Strings of Fate

145- Menus and mischief

Harry sends through the address of a bar slash pub type of place and tells me that he will be there at six. I pass the information on to Bellamy and Megan and she contacts Darrien. Megan then insists on dragging me upstairs and picking out something cute to wear to dinner. When I object, she reminds me that it’s not like she’s getting to go out much lately and to let her have this. I give in. I know when to pick my battles and this one isn’t worth the energy. If she wants to pick out my clothes and put my hair in some overly complicated twin braids, then I’m happy enough to go along with her. I have to reluctantl

admit that it is kind. of fun. I do find myself about ready to poke Megan with a stick though when she rejects five outfits for herself in a row.

“Is there a reason that you’re freaking out and have suddenly become completely incapable of picking so much as a pair of pants?” I demand, hands on my hips. We’re literally just going to a pub with friends, I’ve never seen her struggle so much before. Megan groans and collapses

into her bed.

“You’re no help!” She complains.

“I don’t know what you’re looking for! What’s wrong with that green dress?” I answer in

exasperation.

‘Sorry, I just… Darrien is coming… and. Ugh.” She buries her face in a pillow. Darrien? She sees him basically every day. He has probably seen just about every outfit she owns and he’s seen her looking like an absolute mess. Why is she so stressed about it now?

“Why is Darrien a problem?” I ask.

“Because he knows too much.” She answers darkly, sitting up and staring at me.

“How so?” I persist.

“Well… He knows how I dress. So if I dress too nice, he’s going to think it’s for him, but if I

don’t put in any effort, he’s going to think something is wrong or that I’m trying to

discourage him. Ugh, now all my clothes are just wrong!” She explains.

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145- Menus and mischief

that he’s going to think you’re dressing for him?”

“Pretty much.” She sighs.

“Aren’t you?”

“Aren’t I what?”

wouldn’t be thinking about it so much.” I

guess you’re right. Not that it helps me decide what to wear…” She lays back on the bed again

what do you want him to think of you?” I reason. She considers for

to think I’m okay. Like, that I’m not all broken and traumatised from Tristain and that I’m capable of

that the truth?”

அ

or at least I WANT it to be the truth. Is that the same thing?” She asks, almost meekly. It’s very different from her usual confident, brash

that he cares less about your wearing and more about if you look

so.” She answers shyly before hopping up

I think I’m getting

Like it mostly seems like a place for drinking, but also food is an option. The music is pretty good and the place is definitely decorated in

immediately love the place.

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145- Menus and mischief

that we were letting Harry pick the place, but this actually looks

faith in me.” Harry remarks dryly from behind us. Megan

in person before. I keep forgetting. It sometimes feels like we’ve all known each other for much longer than we

lovely Megan?” He says with a wink and she giggles. Darrien’s expression is stormy and I

I

from

and back to Bellamy’s side. I take his hand and squeeze it to soothe his jealous side and he gives me a half smile.

bright red thread streaming straight from Harry’s chest. Okay, I’m always curious about who people

be a little more cautious. I can’t see the end of the string, but I’m pretty sure it leads up towards the bar. At least I know it’s someone in the place, otherwise I would have to convince Bellamy to go for a walk with me so we could follow the string. I can see that the string is solid, so whoever it is, Harry has met them before. I have my suspicions of who it might be and I can’t wait to find out if I’m right. Harry dramatically sweeps out an arm, gesturing for us to follow him. He takes us to a comfortable looking booth. that has enough space for about six people, maybe more if they’re comfortable sitting