The music was so loud in the lounge. Even it was jazz but it came out of the jukebox not men. She felt trapped between the two feelings: amazement and discomfort, when she saw everything ran automatically without robots and human labors, just the screens showing the menu and music playlist, everything would work as commanded. Even though Alexis stayed with friends, the strange loneliness gradually killed her.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3i8i4T0edd 維尼
They could order thing, selecting each menu by just touching the screen or speaking to it. Waiting for a few seconds, they could get what they wanted. At this point, Alexis realized that the government told them many lies. They kept the knowledge within themselves. People were already living in the future but had been thought they lived in the past. Honestly, this might be only a small part of the whole truth.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbeTycyxqO 維尼
They told none; they explain nothing. The captives were abandoned on a lone island that was full of luxurious facilities. Alexis kept asking herself, what the purpose of this place? She did not know if it was far from her home or it was located in the capital, under the ground, or above the sky. Not any single clue enlightened this skeptical mind. It was the third day of her living here. People called this place ‘dormitory’ but it looks like they resided in the privilege prison.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBwUjevmH3 維尼
“Hey, do you know John Lloyd?” She asked a girl who walked past by.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ925m17sDwJ 維尼
She answered immediately. “Of course, I love him! Oh my god, you’re his fan too?” Her eyes sparkled like diamonds but the asker’s face saddened.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQm5iF66e7 維尼
“Ah, yes.” Alexis waved her hand and returned to her group.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3ceo2DW0I 維尼
Wade was watching the drinking order. Searching for nice cocktails, his eyes almost dipped into the screen. Alexis and Oslo thought he might try everything.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tbMiczfef 維尼
“Slippery Nipple”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw0HC0En8b 維尼
“What a name!” Oslo laughed out loud while Alexis was giggling.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfesgwxmdd 維尼
The blond winked, “If you don’t know Sex on the Beach, you won’t recognize this cocktail, nerd.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvG0vrhSH9 維尼
“I think it’s for girls,” Alexis said.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2r3t6SPow 維尼
“No! Girls prefer it doesn’t mean it belongs to them,” Wade made the point and tasted the drink, “Umm, sweet,” and offered Alexis to try. She took a sip and agreed, “Yep, very sweet.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYaW5HCfnq 維尼
“Try one, Oslo. See how Tessa drinks like a man. Get one and go talk to her,” Wade suggested and gave a knowing smile to the girl.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7WVichzkq 維尼
“Tessa? Why does it relate to her?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡiasvgGhB9A 維尼
“Don’t play dumb. We know what you’re thinking when you first saw her. She’s damn beautiful and your jaw dropped.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡf87L7F4UvI 維尼
Oslo narrowed his eyes to the girlfriend.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZEXQ05Sd7 維尼
Alexis gave him a shrug. “Yeah, it’s very obvious. Sorry to say the truth,” replied to him.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjI0ffiTrS 維尼
“Well, yeah, she’s beautiful. I’m just a man and nothing special. She likes a guy like you, a stupid macho boy.” 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBCJmSbdzc 維尼
Wade arched his eyebrow, “Hey, I’m not stupid. I was on the list. Hello? Don’t you remember?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsUVlHVfaj 維尼
“That’s why I’m always curious.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡOevLKr6R5n 維尼
“He’s got straight A’s, Oslo,” Alexis told him. “And was the captain of the soccer team. I know it’s hard to believe that but he was not that stupid macho guy.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH6HqfVHiP 維尼
“Oh yes, I always forget how cool you guys are. Get excellent grade, be a sportsman, and possess the beauty, (“I know it’s sarcasm but thanks anyway.” Alexis gave him a broad smile.) Wade. Don’t blame me. Please blame your up-and-down temper. It makes you look stupid.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGrVcEROAa 維尼
The girl group sitting next to them giggled louder. Apparently, they eardropped the conservation and their eyes mainly focused on Wade Miller. Clearly enough, they had a crush on him. Even in this lotus-eater island, he was still popular among girls.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYHq9A7Lla 維尼
The boy gave them a short smile and countered Oslo. “Well, don’t blame my temper. I’m the one who has been sent because of possessing the cocaine less than 100 g. Can I call myself the most unfortunate man of the world?” He returned to the menu screen. “Angel’s kiss.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡikoGor9HFd 維尼
He passed the drink to Oslo. “For you, comrade. Be brave and take a move! We’ll help you, right Alex?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡJFRBpRx8Fu 維尼
“Yeah!”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKJNi3RLrc 維尼
