Golden Chains

020

CHAPTER 020
| First Rain, pt. 3

Serenity stepped outside and spotted Aiden's car, a stark contrast against the neighborhood which had uneven roads, worn out apartments and a dumpster behind, the streets were damp and there were puddles around every corner,

his car shining was clear enough for sunlight to be reflected by it stood out too much, Aiden emerged, his eyes covered by sunglasses but Serenity could see his face betraying a hint of disappointment.

"You look weary, did you not sleep well? Are you okay?" Serenity inquired, eyeing Aiden's expression, he never wore sunglasses unless it's to hide the dark circles under his eyes caused due to lack of sleep,

"Well, good morning to you too. And Of course, I'm not okay. Someone decided to run away without a call," Aiden retorted taking off his sunglasses,

"My battery died, and I'm doing fine here" Serenity defended herself.

"Couldn't you have crashed at my place? Or does your interest lie elsewhere?" Aiden questioned,

"It's not what you think. Your dad knows mine too well, he would've known in an instant that I'm leeching off you which would entirely defy my purpose of leaving home" Serenity reasoned out,

"Choosing to leech off Cyrus instead?" Aiden pressed, a touch of sarcasm in his voice.

"I'm not leeching off. I'll pay him back," Serenity insisted, her hands sliding in the pockets of her trousers lazily,

"Not everything's about money. Have you considered if he's comfortable with you staying over? You're not being intrusive or forceful, are you?" Aiden questioned, his concern evident.

Serenity, feeling a bit uneasy, scratched her nape. "I'm definitely not being intrusive or forceful. He's chill with me staying over," she replied, her awkwardness palpable.

"Whoa, that's totally believable," Aiden remarked a sarcastic chuckle escaping his lips.

Changing the subject, Serenity asked, "Anyways, did you get me the uniform?"

Aiden nodded, walking back to his car. He opened the door and retrieved a bag from the passenger seat, containing the exclusive Celestia Academy uniform available only in a luxurious designer store.

The custom-made uniform was not something one could simply purchase. It is not mass produced and has to be the right size of the students to make them look proper, to get one made you'd have to show your identity card of the academy as well.

"Here, hope that's your size," he said, handing it to her.

"How did you purchase it just now? Or is it your secret girlfriend's-" Serenity began, her curiosity interrupted by Aiden.

"No, it's Rosalie's," Aiden clarified, cutting off any speculative thoughts.

"Gosh, why'd you bother her this early in the morning? I could've skipped the academy, one day doesn't matter anyway," Serenity complained.

"There isn't a day in the year when you don't think of skipping the academy. Also, what about the bother you've been doing to me all day?" Aiden raising his brow asked,

Serenity glanced at him for a second then turned away, "Mhm, looks okay," she said, examining the uniform in her hands.

"Should I have bought clothes, toothbrush, tableware, slippers, oh, and furniture as well?" Aiden sarcastically remarked. "Looks like you're planning on living with him for a while."

"Maybe you're right. Should we just skip academy and go shopping instead?" Serenity suggested with a smile.

"Don't be absurd," Aiden responded,