The Dark Society

10

Luis drove through South Kensington, captivated by a bustling campus. The university experience was something he'd anticipated since childhood. And seeing the sights was only the beginning. Locating Alex would be difficult, so he retrieved his phone and texted his father.

"Where will he be waiting?" he messaged.

Jim took time to respond, so Luis waited, hoping the crowd of students would thin. Class registration also appeared delayed because of the volume of returning scholarship students. Despite the chaos, he gazed through the common feeling like the luckiest man alive. Though soon after, his father's answer finally came.

"At the Albert Memorial on South Carriage Drive."

Luis arrived at the monument on schedule and recognized a man with familiar features. So, he rolled down his window.

"Alex!" he shouted, gesturing.

Grabbing a small satchel, Alex approached with a squint.

"How are you?" Alex greeted, settling into the passenger seat.

After a hearty handshake and embrace, Luis smiled.

"I'm doing well. How long has it been?"

Alex chuckled and adjusted position.

"Far too long."

They felt pressed for time. So, Luis accelerated along Carriage Drive, hoping to save minutes.

"Life seems to have been good to you," Alex mentioned.

Luis chuckled while watching the traffic.

"I can't complain."

After several minutes, they parked and exited.

"Look at you," Luis remarked, noting Alex's professional appearance. "I didn't know you owned a sport coat?"

Alex laughed.

"Since I grew up and became an adult."

Luis also changed his thinking since their youth. Their parents' ideologies were beliefs each valued. Thus, with continual practice, they'd become second nature. Meanwhile, Luis stood on the curb, beaming as Alex approached.

"Like old times," he said.

Alex nodded, and together they walked toward the admissions building. As the sun blazed overhead, Alex gazed into a cloudless blue sky.

"Looks like it'll be a warm one."

"Why do you think I'm going to the beach?" Luis answered.

Alex turned.

"Sounds like a great idea."

Luis grinned.

"Why don't you come along?"

"You don't have to ask twice. I'm there."

The morning remained hectic, and as Luis and Alex entered, the crowds grew. Thus, Alex often appeared jittery and distracted.

"This will take all day," he muttered, removing his jacket.

"No worries," Luis assured him. "There's an open session for freshmen."

Alex nodded, and they moved further inside. Imperial College embodied an exciting world. So, approaching the front desk, mutual curiosity flourished.

"I'll speak with the administrator," Luis said before stepping away.

Alex agreed and organized papers as the phone buzzed again. (something that'd occurred many times that morning). However, after a brief but detailed conversation, he again appeared guarded.

"Did you find out anything?" he asked, pocketing the phone.

"We need to sign some documents," Luis explained.

Alex frowned.

"All this stress for a signature?"

There weren't many students majoring in pre-law, which allowed for compatible schedules.

"Good morning, gentlemen," the counselor greeted, extending a hand. "How can I help you?"

The young men stepped forward.

"We're here to enroll," Alex said.

The man nodded.

"And your major?"

"Pre-law," Alex replied, glancing at Luis.

"Both of you?"

"Yes," Luis confirmed. "Plus, we'd like to synchronize schedules."

After a short time, they received various schedules and assignments. Not knowing they'd study under two of Imperial's strictest professors: Schneider and Tollis. Nevertheless, the boys appeared pleased while reviewing calendars.

"You prefer studying with Schneider?" the clerk questioned. "He's known as abstract and not well-liked."

Alex leaned forward.

"That's exactly why we're here—to learn from the best."

The clerk smiled.

"That's an admirable attitude. I hope you do well."

Luis marveled at Alex's knowledge of school procedures. But at that moment, Alex received yet another call.

"Excuse me."

Luis nodded as Alex stepped into the hallway, looking tense. Though he soon returned, appearing shaken.

"Are you all right?" Luis asked.

Alex pocketed the phone and hesitated.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Then why are you acting so strange?"

Alex sighed and shifted through belongings.

"Jim didn't tell you everything, did he?"

"About Karen?"

Alex considered his words, not wanting to provoke an emotional response.

"Yeah," he confessed. "I'm sorry, but she's on her way."

Luis groaned.

"I wasn't expecting that."

Alex grimaced and placed a reassuring hand on Luis's shoulder.

"There's more."

Luis looked puzzled.

"She's still attending gatherings," Alex confessed.

Luis recoiled, remembering.

"And the group?"

"Yeah," Alex added. "Kyle, Logan, Sienna, Dena, and Lesley—everyone."

Luis's expression shifted as a familiar voice echoed through the hall.

"Fancy meeting you two here," Karen announced.