“Oh, please Alexis. Don’t spoil him!”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jgT9Xi40C 維尼
“I don’t! Just be a good friend.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMbuHnt8q1 維尼
“Please return to your obsession about this place and leave me alone.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXOA5ts9OV 維尼
“What is she obsessing?” Wade asked immediately. “Why don’t you talk to me like you talk to him?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiffqLRVSS 維尼
She rolled her eyes. Oslo should not have mentioned it. “Because you always hate my idea.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnqSrOKCVT 維尼
“Let me hear so I can tell whether I hate it or not.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8gFbpA9HE 維尼
“No, I won’t”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡYrweZGj6xa 維尼
“She thought we’re in the cattle farm in Eastland.” Oslo jerked his brow which disturbed her. “He’ll keep asking you until you spread it out. Just tell him.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiasc5Dtet 維尼
Wade snapped his finger. “You know me. So what about this cattle farm?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDAHDzOsdy 維尼
Alexis kicked the counter bar. “You start it so you talk,” she stole Oslo’s drink and consumed half of it.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i0jSMUFf1 維尼
The red head nodded. “Okay…it’s a farm in Eastland. They feed the cattle the best food, serve them beer, massage them, and turn on the music to release their stress before cruelly slaughtering them so Alex thought we’re the same, the cattle.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgEx541MDb 維尼
Wade bit his lips. As she had expected, he did not like her idea. Alexis gave a black look to her redhead friend. “Sorry.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLdvqp76qe 維尼
But it was true. What she was thinking sounded rational. She could see on their faces that they were wondering too. They should become aware of it. Why the authority caged all the captives in this kind of illusional paradise. They almost had everything except the open space to see the world outside. They told them nothing, especially what they were going to do to them. And the fact that John Lloyd was not here. So where was he? Where were the others? Hundreds of questions popped up but no answer.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIMdASRnP0 維尼
“What’s the matter with that?” Wade opposed her thought.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡIKaQcQNWPj 維尼
“I know you gonna say this.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mtNlLANnk 維尼
“Yes, it’s because we can do nothing. If they’re really treating us like cattle, what you’re gonna do? Just live to the fullest while you can. If tomorrow they kill me, I tell you I won’t regret.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA8o6krAiG 維尼
Oslo sat quietly looking at the cocktail and Wade stared at nothing in particular. I’m the only one thinking the worst of the authority. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWe4A09ZYo 維尼
“See? I shouldn’t have said it. Next time, I won’t talk to you. You expose everything.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfWEGgDlzN 維尼
Oslo pushed the drink away. “Sorry. It’s because you two teased me about Tessa. I just want to stop you two. But honestly, Alex, I agree with Wade. I know how you feel. But we really can do nothing. Enjoy our life as we can. At least, it’s not the prison I imagined it to be, not even close. Perhaps, it’s not that bad like what you’re thinking.” He turned to Wade. “And I prefer beer.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM9gQf06cO 維尼
“Boring…Oslo if you want to get a girl, you must change everything. Come on Alex! Forget about that useless thought. Help this nerd lose his virginity!”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2gfCqLJ5B 維尼
“Shut up! Stop messing with me.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡF34r3aJNch 維尼
“Hey, guys!” Tessa greeted them. She was standing attractively with a hand on her waist, wearing a black crop and khaki cargo pants.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOAJ4LfKLL 維尼
“It’s time, Oslo!” Wade cheered his friend up when the Thomas joined in. Tessa, aged nineteen, was their first friend here. She acted like the host, taking them touring around the dormitory and guiding the directions. She and her siblings stayed here for approximately three weeks and might be the first groups of the residents. She told them that there were a few people stayed before them and the newcomers came every day.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHQSdPr1Gv 維尼
“Alexis, I heard you still asking for John Lloyd at the cinema. If we don’t see him, no one sees too.” The girl said and observed Alexis’s jacket, “this one is nice too.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb6ruHuHCI 維尼
Behind Tessa were Minnie and Noel. Minnie was the youngest among the Thomas, aged seventeen, a year younger than Alexis’s group. Unlike Tessa, Minnie was quiet and loved to hide her tiny body behind her brother. She rarely voiced her opinion but once she spread it, everyone would turn silent because they did not understand what she said or sometimes it was too awkward; in consequence, Alexis and her friends had a few chances to talk to her. For the big brother, Noel was the oldest and might be the oldest among the captives. He used to be a soldier, now aged twenty-eight. Noel owned the tall and sturdy body which made Wade look like a little boy. The Thomas siblings shared the same chestnut skin and the dark hair. Minnie and Noel had the same ocean eyes while Tessa owned a pair of light gray. She had a pair of very lovely eyes.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0Wmpn63KB 維尼
