7- Toast and Skull

“Come on guys it’ll be fun, I promise!” Jamie convinced her mates who weren’t as excited as she expected.  “You’ve never been there but. How do you know?” Cole laughed. “ I know, but judging from people’s stories, Rivers sounds like a fun place on a Friday night"“ “And there’ll be heaps of booze, right?” Garret, Jamie’s boyfriend but in. “That’s right people, and since it’s my gorgeous mate’s birthday, all of yous aren’t excused. Everyone will and shall go!” Taree walked in, his black feather boa draped around his neck commanding everyone. “ What do you think Darren?” Jamie turned to him expectantly.  “Yeah, whatever.” He replied with a shrug. “Alright then, It’s settled! Rivers for Jamie’s 18^th tonight!” Taree clapped his hands excitedly. 

***

“How’s it going?” Cole asked catching up after his best friend Darren. “You’re not bludging now are you?” “Nah…” “You know there’s no room for that right now man. What with HSC coming up.” “Right, I’ve still got 2 months to straighten my marks but.” Darren assured Cole. “Whatever you say man, I just want us all to graduate you know?” “Yeah, don’t worry about it mate!” I’ll graduate with the rest of you, I hope.  Darren thought silently, suddenly unsure. “Alright, I’ll see yous tonight at the Rivers!” Cole said approaching his grey skyline.  “Laters!” Darren shouted behind his back scooting off on his skateboard.   

***

After exploring the beautiful spots and shops at Riverstone and after what feels like hours of walking around, Cali finally spotted the Pub right along the coast.  It was a cozy looking one with a traditional wooden signage that reads “D u s k”. Beside the entrance was an acrylic standee illuminating the words “The Dinners performing tonight from 8 ‘till late”.  As she pushed open the wooden doors, she noticed right away the smell of alcohol mixed with a faint aroma of frying oil that lingered in the air.  The place was crowded mostly with teenagers and yuppies who were having a few drinks right after work. Finally, Cali found an empty spot at the bar and sat there for a few moments thinking whether she should eat or just get a drink or get both.  “Here ya go, Darl.” The bartender gave her a menu “What’s good?” she asked almost instantly. “Depends what you feel like. We’re famous for our steaks, fish and chips, and our bangers and mash.” “Sorry, what was that last one?” she asked feeling like an idiot “Sausages and mashed potatoes, Darl. I see you’re a visitor aye?” “Yes, I am actually.” She said sheepishly. “Where are you visiting from?” “California” she said. “I see, Welcome to Riverstone, and no need to be embarrassed that’s just how we call it here.” The bartender said smiling. “Thanks, I’ll just get the bangers and mash and"“ Cali scanned the drinks menu “A glass of lemon lime and bitters sounds delicious.” “No worries, I’ll be right back with your orders.” and he disappeared into the back kitchen.  Cali scanned the place, it was really nice and cozy just as it looked outside.  The interior was made mostly of wood giving it an even warmer and a more authentic feel. The Dinners already started with their first set playing some cool indie songs. A few minutes later, the bartender returned with a hot plate of bangers and mash and her cold glass of lemon lime bitters.  “Orders complete! Call me if you need anything else. Enjoy your meal!” “Wow, this looks good. Thanks"“ Cali said scanning his chest for a name plate “Earl” he said but sounding more like an Uhhlll. Cali couldn’t help but smile and notice his thick accent “Thanks, Earl.” Then she started with her plate a little over too eagerly.  She was suddenly hungry she realized, from walking around and was concentrating hard on her meal ‘this is heaven. It’s so good’ she almost said aloud to no one, her mouth full.  “A round of Jagerbombs for that table over there please.” Out of nowhere, a guy beside Cali called to the bartender making her jump in her seat. “Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.” the guy apologized. “No, It’s fine” she said noticing the guy’s outfit. He was wearing a grey v-neck that scoops down to his ribcage with a black coat over it and khaki pants folded up to his ankle paired with some caramel lace up shoes and no socks, his platinum blond hair perfectly slicked back. ‘Who gets away with an outfit like that?’ was the first thing that came to Cali’s mind but quickly brushing off the thought.  “I love your top” the guy started “Excuse me?” “I’m Taree, Taree Anderson.” He said extending his right hand. “Calista…” still unsure what to say “…Hunt” she said extending her right hand a little bit baffled by his boldness. “That’s a pretty name. Pleased to meet you Calista. Sorry to be too forward but when I saw that sweater I just had to say something.  It’s gorgeous!” “Oh, this thing?” she said, surprised that someone noticed “Thanks! I’ve had it for a while.” “Well, it’s gorgey and that whole ensemble of yours is chic as! I like your style.” He said beaming at her.  Judging from the past minute of their conversation, Cali knew right away that Taree was gay, and a good-looking one at that who could surely pull any outfit off. Cali laughed, touched by his appreciation “Thanks, Taree. My friend back home thinks my outfits are boring! But I think they suit me just fine.” “Of course they do! And your mate’s so wrong. Are you with anyone?” he inquired. “No, I’m alone actually. My mom flew to Queensland this morning.” “What perfect timing! Come, I’ll intro you to my mates back there!” he bobbed his head. Unsure of what to do Cali replied hesitantly leaving a few notes at the bar enough for her meal “Uhh, yeah sure.” and they walked towards the loud table right at the corner of the pub. 

***

The people in the table were introduced to Cali one by one. “Guys, I’d like you all to meet my new friend, Calista.” “Oh, you can call me Cali” she smiled to Taree. “Alright. Jamie, this is Cali. Cali, Jamie. Aside from me, Jamie’s the only girl in our group and It’s her 18^th today that’s why we’re here. “It’s nice to meet you Jamie, and happy birthday!” Cali shook her hand. “Garret, Cali. Cali, Garret, Jamie’s boyfriend” “Hi” his voice deep extending his hand “Nice to meet you Garret”. “Cole, meet Cali, Cali, this is Cole” “Hi Cole, nice to meet you!” and she shook his hand. “Where’s Darren?” Taree asked the group. “He said he’d be here!” “We tried calling, but he’s not picking up.” Jamie said. “He’s prolly just late. Well then, that’s about it for now, Cali. One’s missing, maybe you’ll meet him later or in the future."“ The drinks came and they each held a glass “To Jamie! May she have many more happy returns of the day!"“ Taree announced “To Jamie!” they all cheered, Jamie cutting off “And to our new friend, Cali, May she have an unforgettable summer here in Sydney!” the group cheered even louder as they clinked their glasses and skulled it.  

Reviews

[Rob Santana]

Good imagery here. For me this creative. I'm gonna start my first story soon,a abit nervous but I'm gonna write it. I've been reading alot of stories here onWC just to see what needs to bee done,how to write one. I'm glad I read yours,I look forward to reading more of your work.

[CloakedWriter]

Thanks very much for the review creeper :) i really appreciate it! Good luck with your story and let me know once you've started it so I can read it as well :)