Together Forever- Chapters 9 & 10

We heard screaming outside. I ran to the window and opened it. Girls screamed at the top of the lungs for more *N Sync. Quietly, we went downstairs and out back. JC held up his hands for everyone to settle down.

“Everyone, please,” he said, “There have been a few...um...” he paused, “problems. Because of it, the show will be cancelled. Very sorry.”

“The party’s over!” one guy in the front shouted.

“Well, yea, but...” Alice started, then decided to keep her mouth shut.

“We’re outta here!” the same person announced as he led all the boys out.

“Let’s go find the girls,” Justin said, “I don’t think these girls are going to leave.” He motioned toward the girls, who were quiet now.

“Party’s over, guys,” Acyuta said. Half of the crowd left reluctantly, as the others decided to hang around to see what was up.

*N Sync, as the rest of us, ran toward the front through the back gate. As I was running, a piece of paper got stuck to my foot and I tried to get if off by kicking. I guess Justin noticed, because he went back to me and told me to stop.

“Wait!” he said, “It’s probably another note.” He was right. He read:

“Want the girls? Play our game.

But then what’s the point? You guys are dumb, all the same.

Turn this over, there might me more.

That is, if it’s the girls you’re looking for.”

Justin turned the note over and read:

“Riddle me this. Riddle me that.

My, my. Don’t you think the girls are getting fat?

Ya wanna give us a call?

But you don’t wanna ruin the girls’ fun at the mall.”

“What’s with the rhymes?” I said, frustrated.

“They’re riddles, stupid,” Alice rolled her eyes.

“I don’t get it,” JC said after a moment of silence.

“Fat? Mall?” Justin asked.

“Um...” Kimberly suggested, “There’s a workout center at the local mall. Could that be it?”

“Maybe,” I said.

“Um, oh well, let’s go anyway!” Justin said, “It could be.”

We piled into Justin’s Mercedes and drove off. We got to the mall in 10 minutes. Running up to the door of the fitness center, Lance pointed something out.

“It’s closed,” he said.

“Well, what do you expect from a sign that says ‘Closed’?” Acyuta forced a smile.

“Guys, look,” Daisy walked up to the locked door, pulling off a piece of pink paper, “Another note.”

> “Aww...too bad, you guys were too late

Guess you’ll never know the Jones’ girls’ fates

Maybe you’ll get some help from ‘Lady Luck’

Otherwise, you’re just as dumb as sitting ducks.”

“Um...” Joey said, scratching his head, “What?”

“Let’s see...” I said, “Lady Luck...Sounds familiar.”

“Hey!” Alice said, “Remember that fortune teller?”

“Yeah,” Acyuta said as she remembered the time when we, Kimmy, Alice, her and myself went to a tarot card and crystal ball reader.

“Madam...Luck...or something?” Kimberly tried to remember.

“Lucille,” I said abruptly. “Madam Lucille....Lady Luck for short...”

“Where would she be then?” JC asked.

“I know!” Alice exclaimed, “ Get in the car, I’ll give directions.”

We were there in less than 5 minutes. The little room was still open. I gasped as I saw the fortune teller with her head down on the table, eyes closed.

“Oh now,” Alice mumbled as she rushed over.

“Huh?” Madam Lucille woke up, “Oh, I’m sorry, I must have fallen asleep.” She struggled to say my friend’s name, “Alice right? You’ve been here before.”

“Yes, I have,” Alice nodded, relieved.

“We got a riddle, and...” I said, “I figured that this was the place I was supposed to go to.”

“Yes, yes, I know,” she sighed, “Those boys told me you’d probably figure out the riddle and come here. The left a message for you about the...er...twins...”

“What does it say?” Acyuta asked as Madam Lucille handed a note to Justin. I looked over Justin’s shoulder as we both read out loud:

“Lookie here, isn’t this fun?

We’ve always got you on the run

But enough games, that’s enough

We’re the pigs, you’re the wolf saying ‘I’ll huff ‘n I’ll puff’

But you’ll never get us, that’s the truth

You’re so stupid such foolish goofs

If you really want the girls, meet us in Paradise

But we’re warning you, it’s not for kids, take our advice”

“The club!” Daisy exclaimed.

“What?” Joey asked at the sound of the word “club.”

“It’s an over 18 club,” Daisy explained, “I went there for my 18th birthday.

“Oh,” JC said.

“How come you girls always get to figure out the riddles?” Justin asked.

“’Cause we’ve been around longer,” Daisy said, “at least in Queens.”

“Well, let’s go!” Justin said.

“Good luck,” Madam Lucille waved as we left.