“We’re going to the club. Do you guys want to come with us?” She talked to them but her eyes solely gave all interest to the boy with the blond hair.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3t0CnWQB8 維尼
“Oh yes,” Wade quickly accepted when Oslo, instead of talking to his crush, intensively stared at his hand as if it was the most interesting he could not take his eyes off. “Oslo just talked about going there.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCb99Obvh4 維尼
The mentioned person abruptly shot his glanced towards the bossy friend but Alexis locked his head and nodded in agreement.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3zAFTC1WQ 維尼
Tessa might suspect their strange reaction but smiled anyway. “Okay, shall we?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEhz2qsVwW 維尼
Wade pushed Oslo out of the chair. The redhead groaned when his friends forced him to take more advance.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH0RvLrBtG 維尼
To help Oslo got the girl; Wade let him walked with Tessa while he tried talking to Minnie. Alexis coped with Noel. Their plan totally went on without smoothness so the brother could notice.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xs4wCMm6X 維尼
“He’s a very good person,” Alexis hurriedly said that when his ocean eyes fixed at Oslo. “Really, very good and kind.” 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMBgQ8irks 維尼
“I see what you’re playing but Tessa is not someone you can play cupid with. And that boy’s totally not her type. You know? He’s too shy and too weak. I didn’t mean to offend your friend but he looked like her little brother,” he jerked his head to let her see the real situation.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡiO8k4w158E 維尼
The girl was speechless because it was true. Oslo did not look comfortable at all and this gesture would ruin the chance to get a girl, especially the girl with high confidence like Tessa. The girl chose the topic and he said only, “Yeah. That’s right. Aha.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡmizsZXObRo 維尼
0% possibility of success. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ha0i73LSO 維尼
“Why you guys end up here?” She asked the older man. They entered the club, just thirty seconds walk from the previous location. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE1fqonHki 維尼
“Oh, it’s a long story.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnQVwh9vHI 維尼
“We love to hear.” Wade interrupted them. It was hopeless to talk to Minnie because the girl was humming a song instead of listening to Wade’s story. Alexis instantly looked at other thing to avoid laughing.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡniPIPAyuOg 維尼
The music was louder than in the lounge and people were crazy in dancing. Personally, Alexis did not like the club better than the lounge. She was not a big fan of Jazz music but pure electronic dance was not her thing. Tessa invited them to dance but only Oslo (whom they coerced him through the eyes to go with her) joined the girl. Alexis and Wade sat with Noel and Minnie, eager to listen to the Thomas’ story.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvQMB9MCct 維尼
“You two don’t like dancing? Tess is so crazy about it. We don’t have anything like this in our hometown.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGGuuQFTvr 維尼
“In the Waste?” Alexis asked.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡCydrVw9f3t 維尼
“Yeah, the city is like its name, wasted town, wasted people, a city of the waste.” He drank half of the beer in the bottle. “Okay, let’s hear my story.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxnHPeikhT 維尼
“We’re waiting for this,” Wade clapped his laps. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZcNH9KAD8 維尼
“Well, I worked since I was little as a low-wedged labor. Born stronger and larger than the others, that’s me. When the army announced the job recruitment, I applied at once, passed the basic training, and was transferred to the commando unit. I’ve done a very good performance so my chief favored me. An envious colleague accused me of being the Suspect. I don’t really know who did it but…the police said a colleague reported this issue. I had no chance to prove my innocence. People in The Waste are unfortunate. Even the cops are bad cops. As they received the false accusation, they arrested me without investigation or interrogation. (“It’s good you don’t have to enter the interrogation”, Alexis interrupted while Wade nodded in agreement. “They would torture you. You’ll be convicted anyway.”) Well, so it means there’s no justice anywhere? You know? My chief was really upset because he aimed at sending me to the borderland with the new battalion unit but he had no power to interfere the legal process. My mother asked for justice, at least for the investigation. She is the real fighter and they mocked her and our family. At that time, Tessa made the unbelievable things.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC9iRrMHdK 維尼
“Is she the Risk?” Wade asked.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfp340UHFm 維尼
