Rewrite the Stars

EPISODE 5: Knock on wood

“Why do you think Margarette hates you so much?” Mackie asked and I just shrugged. I don’t really know why she hated me that much

“I have no clue.” I said and looked at Mackie.

“Did you do something to her?” He asked. Did I do something? I guess I didn’t, besides the fact that it all started in literature class.

“Literature.” I said and Mackie’s eyes widened.

“What did you do?” He asked and I looked at him in disbelief.

“Seriously? Like that reaction?” I asked sarcastically.

“Tell me.” He asked. What is wrong with literature?

“I just answered the teacher’s question, then she opposed me and then the argument went on.” I said and he laughed.

“I know no wonder.” He said and looked at me in disbelief.

“Why?” I asked. Out of curiosity, why did he say that?

“Nothing. Just nothing.” Mackie said.

“Here we are.” He added and I looked at him, but he looked away. It was getting to my head. I want to know why.

We entered the Diner and we found our table. We get our favorite spot. The last seat. I don’t know, that feels like home. I mean no people are passing, besides you can clearly have your own spot. The waitress came and we smiled at her.

“It’s you again.” The waitress said and we laughed.

“Yes it’s us again.” I said.

“The usual?” She asked and I nodded.

“Ok, just wait here. I will get your order.” She said and left.

“Hey, where is the check?” Mackie asked and I just smiled at him.

“Don’t worry, I have extra money. We can just go to the bank right after this.” I said and he gave me a nervous look.

“Seriously, I don’t want to wash plates.” Mackie said. I laughed and gave him my wallet.

“See? I have money.” I said and he began to calm down.

“Good, you’re making me sweat.” He said and giggled.

“Here is your order.” The waitress came and we smiled at her. That is kindness, I know they are tired and they just need some smiles.

I felt my phone vibrate and I saw my dad’s name pop up.

Where are you? 

He texted. I immediately compose a reply, to make him rest assured that I am not in danger. 

I am at the Diner, I will get you some takeout for dinner if you want. 

I replied. Heard nothing for a while, so I guess he is now getting calm. I continue eating our food and keep on looking back at my phone. Still nothing.

“What did he say?” Mackie asked.

“What do you think?” I said and Mackie laughed.

“Like seriously? You are nearly 18.” He said and I rolled my eyes and giggled. I know I am nearly 18, but my dad is really protective. But I love the way he protects me. I mean I understand him. Definitely.

“Do you think he will keep on bugging you for that person who gave you hickey?” Mackie asked and I was caught off guard. I really don’t know what to say. My dad is really open at anything but sometimes he is kinda weird and delusional.

“I don’t really know. I mean I feel like yes and no? Is that acceptable?” I asked and suddenly my phone vibrated. It was a call. From my dad.

“Yes dad?” I asked.

“One of my deputies said that he saw you at the Diner.” He said and I loudspeaker the call, just loud enough to be heard by Mackie.

“Yes? And? I told you I was at the Diner.” I said and I heard a deep sigh at the other line.

“Dad? Are you ok?” I asked. I am starting to get worried, my dad never let out that heavy sigh unless there was a problem.

“Listen honey, I know you love that guy, but please let him talk to me. Let him man up.” He said and I saw Mackie trying not to laugh.

“What talk?” I asked. I heard him sigh again.

“Like man-to-man talk. Every dad does that, your grandfather did that to me when I am dating your mom. That really helps.” My dad said and I can’t help myself but to be annoyed.

“I am not dating anyone, dad.” I said and Mackie is turning red. He can’t help himself.

“My deputy said you’re with a guy.” My dad said and Mackie started laughing.

“Yes I am dad, I am with Mackie.” I said

“Hi uncle.” Mackie said and continued laughing.

“Oh, hi, I thought you’re with that douchebag. Have fun.” My dad said and I rolled my eyes in disbelief.

“Yes, she’s with a guy, if gay guy counts.” Mackie added and laughed. I heard my dad laugh and I started laughing too. I can’t believe I am blessed with these two crazy guys. Help me God.

“Ok, just be home safe ok? I love you.” My dad said.

“For sure. Love you too dad.” I said and dropped the call. I looked at Mackie and he was still laughing. He’s now turning tomato red.

“Ok stop now.” I said and took a sip in my milkshake. After a few seconds he finally calmed down.

“I need water b***h!” Mackie said in his really gay tone and grab some water.

“Are you happy now?” I asked and he gave me a teasing look.

“Ok, my question is now answered. Clearer than a glass.” Mackie said and laughed again.

“What shall I do?” I said and Mackie stopped from laughing. From his laughing face, he immediately turned into his serious face.

“Ok, I clearly don’t know what to do.” He said and continued eating his fries.

“Just pursue Margarette.” He said.

“Like seriously? We hated each other. Lie if I could ever choose between dying and liking her? I would just die.” I said and suddenly the bell from the door rings.

