Hoax by Lila Felix

was one of the rare times I actually got to go somewhere with them.  I can’t believe you remembered me.”
                  There was something there, connecting us.  Like we’d known each other before and found one another again.  I just wish I could remember him, too.
                  “I’ve got an idea.”  I sat up quickly and he reached out to catch me even though the roof was flat at the top. 
                  “Shoot.”
                  “You go get some swim shorts and I’ll run to town and get some Chinese and we’ll meet back here in thirty minutes.”
                  “Deal.”
                  We both scrambled down from the roof; somehow this thing had turned into a silent race.  I ran inside to grab my keys, my phone and my wallet, if I was going to speed, I was taking my newish truck, not the BMW.  I opened the other side of the garage and Abel had already started his truck and was backing out.
                  I used my cell to call in our order and sped to get there.  I walked in and to my left saw a big group of people, mostly guys.  They were loud and were openly harassing the bus boy who tried to clean the table next to them in peace.  He picked up the tray of discarded plates and cups and as he passed the big guy, with a buzz cut, reached out and pushed him down.  I gasped and inadvertently brought attention to myself. 
                  I had no experience with bullies.  We were so strictly watched and regimented at Wellsley that there was no bullying or time for it.  But I knew it was wrong.  Anyone with eyes could see that this brazen harassment was wrong. 
                  “Hey you.  Where have you been all my life?” I think I’m gonna gag.
                  “Me?”  Like I didn’t know.
                  “Yeah, you.  Where’d you come from?”  I opened my mouth to say something snide but was interrupted by an Asian lady saying ‘hey’.
                  “Yes ma’am?” 
                  “Your order is ready.”  I let out a nervous breath.  Saved by the noodles.
                  “Thank you.”  I pulled out my wallet to pay but she put her hand up in the air. 
                  “No, no, no.  Mr. Collins already pay.” But she whispered it to me, her nose almost touching mine. 
                  “Ok, thank you.”  When I turned around the rowdy table had quieted some and I was being eyed. 
                  I turned and quickly walked out, having no witty comeback for Buzz Cut.  And as I left I heard the jab at me for not answering his question.
                  “Snobby little slut.”
     
                  I calmed myself down with thoughts of seeing Abel again.  I drove slowly, willing myself to forget what I had just seen and praying I would never have to see those people again. 
                  I pulled into the driveway and Abel sat on the small set of steps that led to the side door with a satisfied smirk on his face.  How he managed to get home and pay for the food before I even got there was beyond me. 
                  “How in the world did you manage that?” I said as I approached him.
                  “Mrs. Chang was my nanny for a long time.  I called in a favor.”  He said as he shrugged as if it was no big deal.
                  “That really wasn’t the deal Collins.”  I pushed past him.
                  “There were no rules laid down lady.”  He laughed as he came into the house behind me. “What’s with the truck?” he nodded towards the garage.
                  “That’s my truck.  Why?” 
                  “I just saw you driving the other car.  I thought it was yours.”