At this point, Alexis and Wade opened all their ears wide. Alexis had the experience with the Risk but it was far from impressive and she saw none of Sonya’s power except the outcome. The kids knew all the captives meaning they lived the Risks and the Suspects but three days in this place, none of the Risks presented themselves.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3X1nWzjyC 維尼
Noel took a quick glance to Tessa who was dancing with the other boys and Oslo was left alone. Alexis felt that she directly told them through her body language, “Stopping pairing him with me.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjfdUcOkfC 維尼
Noel continued, “She did not know about her ability. Tessa was upset and furious of the way the authority treated the citizens and the citizen is our mother. She shouted to them in anger, aimed at cursing them but it was the sound, very strange sound emitted out of her mouth. I’m not sure what really happened but that sound attacked the cops. And everything turned bad, she could not control herself. She was standing puzzled. And all of us were charged.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEdS3i0lzB 維尼
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Alexis told him. “But why they did arrest all of you? Okay, you were arrested but why Minnie was charged too?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPQ0CeOuoz 維尼
Noel smiled in a bitter way. “They said brothers and sisters tended to share the superhuman ability. Therefore, I and Minnie were judged as the Suspects after that.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHjeGs1mGW 維尼
Wade and Alexis exchanged their looks. It was the worst case for Oslo who had four brothers and sisters. They were not sure if they were fortunate or not but the legal process in San Bosa was surely better than in the Waste. But ‘better’ did not mean justified.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0cY5tvacu 維尼
All of them glanced at the boy with the red hair who stood foolishly when Tessa enjoyed with the others. Alexis wondered if it was the right choice for them to force him chasing the girl. She did not like to see her friend being dumbed.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5EoCqbLdo 維尼
“I’ll call him to sit with us,” she told Wade.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡmODlnzcojP 維尼
“Just wait for a little bit more.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqCofplKmX 維尼
“It won’t work,” Minnie finally said something. They hardly heard her speaking. The girl pointed to Tessa and Oslo. “Tess doesn’t like him. She likes someone like you,” she pointed to Wade. “And that boy,” her finger moved to the boy who was sitting alone at the corner of the club. Only the tower of glasses was his companion. He had not talked to no one but always attracted ladies’ attention.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXwngYL1gw 維尼
The moment Alexis flashed her eyes at him and he quickly noticed it, she felt a little bit strange. He was always quick to notice the stare. That boy, with the light silver hair and deep blue eyes, sat under colorful lights like a celestial being. Sometimes his expression sent back the look of her reaction. It was odd or embarrassing when he could catch her sight every time she took his eyes on him. She recognized him since the first day of their staying here. She already knew this boy.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLxq39lX1j 維尼
“That boy,” Noel murmured. “He doesn’t talk. We tried to befriend with him but he preferred to be alone. Very strange boy, we don’t even know his name.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sN0527D32 維尼
“Michael,” Alexis answered him.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PFwvqSAPj 維尼
“You know him?” Wade asked, wary. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2P1knZrmyz 維尼
“Yes, we met a long time ago. I think he’s very shy…or doesn’t like people.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOOCgogcsB 維尼
“When?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4n8jXKNJS 維尼
“I met him during the audition.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡp40ccnBOB8 維尼
“Which audition?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlIbesbreN 維尼
Alexis tried to be patient. “Lexy jeans. He came with a man but it seemed like he did not want to come or was forced to. When he knew it was the audition for TV commercial, he shouted and tried to leave. But he’s very outstanding. Every girl eyed on him. I remembered once John saw him, he said that Michael should be the presenter and he should be the extra.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPW58UWdDZ 維尼
“That’s all?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGooELrncI 維尼
She frowned to his bossiness.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71v6NjyydG 維尼
“He stared at Alexis,” Minnie suggested.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oeJwMWF2C 維尼
“Yes, because we remember each other but he did not like to talk to me too. I greeted him this morning; saw him in the cafeteria alone like this. Instead of saying something, yes or no, he answered me by walking away.” Alexis sniggered.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDgh3AEbTB 維尼
Now the boy collected his sight to himself.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTXRJ4jnMP 維尼
“Yeah, he loves walking away when someone talks to him,” Noel agreed. “Same experience.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDuKVw3taO 維尼
“Nah, just a boy and a weird one.” Wade acted like he was not interested but could not hide his envy through the tone of his voice.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQQUq0aVhH 維尼
