XXVI: In Which Fries Are Eaten

“A basket of bacon-cheese fries and three rootbeer floats. No problem, I’ll put that order right in.” The waitress smiled at them and stepped away.

Selena leaned back in her booth. No one would ever call the seats at Mary Anne’s comfortable, but at least they were padded. Her hands were fidgety, as they always were between ordering food and getting it; the curse of having quit smoking when they phased out smoking in diners. Well, quit smoking tobacco, at least.

“So, have you ever played Fallout: New Vegas?” Jane’s nephew asked from the other side of the table. “It’s really fun!”

“Sorry, Selena. It’s about all Justin talks about lately.”

“Well, that’s okay with me, it’s one of my absolute favorite games.” She smiled at them.

“Really?” Justin’s face brightened.
“Really! There’s just so much depth to the game and so many things to explore about the characters.” And yourself.

“I know, right?”

“The waitress delivered their food and drinks and the three chowed down in between conversation about video games, movies, and nothing at all. It was really nice to have a friend she could relax around, and Justin was a good kid; younger than Sam, but only by a couple of years. Jane got lucky. At that age, he could just as easily be playing Call of Duty and calling everyone slurs online.

“I forgot to mention when we got here, that’s a really pretty dress, Selena. It looks really comfortable and so nice on you.” Justin piped up between fries.
“Thanks! It has pockets!” She reflexively stuck her hands in said pockets. He was so polite. She hoped he wasn’t getting a crush on her, as adorable as that would be, she was old enough to be his parent. Of course there was always another option…

Speaking of outfits, Selena absolutely loved Jane’s. Faded, torn black jeans with fishnets underneath, black Docs, studded belt, t-shirt for a band called Mystic Spiral, under a studded jean jacket covered in band logo patches. Justin, on the other hand, was wearing a green minecraft hoodie and blue jeans.

“I’ve gotta go to the bathroom.” Justin said, standing up. “Don’t eat all the fries before I get back.” He walked across the restaurant to the washrooms.

Selena looked at Jane. “So, why did you want me to meet your nephew?”
“Well,” Jane hesitated. “Last time he was over, he got into my makeup, but didn’t know how makeup remover worked, so he freaked out and came to me, crying because he couldn’t wash it off and he was afraid of my brother catching him wearing make-up. I washed it off and he made me swear never to tell anyone or talk about it. There have been other little things, but I think he’s questioning his gender.”

Selena laughed. “So you came to the expert.”

Jane nodded, then looked like she was considering something. “Do you mind if I ask a personal question? I think it might help Justin.”

Well, at least it was from a friend and not random strangers like it used to be before she started passing as well as she did. “Go ahead. You’re my friend.”

“How did you know you were a girl?” Jane asked.

Selena didn’t even have to think about it. “I’ve always been a girl in my dreams.”

* * * * * * * * *

 

Mr. Sheppard,
I hope this e-mail finds you well. After much deliberation with my colleagues, I am afraid we must decline your offer.

Thank you,

Colin Park

The message was very brief but it was to the point.  There was no way the group wanted to share any of what was going on with a man like Sheppard. Hopefully he didn’t take it poorly. Having someone rich and powerful upset with you was not a position Colin wanted to be in.

He tried to keep Jake’s photos out of his mind, but it wasn’t working very well. He wished November second would come quicker.  Was it Jake’s master who took the photos? If so he’d be facing eight very angry people on that night.  But then why send them to Steve?  Actually, come to think of it, why Steve at all? He didn’t have any special powers or connections, he was just a regular guy into scary stories on the internet.

Google

Kanetown girls’ sports teams

Images

What did those uniforms look like? Were they t-shirts or button-down jerseys? Logos? Sponsors? Colin scrolled through, trying to jog his memory, even perhaps hoping to get a glimpse of the girl, but came up with nothing.  He sighed and closed his laptop. It was time to get ready for work, anyway.