E L E M E N T A L S

Chapter 17: Everything is better with food

I managed to get to the lobby on time and as a group, we all moved out. There was a mass of students being led by their teachers as well we were headed to the same destination. While there were groups of students who wore casual clothes, I also saw some private schools with their uniforms sticking out.

Now this had me wondering: were they all invited by our sponsor or the same donator? If that was the case, how much money were they spending? They must've been a big company if they were this generous.

I wasn't too sure how many people were here in general, but it appeared we were going to have our feast outside. The outside venue seemed big enough to hold these many students and some. There were tables set for people to sit at and those with lines of food. There were staff here and there, ready to cater to us rambunctious students. There was also decorations and I could see some stands that looked like promotional set-ups.

There was also a large stage set up and music was being performed by live players. I didn't dwell too much on it since my stomach protested.

We all made our way to the buffet table and grabbed our plates of food as we piled food onto our plates. I wasn't sure how much food was going to be around, but I put as much as I could before wandering around for a place to eat.

I luckily was able to find my friends as they seemed to have already arrived. I made my way over but with the bodies of students standing in my way, as well as protecting my food and drink, it proofed difficult.

I could feel someone sticking close to me and the unsettling feeling in my stomach returned. While I may have assumed it was my stomach being hungry, I looked and lo and behold, saw it was Jason.

He too had his own tray of food but he carried it with one hand like an expert waiter.

"Looks pretty jam-packed huh?" he said.

"Yeah..." I replied reluctantly.

"Come on, I'll help you out" he said and put himself forward.

We wedged our way through and even though I wanted to rebel, hunger won out in the end. I slowed down as much as I could without getting separated by the body of students and protecting my tray of food without getting knocked off.

The crowds parted like water and we were out of no time.

Alex was the first to see me as he had taken a bite from his sandwich. His violet eyes shined with recognition and excitement, but it quickly dimmed when he saw Jason.

As if noticing the drop in the mood, Hunter and Jayden turned from their chatter and saw what Alex was seeing. Immediately Hunter stood up and walked over as Jayden stood.

The two of us stopped a little before my group as Jason turned to me.

"Well, this is your stop."

"Thanks..." I responded reluctantly.

"It's not a problem, enjoy the event; I heard the director has some things planned for all of us" smiled Jason.

While his words seemed harmless, I saw the dark shadow over his eyes and I felt a shiver go through my back. I gripped my tray and tried to keep myself calm; I didn't want my powers to react to the situation right now.

Jason gave a nod to Hunter who gave back a glare, watching the former leave.

The latter looked at me with a myriad of messages across his face before we returned to the group.

My appetite seemed to die down a little because of Jason but hunger won out in the end. I scarfed my food as I listened and talked with my group of friends. What happened earlier slowly faded to the background, forgotten.