Behind a facade

11.

“I really don’t understand what am I doing here with you!” Dakota complained, sitting on the ground.

“Come on, DK,” Josh winked and took a sip of his soft drink. “Nothing bad is going to happen, just because we came to enjoy a bonfire,”

“Seriously?”

Josh lifted the party cup. He pretends that he didn’t hear Dakota. “You guys should try this hot apple cider punch, instead of worrying. This is so good,”

“Well… I agree with DK. What are we doing? Are we even welcomed here?” Emma sighed, pointing at the bonfire area and surroundings.

After Lakeville High's massive victory in the football match against Easton high, Miles and some other guys from the football team arranged a bonfire night to celebrate the victory. They chose land that belong to Miles’s grandparents for the gathering. Because no one used the land for a long time, the area is considered abandoned, making it a perfect place for a kickback.

Everyone in the sophomore year was invited to the party for the sake of formality. The open secret was the invitation specifically addressed the football team members and other significant people they only wish to see. A Group of juniors also appeared, as per the request of Brian and others.

The bonfire party was the same as other secret teenage parties. In the shadows of bonfire night, all the activities that minors aren’t allowed to do were happening.

“Yeah… yeah. You agree with whatever DK says,” Josh pouted. His brooding gaze remains on Emma’s face.

“What? Don’t tell me that cider has alcohol in it,” Emma narrowed her eyes at Josh, making Dakota laugh. “DK, is he drunk?”

“No. He is usually a crybaby,” Dakota made fun of Josh, who is staring at them, slack-jawed.

“What the hell…. who is a cry… You guys are teaming up….”

Emma coughed, interrupting Josh. “Listen, I agree with DK because what she said made sense to me,”

“You mean I am not sensible?” Josh questioned. He looked very sulky for some reason.

Dakota leaned against the dry tree trunk behind her, silently observing Josh and Emma. Since a while ago she was able to notice how sensitive Josh becomes when he is around Emma. At this moment also Dakota could see a difference in Josh’s behaviour. There is a strange yet hopeful flickering light in Josh’s eyes when he looks at Emma.

“Look like he finally…” Dakota mused, genuinely feeling happy and excited.

She looked around, listening to the cheering and chattering sounds of small student groups who are gathering here and there. Since it is a Friday night, no one had to worry about going to school the next day. The happiness of Lakeville High winning the football match against Easton High was indeed powerful enough to make everyone forget their worries. Everyone was enjoying the moment to the fullest.

It was lively around the roaring bonfire because the crowd circled. A boy was playing the guitar while singing a song. Some sing along with him while some were busy making s’mores. Yellow-orange flames were dancing, listening to the rhythm of the gentle breeze. Shaky shadows and luminous reflections blend randomly and entertained the crowd along with the beautiful blaze.

Eventually, Dakota’s gaze stopped near a familiar figure who is sitting close to the bonfire area. She couldn’t take her eyes off Tessa for a minute. Near the glowing bonfire, Tessa appeared magical to Dakota’s eyes. The wind blew through her shiny golden hair. After a few seconds of struggling, Tessa slowly tucked some of her hair behind her ear and shared a laugh with some girls in the cheerleading group in, a friendly manner. The atmosphere and Tessa’s image together created an angelic painting in Dakota’s mind, raising her heartbeat.

It took some time for Dakota to come to her senses. She turned her face away and closed her eyes, trying not to think about the mirage in front of her eyes.

“Josh… dude,” someone’s voice made Dakota’s eyes open. Miles Garcia and a few other members of the football team were walking toward them with wide smiles on their faces. “Why don’t you join us for a minute? After all, you are a part of the football team…”

“It’s okay Miles,” Josh replied, returning a quick smile. “You guys go ahead and enjoy,”

“Man… just have a drink with us. It’s the spirit,”

“Yeah… come on,”

The other guys start nagging, making it impossible to reject anymore. Josh went with them at last. Dakota and Emma shared an understanding glance, knowing Josh can’t avoid it. They continue talking about random topics to kill time until Josh returns.

