The Hidden Sun

Chapter IX

25 minutes later I pulled into the little parking lot that I had been visiting for as long as I could remember. The name Celia's shone brightly above me even though a couple of the letters were burned out. The little 24 hour dinner was a place Jessie and I always went to no matter where we lived at the time. The owner- Todd- knew us well and was always happy to see us over the years. It had been a while since I've been there but tonight it was the only place I could think of.

I looked over at Chris and wondered how I should wake him. I reached out my arm and poked his shoulder.

"Chris? Wake up." I got no response. "I hope you're hungry," I muttered more to myself than him. "Do you want a nice burger? Or perhaps some fries? They have great food here, I promise." I shook his shoulder harder this time. After finally having enough, I pinched his arm hard. He woke up immediately and turned towards me with fear in his eyes.

"It's alright! It's just me! I couldn't wake you up, that's all."

He slowly turned towards the dinner in front of us and noticed the empty parking lot.

"Where are we?" He turned his accusing eyes towards me. I noticed how they were a bright, vivid green now. Nothing like they were before he passed out. I guess he had recharged.

Um.. I took us to a diner.. because.. well," I blushed. Why did I take him here?

I almost expected him to chuckle at my awkwardness; It's what he would normally do. Instead he looked back at the diner and opened the car door.

"We need to talk."

I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and followed him into the restaurant. When we stepped through the doors and the familiar bell rang, I couldn't help but remember all of the fond memories I had of this place. I grabbed Chris's arm and pulled him to my favorite booth near the back.Then I got up and headed to the counter; not even bothering to see if he was following or not. After ringing the little bell, I couldn't help but smile when I recognized one of the waitresses coming towards me.

"Hey, Ellie! Long time no see."

"Alice! What are you doing here at this time?" Although she had a smile on her face, I could tell she was suspicious. I was here with a boy in the wee hours of the morning without Jessie. Maybe going someplace where I would be recognized was a bad idea.

"Well... This is my friend, Chris." I gestured to him still sitting where I left him. He was glaring daggers at me. "I broke a Cross record at my meet yesterday and we decided to celebrate by getting some great food."

"Uh huh. At four in the morning? Does Jessie know you're here?"

"Of course! And plus, I've always been an early riser. You know that." I smiled sheepishly at her. She just rolled her eyes and flipped open her notepad.

"What can I get for you?"

"Two orders of your special pancakes, please." Hopefully Chris wouldn't mind.

"What to drink?"

"I have a feeling we'll need lot's of coffee," I muttered. Then I smiled at her and gave her a hug. "It's so nice to see you again!"

When I got back to the booth he was still staring me down.

"I wasn't aware we were in a staring contest," I muttered.

"You left me sitting here by myself!" He cried. I thought he sounded like a little boy. It was kind of cute.

"Get over it. I had to talk to an old friend." I paused a moment to collect my thoughts but was surprised when he spoke.