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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡgybXDZkofZ
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN79S9gbeW
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNlUn8QX1f
“Hey, do you know John Lloyd?” She asked a girl who walked past by.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiO4gr4AQk
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn7Iw0RNb5
“Ah, yes.” Alexis waved her hand and returned to her group.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJT5Dgdtef
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8xxcNZhoP
“Slippery Nipple”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYcJGJKxwV
“What a name!” Oslo laughed out loud while Alexis was giggling.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgExliNzM2
The blond winked, “If you don’t know Sex on the Beach, you won’t recognize this cocktail, nerd.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡOval3n93Fx
“I think it’s for girls,” Alexis said.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡShw51dOLLl
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoClVXDJxq
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlWWHZkQ2Z
“Tessa? Why does it relate to her?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVgU0i7P3S
“Don’t play dumb. We know what you’re thinking when you first saw her. She’s damn beautiful and your jaw dropped.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKhN5cKJWi
Oslo narrowed his eyes to the girlfriend.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ID5Fk5Za8
Alexis gave him a shrug. “Yeah, it’s very obvious. Sorry to say the truth,” replied to him.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy3gt4yATB
“Well, yeah, she’s beautiful. I’m just a man and nothing special. She likes a guy like you, a stupid macho boy.” copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4lKRrXCbT
Wade arched his eyebrow, “Hey, I’m not stupid. I was on the list. Hello? Don’t you remember?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkCyqiSwh3
“That’s why I’m always curious.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhCHx5L5GF
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡH9J3UBuReF
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡL90nHrFzXX
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBefiLk4R0
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyatC456Vj
He passed the drink to Oslo. “For you, comrade. Be brave and take a move! We’ll help you, right Alex?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGsN4aeKKb
“Yeah!”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnMWC5IXaz
“Oh, please Alexis. Don’t spoil him!”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU87nKcsR7
“I don’t! Just be a good friend.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDOfqSpED9
“Please return to your obsession about this place and leave me alone.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlxDh9JZ6T
“What is she obsessing?” Wade asked immediately. “Why don’t you talk to me like you talk to him?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4NIcbsoEk
She rolled her eyes. Oslo should not have mentioned it. “Because you always hate my idea.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqXkGod53Q
“Let me hear so I can tell whether I hate it or not.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUbMxtWgt2
“No, I won’t”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡa26YKj9dHO
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcfvxVUK1Y
Wade snapped his finger. “You know me. So what about this cattle farm?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgSM3qfZGI
Alexis kicked the counter bar. “You start it so you talk,” she stole Oslo’s drink and consumed half of it.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RL9PwsZJ9
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhm2NTXHEZ
Wade bit his lips. As she had expected, he did not like her idea. Alexis gave a black look to her redhead friend. “Sorry.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡGffy1jYhjF
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlwKumhXl0
“What’s the matter with that?” Wade opposed her thought.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68ita5n8N1
“I know you gonna say this.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tgn1iG0z0
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡGylcjQzANU
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. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU2TodZLlM
“See? I shouldn’t have said it. Next time, I won’t talk to you. You expose everything.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtf4QhmxiV
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYuTbOKKox
“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!”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0sHURUTDg
“Shut up! Stop messing with me.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqJVuAdQ7v
“Hey, guys!” Tessa greeted them. She was standing attractively with a hand on her waist, wearing a black crop and khaki cargo pants.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFugyG4iqt
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5tjNoaHhN
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXeHTJh7zo
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm47CDNGVe
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMkE672hPk
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Nijuc3LjD
The mentioned person abruptly shot his glanced towards the bossy friend but Alexis locked his head and nodded in agreement.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWZe4BRSiN
Tessa might suspect their strange reaction but smiled anyway. “Okay, shall we?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sAr6Gz9Yo
Wade pushed Oslo out of the chair. The redhead groaned when his friends forced him to take more advance.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3bLnFXqrh
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bd2QiEHaW
“He’s a very good person,” Alexis hurriedly said that when his ocean eyes fixed at Oslo. “Really, very good and kind.” copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhp5JwMiFK
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8OTUbzSC0
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GCnJsGn9Q
0% possibility of success. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF8JKSfxaU
“Why you guys end up here?” She asked the older man. They entered the club, just thirty seconds walk from the previous location. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡiS36LYikQU
“Oh, it’s a long story.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0AXojp4Hz
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1e3LYV0w6
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOYZUKXd4N
“You two don’t like dancing? Tess is so crazy about it. We don’t have anything like this in our hometown.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pOImc2MhK
“In the Waste?” Alexis asked.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcLzgxybx4
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡitThsN1q16
“We’re waiting for this,” Wade clapped his laps. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9w2STfUFw
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0JrzZY8bw
“Is she the Risk?” Wade asked.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡctZ6KsUMSV
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡS64o9WipRX
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwYFXxEVGP
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTjrZ3TTPM