“Luke…” Dakota narrowed her eyes trying to, recognise the figure who is walking fast, a few meters away from where they are sitting. She leaned backwards and took another glance to confirm her suspicion. It was indeed Luke McCleary. He looked over his shoulders nervously, while walking away. The black colour hoodie that he was wearing hid him well, mixing with the dark surrounding. Yet he was trying to cover his face more, arranging the hoodie repeatedly.

“Did you say anything, DK?” Emma asked, holding the hot chocolate cup using her both hands.

“I think I saw Luke,” Dakota shrugged her shoulders.

“Luke? Here?”

“Yeah,” Dakota tightened the ponytail. “It’s weird,”

“It’s impossible. Isn’t it?” Emma lowered her voice. “He won’t deliberately walk into a tiger’s den, knowing the danger. I mean by himself… alone,”

Dakota nodded, wondering whether she seeing things.

………………………………………………………..

After another two hours of time killing, Dakota decided to go home. Josh and Emma agree with her. They knew they all have to be at home before eleven thirty.

“Isn’t that Tessa?” Josh indicated someone leaning against a tree. He wiped his drowsy eyes as if he is trying to confirm what he is seeing. Dakota followed Josh’s gaze. With one glance she could recognise Tessa, who looks quite drunk.

“What is she doing?” Emma looked around, with a puzzled look on her face. “Where is her boyfriend? Or friends? Don’t tell me they left without her,”

“Who knows?” Josh shook his head, trying to keep his balance.

“Many people have already left. It’s quite dangerous,” Dakota let out a sigh. She walked toward Tessa, who is talking to a tree. “God knows why some people drink when they can’t handle themselves,”

Dakota placed her hand on Tessa’s shoulder, after pondering a bit. There wasn’t a reaction from Tessa. The strong alcohol smell coming from Tessa was enough for Dakota to understand something is wrong with her. She made Tessa turn around and face them. Dakota's worries became severe seeing the state of the girl who has no control over her own actions. She was completely out of her mind thanks to the alcohol she had.

Emma gasped. “Is she on drugs or something?”

“No. She is just drunk,” Dakota replied to Emma. Then she turned her attention to Tessa again. “Hey… how are you going home? Can I call someone for you?”

Tessa arched her head to a side and gawked at Dakota. She then brought her face near to Dakota’s face and pulled one of her cheeks. “Oh… who…. Oh… Da… ko… look who... is here,

Da... ko... ta,”

Dakota heard Josh burst into laughter. Though he was also drunk, he managed to throw some mocking words, imitating Tessa. “Yo…. Da… ko… ta….”

Dakota scowled at Josh, shifting her eyes back and forth. She tried to find a glimpse of Brian, Ashley or Maddison. Her attempt failed without taking much time.

“She is completely wasted. I can’t see her friends,” Emma shook her head, ignoring Josh’s goofy face. “Someone has to take her home,”

“Yeah,” Dakota agreed. She took some time to come up with a plan. “Em, can you give Josh a ride?”

“Sure,”

“I’ll borrow Josh’s bike and drop Tessa home. It’s not like he is in a condition to ride the bike, anyway,”

Emma nodded. “Is that really okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll manage,” Dakota assured, taking the bike key from Josh. "You and Josh heading the same way, so do I and Tessa. It is convenient for everyone,"

“Okay then. Be careful, DK,” Emma walked towards her old car, pulling Josh, who is flashing a smug smile at Dakota.

“You too, Em.”

The cold wind embraced the girls, giving them a shudder. It carried the message that winter is arriving soon. Dakota, who noticed Tessa shivering, remembered how sensitive she is to the cold. She slowly removed her muffler and wrap it around Tessa while placing the helmet on her carefully.

“I don’t want to,” drunk Tessa struggled.

“Don’t be like that Tessa,” Dakota advised, lowering her voice. “If you do not go home before the curfew, your parents won’t go easy on you… so let’s get you home, okay?”

Tessa pouted. “I don’t…”

“Okay… hold me tight, understand?” Dakota interrupted Tessa. She couldn’t help but think of Tessa’s this side is cute. “Do you hear me… hold me tight….”

While being careful not to drive fast considering Tessa’s safety, Dakota didn’t forget to check what Tessa was doing. She was awfully quiet for a while.

“Stop!!!!”

Tessa’s sudden scream made Dakota stop the bike at once. Terror came across her mind.

