Astral: Founded (Astral Book 2)

Chapter 4

Jess stepped out of the runabout and immediately hurried towards the door of Amana. Brent was about to step off but I quickly grabbed his shoulders and turned him around. I started to get a bit romantic.

"Are you sure about doing your project at Weatherhill? You know I want you to pass, that's why I urged Jess to bring the art materials, but I also know you're not into doing assignments." I asked him, though I'm sure to myself that I want him to have good grades. I'm just feeling flirty right now, but maybe it will be gone soon.

"If I'm not mistaken, I think you're suggesting we spend the whole afternoon cuddling while watching the stars? Or are you saying that we should play in the obstacle course as suggested earlier?"

He can read my mind. He's such a love boy.

"Umm, yeah, I am, actually. I.. I mean for the former. The former idea of yours—about the cuddling."

"Yeah, right. I love you, but I do not want to fail, as I said!" He responded in a cute voice.

"Just... Finish fast. Okay? Jess can play around the area while we enjoy the view at the top."

"Sure, baby."

After our conversation, I saw Jess running towards the runabout. I guessed that she became impatient of our cuddling time. She understands most of the time, but I don't think now's counted.

"You two, come on! Let's eat! Besides, Rosey, isn't this your idea? Hop off!"

"We should... Go."

"Agreed."

Brent stepped outside and I followed him. I did a quick check on our things and out of no expectation at all, I became suspicious of Jess' bag since I didn't feel any container of paint or colored jar at all. I was beginning to think that she did not bring those stuff all this time. Oh, no. Brent would be so mad if he finds out.

Brent didn't check up on me, so it's good to just inspect a bit more, without completely barging into Jess' things. I squeezed her bag with small force and in my mind, the odds of her having not brought the art stuff increased harshly. They were beginning to look my way so I left the bags and moved out of the runabout.

I went inside Amana and Jess has already ordered my favorite: apple pie with honey and half a baguette. I went to the cashier to confirm but the woman shut me up and quickly said yes with an annoyed face. It seemed like Jess told the cashier that her second order was for the girl with a curly hair, blue eyes, and lavender dress.

I headed to where the two was sitting. I tried bringing up the issue about the art materials but I thought it would just raise a heated argument. I did anyway.

"Jess, thanks for the order. The woman was angry, I guess. What did you say to her?"

"I said that the apple pie was for the girl wearing a striking bright outfit."

"And she guessed it was me quickly?"

"I pointed at you while you were walking towards the door, so no, she did not guess because I told her who are you. It's also so unusual to see that the staff here are becoming peeved."

She was actually right. When I was here the first time around, I was with my parents and another reason why I loved the whole place, not just Amana, is because of the radiant smiles of the people. They used to be friendly and approachable, but now they have turned into glum prisoner-like helpers. I've said that I was a shy girl when I was younger, but I still considered the smiles as positive gestures. I was, surprisingly at a young age, particularly 3, able to read faces, which amazed my parents for quite some time since they mentioned that the skill was a little advanced for my age. I didn't question their opinion, but I've heard that it's possible that my advanced skill comes with a strong gift.

I just hope that the staff's sadness doesn't come with the pies. If that becomes the case, I would never return to this place again.

"Okay, thanks for that, maybe. Anyway, I have a serious question for you right now."

"Is it serious enough to make me stare at your beautiful blue eyes?" Jess replied.

"Yes."

"Uh..."

"Did you really bring the art materials?! I felt your bag and I thought they were not there!"

"JESS! Is she correct?" Brent barged into the conversation.

"Oh, our order is here! Thanks, madam! This set of delicacies is for sure a treat for us! Enjoy the rest of your service for the day." Jess told the waitress, ignoring our question.

"Jess!"

"Eat! The apple pie will get cold! And, have you observed? The rain is subsiding!"

As she said those words, I accidentally touched my pie, causing my fingers to burn a little bit.

"Agh! Stupid metal. Oh, sorry, I accidentally touched the hot metal sides of the pie."

"Clumsy." Jess responded.

"Sorry! Were you the one who was pained?"

"Go eat your favorite!"

I ignored Jess' face the whole time we were eating our lunch. I know that she didn't bring the materials. I just know it. Brent does not deserve to procrastinate this project because of Jess' actions. I became mad at her but this won't probably last for long since she immediately apologizes when she has realized that she did something wrong. I'm not entirely sure about my accusation, but I'll find out soon.

Jess agreed to pay for our meal at the annoyed cashier and this act of kindness brought me more doubts. It's rare that she does things for Brent and I, so maybe she really did not bring the materials. Brent would be so screwed.

"Let's go? And, you don't have to thank me for the meal. It's a repayment gesture for you, Rosey."

"For me? What did I do? Or what did you do? JESS!"

Jess exited Amana and went towards the apple boutique to buy some for when we reach the top.

We followed her and after buying apples, we went towards the runabout. Before stepping in, I remembered to tell Jess to switch places with Brent so that she won't be able to sit between Brent and I. Through this, Brent would be able to cuddle with me while I drive, which I think will increase my chance for him to give me his full consent to cuddle at the top instead of having to go through the obstacle course. I sensed earlier that he was not totally comfortable with his answer, maybe because he's tired. That's why I want to give him a sign that he might feel better when we cuddle at the top.