SEVEN

Gabrielle Anderson stared at Celestine with a frown. He's been talking for half an hour already and yet his 'student' is not even listening to him. She has been staring at the library's ceiling like it's the most interesting thing in the world. Gabrielle shook his head and sighed as he sat down.

"You're not listening to what I've been saying, Celestine. Tell me, it's about your engagement with the Emperor, yes?" Celestine was so deep in thought that she did not even hear Gabrielle asking her.

A gentle tap on her shoulder shook her awake from the trance. "What's wrong, Gab?" She asked absentmindedly but Gabrielle just merely shook his head.

"You're thinking about your engagement with the Emperor." He asked with pity in his eyes. "You should not worry about it, Tine. Your eyes were already underlined with dark circles." He said, concern apparent in his voice. They had only known each other for more than a month and yet they look like they have been friends for a long time.

Celestine sighed as she looked directly at Gabrielle's pair of midnight eyes. "You don't understand, Gab." She said with sadness in her voice. Gabrielle stood up and sat beside her. He took her hand and patted it. "If only I could do something about it." He sighed before continuing. "Have you talked with Samuel?" Celestine nodded with a sigh. It's been two weeks already since that sad and heartbreaking night with her 'ex-boyfriend'. They ended their relationship for her marriage's sake and though it's painful, they have to let each other go.

"Well, cheer up now! Why don't you forget all about it and let's go to the newly opened amusement park at the A city." Gabrielle dragged Celestine's arm playfully as he grinned widely at her. "Come on, Tine. You will enjoy it. I promise."

Celestine let her joyful friend drag her towards the parking lot of their mansion. Gabrielle opened his car and let her sit on the passenger seat. He fastened her seat belt before going to the driver's seat and turned the engine on.

"Oh no! The car won't start unless the passenger will smile. Come on, Tine. You have to smile or else we can't go the amusement park." Celestine smiled at her friend's tactics just to cheer her up. A weird guy but that's what makes him very special to her.

Gabrielle started his car and drove off towards their destination. Thirty minutes later, they arrived in a huge and amazingly designed Ultimate Universe Park. It was an outdoor-theme park featuring roller coasters, free-fall towers, water rides, laser tags, skyscraper rides and many more. Celestine looked around with her eyes sparkling in excitement. "This is amazing, Gab! I've never been to an amusement park!" She said while pulling him in a tight bear hug.

"Really? Then, let's try every ride and food they have here!" Celestine squealed and let Gabrielle go as she started running like a child towards the different food stalls. Her mouth watered and then she looked behind her with pleading eyes. "Gab, I'm hungry but I forgot to bring my wallet with me." Gabrielle chuckled as he took his wallet at the right side-pocket of his jeans.

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Few Hours later...

Gabrielle bent over and vomited up all he had just eaten while Celestine caressed his back soothingly. "My goodness, Gab! You've never told me you have a problem with motion sickness. I should not have forced you to ride with me."

He shook his head and wiped his mouth with his handkerchief. They both sat on a bench. Gabrielle rested his head on Celestine's shoulders as he closed his eyes for a brief rest. "I'm sorry for ruining your day, Tine."

"No, it's not your fault. Besides, it's one of the best days of my life." Celestine paused for a few seconds before continuing. "Thank you so much, Gab."