Rumpleteasza: Why are all my chapters so short? I hadn't realised before I started posting them. I see a few bright sparks noticed the Harry Potter line I snuck in... Well done! You win... er... nothing. But top marks for observational skills. Thanks as always to the regular reviewers - Tani, Enchantress, Itsumade... any more? Anyhow, Babydragon - don't worry. This won't be a Junato. I'm just treating Jun humanly, that's all. Daisuke's Girl... no Daikari. Sorry! But Dai isn't left out in the cold, I can tell you that. However tacky his rescue may be.
Keep you wondering. You plot-wenches.
:-D xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Chapter Eight – Doing Lunch
The four girls collapsed round a table in the Café Samba, laden with shopping bags.
"Dresses, shoes and accessories for all of us, and all of them in the sales!" Mimi said happily, surveying their bags. "A pretty successful morning, ne?"
"Totally," Kari grinned, reaching for a menu and scanning it quickly. "I can't wait for tonight."
"I can't believe I bought this dress!" Jun gasped, peeking in the bag. "It's way too daring for me! I can't wear it!"
"Of course you can, Jun!" Sora encouraged. "Don't be shy! I haven't worn a dress in years, but I've just gone out and bought this one!"
"It's all about attitude," Mimi said, flipping her silky hair over her shoulder. "If you feel great, you'll look great. Just think – 'I am Jun. I am beautiful. I am Jun. I am beautiful'."
"I am Jun… I am beautiful…" Jun repeated uncertainly.
"No!" interrupted Yolei. "You have to say it as if you mean it!"
Jun narrowed her eyes. She held up her head proudly. "I am Jun, I am beautiful!"
"Yeah!" Mimi applauded. "Now, go on, scream it out!"
Jun took a deep breath, her eyes glowing. "I am Jun! I am BEAUTIFUL!"
The restaurant went silent as people turned to stare.
"What are you looking at?" Mimi glowered at the rest of the customers.
Activity slowly resumed its normal pace.
"See?" Mimi said excitedly to Jun. "Do you feel any more confident?"
"Yeah!" Jun smiled, giving the others an appreciative look. "Thanks, you guys, you're the best!"
"Hey, don't mention it," Kari grinned.
"Are you ready to order?" Asked a young, good-looking waiter, approaching their table.
"Sure," Mimi smiled. "We'll have five cokes, please."
"And your food…?"
"Well…" Mimi picked up her menu. "What would you recommend?" she asked flirtatiously, playing with a strand of pink hair.
The waiter blushed. "Well – uh – you could try the prawn cocktail special with Marie-Rose sauce," he suggested shyly.
"Is there something low-fat I could get?" Yolei put in, her voice sugary. "I want to be able to fit into my dress…" She smoothed her top, showing off her tiny waist.
The waiter went even pinker. "Oh, well-"
"Could you bring us a list of recommendations?" Kari simpered, crossing her legs so they peeped out from under the table.
"I'm sure you'd know all the best dishes," Sora said, smiling sweetly and fingering the strap of her bag playfully.
The waiter stared at them, his eyes a little glazed. "I-"
Mimiwinked at Jun, a mischievous smile on her face. Jun understood and turned to the waiter, resting her chin on her hand. "Would you be a honey and add some extra ice in my drink?" she asked, winking at him. "It's… a little hot in here…"
The waiter went the colour of Sora's hair. "Sure – I'll – I'll just get a specials list…" he stuttered, almost tripping over a chair on his way back to the kitchens.
The girls burst out laughing.
"Oh Jun, that was perfect!" Yolei gasped. "'It's a little hot in here…' Did you see his face?"
The girls high-fived eachother before dissolving into giggles once again.
The boys were crouched outside the Café Samba's window, close enough to hear what was going on inside, eating hot dogs from a street vendor.
"Did you see what they just did to that poor waiter?" Joe said incredulously.
"A pack of cats," Izzy said darkly.
Matt was sniggering. "'I am Jun. I am beautiful'. Yeah, right. And the Pope hates Catholics."
"Don't be too hard on her, Matt," TK said quietly. "She's a little sensitive, you of all people know that."
Matt stared. "What's with you, TK? She's a repellent, irritating, stalking nightmare, and has been since the moment I met her."
"Don't be mean," TK shot back at him. He looked over at Daisuke. "C'mon Dai, back me up! She's your sister!"
"Don't look at me," Daisuke shrugged. "I agree with Matt!"
TK sighed in annoyance and stuffed the rest of his hot dog in his mouth before turning back to the window.
