With Easter delaying my plan to write the next episode last Friday of this creepy tale, I am finally catching up. Last week was hectic, so please pardon my delay. I promise we’ll get to THAT part that may keep you up at night!
Last episode Delia was awakened by screeching in the night and went to her window, feeling disconnected from her friends whom she all left in Massachusetts. She hatched a plan to lure a classmate to the well and hopefully make a new friend. Now continuing:
Dilbert’s was more crowded than usual, with the last signs of summer signaled by trees shedding some leaves. It was an Indian summer kind of day, warmer one last time before the temperature plummeted. Delia limped towards one of the outdoor picnic tables by the ice cream shop, her foot in pain after gym. She had a standard medical excuse from her previous doctor in Massachusetts, but this teacher insisted on seeing the note and the nurse was out sick. Delia finally, with some embarrassment, took off one of her sneakers and the sock to show the woman the prosthetic that helped her to walk, but not run.
The teacher made her run anyway. A difficult half mile, less than the other students, promising to contact her parents. Now as Delia edged her way towards the picnic table, she recollected the teacher’s smug look as if Delia was making up her disability. If we had remained in Massachusetts, you’d be sued, Delia thought, still fuming.
Charles materialized with an ice cream cone and was soon followed by Alaina who seemed happy to see her. The pain forgotten, Delia approached the stand where a boy wearing the blue and red Dilbert’s Ice Cream uniform, a high school senior, was supervising a medley of girls in shorts who were busily running to serve the other lines of teens. A few parents and small children completed the outdoor gathering of sorts.
“Hi”. The boy said, smiling.
“Whaddya have?” Delia ventured.
“Anything you want, missy.” The boy winked, looking at Delia’s long-sleeve tee shirt, eyes on her bosom.
“That’s rude.” Said Charles, who was right behind Delia.
“Uh. Just trying to be funny.” The boy appeared reprimanded and repentant.
“I’ll take a pistachio cone. Double.” Delia offered as she placed money on the counter.
“Pissss… tachio, please?” The boy yelled merrily in sing-song to the girls behind him.
Charles chuckled at the double entendre, lifting a middle finger at the boy who grinned back. The girls behind the counter dashed to the ice cream freezer, quickly materializing with a double cone. He turns to offer it to Delia with a flourish.
“It’s on me, ” said Charles, handing the boy the cash. Delia looks back with delight as Charles hands her back her money. Alaina flashes an envious look at Delia.
“Hey, thanks!” Delia licks the cone, limping back.
Alaina was near them, grabbing napkins as they walked back to the table together.
She noted Delia’s limp. “What’s up with the foot, Delia?”
Delia sits. They gather. “I got a club foot.”
“Oh. So sorry. From birth?”
Delia nods, then an idea seizes her.
“I found something at the well the other day.”
“Yeah?” Charles perks up an ear.
“You guys interested in going there?”
“You mean now?” Alaina ventures, her interest piqued.
“Sure. Why not?” Delia warms to the theme.
All three lick their cones, watching the other tables with couples, students and parents with children.
Alaina studies Delia. “How come you left Massachusetts?”
“So we could live with my dad.”
“You like it here?” Charles ventures.
“Maybe.”
“So let me get this… you left your mom and friends to be with your dad?” Alaina probed, appearing suspicious.
“No. Mom and I both moved to be with dad. My grandparents are still back there.”
“Your friends?”
“All back there.”
“That kinda sucks. Your friends, I mean.” Alaina observes with envy.
“Well, we’re here. We’re friends.” Charles offers with arms spread wide in welcome. He accidentally drops the rest of the napkins on the ground and leans down to retrieve them. Alaina nudges his retrieving hand, glaring back.
“Just friends.” Alaina qualifies with a jealous tone.
“Of course.” Delia qualifies, noting Alaina’s passing look to Charles.
Charles appears to enjoy the triangle that is developing.
“Hmmm… ladies… I’m done. Shall we walk to Delia’s?”
“I’ll lead. It’s not far.”
“I’ve got homework to do.” Alain replies, watching the other two.
“So do I.” Charles protests.
“It’s Friday afternoon. You have all weekend.” Delia observes.
Alaina stands. “Okay. I’m not a Debbie downer. Lead.”
“Hey, you can stop by your house if you need anything as it’s on the way.” Delia offers.
“Oh, yeah. We’re almost neighbors. ” Alaina observes, a bit flippantly.
Charles darts a look at both girls, sensing a tone that’s less than friendly. “Hey, that’s convenient. Let’s stop in first to your house and then walk to Delia’s. She hasn’t seen your house yet, has she?”
Alaina gawks back in surprise. She looks down. “Whatever.”
Delia appeared relieved. Her plan to get Alaina to come over was working. She now even has Charles encouraging her. Two friends, not just one. The well was piquing their curiosity.
But Delia, sharp as a tool, sensed Alaina’s growing jealousy. She decided to steer clear of any advances, if any, from Charles. He didn’t appear the type.
“Come on, walk with me.” Delia stretches her hand out to Alaina in a gesture of friendship. She felt herself trying too hard to make it work and her stomach fluttered. In response, Alaina walked past her and led the way down the road. She looked back at Charles.
“Coming?”
“Come on.” Charles said to Delia, extending his arm to include her.
Puzzled, Delia walked, catching up to Alaina who grinned back at Charles. Charles walked behind them, puzzled at his friend who seemed to suddenly change her tone. He was definitely enjoying what could be a cat fight.
He felt himself smiling.
NEXT WEEK: The well and it’s contents!
