Chapter 95
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Thursday Novemer 24th was Thanksgiving. Karen's parents were coming over for dinner. Eve wasn't sure what to make of them. Her father had become muslim since 2/4, her mother a born-again christian. Neither of them seemed to approve of her choices. The freeze between Eve and Karen had begun to thaw recently. She almost felt sorry for Karen, her own parents looking down on her. Karen's father asked if Eve would like to pray with him. Eve politely said she preferred to pray in private, or with other women. Karen's mother remarked "If Thanksgiving means coming to your house, eating your food, leaving a mess, and being ungrateful. Then every day was Thanksgiving with Karen." But Eve also remembered that this was her first Thanksgiving since her mother died. Karen brought this shame upon herself. Still, it was Thanksgiving. However uncomfortable this might've been, they were still family, for better or worse. With 969 days until impact, it was important to have these small moments to try and get along.
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Although Eve had off from both school and Ravenwood on Thaksgiving weekend she had little downtime. On Friday she attended regular prayer service at her mosque. That night RJ had a special assignment for her. Coah Miller, their gym teacher, sometimes organized small fights between studens. The kids all agreed to this, Miller felt it was a good way to let off some steam. On this Friday night there were four scheduled fights. Other students were invited to come watch. Miller refused to make money off this, RJ wasn't so benevolent. Eve's job was to take bets from anyone who wanted to bet on the fights. Eve would write down who made the bet, who they bet on, and what specifically they wagered with. They could gamble with money, food, shampoo, etc. At the end of the night the winners would collect from RJ. The losers would either pay up, or settle later. Eve knew this was a barbaric ritual, but somehow she got caught up in the excitement. She knew some of these guys, rooted for the ones she liked. RJ was right, they were just providing a service, a way to unwind in difficult times. Noone had to participate, but they should be allowed to do this if they wanted. Just supply and demand economics.