Chapter23
Chloe
The fantasy festival was my favourite weekend of the year.Lastyear had been incredible– a perfect combination of music, fantasy costumes, free-flowing mead, and the kind of magical atmosphere that made everyone around you feel like a friend.Thewhole thing was set in the grounds of a castle, which loomed majestically over the tents and stages, interspersed amongst the gardens and grounds.Whentickets had gone on sale, we’d all had to fight through the website crashes and queue systems, but somehow, we’d all managed to snag spots for the completely sold-out event.
Which also meant thatI’dbeen easily able to sell my ticket whenIrealisedI’dbe working the mead stand withTeddyand would get to enter as a vendor.Iwas a bit bummed thatI’dhave to experience it from behind the table, butTeddyhad promised me a break to see my favourite band, and working the festival was a huge opportunity for the farm, soIwanted to help her make the most of it.
The fact thatTeddywould be staying in our holiday house rental was another matter.Itmeant three consecutive days of being around her, with no escape.Though, lately she’d been like a completely different person around me– kind, funny, relaxed– so maybe we were settling into a new, easier version of normal.
Now,Fatimasat sandwiched betweenTeddyand me in the van whilstJackferriedGreyand the others in theDefender.Iwas buzzing about seeingGreyagain; despite their promises to visit every month,Ihadn’t actually seen them once since they’d moved.Workhad been keeping them busy, apparently.
I caughtTeddy’sgaze for a moment as she glanced in the rear-view mirror.Thevan was so packed thatIwas surprised she could see out the back– unless, of course, she was looking at me the wayIkept sneaking looks at her.
The weather had been awful for the past two weeks, between the first torrential rain and the oppressive heat, to the point thatI’dstayed in the shepherd’s hut every nightIcould justify to avoid walking in either extreme.Butit was mild and breezy for the drive up, if still a bit warm.Izoned out for a while, watching through the window as the countryside whizzed by, butItuned back in suddenly whenIheard my name.
“What’s that?”Iasked.
Fatima looked over at me innocently. “Iwas just givingTeddythe details for your birthday party next month.”
My mouth fell open.Itwasn’t untilIsawTeddyglance over, concern pinching her face, thatIthought to snap it shut.
“I can’t believe you forgot to invite her,”Fatimasaid. “You’vebeen way too focused on that event.”
I narrowed my eyes at my friend.Shewasn’t wrong– we were now only weeks out from the festival at the farm, and things had really picked up– butIknew what she was doing.
“Is that okay with you?”Teddyasked, leaning forward slightly to glance at me. “Idon’t want to impose.”
I found myself nodding beforeI’dfully processed the question. “Ofcourse!Themore the merrier.”
I caughtFatima’seye and saw her grinning like the cat who’d got the cream.Shethrew me a wink before turning back toTeddyand changing the subject.Shereally was anOlympic-level meddler;Iwould have been more impressed ifIweren’t currently on the receiving end of it.
My phone buzzed in the front pocket of my dungarees, andIpulled it out to see that my dad was ringing me.Thatwas next-level strange;I’dbeen ignoringMum, sure, but that was nothing new, andDadnever rang.Ifelt a flutter of panic in my chest asIturned down the music and swiped to answer the call.FatimaandTeddylooked over at me, my concern catching.
“Hey,Dad,”Isaid, my voice breathy.
“Hello,Chloe,”Dadsaid, sounding downright jovial, if a bit formal.Iknew immediately that nothing was wrong, and a wash of both relief and annoyance passed over me.
“How are you?”Iasked politely.
“Oh,I’mjust fine,” he mumbled. “Andhow are you?”
I heard what sounded like whispering, and my spine stiffened reflexively.
“I’m just in the car,”Isaid. “What’sup?”
“Well, your mother was hoping to get you,” he said, andIclosed my eyes and bit back a groan. “I’lljust put her on now.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but beforeIcould,Mum’sbright, faux-cheery voice came down the line.Tobe fair, she probably was feeling quite cheery.Herplot had worked.Butfor me, there was never an ounce of cheer to be found there.
“Hi,Mum,”Isaid, trying my best not to sound put out– she’d almost certainly have something to say about that– but she talked straight over me.
“I’ve been trying to ring you for weeks,” she said. “Sostrange how none of my calls go through, but your father’s does first time.Perhapsthere’s something wrong with your phone?”
We both knew there was nothing wrong with my phone, butIplayed the game. “Yeah, could be,”Isaid. “I’lltake a look.”
I glanced over at the others, who were dutifully looking forward, pretending they weren’t listening.
“Listen,Mum,I’mwith friends.Isthere something you need?”
