Twisted Strings [MONSTER EDITING - Read at your own risk]

A Little Subtle

I clicked my tongue, ''I don't know anyone except Rhodes. Two people hardly make up a party.''

''We can invite your Aunt Kelly. You are close to Miranda as well. There is Linda too. How about kids from your music Camp?'' Miranda was Aunt Kelly's daughter and my cousin. We saw each other often but we weren't exactly close. Rhodes was the only person that came in my mind when I thought about 'close'. Dad knew this well, but he was insisting because he felt bad.

''There is another resort being built by the 'Carden Group' in Miami, the budget is not yet defined.''

We both ignored Elliot this time.

''No way! Don't even think about it.'' I was already worried over the invitations Rhodes had casually thrown around, the other day. When he told me about the show, I thought we were playing for strangers. The thought had given me a rush of excitement. Unfortunately, that didn't last long.

''Aren't there kids from your school too? That Indigo Orange girl-''

''Indigo Brown. And I'm not friends with them.'' Okay, Lars often talked to us, but he mostly flirted. And our conversations stretched from hello to goodbye and nothing in between.

''Fine then. We'll just have a lunch in the garden. Can we put up balloons though?'' I was more excited about the cake, rather than balloons. Dad had made the most breathtaking cakes on our birthdays. Last year, he made me a Monster cake that had green icing and pink goo (which was just melted chocolate) spread over it. Once he made me a cake shaped like a Cello, it was glazed with light brown chocolate and even after years, the taste was unforgettable. Sometimes, Elliot and I ended up taking about the specific cake and out mouth watered.

''Sure, but your son's gonna complain like crazy.''

Elliot probably heard it, but didn't say anything except, ''Abraham Tantum to hold a press conference to address the tax scandal.''

We ignored him again but my patience my running thin.

''Um, Dad? Rhodes kinda made plans for us, the day after my birthday.'' I began, knowing this was the best opportunity to discuss our trip to the club. When I completed telling him about the show, his reaction was a little dull,

''You won't be allowed in the club Quinn, and I wouldn't allow that either.''

''It's not really a club. They just rented the venue for the event. And we'll be done in an hour!'' I tried to explain, desperately. He still seemed suspicious, but I wasn't lying either. If Dad refused, I wouldn't be able to go and Rhodes and I would lose a precious opportunity.

''You can call and ask them-''

''It's okay. I trust you with Rhodes.'' I sighed in relief, ''But won't you need something nice to wear if you'll be on the stage?''

I gave him a quick hug, ''Oh my God! Thank you so much!''

''You guy will need to practice as well.'' He added sternly when I detached myself.

''We're going to discuss that today!''

One task down, now I just had to convince Rhodes to go shopping with me. Something he absolutely hated.

''Animal Rescue Organization – under fire after release of suspicious footage.'' Elliot's breezy voice interrupted my thoughts.

I turned to Dad, ''Can you like, disown him or something?''

**

The mall was as busy as Sunday's could get, it was buzzing with people and their heavy chatter. I sipped my strawberry shake as I waited for Rhodes to show up. He was running fifteen minutes late and I was growing a little tired of waiting. It had taken an hour of emotional blackmail to convince him to come, I told him to think of this as an early birthday treat. Also, shopping on my own would have been extremely dull.