✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*CORDIALLY LINKED✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

*＊✿❀CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO❀✿＊*

➹THIRD PERSON PERSPECTIVE➷

⋆˚｡⋆୨୧˚FLASHBACK˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

❀✿Birmingham, October 10th 2007✿❀

Giovanni politely requested permission from his parents to take his friends to their cabin in the woodlands. It had been a considerable amount of time since they had all spent quality time together as a group.

A few minutes passed swiftly, and unexpectedly, the car began emitting peculiar sounds. This persisted for another minute before the vehicle came to an abrupt halt near a conveniently located petrol station.

"I believe you mentioned that the vehicle would be capable of completing the extended travel distance. Did you not fill the fuel tank to its maximum capacity this morning?" Aodhán enquired of Giovanni, who glanced at him through the front-view mirror.

"I did, but I must inform you that this vehicle is not as new as it once was." Alistair suspected Giovanni's suspension as he noticed the man's swiftness in unbuckling his seatbelt.

"I intend to refill the car's fuel tank and purchase some additional fuel as a precautionary measure in case of any unforeseen mechanical issues. Is there anything else I can assist you with while I am out?" Everyone, with the exception of Alistair and Lorenzo, politely requested various food and beverage items for Giovanni to purchase for them.

"May I please write everything down? It would be much easier that way." He politely took out a notebook and pen from the glove compartment and began to jot down each item that everyone requested him to purchase for them.

"May I assist you with anything, Lorenzo?" The gentleman in question politely declined with a gentle shake of his head.

"How about you, Alistair?" Just like Lorenzo, he politely declined with a shake of his head.

"Certainly, I will return shortly!" Giovanni exited the vehicle while Alistair was observing his every move, he had an intuition that something unfortunate might occur. Therefore, he promptly informed everyone that he needed to use the toilet, and when they were not paying attention, he discreetly entered the petrol station through the side door and concealed himself behind one of the shelves.

"Excuse me, sir," Giovanni enquired politely of the sales clerk behind the counter, "Would you happen to have any pharmaceutical medications available?" The gentleman gave him a quick look before courteously guiding him towards an aisle, fortunately it was quite a distance from the aisle where Alistair had concealed himself.

"Thank you very much." The sales clerk nodded politely and returned behind the counter, seemingly unaware that there was another customer in the store.

"Presently, where might it be?" Giovanni meticulously examined the shelves repeatedly until locating the sought-after medication.

Benzodiazepine. Alistair promptly exited the store, maintaining a casual demeanor as he returned to the vehicle and entered. He remained unaware of Giovanni's watchful gaze upon him.

Alistair did not want to presume anything negative would occur, and everyone appeared to adore Giovanni except for himself and his partner. Therefore, he refrained from informing them that he had purchased or intended to purchase a pharmaceutical medication  which has really negative side effects.

Giovanni returned after a few minutes, opened the boot, and placed the shopping bags inside before getting into the driver's seat once more.

He and Alistair were both thoroughly soaked by the heavy rain.

"Alistair, were you outdoors? You appear to be thoroughly drenched." Giovanni was aware that Alistair was incapable of, or rather unwilling to, deceive him.

"I had an urgent need to use the toilet. That is all." Giovanni gave a slight smile before choosing to speak once more.

"Excuse me, but I believe you would have needed to enquire with the sales clerk for the toilet key. However, it seems that you were not present in the store, is that right?" Alistair managed to control his desire to gulp audibly, but he recalled seeing an outdoor toilet not far from the petrol station; in fact, it was just behind the store.

"There was an outdoor toilet located conveniently behind the store, and noticing that it was unoccupied, I made the decision to use it." Giovanni took a deep breath and forced a smile, trying to remain composed despite his internal frustration.

"Certainly. I understand. In that case, shall we proceed without further delay and make our way to the cabin?" Everyone cheered with the exception of Alistair. However, Giovanni abruptly remembered that he had neglected to refuel the vehicle, so he exited the car once more and proceeded to fill the tank, also purchasing additional fuel.

He returned to the car once more, this time ensuring he had remembered everything. He started the car and began driving to their destination, where many events were likely to transpire.