“He’s hot…hotter than you,” Minnie said. “He’s one of Tessa favorites. You, that boy, and...”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡsEkxKxSBts 維尼
“Minnie.” Noel shook his head. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡGS1Akxqog1 維尼
The younger girl was not exaggerated when she compared him with Wade. Michael was a boy who all girls automatically forgot the existence of John Lloyd when they saw him. She remembered that moment well, which was the reason why John had made the joke about the replacement. The boy was an angel in disguise. Alexis admitted that she was one of those girls.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8YZ7HoXeO 維尼
“So you’re a model?” Minnie asked, curious. Alexis did not know if she had to feel like gaining victory when she could attract this girl’s interest.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡViYAVUH4Yn 維尼
“Not really, an amateur actually,” Alexis replied. Minnie moved forward to Alexis. Her eyes turned sparkling. “So he’s a model too? Is he your type? I see he observes you since we came here.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9cVQnxXiC 維尼
“No, he didn’t I can guarantee that.” Alexis bit her lips. “I already said because we have met before.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3gYUFh7SM 維尼
“But he had never eyed on Tessa longer than five seconds. You got ten.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fhFOOjjlE 維尼
Noel laughed. “You counted it?” The way he looked at his youngest sister was like the way Alexis’s father looked at her when she was seven.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBw7bV6tPn 維尼
Minnie nodded like a little child.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsHQ6R1iAf 維尼
“He’s not Alexis’s type,” Wade made his own summary.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡCveHNxMX8w 維尼
“How do you know? He’s super cute.” Alexis quickly responded but it was the mistake because Wade did not like that compliment.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPvH2DKtPe 維尼
“Well, compared to your ex, he was blond, tall, handsome and athletic, nice and gentle.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkYXJzsV1c 維尼
“Wade…Don’t start it, please. I’m not Belinda.” She almost forgot what the pain from backstabbing was like. Didn’t the yearning for family and friends torment her heart enough? Why did Wade still dig it up?8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M9PmO5Pnn 維尼
“I’m sorry. I just answer Minnie.” He gave a shrug.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡFGPyAhefhF 維尼
“No, you don’t intend to answer her. You intend to tease me.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtWokNLuXz 維尼
“You mean yourself? Are you her type? But you’re not gentle,” Minnie still urged for more details without worrying about the use of her words. However, Alexis did not think Wade would care anymore. And he deserved the true comment about himself.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZLmLoJI7T 維尼
“She’s right. You’re mean.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡtD3EhK7TIc 維尼
“Kids...,” Noel interrupted. “And Minnie, don’t ask personal stuffs.” So Minnie abandoned her interest in Alexis and drew backed to her chair watching people in the club with her daydreaming eyes.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡTG3JHd7sIQ 維尼
“I’m sorry,” Wade whispered.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LOvC4h7OV 維尼
“You’re not sorry. You’re always like this,” Alexis complained. “Since we came here, you act like…”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hpQ0Mbl3V 維尼
“I just want to know if you forget him.” Wade did not yield. “If you have no feeling, why are you upset with me?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz2EUsLGjG 維尼
“When did I tell you I have no more feeling for him?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBURIxFAXf 維尼
Noel and Minnie sat quietly when their conservation gradually turned into a small quarrel. Alexis knew they were listening. “You know Wade. Find Belinda, if you want to practice your verbal attack skill. And if you want to know, yes, I still love Davy. Okay? Satisfied now?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZasuLHN4Z 維尼
Wade stood up and went to Tessa right away. He commanded Oslo to return to the seat and danced with the girl without caring of Oslo’s feeling. Tessa gladly welcomed him.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH4g14owDw 維尼
Oslo returned to sit next to Alexis with a breath of relief. He asked, “What’s up to him? Do you guys argue again?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75SXthpISM 維尼
Without Belinda Carter, Wade still sought for a counter partner to practice his argument. He usually stimulated her feeling of longing for the past life. Alexis tried her best to continue the life in accordance with his philosophy but it was too difficult than she had thought when he continued this kind of behavior.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWqPB0XPGs 維尼
It’s hard to be myself, the old me, when I lose everything. What do you think I suppose to do, Wade? Run to you for comfort?8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtgFTDSGLC 維尼
“So you two did fight again,” Oslo concluded when she did not give him the answer.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡgqQFE8XsPl 維尼
