Adrastos

Chapter 13

It was noon. The sun peeked behind dark clouds, birds flying south in an upside-down V pattern. On the rooftop of a twenty-story building, Tobias sat. It was his thinking spot. A spot he goes to occasionally when work stresses him out, "Concerned about Ellen?" Kyle asked rhetorically as he joined Tobias.

"Nooo, what made you think that."

"Hm, nothing at all," Kyle answered, handing him a half packet of marshmallows while he held a full one for himself.

Moments passed in silence as they enjoyed the view, eating marshmallows, "do you think she's alright? I mean, she's been acting strange lately," Tobi said, breaking the silence.

"She has. Look, calling her a million times isn't going to get you anywhere," Kyle advised.

Tobias choked on the five marshmallows he had in his mouth, "You're right, what should I do?" he whispered, wondering how Kyle knew about the phone calls.

"Leave it. And concentrate on the stock market."

"Yes, I'll leave it and concentrate on the stock market! Wait, what, why the stock market?" Tobias rambled.

"Tobi," Kyle sighed, "Yes, the stock market. If it makes you feel better, Ellen promised to meet me for lunch by ocean prime around two... Looking at your lack of concentration, the workload, and the board meeting I have to attend. I don't think I'll make it."

"I don't know what to say. "

"Oh, I don't know, thanks bud would suffice," Kyle smirked as he nudged Tobias.

"Yeah, you're the best. I won't do anything I shouldn't," Tobias laughed. It's a date.

"It's not a date, " Kyle warned, with a non-shit attitude and scary face that goes with it.

"Er, like I was thinking that," Tobias said through his teeth while holding a wide smile. Kyle was a confusing man. Saying one thing meaning another. He was always the brains in the crew while Tobias the brawn, Ellen the Damsel in distress, and Mason... Mason being the unknown. He may have been the unknown, but it wasn't always like this. Mason was the glue that stuck us together. In sophomore, he brought the three of  them together without trying. Mason kept his problems a secret and joined them in many after school activities.

"I'll push you off this roof, "Kyle raised his eyebrow before smirking,
"come let's get in, there's still time for your 'date' and you need to complete some work. I need you to email those spreadsheets. "

" I'll also send Mrs. Singh's report via email. Anything else," Tobias chirped, proving that he was not lacking any concentration.

"No, once you've done with, that I'll be happy. "

Hours later, Tobias was sitting in Ocean Prime. Already down 4 cups of coffee. There was no sign of Ellen showing up, so he got up, paid for the coffee, and sighed in disappointment. On the way out of the building when he was about to catch a taxi, Ellen jumped out of her car.

"Ray," Ellen asked, confused, "is Kyle inside. Did he leave already? I'm late as usual."

"He couldn't make it, so he sent me instead, " he cheerfully said, maybe it isn't over, he could still organize a dinner or something.

" Great, so I'm not in trouble. I'll be going home, see you later," Ellen said, giving a quick curtsy before jumping in the car about to slam the door, when Tobias grabbed it, timing it wrong, his hand slammed in.

"AHH!"

"oh crap, Tobi," Ellen cried as she leaped out of the car, "Tom, please go get us ice," she ordered the driver as she leads Tobi into the back of the car.

"I'm alright," he assured.

"No, don't lie. We need to check it out." His hand was swelling, turning bluish-black. He hides the throbbing pain he felt pretty well. When Tom came back, she ordered him to take them home even when Tobias declined. She was not taking no for an answer.

Meanwhile...

Kyle grabbed his laptop bag, shoving his laptop, carefully placing important papers into a red folder. It was a partnership with an important company, I.K and Tommy technologies. Kyle hoped that his father would be pleased with his great feat. This would be the best deal he has sealed. He placed the file in his bag and carried it out but rushed back in. He almost forgot his coat. Outside has already dropped to minus 3 degrees. The chauffeur was dressed in full black, thick jacket, a black scarf covering his neck and mouth. He quickly opens the door for Kyle and hushed him in. Kyle was about to scoot over in his warm seat, but a familiar face crossed the street. He quickly leaped out of the car and rushed to her. The chauffeur sighed as he closes the door of the car, hoping he didn't slam it out of frustration. "Hey, Cathy is that you, "Kyle yelled.

"My day couldn't get any worse," she said to herself, "that's me! Yay."

Kyle smiled a little, it was Cathy from the three-star restaurant. She was something special. He wanted to get to know her a little more... Nope that's a lie, it was cold, and it was nice weather for some company, in bed. "Are you free?" He nonchalantly said.

"Yes," She groaned, "free for a long time apparently," she muttered. Cathy was having a bad week. She barely slept, working two shifts. One by the restaurant and by a garage. And she messed that up, so she got laid off from both jobs.

"Right, want to head to my house, so we could, you know..."

Cathy's face burned red with anger.