“Speaking of the devil.” I said. Mackie turned and looked at the door.

“Oh my gosh, isn’t this destiny?” Mackie asked and I glared at him.

“This is a curse.” I said and looked away. Seriously? I just need some time without a Topaz, especially Margarette. I need some space without her. I need some air without her scent.

“Excuse you?” Margarette said and grabbed the cherry in Mackie’s Milkshake.

“You are here.” She said and looked at me.

“Are you stalking me?” Margarette said and I laughed sarcastically.

“Excuse yourself, I came here first.” I said and she ate the cherry she’s holding.

“Yah, just like what stalkers do.” Margarette said and sat beside Mackie.

“Are you insane?” I asked.

“Like boo, you’re always everywhere I am. Are you obsessed with me?” She asked and I smirked. How dare she? WHO IS SHE?

“Knock on wood!” I said and knocked at the table. I saw her smile and I gave her a plastic smile.

“Did you spend all my mommy’s reward?” Margarette asked. She is now getting on my nerves. I remain calm and stay positive. I don’t want to cause any scene here in the Diner.

“Just leave me alone. Let's just pretend that we are not seeing each other. Like we do not exist.” I said and she smiled.

“Good idea.” She said. She stood up and suddenly she got my milkshake and dropped it to the floor.

“Oops, I am really sorry. It was an accident.” She said and gave a fake sad look. The waitress came and she smiled.

“Picked that up. She will pay for that. My mom gave her money.” Margarette said and went back to her table. I saw her squad laughing. SHE IS REALLY A LIVING NIGHTMARE. Mackie and I helped the waitress clean up.

“I am really sorry, miss.’ I said and the waitress gave me a smile. I know that will be charged for her salary. I really feel bad for her.

“I will pay for that, I mean seriously.” I said and got my wallet.

“How much is the bill?” I asked the waitress.

“That will be 20.” The waitress said and I gave her some money.

“Here, can 25 cover the broken glass?” I asked and I can see that she doesn't want to accept the money.

“Please accept this.” I said and she smiled. I saw her become teary.

“It’s fine. You don’t have to worry.” I said and grabbed my things.

“Thank you so much.” The waitress said and I smiled. Mackie and I left and walked home.

“Do you think you can still pursue Margarette?” Mackie asked and I looked in the sky.

“I really don’t know, I guess I need to try more.” I said and laughed.

“Well, if you accept my offer in the cheering squad, then you may at least have a chance.” He said. I looked at the paper he gave me and it was an audition paper.

“Just be careful. You may really like her.” Mackie said and laughed.

“What are you talking about?” I asked and sat on the bench.

“I know you’re gay.” Mackie said and I gave him a confused look.

“What the hell?” I asked and laughed.

“You liked me. Everyone know that I am gay, yet you really liked me. Like duh! You are really into my feminine side.” He said and laughed.

“Like b***h, I like you because you are really cute.” I said.

“I am just saying that I support you whatever you want. I am always here. I am also here to tell you that just make a deal with Margarette. Never ever fall for her.” He seriously said and I just nodded.

“First of all, that is my intention, to make some deal. Second, how will I be in love with her? Like I am the straightest person on earth.” I said and laughed.

“But Margarette is Margarette. She can turn most gays straight. No one can resist her. I mean except for me.” He said.

“She can get whatever she wants.” He added and I smiled at him.

“Knock on wood.” I uttered and we both laughed. 

We continue to walk and have some deep conversation. I can now feel like I am knowing this town again. Many things happened here. I felt like I was never born here. 

“Mackie? When did everything change?” I asked and Mackie let out a deep sigh.

“I really don’t know. We have been just a kid since then.” He said

“So, this is you.” He said. I never felt that we walked too far. I didn’t even realize that we are in my house now.

“Yah.” I said and smiled. I watch him take his step.

“Mackie, wait!” I said. He paused and turned around.

“What?” He asked. I ran to him and hugged him really tight.

“What is wrong?” He asked. I cried. I really don’t know why.

“Thank you for always staying by my side. I miss this.” I said and I could see a tear glimpse in his eyes.

“Girl, you’re making me cry.” Mackie said. We both looked at each other and laughed.

“I miss you too bitch.” Mackie said and wiped his tears.

I miss this. I miss us… The hang out and the conversation about everything. I really thought everything changed in this town, especially my best friend. He barely has time to see me, not the fact that we go to school every day and we ate lunch together. I can still feel the gap between us. I mean that is not really a huge gap but there is still this tiny little gap inside.

“Ok enough of the drama, you’re ruining my mascara.” Mackie said and I glared at him.

“Seriously?” I said and laughed.

“Yap, this is too expensive.” He said and I pinched his face.

“How cute you are.” I said and Mackie gave me a disgusted look.

