Bound by Justice

-CHAPTER 23-

VALERIA

Before we begin our fun activities, we decide to go to the food court to get some breakfast for Sylvera and Alison. When we arrive at the food court, I look around in amazement. I have forgotten how big this mall actually is.

There are restaurants, cafés and bakeries spread out everywhere. The different aroma of foods wafts through my nose and I gladly inhale it. There are many people laughing and chatting while eating their food. The atmosphere is full of laughter and it feels so nice to be in such a positive place. Compared to those parties where the air is always heavy with tension and everyone is always acting fake, this place feels light, and free.

"Where do you want to eat?" I ask Alison and Sylvera.

They both look around for a while before pointing to a cafe in the far corner of the food court. There aren't many customers there and that place almost seems invisible compared to the other restaurants and cafés. The walls are cream white with highlights of blue and purple. There are seats and tables set outside meant for people to enjoy their food in open air. And there are flowers planted around the café. At the top of the roof, it's written The Cozy Cup in white.

We make our towards the café. Upon entering, the bell chimes announcing our arrival. The enterrior of the café seems old, but still cute with its cream white wall, sets of blue and purple chairs and tables, blue and white boots on the side and posters of desserts and different coffees on the walls. Jazz music is playing softly in the background creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

"Wow!" I hear Sylvera say as she looks around in amazement.

We take a seat at the table by window and a waitress dressed in a set of gradient purple and blue shirt and skirt immediately comes to give us the menu.

"Val!" Mira pulls my sleeve and I look at her. "Can we go play there?" She asks, pointing to the other side of the café where there are toys for kids to play with.

"Of course, sweetie!" I nod, and the kids run to the other side to play while I watch them.

The waitress comes minutes later to ask for our order.

"I'd like some pancakes and a glass of orange juice, please," Sylvera asks and the kind waitress nods with a smile while writing down her order.

"And I want some eggs and bacon. Thank you!" Alison says and the waitress nods again before leaving.

"I love the atmosphere in this place," Alison comments, her eyes still wandering around.

"Me too. I've never been in this place before," Ava replies with the same enthusiasm.

A few minutes later, the waitress comes with their order, and just looking at their plates makes me salivate. The pancakes are warm with syrup glistening at the surface and the strawberries added to the side makes the dish even more appealing. The glass of orange juice looks so cute with the little fruits decorated on the side of the glass. The eggs and bacon that Alison ordered smells amazing and are cooked to the perfection. How come this place has been here all along, but I've never ventured inside it?

Taking the first bite, Alison's light green eyes light up like fireworks, "This is the best eggs I've ever had in my life. This place is a hidden gem. I have to talk to the manager, we need to make this place more known."

It's my first time seeing her smile so bright. Ever since we've met each other, I have never seen her being so excited or passionate about something. She's always been kind of quiet, and calm. I like this side of her. I hope I'll get to see it more often, but I don't think it won't be possible since she's leaving tomorrow to finally go see her family. I know that she needs to see her family because she misses them, but somewhere in my heart, I don't really want her to leave yet. She's the first female real friend that I had and I never expected myself to build such a great friendship, though it is short.