, McKenzie.”
“How did you find out?” My hand clutches the door frame as I stare at her, waiting for her answer.
“I wormed it out of Jimmy; don’t worry I won’t tell anyone,” she chuckles. “I wish you’d have told me though, I understand why. Still, I’m very impressed.” She smiles at me and as much as I know I should be wary, all I can do is smile back because for whatever reason, I trust her.
“Do you want me to pack them away?” I nod towards the cupcakes.
“No, I want you to put the kettle on and tell me how you managed to write a book at your age.”
“What do you want to know?” I flick the switch on the kettle that looks older than me, and grab two cups, a couple of tea bags and a sugar cube.
“Everything; start at the beginning, how did it all start?”
***
Music rattles my eardrums as I hurry up the driveway; it’s just starting to spit. The weather forecast this morning said we were in for a rainy night; guess they were right for once.
The song ends, giving me a chance to hear a familiar sound. I look up to find Jimmy partially hanging out the window, obviously not bothered with the rain.
I pull out my earphones. “What’re you-”
“Your mum’s here.”
Blinking, I stare at him open mouthed before stepping forward to unlock the door and slam it behind me.
“Mum?” My voice is answered by silence as I shrug off my coat.
“She went shopping with Bessie; the fridge is empty. Should’ve heard the argument they got into before they left.” I turn to find Jimmy bounding down the stairs.
Surprised by the disappointment that floods through me, I struggle to come up with something to say. “I…I bet they’re having fun; they’re like water and oil.” I smile, though it’s a pathetic attempt.
He doesn’t laugh; just continues to stare at me with an almost sympathetic look.
“Don’t look at me like that; I don’t need you looking at me like that.” I huff before stomping up the stairs, heading straight for my room.
“Ken!”
“What?” I spin on my heels, looking at him from the top of the stairs with my fists clenched at my sides.
His face strained as he tries not to smile, though a smirk has fought its way through. “You have icing in your hair.”
I stare at him before hesitantly feeling for the icing that he says is there. My hand lands at my temple where I find the offending pink frosting; I watch a few dry flakes fall slowly to the floor before looking down at Jimmy. His face is stretched out with his classic smile.
“Pink suits you!”
Before I can hurl the words that sit on the tip of my tongue, he ducks into the living room; seconds later, the sound system is blasting so loud the mirror vibrates beside me.
“Holy mother! McKenzie get your arse down here quick!” His voice is so loud, I can make it out over the deafening noise of the stereo system, though not long after he shouts the music cuts off abruptly, making silence settle like a ton of bricks.
“McKenzie!”
“I’m coming!” I practically fall down the stairs as I run into the living room. “Bloody Hell.”
I watch in horror as the puppies spread the mess everywhere.
“What do we do?”
I give him an irritated look. “We? You let them out in this state! You caused this mess! It’s your fault!”
I can see him grappling for something to say. “They’re both our responsibility! Fifty, fifty remember?”
“This is your fault!” I wince as one of the messiest puppies rubs against the sofa leaving a smear.
“Please Ken! Bessie’s going kill me!” His gaze pleads with me and all I can do is growl.
“Fine! I’ll take them upstairs and bath them. You can deal with the mess down here!” I say ditching my hoodie, leaving me in my t-shirt and jeans.
He doesn’t argue and runs to the kitchen to grab a mop and bucket. “You better bath them down here; don’t want to risk them making any more mess. Use the sink.” He appears in the door way, the sound of running water drifts out from behind him. In his hands is a washing basket.
“Stick ‘em in this!” He grabs Monster, the closest one and dumps him inside. He looks up at me through his mop of hair, “don’t just stand there! Get your butt in gear!”
Gulping, I grab hold of the basket when Jimmy skids it in my direction; poor Monster look positively terrified.
“How long do you think we have before they’re back?” I fight to keep the four squirming puppies in the washing basket as I cart them to the kitchen.
“Not long enough! Damn it! How the hell am I supposed to clean that?” He gestures down the sofa.
I dump the basket in Jimmy’s arms. “Start bathing them. I’ll take care of this.”
