Page 50 of Taunt Me (Dark Odyssey 2)

I burst out laughing and it feels good. “What? That is crazy. Chicken feet.”

“Yeah, he even pulled out a bag. When I saw a petrified foot I dashed. So, that’s why I’m late, hope you weren’t waiting too long.”

I shake my head at her, recalling the bizarre stuff that used to happen to her when we were kids.

“Only you Cordelia.”

“I agree. So tell me everything. I want to hear it all.”

I start to and we order toasted sandwiches and mega mugs of hot chocolate with the trimmings on top.

I forgot how nice the food is here. The lady who owns the coffeehouse creates her own variety of hot drinks and pastries. I’m determined to have something fattening before we leave. It was the first place Cordelia took me to when I was ready to leave the house.

“Oh my God. I’m so excited for you.” Cordelia beams, rubbing her hands together. She does look excited.

That just makes it harder to tell her I won’t be around much longer.

It’s weird how we went from mortal enemies to being the sisters we used to be. It feels weird and I know she won’t be happy about it but I have to do what’s right for me.

“I’m excited too. It’s a new opportunity to do something amazing and set my life back on track.” I say that as an opening to set the stage for me to tell her what’s on my mind.

“Absolutely. It absolutely is,” she agrees.

“I can’t thank you enough for making the application. It wouldn’t have been possible without you.”

“Oh please. I just filled it all out. The qualifications and the work experience did the talking.” She flicks her wrists and flutters her lashes.

Today she really enhanced her eyes with makeup and false lashes. She’d told me her lashes didn’t grow back to the thickness they used to be before she did chemo. I notice she wears them when she’s going out and I have to admit that they give her a more lively look to compensate for her thin features.

“I’m still grateful, very grateful.”

“I’m just glad you were able to have some part of your dream. I mean college and teaching. I worried about that.”

“Well it was something to do where Antonio could keep his eyes on me.”

The lightheartedness fades from her eyes and she nods. “I can’t believe you had to live that way.”

“Me too. When I left I was determined to change things up. This job is the first step.”

“It’s good you got it. It’ll be nice to be together again.”

Okay… I have to say something now. “Actually, I’m planning on… moving as soon as I can.”

Her lips part in sheer surprise. “Oh… oh right. Of course. Really? How soon?”

“Next week if I can make it happen. I haven’t told anyone besides you. I think it’s going to be hard for Ma and Pa to hear it.”

“Sure… It’s …hard for me to hear too. Well maybe we can schedule in times to meet up. A weekly girly lunch or dinner, something like that.”

This is where it’s going to get harder. The distancing. It’s kind of what makes me think that maybe taking the job at the school might not be so good. It’s still too close. Close to everybody.

“Or… not...” She looks me over, waiting for me to answer.

What I need to do is tell her straight what’s on my mind. “It’s not that I don’t want to see you. I want to. I really do. I just think maybe it’s best to get myself out there and be on my own for a little while.”

She just stares at me. Her expression is similar to Gabe’s except he seemed to have more of an understanding.

She actually looks more hurt than anything though.

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