He was Almost Absorbed by the System

Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen - Mission; Be My Plus One

Author's note; made a slight alteration in previous chapter, Owen did not take a mock exam, but his final physics exam. This was because I realised the timings were becoming all messed up.

"So where did you disappear to last weekend?" Alexandria asked nonchalantly while they studied in the library.  They just had a mathematics exam left together, although Owen also had a chemistry exam at the end of the week as well. They chose to study at school as Owen would more than likely play games all week instead of revising, if he were at home. Alexandria was just happy to accompany him.

"Gees Alex," Owen replied.  "That was over a week ago, why bring it up now?"

"I'm just curious," Alexandria replied.  "I mean, you did ditch us, you know... for whatever it was."

"Yup," Owen agreed, as he played around with some complicated algebraic equations.  Ah, these were all too easy since his awakening!  He should focus on chemistry instead.  It was his first time studying it and biology (he believed he had done well enough with this exam) at this level... at least since he was in the physical world and even then, he was at best and indifferent student.  Of course, what was taught was also different, understanding was more advanced than this in his world, but he couldn't recall that much of it anyway.

Having made his decision, he swapped his books over for the chemistry notes and began to read.  Alexandria let him study quietly for a few minutes before the real truth she wished to know could no longer be contained.

"Did you go with that girl?" She asked.

"What girl?" Owen asked in return, though did not look up from what he was reading.

"You know, that girl," Alexandria said, "your in game wife."

"Oh, Harmony?  No, not with her," Owen replied.  Alexandria let out a sigh of relief and happily returned to her maths notes.  They managed to study in peace for a good half and hour before the lunch bell rang.  Alexandria packed away her books and Owen followed suit.

"Are you coming to the canteen?"  The girl asked.

"Yeah," Owen agreed.  "Let's go see what slop they consider edible this time."

"It's not that bad," Alexandria defended the canteen's meals.  They were nutritious and balanced, occasionally a little bland, but overall of good quality.  "Much better than greasy take out," she added.

"Fair enough," Owen replied.  "But they don't have a patch on A..." he suddenly fell mute, as they entered the canteen.

"What?" Alexandria asked as she picked up a tray and followed the queue of students towards the selection of meals.

"Never mind," he said.  They both chose the vegetable lasagne with garlic bread and fruit juice before paying and weaving in and out of bodies to find elusive empty seats.  They finally were able to sit down as a couple of students left the canteen, but lazily left all of their rubbish on the table.

"Honestly," Alexandria scolded as they gathered the mess onto one tray and pushed it to one side so they had space to eat.

The lasagne was passable, Owen decided and they did not speak as they satisfied their stomachs with the hot meal.  Midway through, Owen's least favourite classmates decided to descend upon them.

"Hey Owen," Charlotte Hayward smiled, batting her eyelashes as if she had something stuck in her eye.

"Oh, hi," he replied in between bites.

"I heard the good news, congratulations," she said to him.  Owen glanced over at Alexandria, who winced slightly as if remembering something. 

Owen decided to play it safe with his answer.  "Thank you."