Anomaly

Anomaly II

Hopping out of the train, we tapped our tickets on the machine as we walked out of the station. The sun was still in the sky, providing its last rays of light to the earth. The sky was now a soft hue of purple, the night sky beginning to take its role. It was only 5:30 in the evening, yet the sun was getting ready to give way to its partner, the moon.

Resi and I had our hands laced together as we walked up the bustling road. People were taking a walk, heading to the shops or getting back from work as cars brought life to the road. The buildings around us had people entering and leaving them continuously. Agora was a place bustling with life no matter what time it was. Throughout the day and night, people were always busy.

The both of us walked towards a hotel I have familiarized myself with. The skyscraper stretched to the sky, over 100 floors tall. The entrance had the name "X Olympia" in cursive, looking formal and professional as always. At the door stood 2 bodyguards who recognized me. They nodded their heads in respect and acknowledgment. Passing through the doors which were held open for us, I lead Resi to the counter. Phoenix looked at us and smiled in acknowledgement. I returned the gesture as I took out my wallet.

"I need a suite for a week on Xavier's level."

She nodded her head and typed something onto the system.

"Will the suite you usually get be good?"

"Yes, Phoenix. That'll perfect."

She nodded her head again before booking it in for us.

"That'll be 560 dollars in total. Card?"

I nodded my head and gave the black credit card. Resi stood by my side with a look of curiosity. Knowing he has a lot of questions, I gave him a look which meant I'll let him ask later. He nodded his head in acceptance as I got my card back. Phoenix handed 2 entrance cards to us with the code "S1". I thanked her before guiding Resi to the elevator. As the doors closed, Resi asked one question.

"How?"

Although it was one question, that how held so many questions within itself. I breathed out as I looked out the glass elevator, watching the city through the clear panel.

"Perks of being the cousin of the hotel's owner. Xavier Lykan, co-founder of the X Olympia is my cousin, who built this hotel just 2 years ago. He came up with the idea, I designed the structure of the hotel. With our family's money and a few loans from here and there, we managed to get on our feet within the first 2 months. Since then, I've been visiting the hotel at least twice a month 'coz of our meetings and just when we hang out."

Resi looked at me with silence for a few seconds, before blasting a few more questions at me.

"If you're the co-founder as well, then why do you have to pay? How were you able to become the co-founder at such a young age?"

"First of all, to become the co-founder of anything there doesn't have to be any required age. Although my role was small, I did help to put in the money to start the business. I was also someone who helped with the structure of the entire building. Sure, it could have been someone else, but it ended up being me.

To answer your first question, I pay since it's going to end up coming back to me. The money will be used to make the hotel better, make enhancements and will also be donated to charities. It's not like I have to pay the full amount anyway. If it was someone else, they would have been charged 210 dollars just for a day for having a suite. I've been charged only 80 dollars."

Nodding his head in acceptance, he understood my perspective and became quiet once again. The both of us remained in silence for the next 2 minutes, watching the view of the city as we went further up. The roads got much more narrower, cars becoming mere specks from the distance, lights becoming tiny star-like shapes.