Connection

Chapter Ten: Cliff

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Chapter Ten: Cliff

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The mayor could be seen up ahead, making his way toward Dustless Street-the richest street in Mallowkeep-where he made it quite well know that he lived.

"Mayor Isaris," he called. The noise of the bustling street was almost too loud for Cliff to be heard but after a moment's pause, the mayor turned, his chubby face scanning the area behind him.

"Cliff," he mumbled, spotting him and stopping his rapid movements away from the school. Though he tried to hide it, he looked deeply displeased with the encounter.

"You said you wanted to have a word with me?" Cliff's voice held a dash of uncertainty. Some of the bystanders stared at the pair with trepidation but most moved right around them, not recognizing the mayor at all.

"Oh, yeah, uh, how're you feeling?"

"I'm sorry, what?" He was sure he misheard the mayor. He couldn't have possibly wanted to talk to Cliff specifically about how he was feeling. The mayor rarely spoke to anyone, and when he did it was often necessary to do so.

"Look, how 'bout we just all stop worrying here," the mayor began, glancing up at the sky with perturbation. "I'm very busy and you seem to be doing well, so why don't we just get on with our days then?"

With a small smile, he ran off, his thin black hair blowing in the wind as he left Cliff standing in the middle of the street with his mouth opening and closing on its own accord.

The passersby glimpsed at him with raised eyebrows as they went on with their lives.

Cliff turned, forcing his mouth shut to look for Jean and Adam. After just moments he spotted them; neon hair colors weren't exactly considered fashionable in Mallowkeep so it was always easy to spot Jean.

Just as he began to make his way through the wave of people, he felt a tug on his arm.

Fighting to keep the vexation that coursed through his body off his face, Cliff looked down and instantly recognized the gaunt body and large head. His face softened, though his inner irritation wasn't alleviated.

"Hey, Tony," Cliff greeted, forcing a small smile. His mind was still buzzing with what had just happened with the mayor. "I don't mean to be rude at all, but my friends and I have something we have to talk about, so unless you need something, can we talk at another time?"

"Well, I don't need anything, but no, I can't wait any longer! I've been going crazy trying to talk to you! They told me about what happened with your assessment and everything when I asked but no one would stop to listen to what I have to say! It should be quick." Tony drew breath for the first time since he began speaking, his eyes becoming wide as he stared at Cliff with a desperation he hadn't expected.

"All right, fine," Cliff agreed. "Give me a few minutes, though. I'll meet you at Moonsorrow's."

"Where's that?" Tony asked, a small smile working its way onto his frantic face at the prospect of learning more about Mallowkeep.

"It's in The Center. You can pretty much walk straight from where we are. You'll go past an emporium and almost directly across the street is Moonsorrow's," Cliff explained hurriedly.

With that, he sped off, fighting against the crowds of people toward the bobbing pink head that was now far in front of him. As he drew close enough to be heard, he shouted, "Jean!"

She turned and punched Adam in the arm then pointed behind her. Adam turned too and Cliff waved them back toward the school gates where there were less people moving about.