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

you’re worried that he’s going to think you’re dressing for

“Pretty much.” She sighs.

“Aren’t you?”

“Aren’t I what?”

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

guess you’re right. Not that it helps me decide what to

of you?” I reason.

and traumatised from Tristain and that I’m capable of pulling myself together and moving on.” She.sums

is that the truth?” I

அ

that the same thing?” She asks, almost meekly. It’s very different from her usual

wear your green dress. It makes your gold eyes look stunning and your waist look tiny. I can promise that he cares less about your wearing and more about if

say so.” She answers shyly before hopping up and pulling

Hey, I think I’m getting better at this

a place called ‘Witches Booze‘. It looks like a kind of combination of a bar and pub. Like it mostly seems like a place for drinking, but also food

immediately love the place.

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145- Menus and mischief

that we were letting Harry pick the place, but this actually looks pretty cool.” Megan comments. Darrien nods his agreement and even Bellamy seems

Harry remarks dryly from behind us. Megan whirls around with

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

I assume you are the lovely Megan?” He says with

I greet

from

take his hand and squeeze it to soothe his jealous side and he

all the strings around us, mine to Bellamy and Megan, Megan and Darrien’s and of course all the other ones in the place, I didn’t immediately see the bright red thread streaming straight from Harry’s chest. Okay, I’m always curious about who people

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 close to each other. Or if they’re small people I guess. Either way, it’s plenty of space for the five of us to sit comfortably. We settle in with Bellamy and I next to each other up against the wall. Harry is on the side to my right and Megan and