By the time I’ve stripped the sofa and shoved the cushion covers in the washing machine, moped the floor of the living room and puppies’ multiple times, disinfected everything and lit every candle I can find, I’m exhausted.
When I come back downstairs from changing, mum and Bessie are carting in Tesco bags.
Jimmy appears from the living room; he shoots me a look and smiles at Bessie when she looks at us questioningly.
“What’s going on? One of you want to explain why the sofa is bare?” Her gaze settles on me but I point to Jimmy.
“Ask him! It was his fault!”
He glares at me but I just shrug as I go past, “you’re not going to pin this on me, mate.”
I embrace mum before taking two of the bags out of her hands.
“Look at you! Who are you and what have you done with my Kenzie?” She laughs and I smile though I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes. So it begins.
“It’ll stain!” I look over slightly alarmed when Bessie raises her voice.
“No! No, don’t worry! I did stain remover and everything! It should be fine; we just have to wait for the wash to finish.” I reassure her over my shoulder as I put the bags on the kitchen table.
“What about the temperature and-”
“Guide lines were on the label! It’s fine and if it’s not, Jimmy can buy you new covers!”
She smiles with relief and comes over to hug me. “Thank you! You’re a diamond!”
“Thanks.” I give her one last squeeze before turning to put the milk in the fridge. I spare a glance at mum, and find her watching me with a look I can’t read. Before I can ask her what’s wrong, an alarm goes off and I rush to answer my phone before it cuts off.
“Hello.”
“Hi!”
I smile at the sound of Ida’s chirpy voice. “Hiya! What’s up?”
“Are you going tonight? Please, please, pretty please with a cherry on top say you are.”
“Erm, give me a sec.”
I turn and bounce up beside Bessie, “are we going to this pub thing tonight? Ida wants to know if I’m going to be there.”
Bessie smiles, “of course we’re going! Eloise would be heartbroken if we didn’t!” She winks at me, “I know Over The Road are going.”
“How do you know? Are you sure?” I bite my lip and she laughs.
“Yes, they said so this morning.” Her voice drops to a whisper, “I think a few people would be disappointed if you didn’t show up!” She winks again.
My mouth pops open audibly and she grins before laughing again.
Slapping the phone back against my ear, I can get the grin off my face. “We’re going!”
“Oh my god! I mean Gosh! Jasmine says she’s going, and so are the twins! I think everyone’s going to be there!” She squeals with excitement. “This is going to be so much fun!”
“It sure is.”
Chapter Eighteen
As soon as I open the door, I’m hit with a wave of warm air; it carries the smell of home cooked food and the musty smell of the antique alcohol bottles.
I hold the door as Jimmy, Bessie and mum shuffle in behind me. While Bessie instantly starts searching for Eloise, mum hangs back, hesitant.
“Ida’s here.” Jimmy nudges me and points to the other side of the pub. True to his word, I spot Ida talking animatedly to a lady that looks to be her mum.
“See anyone else?” I ask as I go onto my tippy toes to see through the crowd; I have to place my hand on Jimmy’s shoulder to keep from falling over when someone comes in behind me.
“You two planning a runner?” I turn to find a man that looks to be in his thirties; his eyes crinkle with humour.
“Na’, we’d be gone by now if we were. D’you have a good set planned for us tonight, Albert?” Jimmy smiles at him as he shakes his hand.
“I thought I’d play the spoons; keep it real.” The man laughs loudly before letting his gaze land on me. “So this is the good ol’ McKenzie.” He holds out his hand and I clumsily shake it.
“You’re Eloise’s son?”
“One and only.” He’s called to from a little way down the bar and he excuses himself politely before slipping around the little crowd gathered around the bar to a man waiting for him.
“We’ve been spotted.”
It’s not hard to figure out who he’s talking about because a group of teenagers isn’t hard to spot. “I hate to sound like a boring old tart, but while I’m here I want to write; maybe me going over there isn’t such a good idea.” I wince and avert my gaze as they continue to wave us over.
“If you don’t go over there, Ida will probably follow you over to the other side of the pub, just come sit with them; they won’t care if you write, after all they know.”
