Mixed History

"We really need to start charging for breakfast." Marie snorts as Andi takes a bite of toast. "That being said, I really enjoyed the muffins, so you're off the hook." Well, that explains why no one else got any.

I'd invited Andi in after the awkward interaction at the front door, it seemed rude to interrogate her right there... But now it feels weird to bring it up again. Rosie had returned upstairs to take a shower, but Marie and Poppy are still here, it'd be a dick move to drag her dirty laundry out.

"So. Guess you're dying to know what the deal was at the door." Andi guesses correctly, I guess I wasn't as subtle as I thought. "Echo and I... Used to be best friends, back when we were little."

Oh, okay. I figured it'd be something like that. Though, with a statement that obvious, I'd guess there's more to this story. "Used to be?" Poppy asks for me, looking concerned. Andi gives her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, it's not like we hate each other or something. Back in the day, she was a little more friendly, she's actually why I dye my hair, I wanted us to match." She explains calmly. I guess that does make sense, hard to imagine Echo as anything other that the hardcore goth I know her as though. "But... She had it rough. People were cruel to her, and eventually... Eventually she decided it was better to push people away before they could hurt her first. Me included."

That's less awkward and more sad. "So, the rumour about her being ****..." Marie begins before Andi shakes her head.

"It's not for me to talk about, but the story... It's embellished, heavily. I think she spread it to stop people trying to connect with her... Honestly, you're the first person she's shown an interest in." She answers, nodding towards me.

Honestly, I'm still not sure why she bothered to let me in, at first it seemed like convenience with the band stuff, but now... Now I feel like maybe she's tired of taking on the whole world at once.

"I mean, I am devastatingly handsome, it's natural for people to be drawn to me." I brag, hiding my thoughts on the matter.

Marie snorts at my bravado. "Devastating's the right word, like how an oil spill is devastating for the environment." She quips, taking a victory sip of water. "Anyhow, guessing you didn't just come round here to raid our fridge?"

"Nope!" Andi chirps. "I actually wanted to see if you girls wanted to go shopping?" Wow, that's... Unbelievably mundane, I almost didn't expect it, but I guess who doesn't like retail therapy? "You can come too Rufus! We'll need someone to carry everything and look bored."

"Well, that is my specialist talent." I joke... Before realising I basically just agreed. I glance at Poppy's excited face and I can't bring myself to turn it down. Damn it. Her happy face should be weaponised, it'd cause world peace in a day. "Alright, I'll come..." I concede.

"Yes!" Poppy cheers. "I'll go tell Rosie." She decides, leaving the table to head upstairs, leaving her plate behind, which Marie picks up and takes with her own to the sink.

I turn to Andi, still nibbling at her toast, she sort of looks like a squirrel, definitely cute enough. "Thanks for your advice, by the way, it really helped me out." I smile graciously.

"I know, Rosie texted me to say you'd patched things up." Andi replies nonchalantly. "I think me and her are becoming best friends. Hard to say, but I'm working on matching bracelets, just in case."

I honestly don't know if she's joking or not.

*

The bus into town is uneventful, other than Poppy cooing at a small dog that boards the bus. I'll admit, it was pretty cute. Still, we only really sprang to life when we arrived in town. I can't believe I haven't visited already.

Shops line the street, interspersed with bars, restaurants, and other amenities. This is much more my speed, there's so much to do... And it'll all have to wait as I'm dragged into one shop after another. I don't like to indulge stereotypes, usually you'll upset more people than you'll be right about, but shit these girls are far too into clothes. I mean, I get it, fashion's fun, but they seem more into considering the clothes than actually buying or wearing them.

This continues almost endlessly, and my arms get steadily more tired, still I suppose it's good exercise, I've been slacking on working out since my ribs were injured, and this is just mild enough to not aggravate them.

Finally, after an eternity, we decide to get lunch at one of the bars. This has two benefits for me, firstly I can take a rest from petticoat purgatory, and second I can get a drink so it won't be as arduous.

"Gonna get pasta." Poppy squeaks happily, perusing the menu. "So excited!" She adds. Honestly, as much as she likes food, I think she just enjoys being around everyone.

"Chill!" Marie groans, apparently not favouring my sister's enthusiasm for carbs.

Andi snorts at her comment. "Don't, the pasta's better hot." She sniggers. Marie and Rosie audibly groan at the joke, but I've learned to appreciate it. We're so engrossed we almost don't notice the waiter approach us.

"Are you ready to order or do you-" He cuts off, as we turn to see a familiar face.

"Ty!?" Poppy asks excitedly, noticing our waiter, who looks deeply concerned that we're here. "Hey! I didn't know you worked here, that uniform really suits you."

Ty looks visibly shaken at our arrival, too much to speak, and certainly too much to notice that Poppy just complimented him. It takes a minute for us to realise his fearful eyes are trained specifically on Andi... Shit, yeah, he didn't know we knew her either. Probably terrified of what his sister will say.

"Ty! Don't just stand there! Take the ord... er." Another voice stutters as she realises who's at the table. Echo appears wearing a matching uniform, with her hair up in a ponytail and glasses disguising her eye colour, she's barely recognisable... But still gorgeous. I feel like I'm getting distracted from something.

"Hey... Again." Andi offers.

Aah, right. That. Again.