BLEEDING SILVER

Chapter 13

"Hey Lucian," Alina, who wears white off-shoulder top and denim jeans, approaches the guy with two trays on her hand towards his usual spot in the cafeteria. At the moment, only the two are present.

Lucian, who wears ash gray hoodie and black trousers, noticed the mountain of food on each of the tray. "How's your day one?" he asked referring to yesterday's event.

"My boss gave me a good scolding last night," Alina sighed then started eating. "For someone who looks like the same age as us, he looks down on people pretty easily."

"Last night?" Lucian repeated in an almost quiet tone.

"You heard me right. You know, I got a very decent amount of work load to such extent that I did two hours overtime. I am certain that I did everything as anyone should have done it but what did he tell me instead?" Alina scoured her face and mocked Altair's voice, "You did it poorly and slowly. It's your fault for consuming a lot of time." Alina then began describing every work she has gone through.

Lucian just sat in silence listening to Alina's complains as she stress-eats.

Alina let a frustrated groan, "It takes me a couple of hours to get there, you see, so
I have to take off at 6 in the morning. And since I was dismissed of duty at 7, I reached my house past 9 already. I'm so worn out."

Lucian just stared blankly at Alina. "It's past one already. Don't you have any other classes today?"

Alina widens her eyes on Lucian's notice. "Oh no. That took me too long. I'm sorry for consuming a lot of time. You must have other classes this afternoon," she said in an apologetic manner.

"Could you take me on a ride?"

Alina was confused by Lucian's sudden remark but said yes nevertheless.

On their way, Alina was hailed by a pleasant scenery. The sun today was covered in clouds—Alina's favorite type of weather, not too hot nor too cold. It is as if heavens wanted to cheer her up. There are refreshing tall trees mounted on roadsides so she pulled down the windows to feel the cool breeze against her skin. "I hope you don't mind."

Lucian slightly shook his head, his eyes still outside his window.

"Where are we going again?" Alina cheerfully asked.

"To the western bounds," Lucian softly replied.

"I've never been there. How are you familiar with the roads anyway?"

"Turn left here," Lucian instructed, discarding Alina's question.

After approximately fifteen minutes of smooth ride, Alina was directed to park on a huge blank land plot just in front of a large metallic gate. Just as Alina steps out of the car, her eyes brighten with delight, "Amusement park!"

Meanwhile, Lucian just watches Alina's expression on the other end. To him, it is like seeing a child's first time to see an actual playground. There shows a small curve on his lips. Lucian started walking towards the gate and Alina just followed his lead. As soon as they reach the toll, Lucian spoke to the officer in charge, "Two tickets for ride-all-you can," and gave the payment.