Friday Afternoon: Lunch

Friday Afternoon: Part 1 - Lunch

Allison

Allison quietly pushed the doors open. Manny, does something look out of place to you?

Do you mean the lines of people holding straws that basically form a single path for us?

She nodded. So I’m not hallucinating. Why do you think they’re doing that?

It’s probably for some act of ‘worship’.

She grimaced. That’s what I was afraid of. I hope all of our friends beat us here then.

He closed his eyes for a second. I’m afraid not. They’re behind us, along with Laura’s new friend.

As long as Laura doesn’t say anything about what you or her did, she shouldn’t be dragged into this.

One of the lined up people spotted her. “There she is! The sex goddess has finally arrived!”

Crap, it’s as we feared. How should we proceed?

Get it over with. Once we’re sitting down, they can’t bother us anymore.

For the first half of the period anyway. Forward?

He nodded his head. She hooked her arm around his and began to go forward. In front of her the two lines people began to bow down, their straws pointing outward.

This is a bit much Manny.

At least they haven’t started chanting.

The pair in the back stood for a moment. “All hail the god and goddess of sex!” they shouted.

“All hail the god and goddess of sex!” the rest chanted in unison.

You should have added ‘yet’.

They beat me to it.

Allison continued forward. “Teach us, oh god and goddess. Show us the path to sexual bless.” the leaders continued.

“Teach us, guide us. Show us the path.” the others intoned.

The leaders stepped forward as the rest of the lines close in around them. “Will you teach us? Will you show us the way?”

Great. Now they’re blocking our way through.

Allison smiled. Don’t worry Manny. I know how to get us through. She looked directly at the leaders. “We are very hungry, and in no mood to be disrespected. If you move out of the way right now, we may consider your request. If you don’t” she paused for a few seconds “you WILL face our wrath”.

They hastily stepped to the side. “Forgive us for our rudeness. In our eagerness we forgot our place.”

I don’t believe a word of it. The moment they discover our friends, they’ll be bombarding them with requests too.

That’s the sense I get too precious. A few seem to want to genuinely learn, but most of them probably only want favors from us. Do you see any open tables?

Allison nodded and headed toward the farthest one.

As she was about half-way to it, Laura caught up to her. “Thank you so much for all your help the other day. Shelly and I had some fun after our date yesterday, and it was the most fun I’ve ever had with anyone. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for you two.”

Allison smiled. “I’m happy for you. May it continue to go well.”

I hope she can handle our brand of exciting precious.

Did one of our ‘cultists’ overhear her? Emanuel nodded. We need to warn her.

His face looked grim. I’m afraid we may not have a chance. He’s on his way with the rest of his buddies, and they’re already too close for my comfort.

I need to at least try. Allison turned back to Laura. “Were you paying attention to the craziness from a few minutes ago?”

“It was impossible to tune out anyway, so yes. Why?”

“Because they’re either crazy or looking for a quick voyeuristic fix.” She continued in a whisper “ and as far as they were aware, we hadn’t taken on any apostles yet. But...”

Laura held up her hand for a second and whispered back. “Because of what I said just now they’re going to start bothering me too.”

Allison nodded her head. “And possibly Shelly as well.” She glanced behind her, then back at the nearby table. “Looks like they’re on their way actually.”

Laura sighed. “Not much I can do except deal with it then.”

Don’t forget, we still need to get our food.

Allison sat down. Is Tony near yet Manny?

He and Cosette should be right behind us. Why?

We can take turns getting our food. So long as our bags are being watched by at least one person, the cultists can’t try anything.

“I’ll ask him if he’s willing to wait for a moment.”

Laura turned to Emanuel. “I’ll wait first. I’m sure I can handle a few idiots by myself.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.”

Allison smiled and stood up as Emanuel put down his bag. I’d like to wait with her Manny.

Sure. There’s no rule that says we need to be joined at the hip.

True. “I’ll stay with you for now. I’m not terribly hungry anyway.”

Laura smiled. “Thanks.”

“No one should have to face things like this alone.”

The others settled in at the table and headed off with Emanuel. Laura glanced over her shoulder. “Why are they just standing there?”

“They’re probably waiting until I leave, and you’re alone. Then they’ll pounce.”

“So as long as you or Emanuel are around me, I won’t need to deal with them?”

“That’s my sense of it. Until we get rid of them for good, none of you guys will be free of them.”

He chuckled. I’m not so sure of that. From what Tony’s been saying about her, and what she’s admitted to herself, I think she’ll make her own ... much more interesting legacy.

“Uhm ... Allison?”

“Yes?”

“You’ve been awfully quiet. Is everything okay?”

I’m going to tell Laura about our gift, okay?

Sure.

“Yeah. I was just having a conversation with Manny.”

A surprised look slipped onto Laura’s face. “How is that possible? You were completely quiet, and he’s still on the lunch line.”

“This may be hard to believe, but hear me out.” She paused, and continued. “We discovered very early on that we share a telepathic connection. It’s because stronger over the past few days” she paused “to the point that we can now transmit emotion, volume and tone of voice through it.”

“So, when I felt like Emanuel was reading my mind...” Laura began.

“I was giving him pointers based on what you had done to me. So, in a manner of speaking, he really was reading your mind.”

“Just through another person. Has it played a part in your own explorations?”

“Definitely. The intensity of being able to share your thoughts with your partner is part of why I’m able to squirt so easily with him.”

“I’d wondered why you two seemed to read each other so well. It makes sense” she paused. “Do you know how you came to have such a gift?”

Emanuel approached the table, two trays in hand. May I explain it Ally?

Sure. I’m guessing that’s what looked freshest?

You know it. Cosette has a tray for Laura coming.

Thanks. I wasn’t looking forward to walking up there just the two of us.

He smiled and nodded. “I have my own theory as to why the connection formed. Or it’s possible that people who speak of soul mates may be partly correct. Regardless of why, during art on Monday I was thinking how glad I was that I had met Allison. Then, a moment later, I heard her think the same about me. We confirmed the connection during a posing break not long after that” he said as she started into her burger.

Laura put down her own burger. “You mentioned having a theory as to why. Can you explain it?”

“I have limited evidence to go on, but so far my sense is this:” he paused. “I’ve been practicing techniques to expand my awareness beyond my normal senses for awhile now. Allison has been doing the similar things for years as well, even if those may have been unintentional and rooted in something painful. So when we met and began to care for each other, our extra senses kicked in, and picked up on the other person’s thoughts. Based on how weak and subconscious it was at first, and how strong and conscious it is now, I believe this to be an inborn talent we’ve cultivated in our own ways over the years, rather than some miraculous power suddenly gifted to us.”

“Yet you don’t sound convinced that this means you two are soul mates.”

“As I was just telling Allison, I can’t believe a soulmate exists for everyone. But I do believe we could be an exception to that principle.”

“Big Sister, I’m a little nervous about the party tomorrow.”

Both Laura and Kara pivoted to face Cosette. “Party?” Laura asked.

“Why Cosette?” Kara asked. “It’s just a birthday party.”