Hide (Sequel to RUN)

Chapter 9

"Hey, Palika," a waiter came up to the table and pounded fists with Palika, "Where's this hot date you've been bragging about all night?"

"It's still ten minutes before eight," Palika mumbled, twirling a spoon like a top on the table. It fell over with a clatter a few seconds later.

A roar in the street made both boys jump. A crotch rocket had skidded to a stop in the final parking spot in front of the café. 'Eye of the Tiger' was blasting from its speakers.

"Who is that?" the waiter asked, slightly in awe, slightly disgusted. "Some guy who thinks he's a stud 'cause he's got a crotch rocket?"

"That's not a man," Palika smirked. "That's my hot date." The waiter's head snapped up like it was attached to a spring. The rider had turned off the crotch rocket and stepped off the bike. I one fell swoop, the rider took off the helmet. Her braided hair fell between her shoulder blades.

"Lekia Born," Palika whistled. "She really knows how to clean up." The waiter leaned down close to Palika's ear, "You didn't tell me your date was with Lakuan's monster."

"Don't call her that," Palika growled. "She's been going through enough crap without that going around."

"It's just a joke, man." The waiter walked away before Palika could say anything else.

"Did you order without me?" Lekia wasn't within five feet of the table before asking the question. Her hair was already out of the braid and falling neatly around her shoulders.

"No. He's just a friend," Palika smiled, standing up to pull out a chair for her.

This date was already going well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I smiled again, this time not faking it. It surprised me more than anyone that Palika could actually be funny and charming.

"You did not do that," I chuckled, taking another sip of water.

"I did. Right between the eyes."

"That poor deer didn't know you'd be such a bad shot."

"The target wasn't that far away from the deer."

"You do know that when you go to a shooting range, the goal is to hit the target. Not the poor deer that wandered onto the shooting range?"

"I got to take it home and have it butchered, at least." I chuckled again, "Was it good?"

"The deer?"

"No, the gun."

"Ha ha very funny," Palika smirked. "And it was delicious." Our waiter appeared over Palika's shoulder.

"Would you guys like a dessert?" he smiled, trying to be charming. He was attractive, but something was greasy about him.

"You want anything?" Palika asked.

"I'll have what you're having," I smiled, taking up the last bite of my food. My stomach felt like it was going to explode, but I just wanted to be normal for one night.

"Two lava cakes, please," Palika ordered. "That good with you?"

"Yep."

"Okay." The waiter scribbled on his pad. "Two lava cakes for the lovely couple."

"Did he seem kinda sarcastic to you?" I asked after he was out of earshot.

"Brett? Nah. He always sounds like that."

~~~~~~~~~~~

I sat there staring at the other half of my lava cake, trying to will my stomach space to expand. It wouldn't have it.