“But I’ll be working at the restaurant on Saturday night,” she said.My mother had been looking for a job since we got here.I had said I could help and work too, but she insisted I focus on my studies and take a part-time job if one eventually came up.A few days ago, we saw a “waitress needed” ad posted on a window.It wasn’t her favorite occupation, but they accepted her, and she gave up into the idea.“And Monday is your first day of school.I don’t think I’ll let you go to a party on Sunday night.”She sat on the couch, leaning against my feet.“So, tonight is the only night you can go out and keep your mom — and food provider — company.”Her eyes fell on the plate of leftovers I had set down in front of us.And my eyes rolled to the rhythm of my sigh as I got up from the couch.
I never thought the night could be so alive.I had seen people around, sure, but the number of people gathered here tonight wasPopulation, with a capital P.At least, that was the case compared to the expectations I had before.
My mom asked for a mojito at the bar stall, and I committed to driving the car later.
We walked around the venue, checking out the products at the stalls.Mrs.Meloney, from the local honey stall, recognized me, and my mother bought a jar of her homemade honey.Next to her, a friendly man offered us some cheese samples.And we continued our walk through the crowd.
I saw Ella.
She was in a group of people, scattered in front of the stage, blended among others who were chatting and listening to the band.
When a song kicked in and a collective ‘uhhh’ echoed through the crowd, arms shot up, and I spotted her clapping her hands in delight.Then, the choreography began.People joining in little by little, all feet moving in the same direction, with the occasional body bumping into another.And yet, soon enough, it all started to resemble a perfectly staged scene, as if meant to be recorded for a movie.
She was laughing, giving quick directions about the next move to those around her.From where I was, she stood at the center of it all.
She looked likethekind of girl who made the night come alive.
Chapter13
Ella
September 21st, 1998
Monday
First day of school.
Last first day at Evermere High School.
Final exams, college applications, admission interviews, graduation ceremony and senior prom preparation, it was all happening on that last year.And I intended to be perfect in everything I would do and be part of.
Jake was telling me about his August as we walked past the school bar.I had been on my way to the stationery store when he and Ryan cornered me to ask how I was doing.
“So yeah, it was really cool,” Jake wrapped up his kayak summer story.“I missed you!”He put his left hand on my right shoulder, shaking me for a brief second.
We got to the stone bench tucked against the building near the principal’s office.It was the spot where Jake, Ryan, and their group of friends always gathered.An implicitly reserved space just for them, where no one else would sit except for the boys and girls “stamped” with that privilege.Still, I thought they were nice people.
After a quick hello, I resumed my walk to the stationery store.
Geraldine, the Vice President of our Student Association, was climbing the stairs just as I was heading down.
“Hey, Ella!”she smiled, not stopping her feet.“See you on Thursday!”she said, referring to our first Student Association meeting of the year.
“And see you on Friday!”I smiled back, referring to our Science Club get-together.
A couple more stops, and I finally reached my intended destination.Mr.Tylus was there, as always, behind the counter, meticulously arranging stacks of notebooks and poster boards in perfect rainbow order.He was always so calm.I liked observing him rearrange the supplies before calling his name and distracting him from that cautious task.
I wondered if I could have a job where it was just me and inanimate objects, in a space no larger than three feet square, behind the counter, all day.Mr.Tylus’ job could be a flurry of activity: students lining up in droves, shelves emptying, photocopiers beeping.Or the exact opposite: a temple of solitude and quiet.
I spent a few minutes talking to him.He complimented the weekend festivities and said he and his wife had a wonderful time.I was glad.
Nathan intercepted me just as I reached my locker.“How about a bet on how many seconds we can keep our balance on the board next Saturday?”he said, leaning against my neighbors’ lockers.
Nathan and I had known each other since elementary school.We didn’t spend much time together outside school, he was part of Jake’s group, but in sophomore year we started surfing together.Neither of us did it professionally, or even close to competently or skilfully; we both did it purely for the fun of it.
“What do we bet?”I asked.
“That box of chocolates I just saw inside your locker.”