“You know him. He likes to jab on my old wound.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDfmBtAwUi 維尼
“He’s a spoiled child,” Oslo agreed. “Instead of acting like a love guru, he should learn to be polite and modest first and then he can get into you.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYrBuHCyrz 維尼
Then Noel just said, “The spoils of young love.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLw4JAPODB 維尼
Alexis heard and understood what he meant ‘young love’. “Old man, young love doesn’t mean to be immature but what between me and Wade is not love.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwUwKF9Y9D 維尼
He raised both of his hands. “Nope, I don’t want to argue with you. Have to do the brother’s job.” Noel stood up and moved towards Wade and Tessa who began to get closer and closer.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4v4yxzEBD 維尼
Oslo sighed. “He’s really a boy. He’s trying to call your attention.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfKl7hecUO 維尼
“How do you feel, Oslo?” Alexis jerked her head to their friend and the girl with the dark hair.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡZC8yTN5hFQ 維尼
“Honestly, I don’t feel anything. No jealousy, no bad feeling towards Wade, I just met Tessa. She’s beautiful truly. But to be honest, I miss Christina even now. This is why I understand you, Alex. So stop helping him, okay?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡsk5B4HvOAK 維尼
“Okay,” she surrendered with a shameful face.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡlarustSEeO 維尼
The situation made them closer. As Belinda seek new peers and they pretended not to recognize each other, the trio became close friends within a short time. What made Alexis feel uncomfortable was the way Wade regarded himself as her boyfriend-to-be. He was a very good friend except when he acted like this. Sometimes he mentioned about Davy and June just to see her reaction. It was true that the arrest and the departure from home built the severest pain to her. It was more painful than any other thing. Even the story that Davy and June had broken her heart could not compare with this pain. But the scar is the scar. It might not hurt like a fresh wound, still, when you see it, you remember how the pain had done to you.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3MJZgyVyU 維尼
Noel returned to the seat with angry Tessa. “I’m not a little girl!”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KLjT2zP2p 維尼
“But you’re not immature. Don’t flirt around. I mean stop flirting, stop playing games.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jOCv1fNnl 維尼
“You’re not my dad! I can do what I want!”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPyNzjWreh 維尼
“I’ll go get some drinks,” Alexis whispered to Oslo, hurriedly sneaking out to escape the scene.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡxADbCaPJmY 維尼
“Wait!” Oslo followed. “What is this day? I feel the heated argument everywhere.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvFR44KGkg 維尼
They ordered couple glasses of light beer and decided to sit behind the fountain of wine. Without Wade, sharing her mind with Oslo was easier. He was a good listener who could listen to anyone’s view. On the contrary, Oslo would expose her thought if Alexis tried to tease him.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡbI139ETuU0 維尼
“That’s Belinda.” Oslo pointed.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡRopSmpKPAy 維尼
Alexis followed his guide. The former friend was chatting with a new group of people. Belinda could manage herself to go with the mainstream like Wade did naturally; the only similarity they shared. Belinda was laughing and looked happy with her new friends. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kAnBrG0Tw 維尼
“You still talk to Carter. I see,” Alexis said. “You’re not angry with her?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KKqw4x7kZ 維尼
Oslo shook his head. “I was but we’re in the same boat now. And I’m kind of having sympathy. You two are very cold to her.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaF0iJQsAL 維尼
Alexis was shocking. “Cold? She intended to defame me.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyvvLh2Dvz 維尼
“I know. At least, you ignore her. I didn’t offend you.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31JoplpkGy 維尼
She rolled her eyes. “I know you have a very kind heart, Oslo. I may not complain Carter or blame her but I can’t help stay away from her. I don’t know what she’s thinking and she has never said sorry to us. It’s unbelievable to see you still talk to her. Totally respect.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0POtST06kS 維尼
“You've overrated me. I just have sympathy.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0Em1tY4HY 維尼
“She has new friends and she looks very happy without us. She doesn’t need your sympathy. I know you have good intention but I am afraid she’ll betray you or use you someday. Stay away with this kind of people. This is what I want to tell you.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBt1O1DqcM 維尼
Oslo nodded but she knew he was too kind to accept her warning. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡOM85VdkBZ7 維尼
A small clatter sound of an object fell near their position. Alexis turned to see it. The object had the shape of a rectangle metal, no, not metal. The color on its surface was golden-white and small oval diamonds decorated its elegant body. She picked it up. It was a lighter.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡe25vDoOPI2 維尼
