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Chapter Eight
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2024-10-29 19:42:56“Why do you suppose Margaret wants to have dinner with us?” Mark asked taking a deep breath from the hookah pipe blowing brilliant circles. “Check that out!” He laughed.
“I don’t know.” Hayley lay back on the couch staring at the ceiling. “I didn’t like the tractor ride the hay was itchy. It’s a good thing I brought my moisturizing cream.”
“Your turn,” Mark passed the pipe to Sarah who didn’t seem too keen.
“C’mon Sarah, you gotta chill,” Hayley said. “You did promise me that you’d try it.”
She grimaced, “Alright.” She took a long deep breath as she sucked on the pipe and began coughing relentlessly. The back of her throat felt like it was burning. “I don’t like this.”
“Hey, not like that.” Mark took the pipe away from her. He sucked on the pipe slowly, the bubbling of the water in the hookah made a slurping noise; he held for a moment and blew out another circle. “Like that.” He nodded his head proudly. “Go gently, don’t pull hard. Try again.
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The sun had faded, the streetlights were on, and neon painted faces glowed brightly in the dark. First came the police in full uniform riding their motorbikes slowly down the road, squad cars with the blue and red lights flashing, followed by proud officers upon horseback. A few meters behind came skateboarders performing tricks, gymnasts bending over, some doing handstands continuing along the road. The crowds roared in delight. Security guards marked by bright yellow jackets patrolled the road ensuring no one broke through the barricades.Four fire engines were flashing bright lights, headlights flickering, siren blasting. They stopped briefly then continued slowly down the road.“Finally.” Sarah shouted excitedly above the noise.” Grinning at Hayley, she said. “You were right. I’m glad we came here.”People pushed balloon carts, blowing hooters, threw bunches of balloons at the crowds, arms stretched out to catch them. In t
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