Somnium Online

Picnic

"We're going to do something fun." Elizabeth declared.

Eric looked up from his pile of textbooks wearily. "Don't you still have a massive pile of homework to do?" He pointed to a stack of papers beside her.

Elly flopped forwards, bouncing gently on the mattress. "Yeah, but I don't see why I can't do them later."

"Because last week when you said that, you forgot almost immediately."
Eric glowered at her.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and huffed. "Look, are you going to go on a picnic with me or not?"

"Elly, it's the middle of October!"

"So what? Wear a jacket. I want to go on a picnic, are you in or out?"

Eric put his book down reluctantly. "Alright fine."

Elizabeth sighed, "that was close." Then immediately covered her mouth with both hands, as if to stop herself from saying anything.

Eric's eyes narrowed, "what was close?"

Elizabeth's eyes darted around the room nervously. "Well, I may have... already invited a few people."

Eric groaned. "Who is it now?"

"Well... there were a few girls in our grade, and I just figured you could stand to make some more friends."

Eric slumped. "I hate social events." He grumbled.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes, "Listen, if you're just going to complain I won't make you go but..." she gave him her best puppy eyes, and skillfully made her eyes tear up a bit, "I-I'd really like you to come."

Eric got to his feet and grumbled something unintelligible.

"Pardon?" Elizabeth said sweetly.

"Fine, I'll go to your picnic." He agreed.

"Boss, why didn't you just immediately agree to go?" N asked, "Shouldn't you stay with her at all times if you're going to be her bodyguard and all."

Eric rolled his eyes inwardly. "Listen, Elizabeth is a special case. In the past fifteen years, she's ditched, pranked, and escaped from hundreds of bodyguards.

If she even suspected that I was one... it's would make my job a hell of a lot harder."

"Whatever you say, boss," N replied.

"Oh!" Elizabeth exclaimed, "we'd better hurry, we're supposed to meet at a park in an hour."

Eric got to his feet, making a big show of being reluctant. But when his back was turned he cracked a small grin. This might actually turn out to be fun.

"Alright then, let's head out," Eric said.

Elizabeth moved to grab a picnic basket she had stashed underneath the desk, Eric was surprised he hadn't noticed it sooner, but before she could pick it up, he had it tucked under his arm.

"Hey, I can c-" Elizabeth started to protest.

"If you're going to the trouble of planning a picnic for me, the least I can do is carry the basket." He said.

"But I thought you didn't-"

He gave her a withering stare, "I'm carrying it." He said firmly.

They started walked quickly until they had made it off-campus, then Elizabeth laughed and skipped ahead.

Eric walked behind her, keeping a steady pace and making sure not to jostle the picnic basket.

They walked down a few streets before reaching a small park. It was well maintained, with a sweeping lawn dotted with various trees that provided consistent shade. Small stone paths wound their way around it.