“What happened?” Dakota asked, turning her head slightly. “Are you okay? What happened?”

When Dakota realized the meaning of the childish smile on Tessa’s face it was already late. Tessa removed her helmet and jumped down from the bike, and started running down the street.

“You got to be kidding me!”

Dakota parked the bike on the side of the street and start running after Tessa. When she caught up to Tessa, she was lying on the grass field near the riverside. Her eyes were closed. She looked like a baby who has no worries in life.

“Tessa, we need to go. Please stand up,” Dakota tried to pull Tessa gently. A playful smile spread across Tessa’s face, making Dakota stunned for a second. Before Dakota come to her senses again, Tessa pulled her, making Dakota fall next to where Tessa was lying down on the grass.

“What the hell are you doing Tessa..”

“Shh….” Tessa placed her index finger on Dakota’s lips, making her silent. “Look… the sky is so beautiful,”

Dakota move her gaze to where Tessa was pointing. The sky was clear, and it was indeed beautiful, as Tessa mentioned. It was filled with a fascinating display which was able to forget someone to breathe.

“I wish I could stay like this forever,” Tessa’s mumbling reached Dakota’s ears, making her look at Tessa. To her surprise, Tessa was looking at the sky with glittering eyes with a placid smile. There was a yearning look on her face.

“What?”

“I want to stay like this forever. I can breathe freely,”

The silent and calm atmosphere temp Dakota to think the same way as Tessa did, though she couldn’t exactly understand what Tessa meant by those words. She decided not to push it more, giving Tessa privacy.

In some rare moments, people find happiness and relaxation in simple things in life. Simply sightseeing, looking at shades of nature, and listening to the sound of water flowing can bring harmony to the human mind. It is only hard to remain like that forever because of the rat race life in modern society.

After a while Dakota cleared her throat, looking at her watch. “I think we better go home,”

What she found shocked Dakota. Tessa was sitting on the grass field and looking at the sky with tears rolling down her cheeks. Her cheeks were soaked because of tears, showing that she has been crying.

“Hey.. hey…” Dakota sat at once and placed her hand on Tessa’s shoulder, struggling to try to find words. “Why are you crying? Are you hurt or something like that?”

Tessa’s blurry eyes met Dakota’s. Those beautiful sapphire eyes held a sadness which was able to shake Dakota’s soul. A sharp pain pierced her heart.

“I am so tired… so tired,” Tessa sniffled.

“Tired? Tired of what?”

“Tired of living according to other’s expectations,” Tessa’s head slowly tilted. She covered her face using both hands. Dakota slide next to Tessa and wrapped her hand around Tessa’s shoulder, helping her to place her head on Dakota’s shoulder.

Dakota’s action made Tessa cry even harder. Not knowing how to console her, Dakota remained silent, thinking not to say the wrong thing and make the situation even worse.

“No one sees real me… no one wants real me,” Tessa whimpered miserable manner. The pain in her voice was so real, that even Dakota could feel it.

Dakota’s hands moved according to their will and stopped on Tessa’s shoulders. She turn Tessa towards her and cupped her face with trembling hands. Then she directly looked into Tessa’s eyes. “I see you,”

Tessa blink her eyes as if she is trying to understand what was happening. “What…”

“I see you,” Dakota repeated, with a strong tone.

A silence fell among them for some time. The strange quietness between them only broke by the burbling of water. Suddenly Tessa wrapped her hands around Dakota’s neck, hugging her, with full force. Dakota, who wasn’t expecting such a reaction, couldn’t keep her balance.

“Hey… what are you doing,” Dakota hissed, enduring the body weight of Tessa, who is still hugging her. She felt glad below her was a grass field. If it was a hard land, Dakota might have already broken her backbone.

“Your hair, I like your dark hair.… it smells good. And you smell good too…”

“This is not good,” Dakota mused, trying to gently push Tessa away. She could feel Tessa sniffing her. On top of that Tessa’s body heat and the smell were taking away Dakota’s mind, making her impossible to think properly. It was already giving her an addictive feeling.

“You are really warm,” Tessa muttered, hugging Dakota tighter. Dakota felt all the blood in her body rushing to her face. Her ears start burning. She looked at the sky, with a dazed sensation. “I gave up. How can I not love you...”