When I hesitate, Jimmy shoves me forward while rolling his eyes. “Move it.”
“Eloise is waving me over; I’ll go see her and then come over to you guys.” With a pat on his arm, I make a bee line straight for her. One: because I know not to keep this lady waiting long and two: it gives me a minuet before going over to them; tonight’s going to really show whether or not they really are cool with all the writing I do.
“Hi, Eloise!” I slip in beside her and lean my back against the dark wood of the bar after making sure it’s completely dry.
“I’m glad you made it, McKenzie. What do you think?” She gestures to the various antique farm tools and then points out the vast collection of alcohol bottles that are displayed over the large brick fireplace; it takes me a moment but I realise with delight that it’s lit and slowly burning the large pile of wood logs set up inside.
“I think I need to write it down.”
She smiles in delight before reaching for a bag behind her. “I have something for you! Now, if you don’t want it then, fine, but I would love for you to have it!” She reveals a box and opens it facing me, so I can see what’s inside it.
“Holy…You want to give this to me? It’s beautiful! I don’t mean to sound rude but why would you want to give this to me?” I stare open mouthed at the slim, intricately detained fountain pen. Its detailing imitates a vine crawling up a tree, I can even make out the leaves.
Ignoring me, she gestures for me to take it. “Hold it, see how it feels. I used to write with it in my journals, before a crazy ex-boyfriend came along and burnt them all. I could never bring myself to start again so this pen hasn’t been used ever since, though I’ve always treasured it. I would like you to take it.”
Biting my lip, I hesitate before taking it from its safe place inside the box. Gently, I ease the top off to reveal the nib.
“I never thought I’d describe a pen as stunning, but this really is something else.” I place the top back on with a solid click before placing the pen back into the box. “Are you sure you want to give this away? This means a lot to you with good reason, even if you don’t write with it anymore, don’t you want to keep it for a keepsake?”
“McKenzie Prince, stop trying to talk me out of it. Will you accept my gift? Or will you insult me and say no?” She scowls slightly and I suddenly feel bad for putting it there. I want to say no, because it obviously means a lot to her, but I also know she’s going to be upset if I refuse it. It obviously means a lot if she wants to give me something so precious.
“I don’t know what to say.” I let her slip the bo
x into my hand and smile with as much heart as I can manage. “Thank you.”
“Oh, stop running your mouth! You’re welcome.” She pulls me into a brisk hug before pointing to the table in the corner. “You have a lot friends over there waiting for you, and you have some writing to do. From your empty hands I see you don’t have anything to write on though.” She eyes me accusingly.
“I was going to use my phone.” I say defensively.
“Well that won’t do!” She turns, waving over the guy behind the bar. “Benjamin! Do you have a pad this young lady can write on?”
“Give me a minute, I’ll see what I can do, Eloise.” He taps the bar as he turns to start his search.
“Do you know everyone?” I ask her in slight awe.
“What kind of a question is that? I own a bakery!” She smiles as Benjamin arrives with an order pad.
“This is all I can find.” He hands it to Eloise before scurrying off to the other end of the bar to serve someone.
She hands it to me before nodding to the other end of the pub. “I think they’re getting impatient.”
Looking over my shoulder, I notice both Jason and Ida are watching me from the table they’ve managed to claim in the corner. “Better not keep them waiting any longer.” With one last smile, I make my way across to them.
I pretend not to notice mum’s watchful eye as I pass her, and the way my stomach tightens from the look in her eyes.
***
I lay back on my bed. I can still hear the live music in my head; it’s completely different from everything I listen to which makes it refreshing.
As much as I want to write it up while it’s still fresh, I want to sleep more; lack of it the last two nights definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Before I can move a muscle towards getting ready for bed, the door opens and closes. I know it’s not Jimmy and Bessie because they always knock, which leaves one person.
Tilting my head, I look at her upside down; as soon as I see her face I know she’s angry, it’s only when she stands scowling at me that I realise it’s because of me.
“Mum?”
“You told them! You told a bunch of teenagers you haven’t known two weeks your secret! What’s wrong with you?”
Removing the Mask Page 12