Looking at alternate versions of her friends Dakota again experienced the feeling of subtle wrongness. They were both almost identical, save for a couple not-so-small changes. For instance this Piper boasted gazongas even bigger than “South” Piper had. But even those puppies couldn't quite overshadow the sizable muffin top underneath. And below that her behind expanded, so vast she resembled some kind of a pagan fertility goddess. Only at a second glance did Dakota notice that change affected not only Piper's body but also her attire. She was still wearing a T-shirt but this one boasted “Babs,” whatever brand this logo may represent. Plus her handbag and miniskirt were definitely designer too.
“South” Zack was at least two inches taller and significantly bigger all over too. he did show some muscles on his bare arms, but he didn't have the robust stature of a football player. His belly, peeking from underneath a tight T-shirt, seemed much softer. And indeed, just now he laughed at something the other guy said and it shook like jelly.
Wait a minute, the other guy? Yes, there were three of them at the hot dog stand, eating and laughing together. “Listen, North- I mean, Dakota, who's that tall boy with them?”
“Who?” North Dakota crammed remaining ChocoBars into her purse and looked up. “Oh right, you haven't met Jay in your world yet, have you? He's a cutie, right?”
“Uh...” Before Dakota could voice her opinion (not that she had any), her counterpart in this world shouted “Hi!” and ran ahead into the embrace of the unknown boy. And just as Dakota was forming a definite suspicion, she repeated the hug with Zack. And Piper. Thoroughly confused, she trailed behind. “Err, hi, guys,” she ventured.
“Oh, right! Guys, this is my best cousin… Nebraska! Nebraska, this is Piper Black – and Zack Tyler – and Jay Collins. ”
Jay was a tall gangly redhead, more rugged than handsome, a couple years older than both Dakotas, still rather slim but with a starter belly peering from under a ratty T-shirt. And he looked at her with keen interest. “So you're Dakota's secret cousin, Nebraska?” South Dakota only nodded. “Are you from Texas too?”
“Yeah.”
“That's weird. They always say in the news Texas is the most prosperous state in the US and yet the only two girls I know from there are such skinnies. At least Dakota has plumped up nicely since coming here,” He grinned mischievously at North.
“Oh, shut up, Jay!” she playfully jabbed a finger in his own little potbelly. “You know all too well how much I was depressed when I came here.”
“Anyway, you forgot something last time you were…. uh. Here.” He took out dark sunglasses, but instead of passing them over he hooked them in North's deep cleavage.
Dakota blinked, unsure what to make of it. Yet North seemed unfazed by this odd, invasive gesture. “Ah, thanks!” she beamed. “That's where I left them! Thanks a million!” and she gave Jay a peck on the cheek. “So what were you three up to?”
“Actually,” Zack quickly looked around, almost as if he were checking nobody was listening, “there's been a little snag with, huh, preparation. The one we talked about earlier. I was hoping you might be able to help...” his voice trailed out.
“I get it, I get it. Sure. Listen, Jay, take care of my cousin for a minute, will you? Show her the pier, get her something to eat-”
“No, no need...”
“-we'll be right back.” And North strode away with a determined frown.
Jay merely shrugged, probably used to playing a chaperone to Dakota's friends. “Look, there's a nice empty bench close by. How about we sit down here, enjoy the view, perhaps chat a little?”
Sure, why not?” As she was sitting down, Dakota intuitively lowered her voice just like Zack before her. “By the way, do you have any idea what the problem might be?”
“Oh, well,” Jay squirmed a little, “there's been some complication with bringing, well, provisions to Zack's party. But Dakota's the daughter of our DynaCorp boss, you know, right? She'll sort it out.”
“Rrright.” Evidently this was supposed to explain everything. It didn't but Dakota didn't like the implications that just flashed through her head. To change the topic she asked, “So you two are…. uh...” She paused, unsure how to finish the sentence.
“NO! Well, yes. Sometimes. Depends what you mean by 'uh.'” Jay winked.
“Where have you met? I know… I mean, she mentioned Zack and Piper to me but she hasn't told me about you a single thing.”
“She hasn't? Actually… But we keep talking and I'm neglecting my host duties. Would you like some brisket? No, no, don't stand up. I'll bring you some. I know Dee loves it and since you're a Texan too...”
“Yeah, I love it, too.” But I won't let you off the hook that easily. Dakota was content with sitting and enjoying the view while she waited for Jay to return. But as soon as he placed a full tray of spiced beef on her knees, she repeated her nosy question. “So… mmm, smells heavenly. So where have you two met?”
Jay sighed and made himself comfortable on the bench next to her. “Well, if you have to know, we met at a support group. See, I was trying to quit chain smoking for years, and failing. And Dee was depressed after moving here, not knowing anyone...”
“Yeah, I know that part.”
“See? Well, their group held their sessions before ours, one day she stayed behind, we got to talking and… It helped both of us. I no longer smoke and Dakota isn't alone anymore. A win-win. Sure, there were some side effects,” his hand slid over the belly, bunched into several small rolls now that he was sitting down, “but as all the doctors say nowadays, a couple extra pounds is good for you, eh?” Another wink.
Dakota nearly blurted out, Really? But that would give away she came from a much farther place than Texas. I should have a look into that, if I have time. It might explain some differences...
Jay paused, “Frankly, I'm not sure why I'm telling you all this. Normally I'm not this gossipy. It must be because you look so much like Dee. Well, like a starved Dee but apart from that you could easily be twins.” That was a topic Dakota would prefer to avoid. “how about you tell me a bit about yourself, too?”
This was even worse. “Well, uh… I come from a small Texan town, just like Dakota. I have a couple friends there...” she longingly thought about them, now doubly lost, "and, uh… Well, I do like brisket and it's hard to speak with a full mouth, you know?” She took a big bite to demonstrate it. “Perhaps you could tell me about this pier party first? Who are the people I'm going to meet here?”
“Ah, yes, there will be mostly people our age – well, more of your age but mine too, you already met Zack and Piper...” Jay kept talking about friends and acquaintances, whenever it looked he was going to finish Dakota nudged him with another question, asked pointedly with a full mouth. North had promised to be 'right back' but minutes stretched and she was slowly running out of things to ask.
Then Jay glanced at her tray. “Oh, finished already? Want me to run for seconds? There's plenty more where that came from.” And he was already standing up to do so.
Dakota stared. There was no way she could have eaten a whole tray without noticing, was there? Even though it was so delicious. But her stomach was saying otherwise, protesting against the quantities it was forced to process. “No, no, thanks. It's the best brisket in the world but I've had enough.”
“Ah, finally something in which you differ from Dee! She'd never say 'no' to brisket,” Jay smiled, “so would you prefer an ice-cream? A donut? Something sweet? Or...”
“No! Thanks but I'm stuffed. Uh...” Dakota was sure Jay would start asking about her home again so she desperately sought a topic, any topic, to avoid it. And as she looked around she could see North making her way through the crowds. “Besides, Dakota's already coming. See?”
“Ah, good. Hi, Dee! Everything sorted out?”
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