“Wow,” Oslo gasped when Alexis picked it up.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmnIg7IVzV 維尼
“Who is the owner? I think it’s very expensive.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF3PdSH8Cl 維尼
“Is it a lighter?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRCY96hDlD 維尼
“Yes.” Alexis opened it.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdFFtBzriN 維尼
“Sorry, it’s mine.” A soft-spoken voice was above her head. Alexis and Oslo looked up and they saw a very good-looking young man.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgCNHAohO7 維尼
“It’s so beautiful,” she said and gave it back to him. He took it back but the way his fingers lightly touched her hand transmitted an eccentric feeling.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡmscnzNtv84 維尼
“Is that…man?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQ9697uBWS 維尼
“You remember me?” he asked Oslo.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpMMpHHjN9 維尼
Both nodded. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXfqUpCfLl 維尼
Obviously, he was older than them. This man was the same person who smiled at her at the cafeteria on the first day. And Wade started acting like her boyfriend-to-be since then.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ5vB8foOO 維尼
“Why do you guys sit here?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuWEc5mKtG 維尼
“Ah…we’re chatting,” Oslo replied.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2gPHCHlga 維尼
“Sit here?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡjG2PPcf4Hz 維尼
“It’s quieter.” Alexis and Oslo stood up so their neck would not get pain. He was a few inches taller than her. The one that might come from a rich family as she judged from his fine outfits, it looked like he walked out from the men’s fashion magazine with the perfect short hair and beardless face.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6XptSJYPNH 維尼
“B.R. Is that the lighter’s brand name?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9da5oHZVl 維尼
“No, it’s my name.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4OCUzIQpI 維尼
His amber eyes switched from Alexis to Oslo and vice versa. “Where is the blond hair?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkt62bqgGw 維尼
He even remembered Wade.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgQyFe0qWH 維尼
“He’s dancing.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NIByy5vmZ 維尼
“Oh...” He looked at Wade who was dancing with the other girl because Tessa was sitting with her chin on her knee on the sofa next to her brother.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLeeIP5dqg 維尼
“And you don’t dance?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoH9zJNB4L 維尼
Alexis shook her head. “No, I don’t”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03t5DldZYn 維尼
“You don’t like dancing?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyH05xIxJR 維尼
“I do but not this time.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFERL3e2of 維尼
“Okay, you guys, spend your time,” Oslo lowered his head with a knowing smile on his face.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZkR8Ol7Ud 維尼
“Hey,” she called him when he left her alone. “Damn.” As he turned to the young man, he was staring. Without a smile, his eyes conveyed the meaning so well. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNwdlKan33 維尼
“How long have you been here?” she asked.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrm1e0Wu5S 維尼
“Good question. About three weeks.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa6bEjrnrJ 維尼
Like the Thomas. “Have you known John Lloyd?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Q4Z3f4J4 維尼
“Who?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSF2A4G7L0 維尼
“You don’t know him?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQG3nh84dk 維尼
“No,” he firmly insisted. “Who is he?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡWvtzSlw5sO 維尼
“Nothing.” Alexis was disappointed. Tessa was right, no one saw him here. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0IzZghPv5 維尼
“If you don’t dance, how about join me a drink?” 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqdRE16PnJ 維尼
There was something in his smile, like an invisible twinkle light flashing to her eyes. He had the charisma, the dangerous one. Alexis almost forgot herself when those amber eyes locked her gaze. Anyway, this man had no will to hide the trap he built. The fire in his eyes did either lure or seduce the girl; on the contrary, it sat still, waiting for her to try how hot it was. And if Alexis was a challenging firefly… 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡurzpnCUnAW 維尼
“Ah, the music’s too loud,” he said and filled his glass with the wine in the fountain. “Well, if you don’t mind. I’m Benjamin. Just call me Ben, and you?” he introduced himself and offered his hand.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZrduUHCdA 維尼
“Alexis.” She shook his hand. Again, the way he touched her hands was like he offered an invitation card with a ribbon.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡg43Xk4bllv 維尼
“Nice to meet you, Alexis.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WrFHp3poI 維尼