“Ok, you’re disgusting now. I have to go before you even think to kiss me.” He said and walked away.

“Bye.” I said. I let out a sigh before entering the house. I saw the portrait of my mom. I love my mom very much. 

“I’m home.” I shouted, no one answered, I guess my dad is really busy at his work again. I have to cook some dinner for him.

I entered my room and changed my clothes. I look at the mirror and I can see Margarette’s mark is fading.

“That’s for the better I guess.” I said and continued fixing myself.

“I’m home.” I heard my dad say. I immediately went downstairs and I saw him with the groceries.

“What is this?” I asked and my dad didn’t answer.

“Dad?” I said and my dad flashed a smile.

“It is some groceries.” My dad said and continued to unpack the groceries.

“I know, I mean, this is too much, how can you have this much money?” I asked. I know my dad has work, but it is not the end of the month. How can he get this money? This is too much. Three huge boxes? What is this? Are we having a*****e?

“Just help me unpacked the groceries, no more questions. Ok?” My dad said and gave me a kiss on the top of my head.

“Ok, dad.” I said.

I help him in unpacking the groceries and putting it in the pantry. We can’t even put them all since they are really excess.

*Ring*

I heard the telephone ring and I was about to pick it up.

“I will get it.” my dad said and picked up the phone. I look at my dad and he is talking really weird.

“Is everything fine?” I asked him. He looked at me and smiled.

“I will call back later.” He said and dropped the call.

My dad hugged me and gave me a kiss on top of my head.

“Yes, sweetheart. Everything is fine.” My dad said. I know he is lying. I can feel like he is hiding something in me.

“I have a surprise for you.” My dad said, I looked at him and he handed me a box.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Just open it.” He said. I untied the box and I saw a key.

“Dad? What is this?” I said and ran outside the house.

“SURPRISE.” My dad said and I saw a red car with a ribbon on top of it.

“Dad! This is --- how did you get this?” I unbelievably asked and ran to check the car.

“Some investment for my princess is not bad right?” He said. I ran to him and hugged him really tight.

“I love you dad. Thank you.” I said.

“I love you so much sweetheart.” He replied.

“Test drive?” He added and I nodded. We rushed to the car and I started its engine.

“OH MY GOD! DID YOU HEAR THAT?!” I asked.

“YOU ARE THE BEST!” I said and my dad nodded.

I drove the car and it was really amazing. I feel like I am famous. Every student from our school is looking at me. This is so great! We get back to our house and eat our dinner.

“Ok, so you have a new car now.” My dad said and I grinned.

“Promise me that you will never let that douchebag ride to that car, unless he will meet me.” He said and I almost choked.

“DAD! There is no douchebag!” I said and rolled my eyes.

“Then who is that person?” My dad said. Ok, now I am really getting annoyed.

“When will this conversation be over dad?” I asked in frustration.

“Not until I meet him.” My dad said.

“Dad, just leave me alone.” I said and I heard my dad let out a sigh.

“You are my only daughter. I am a man, I’ve been in my teenage years and I am through that stage. I know everything.” He said and I looked him in the eye.

“Dad, I know you love me and you want the best in me, but daddy, I will tell you everything as long as you won’t be mad.” I said and he looked at me and held his gun.

“WHAT? YOU ARE PREGNANT?!” My dad said and I rolled my eyes.

“Dad! Look at you! How can I tell you everything if you act like that?” I said and rolled my eyes.

“Ok, I am sorry, let’s start it again.” He said

“What is it?” He asked and I let out a sigh.

“It is not a “HE” it’s a “SHE” ok?” I said and I saw my dad trying to figure out what I said.

“Can you use—Oh, I get it. It’s a girl.” My dad said and laughed.

“It’s a girrrl.” He continued and laughed again.

“Ok, you are safe.” My dad said and my eyes widened.

“When will I meet her?” My dad asked and I clench my jaw.

“Dad? Seriously?” I asked and he shrugged.

“Seriously. I would love to meet her. Is she pretty?” My dad asked. Ok, I am really getting pissed.

“Please? For daddy?” My dad said with puppy eyes.

“Stop! Stop! You’re ugly.” I said, but he is not taking that look away.

“Ok fine! I will at least try to convince her.” I said and my dad smiled.

“Great. Just let me know, so I can prepare some foods. What is her favorite?” My dad asked.

“Ok, I AM DONE WITH THIS.” I said and got my plate. I go to the sink and start washing it. My dad followed me. I am really pissed now.

“DAD! Leave me alone! That was just a dare ok?! No serious attachments!” I said.

“Oh, I see.” My dad said and finally he returned to his seat.

“But can I still meet her?” My dad asked this time. I got upstairs and locked myself in my room.

“I can’t believe this.” I said to myself and grabbed my phone.

I texted Mackie and sent him SOS. I need help. I badly need help. I am really caught off guard. I don’t know what I will do now.