The warming smell of garlic and oregano greeted Steve and I as we walked into Mama Mia. We sat down to a table with red and white checkered tablecloth and a vase with a pink carnation in it. We were laughing about our science teacher, Mr. Dixon, when one of Steve's friends at another table called out, "Hey, mate!" in his cheesy Australian mimic. Steve chuckled good-naturedly and asked if I didn't mind if we sat with them. I didn't. It appeared that the three of Steve's friends who were here were on a dates as well. That was ok, I didn't mind a group date. In fact I often preferred it. At least I didn't mind until I saw that their dates were Jessica, Alison, and Carla. I glance at Steve when I saw them.
"Be nice," he urged me under his breath. I nodded; after all, it wasn't going to kill me to keep my mouth shut. Steve began a fervent conversation with the guys about hockey while the girls went on (and on) about their out fits and eventually their dorky science partners. For a time I half listened until Jessica asked,
"Oh, Mercy, who did you get stuck with?" "
I'm with Marco," I answered calmly. I was surprised to hear what I did.
"Ugh."
"Oh, I feel so bad for you."
"Even you're too good for him."
"Ew, did you have to go to his rat hole of a house for the midterm assignment?" Alison asked.
"Yes, but it wasn't a rat-"
"Man, if I had to do that I'd be like 'take me now, Lord!' " said Carla. Alison and Jessica laughed as if it was the funniest thing in the world.
Marco's alright. I said sternly but quietly. Jessica snorted. I felt something like a twitch at the back of my eye.
"Yeah, if you call geeky psychopaths alright."
"Psychopath?" I asked slowly.
"Oh God, yes. Once some guy made fun of his dead mother and he beat the kid up." Alison informed me.
"I can understand that," I told them. No one heard me.
"You know, I heard that his mother was a prostitute and Marco beat the kid up because he was going to tell everybody." Carla said, lowering her voice as if it were the most secret gossip.
"That's not true," I said louder. Steve stopped his conversation at the sound in my voice and slid his hand over my own for comfort. It was too late for that. Anger was already boiling up inside me and my voice was beginning to show it. The light must have been in my eyes because I felt them ache, as if I'd been staring at the sun reflecting off the snow at noon.
"Have you ever seen his mom? I can't believe could sell anything other than her flea market jewelry, and even then..." Alison said and everyone laughed. I swallowed- hard.
"Well you know what I heard-" I cut Jessica off,
"You know what, Jessica? Nobody really cares what you heard, ok? The only reason these two are even bothering to listen to the pathetic lies of a PATHETIC SNOT is because they hope they'll look better with you."
"What did you just call me?" Jessica sputtered.
"Shut up. You have no idea what you are talking about, ok? I know Marco, and he is a better friend then you will ever have! And if I ever hear you say anything about his mother again so help me god-!" My voice had risen to its breaking point, I nearly screeched on the last sentence.
"Mercy," Steve said quietly. I was suddenly aware that I was standing up and everyone was staring. It was all I could do to leave. As the screen door banged behind me I heard Jessica trying to recover with a comeback, something about my hair. I never heard it. Some part of me must have felt triumphant, finally telling Jessica off, but it was over shadowed by my anger. All I can remember thinking was that if I could just get to the forest that surrounded Mama Mia Lake, I could morph and fly away. At least, that was my plan of attack until I heard the screen door bang a second time and Steve calling my name. I stopped at the lake.
"Hey," Steve panted. I was still furious and didn't want to talk, which was obviously what he wanted to do. My rage had reached its climax inside me, and I found myself yelling at him.
"Look, I am sorry I ruined your night in front of your friends!" I was shocked at how mad I was.
"You didn't," he tried.
"Yeah, I'm so sure. I just couldn't stand to listen to her LIES!"
Suddenly, I felt a jolt go through my body. For a moment, I thought it was a rush I was getting from telling her off, but then I knew that was wrong. My body lurched slightly forward and two red lights shot out of my eyes. The brilliant beams traveled across the lake and eventually faded away. Looking to my left, I saw a very wide-eyed Steve. For once, I cursed myself outwardly.