“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?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡOITS62OprG
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnck29SH5y
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwrPYrTRkI
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8rx1yzQX1
“I’ll call him to sit with us,” she told Wade.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjoJErSw8Y
“Just wait for a little bit more.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FvxvtYoki
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Yryws65j3
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Pnvy1Wry5
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEKUbfnaEI
“Michael,” Alexis answered him.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMHUkdnrjG
“You know him?” Wade asked, wary. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqvSV4USwt
“Yes, we met a long time ago. I think he’s very shy…or doesn’t like people.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡXV8IQjXetC
“When?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWoERISeab
“I met him during the audition.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFCqyxutq0
“Which audition?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnW55Np31T
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYQ3DHMvVW
“That’s all?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPCjfbRKEh
She frowned to his bossiness.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBFIHKv6Ow
“He stared at Alexis,” Minnie suggested.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tvQx8xkDs
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡgliTEx4viI
Now the boy collected his sight to himself.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3krL2ch80
“Yeah, he loves walking away when someone talks to him,” Noel agreed. “Same experience.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8ujZ2rwm5
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDqhw4PBA7
“He’s hot…hotter than you,” Minnie said. “He’s one of Tessa favorites. You, that boy, and...”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmbFOXH0eQ
“Minnie.” Noel shook his head. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12ZwlYyNuV
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡStyjK5ozGY
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1lSGaQnb5
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡec7dJtbhgG
“No, he didn’t I can guarantee that.” Alexis bit her lips. “I already said because we have met before.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9aLsVRRuy
“But he had never eyed on Tessa longer than five seconds. You got ten.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡPczb5flVDw
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RJ85tBhLR
Minnie nodded like a little child.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡXY18Jt3Bky
“He’s not Alexis’s type,” Wade made his own summary.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aKJmPZHKC
“How do you know? He’s super cute.” Alexis quickly responded but it was the mistake because Wade did not like that compliment.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLuYTArvRd
“Well, compared to your ex, he was blond, tall, handsome and athletic, nice and gentle.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPboXVS0wd
“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?copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGnipJ8orT
“I’m sorry. I just answer Minnie.” He gave a shrug.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GEwFy673X
“No, you don’t intend to answer her. You intend to tease me.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡkqMvOKqHKX
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjDiB31Jrt
“She’s right. You’re mean.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtahZPP6XT
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hjRM8BdPl
“I’m sorry,” Wade whispered.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJEO1gR30j
“You’re not sorry. You’re always like this,” Alexis complained. “Since we came here, you act like…”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDNHUNxKTu
“I just want to know if you forget him.” Wade did not yield. “If you have no feeling, why are you upset with me?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXLXOy5pMV
“When did I tell you I have no more feeling for him?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXFqMHGELH
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?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡXikL0eyyZr
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CoOAdnFCa
Oslo returned to sit next to Alexis with a breath of relief. He asked, “What’s up to him? Do you guys argue again?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡBo7gOUYvyJ
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡcw2wh2LPBK
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?copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEnFsXSQDu
“So you two did fight again,” Oslo concluded when she did not give him the answer.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eT8vH2tcA
“You know him. He likes to jab on my old wound.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡdo7fVoiGdT
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtxO80L0Qp
Then Noel just said, “The spoils of young love.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRDo0963Ci
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPHL5D9njm
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLPNzYOlZF
Oslo sighed. “He’s really a boy. He’s trying to call your attention.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuxoTxxZAa
“How do you feel, Oslo?” Alexis jerked her head to their friend and the girl with the dark hair.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf0Z05CasW
“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?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJHmxhllDk
“Okay,” she surrendered with a shameful face.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oOxNH5lHG
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZVwYWBB64
Noel returned to the seat with angry Tessa. “I’m not a little girl!”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCNfZlxkGa
“But you’re not immature. Don’t flirt around. I mean stop flirting, stop playing games.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGytelbjGS
“You’re not my dad! I can do what I want!”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcRUJQQkrX
“I’ll go get some drinks,” Alexis whispered to Oslo, hurriedly sneaking out to escape the scene.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZAdfzyMUe
“Wait!” Oslo followed. “What is this day? I feel the heated argument everywhere.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyVv29Rdty
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sLXnuNePe
“That’s Belinda.” Oslo pointed.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡbedMssl1ef
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. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbObHQlz4O
“You still talk to Carter. I see,” Alexis said. “You’re not angry with her?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79hS6FnUUc
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ86rmSUOdV3
Alexis was shocking. “Cold? She intended to defame me.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡtafimX9Hwd
“I know. At least, you ignore her. I didn’t offend you.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDnOwuuToo
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xuyTmsIAn
