The Lost Avatar

Part 2 - Chapter 3

My Day Off

What the Hell?!

It was bright and sunny as I opened my eyes. I could tell from my sore shoulders that I overslept, or was that from my training from the past two weeks? My alarm clock was off as well. Did I sleep through that noise? There is a holiday today so that's nice. But I should tell a Dai Li guy to take the bike for servicing or else Naomi's going to drop me to the University tomorrow as well. I mean, she's not the problem, not at all but when she dropped and picked me up yesterday, everybody and I mean Every Body who knew my foreigner face stared at her! Oh yeah, she didn't mention exactly how famous she was as a model. But now I can definitely tell. The worst part was not everyone staring, from the juniors and seniors to the professors, the worst part was them assuming we were a thing! Ugh! And my classmates didn't ask me; they just accepted it and started asking questions about how we met. Damn it, Asin! I never had this issue at school. I mean, I just stuck with Asin all the time so...that was easy, I guess-

Splash!

What was that splash and laughing? I wondered as I got out of bed and peeked outside the balcony doors to see quite a few ladies in swimsuits relaxing by the pool. Around ten of them were there, four of which lounged in the pool chairs and-Oh Naomi's right there and...looking up at me, huh. Shit, I just had to come outside. Couldn't just stay inside the room, Dev? Naomi pushed up her sunglasses and waved up at me with a smile. I gave a quick wave back and the others noticed me and smiled as well.

"There's no training today, Dev! Come over here! Relax with us!" Naomi called out, an open invitation.

Uh...I don't know. Maybe I should just hole up in my room and study or try meditating again but then they won't stop calling me down. Ugh, this is so awkward! A sunny day by the pool with so many ladies...in swimsuits...yeah, I'm done checking them out. Enough, Dev. I swear, all of them looked more beautiful than the next. But yeah, Naomi looked the best as always. Wait, why should I feel awkward?

"Don't tell me you're going to study inside on such a sunny day!" Naomi said, interrupting my thoughts.

There is a test in a couple of days, though. Should I risk it? I mean, they all seem much older than me, Naomi's friends. It'll be so awkward, ahh! What do I do?!

"Who's the kid, Naomi?" asked one of the women in the pool.

"He's cute, tell him to come down!" said another sitting next to her.

"Come down, Dev! We don't bite!" Naomi called out again, giggling.

All right, I'm coming I'm coming! I raised my hand and slightly waved then went inside my room. I washed my face and took a fresh t-shirt out of my closet and set it on the bed. I took off my current shirt and looked at myself in the mirror. Not bad, a few scars faded from the time Asin's lightning hit me...now that still felt like yesterday. It's crazy that I still think about it. I put on my fresh t-shirt which felt a bit tight on my arms and left my joggers on then fixed my hair with my fingers. I grabbed my phone and a textbook then went downstairs. I found a couple of Dai Li and reminded them about the bike then went outside towards the get-together. I found an empty poolside chair under an umbrella near Naomi and sat down.

"Guys, this is Dev! He's from India. Dev, these are my friends." She said and a resounding "Hi" followed from the rest of them. Shit, I feel awkward again.

"Hi." I said, with the book still in my hand.

"No, come on. No studying, Dev!" – Naomi yanked the book out of my hand all of a sudden and kept it next to her – "Just relax." She said.

"I uh...don't know how." I said, sheepishly.

"Just lay back and close your eyes. Enjoy the sun." she said, passing her hat to me.