NaNoWriMo DAY 1

       “You know he is only trying to get your information don’t you?” Hilary stepped out from the pillar she had been hiding behind and approached Scarlett who stood watching Brandon walk off.
“What’s that Miss Woodley?”
“I know you believe everyone here has good intentions but some of them are only here for the prize and will do anything to win it. Take that boy you were just talking to for example. He sits here chatting you up and doesn’t even mention the game and for all appearances he seems to want nothing but friendship; however, he is secretly trying to build you up to a point where he can get your clues and then he’ll ignore you.” Scarlett gathered her skirt and sat down on the stone bunch as Hilary followed her.
“Are you quite sure? He seems like such a nice young man.”
“Oh I know dear, I know. Its hard to believe that people like that could, in fact, be nothing more than scoundrels but it’s a hard truth of life. But don’t you worry, I’m here for you through thick and thin. If you need help with keeping that boy away I’d gladly help.”
Scarlett looked down at her lap and began to trace the swans carved into the stone bench with her finger. With a sigh she looked to where Brandon had exited the courtyard a few minutes ago, “I reckon I can take care of myself.”
“Of course you can Scar.”
*****
Across the courtyard Mrs. Deaver smiled at the interaction she was watching, “That girl is amazing. Ha! Look at that, Jim. Hilary has no idea that Scarlett Ann sees right through her.”
Mr. Deaver looked up from his ham sandwhich with a grunt. Why can’t I ever simply have a sandwhich without being interrupted? “Honey, you couldn’t possibly know what’s going on over there.”
“Oh don’t be sour, Jim. Of course I do! Just look at the way they are sitting there: Hilary keeps getting closer and touching Scarlett in comforting ways and Scarlett Ann reacts to each touch specifically and in such a way that it appears that she is truly depressed. But when Hilary just called her ‘Scar’ she lost her composure for a second and then….”
“Hogwash Mary! You can’t read lips!”
“Why do you always doubt me? Watch them. Scarlett Ann just said she appreciated that Hilary warned her about Brandon. Now Hilary is inviting Scarlett to dinner. Scarlett politely declined…”
“I can do that too, Mary. The pretty one just said that she would really love to eat her ham sandwhich in peace and quiet. ‘Oh I LOVE ham sandwhiches, especially before they‘ve sat in front of you for half an hour,’ that was the fat one….”
“JIM!!!”