plot twist

c h a p t e r o n e

I slid between the tales of the full diner, trying not to knock a table and send food flying. Two plates, stacked high with toast, omelettes and fresh fruit, were balanced precariously on my arms. I placed them down in front of an elderly tourist couple who were seated by the metal railing that made sure the tables didn't fall into the sea. 

I walked quickly back to the counter, to leave my name pin, before heading to the back to get changed out of the red and white waitress uniform (Leon, the owner of the cafe, was determined to turn all his workers into caricatures of fifties sitcom characters). I slipped out of the clothes and put them into one of the staff cubbies. I probably should have folded it; I knew Leon would get pissed off if he saw me in a wrinkled uniform, but I was itching to leave, so I just shoved them into the locker. I put on a pair of denim shorts and a dark blue t-shirt, and let my hair out of the ponytail it had been in, rubbing my scalp to relieve some of the tension.

I walked out of the staff entrance and looked around. I quickly spotted my best friend, Sophie, leaning against the railings. She smiled when she saw me and took a step away from the railings as she waited for me to reach her.

I had met Sophie only a few days after I had moved here. My trip hadn't exactly been well planned, and I quickly realized that the few jeans and tops I had would make me stick out like a sore thumb here. Sophie's older sister owned a little boutique in the centre of town, and I had walked in one day after ogling the beautiful lace sundresses on display when I walked past it every morning. Sophie worked there, and after realizing I was new, she invited me out with her friends. A month and a half later, and our friendship was fun and energetic, making me miss ... certain things... a little less. Her friends were so fun and kind, and they were helping me fit in here.

We fell into step as we started to walk to the beach. It was the middle of the day, so the hot sun made the sea sparkle brightly, and we had to walk on a slightly elevated stone walkway to avoid the sunbathers. Only a ten minute walk away was the spot I usually went surfing. The conditions weren't great today, so I was probably going to go back into town and run some errands.

 Sophie spun around, her long blond e hair floating around her face, and began to walk backwards so she could address me directly as we walked. She had a mischievous glint in her eye, and I had a feeling she was up to something.

'A new club just opened up twenty minutes away. Its meant to be amazing, like, seriously amazing. I want to go tonight...and....' she exaggeratedly batted her eyelashes, making the corners of my mouth twitch upwards in a smile. She rolled her eyes.

'Please! It'll be so much fun.'

'I don't think I have a dress', I said, looking down. It was a weak excuse, mainly because I knew Sophie would be able to find me one.

Sophie's eyes lit up, and one could almost see the cogs turning in her brain.

'I have the perfect one for you! Oh my God, you're going to look gorgeous! I can't wait! Listen, you come over around six, and we'll get ready together. Please?'

I laughed and nodded my head at my best friend's infectious enthusiasm while trying to forget the nerves inside.  It felt like butterflies were flying around inside my stomach. Butterflies that were stabbing me with tiny, sharp knives. I knew by the hesitant, sympathetic look in Sophie's eyes that she knew that the idea would scare me. It had been a long time since I had dared to put myself out there and flirt. But it was time. Time to move on, or at least try to.

'The others might be coming too. I'm not sure yet, though. Leo said the guys would meet us there. Julie's going to be with Zak though, so I don't think they'll be there.'

I bit my lip and thought for a moment. I pushed away from the voice in my head telling me that this was too soon and decided that this was what I needed. To forget. I cleared my throat, and the words found their way out.