Why did just the smile could be interpreted as flirting? Alexis pondered. He and the boy with the silver hair made her deceive in this untrue paradise. If Davy was not sitting in her heart, Alexis might try stepping onto the trap in front of her. But why Davy is still in my heart. He should go away. This man is so cute. Why I have to care someone who cheated on me? Oh, being nonsense, I can’t help. I’m just a girl. And girl has so much thought fusing in her mind. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLX1VB5vid 維尼
Eventually, Alexis regained her composure. Hot guy meant the fatal attraction. Davy taught her well. “I’m sorry. Have to go back to the group.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DGFUj8u7c 維尼
“Really? Your friends seem to enjoy with themselves well enough.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIAnkgPXq4 維尼
Alexis looked at Wade whose face turned red and he danced like no one watching. Tessa and Noel seemed like they had a drinking competition. Minnie was Minnie. And Oslo waved his hand to her and Ben like cheering.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUE9j9BX5Z 維尼
“Right?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUtoCeoH5r 維尼
Oslo, wait for my turn. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡMciQIrpWA3 維尼
“Well…” She did not know how to start or end it. He was handsome, super handsome, so why didn’t she take a chance. Just talking might not be bad and she was single. It was time to push Davy away.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXmZ1l4HRv 維尼
“I don’t dance but if you want to talk, I love to. Well, where did you come from?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡybi5Xy1les 維尼
“The capital.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡkY9Gc1mxnE 維尼
That’s why he wore those brands. “And you, Alexis?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQLt1u7zYg 維尼
“Alex, if you prefer a shorter name. I come from San Bosa in Idrina State.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6LExDcNF0 維尼
Ben chuckled.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2vdRxGnYZ 維尼
“What’s funny?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhBY5UeoFt 維尼
Again, if he could stop smiling, Alexis would be thankful. The way he gazed made her cheeks hot enough. Those piercing eyes were very penetrating and she felt like he saw everything in her mind.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXJfJHPZcz 維尼
“My best friend names Alex too.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuzhWTO9G4 維尼
“Oh, I see. Is he a man?” Stupid, why I suddenly become stupid?8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUYlghYdxI 維尼
“Of course, he’s a man. Not many girls are named Alex.” His voice sounded amused. As his eyes moved to her chin and neck, Alexis averted her side from the gaze.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNNfcZkEgq 維尼
“Sorry. I see you got injured.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡczYlcb5HCr 維尼
“It’s just bruises and scar…How do you end up here?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zy5RlmbCV 維尼
“If you don’t mind, I know how to erase those scars.” He did not answer her question but focused on her bruises. “In the infirmary, the medicines there can help you remove them. If you doubt my suggestion, please look around and you’ll understand. The secret knowledge of the government doesn’t mean only the technology.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3sNHn7147 維尼
“Really? Like remove all of it.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uqaQUbLJh 維尼
He nodded. “All of it. You want to go check it?” He offered a hand with a smile that she could not deny it. 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW9uQPKhi5 維尼
“Alexis!”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡohCtSSS87c 維尼
It was Tessa who called her from her seat. Wade was with her, narrowing his eyes at Ben. Alexis needed him to stop this kind of habits.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDmfxAphA1 維尼
Ben did not turn to see them but glance a little. After that, he courteously lowered his head saying, “Your friend calls you now. Don’t forget to take medicine there. Girls don’t like scars, is that right?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IEGIhRNea 維尼
“Thank you, Ben, really. You’re going?” 8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvve20j90L 維尼
His corner lips lifted up. “Next time, hope you have time for me. See you around.”260Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOu1GoWUteP
8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡQN1PJHdPzl 維尼
With just one blink, he was gone. Alexis did not understand why he was so hurry to go after Tessa called her.8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMiyfweJIy 維尼
“What are you talking with him?” Tessa walked towards and roped her hands on Alex’s arms. It reminds the girl of Elodie. “He may make you think he’s a prince but the real him is a wolf. Just so you know. I know him before you.”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡncBHlscJOV 維尼
“Oh, he reveals his true identity already…but a very kind and charming wolf, don’t you think?”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBnGkhYgrs 維尼
“Oh please. Not all red riding hoods were rescued. They were devoured alive, young lady! Has no one ever warned you not to play with fire? ”8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEoTYOdu3D 維尼
Why I feel like I return to the school? Alexis now understood why people called this place, “dormitory”260Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1kBz2lnF3
8964 copyright protection256ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzzts8kdWh 維尼
