PART IV
It had been a little over a month since my adventures in Mr Hamilton's classroom, and Becca hadn't bothered me for more 'favours'; Although in the back of my mind I kind of wished she had. Maybe that was a premonition as to what was ahead because no sooner had the season of miracles and granted wishes drifted in with a fresh blanket of snow, Becca came a calling.
The weather was getting mighty chilly as December rolled in. Everyone was busy putting up decorations and commenting on how "It doesn't seem that long ago since I was taking these down." The kids in school were getting noticeably excited talking about what presents they hoped they would find under their trees in a few weeks. Tom and John, on the other hand, were excited about other things.
"So Dan, looking forward to my Father's Chrimbo do?" Tom mumbled through his sandwich. "He's decided to make it a street party this year."
"It's going to rock... and roll." John added whilst he shovelled a load of chips in his mouth.
"I guess." The truth was I didn't feel Christmassy in the slightest. I really wasn't feeling the yuletide fun at all.
"Listen to the Grinch. He'll be saying bar-humbug and giving us lumps of coal next." Tom laughed nudging John's arm. "Dude, we'll sort you out in no time. We're going round to Mr Marshall's tonight after school. You know the Principal Marshall's old man, the one who used to do Santa in the shopping centre. This year he's put up a grotto in his driveway, elves in costume; the works. He's even got pressies."
I must admit Tom's enthusiasm was starting to rub off, and part of me was kind of looking forward to the night's festivities. "Ok, sign me up, it's Friday after all, not like I have anything else planned."
The day passed without too much drama and the final bell rang to signal the end of class. Snow was just starting to fall again as the light of the day ebbed away. Pulling my backpack onto my shoulder and buttoning up my parka I suddenly felt a sharp tug on my arm and my body involuntarily hurled itself sideways into a nearby closet.
"Hey what the fuck..." I tried to protest as the light bulb flashed, almost blinding me.
As my eyes adjusted, there stood Becca beaming one of those unforgettable smiles that told you immediately that she needed something.
"Hi Danny," she cooed, "or do you prefer Danielle these days?"
I glared back at her, but in some dark corner of my mind, I felt a twinge of warmth by hearing the name of my alter-ego. "What do you want bitch?"
"Oh don't get catty with me sugar," she said pursing her lips and applying some dark red lipstick, "however, I do need a little, teensy favour from you."
"Ok, let's hear it then?" I said with a deep sigh, knowing full well I'd hate whatever it was she had planned.
"You know Mr Marshall's having a Santa's grotto thing tonight at six? Well I was supposed to go help him with it, but I can't make it, and I know he'll be so disappointed if I don't show up, but I thought that maybe," she paused looking at me with pleading eyes, "you could...?"
The question was left open-ended, hanging in the air between us for a moment as I tried to work out what she meant. Then it clicked. "Hell no! I'm not waiting on a bunch of snotty kids all night. Forget it!" I huffed reaching for the door handle. That was until Becca spoke again.
"Ok, if you really want my brother to know that his best friend was fucked by his own father, then you go ahead and open the door. I won't stop you."
My heart sank and my head drop, a moment later my hand dropped too, away from the door handle. "Please, don't tell him," I begged softly.
"It's ok, I won't," Becca stroked the back of my head gently and whispered into my ear, "as long as you do as I asked, I won't tell a soul."
"What do I have to do?" I whispered back in resignation.
"Just go to Mr Marshall's at six and help him with the whole Santa's grotto, kid's thing. Nothing too difficult." Becca said with renewed cheer. Reaching for the for the door handle she said over her shoulder, "Your outfit is in that grey duffle on the floor."