“You've overrated me. I just have sympathy.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4y2mUZwCv
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ997YFCsz1
Oslo nodded but she knew he was too kind to accept her warning. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGylesHGah
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XlCZIwYe9
“Wow,” Oslo gasped when Alexis picked it up.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYiD6gjIJT
“Who is the owner? I think it’s very expensive.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzziUOLCuV
“Is it a lighter?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyTfaSYHRc
“Yes.” Alexis opened it.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlb9Zhpi08
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKIL3DzOf4
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9CDpNvoum
“Is that…man?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlIMuH3U03
“You remember me?” he asked Oslo.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bNLXQowEE
Both nodded. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoOd1d1xBv
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcRDYlk2fl
“Why do you guys sit here?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ixT4uKs0p
“Ah…we’re chatting,” Oslo replied.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BOVOQ9PoL
“Sit here?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡliXdVWygZO
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡC579YbDJEE
“B.R. Is that the lighter’s brand name?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LfXG4NQUb
“No, it’s my name.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡBguztqv2Hv
His amber eyes switched from Alexis to Oslo and vice versa. “Where is the blond hair?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjAXsz86iM
He even remembered Wade.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡKryZof4c5Y
“He’s dancing.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGfSfIjLK0
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBjQzMpHSI
“And you don’t dance?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC93CyiGLn
Alexis shook her head. “No, I don’t”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡF93U2jDl5o
“You don’t like dancing?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡllZFcyrCgj
“I do but not this time.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLWuOz36fO
“Okay, you guys, spend your time,” Oslo lowered his head with a knowing smile on his face.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVXxQZRtlW
“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. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGiRmuqN6G
“How long have you been here?” she asked.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rs4WgDZnT
“Good question. About three weeks.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRPLpFKg96
Like the Thomas. “Have you known John Lloyd?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1NvS9ZjX6
“Who?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05ys9uJMt7
“You don’t know him?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgYv1obMFk
“No,” he firmly insisted. “Who is he?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSlGoePoyM
“Nothing.” Alexis was disappointed. Tessa was right, no one saw him here. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyR311xKN0
“If you don’t dance, how about join me a drink?” copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuhQZjfa5U
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… copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvYNREb6uzE
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4c87e9EYX
“Alexis.” She shook his hand. Again, the way he touched her hands was like he offered an invitation card with a ribbon.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQsWHrfXCl
“Nice to meet you, Alexis.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8kFZZR5tq
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. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKvXTCb3h9
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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W0tTIV9Fx
“Really? Your friends seem to enjoy with themselves well enough.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxFQdFP4Lj
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv40sXDD1U
“Right?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2ROvKwqUc
Oslo, wait for my turn. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqKEgXk525
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxAty2rbGs
“I don’t dance but if you want to talk, I love to. Well, where did you come from?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tuXi0IOrD
“The capital.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q3M5jJppM
That’s why he wore those brands. “And you, Alexis?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOk5hS8J4O
“Alex, if you prefer a shorter name. I come from San Bosa in Idrina State.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaiG8AHRp8
Ben chuckled.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqzxcERW3g
“What’s funny?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy43DmWM51
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhcSXksEcR
“My best friend names Alex too.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGimeu06r4
“Oh, I see. Is he a man?” Stupid, why I suddenly become stupid?copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaDrehNa3T
“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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDanw7IYMU
“Sorry. I see you got injured.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzB8WQDWW4
“It’s just bruises and scar…How do you end up here?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jfEKtVyEZ
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQCCd8KW7w
“Really? Like remove all of it.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡRX6t52jJZf
He nodded. “All of it. You want to go check it?” He offered a hand with a smile that she could not deny it. copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0z3FjwARa
“Alexis!”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡAj0cVelFbt
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.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2qivwlPfk
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?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53kE6ZXDAP
“Thank you, Ben, really. You’re going?” copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa9Pn53JLf
His corner lips lifted up. “Next time, hope you have time for me. See you around.”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQevjeTznS
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With just one blink, he was gone. Alexis did not understand why he was so hurry to go after Tessa called her.copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡVItgmAgkdR
“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.”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡa21kRppV9a
“Oh, he reveals his true identity already…but a very kind and charming wolf, don’t you think?”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡal7sZng9ZT
“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? ”copyright protection76ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUB3bYDrjR
Why I feel like I return to the school? Alexis now understood why people called this place, “dormitory”80Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWN5ZY3Dqn
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