Chapter 9.1

Jason led the group out of the store and they all re-entered the Baron, but the seating at the back was a little tight with Melanie now added in the roster. Fortunately, the luxurious four-seaters were designed to be more spacious than the normal ones, so the girls were able to squeeze in together.

"Why are you following us?" asked Emily, her voice dripping with mock concern. "As the Academy President, don't you have something more important to do?"

"Nope, not at all," Melanie replied cheerfully as though she couldn't hear the sarcasm laced in Emily's voice. "In fact, I've got the entire day for myself. And what better way to spend it than with a hot guy?"

As she spoke, Melanie tapped on the little table in front of them, which opened to reveal a refrigerator stocked with several drinks. Melanie pulled one out and gasped after studying its label.

"1990 Château Latour?!" Melanie cried out in shock while Michelle snapped her head towards the wine, her eyes wide.

"En aucune façon …" Michelle muttered as Melanie pulled more wine bottles out.

"1961 Château Haut-Brion, 1982 Mouton-Baronne, 2001 Château Rieussec … these are all at least a century old!" Melanie read each one as she passed them to the other girls. The last one was grabbed by Michelle who looked like she was possessed; being from a relatively rich family, she understood how special these all were but, considering her age, her palate was aimed at sweeter wines.

"This is nothing," Alina said with a sigh. "He has an entire cellar dedicated to old wines. Why he collects them is beyond me though."

"What do you mean?" asked Emily as she watched Alina place the bottles back.

"I don't drink," Jason answered. "And no, it's not some religious thing. It's just that I … have bad experience drinking."

"You get all mopey?" joked Asami. "Oh no, you get all angry when drunk!"

"No, I got roofied … more than once," Jason said.

"Woman?" asked Asami in a sage-like voice. Her manner made it seem like she had experienced something similar but the others knew that was just acting.

"Yep, scary bunch when you think about it," Jason answered while the girls looked at him resentfully, causing him to cough lightly. "But it's not only that. Those days I … I couldn't relax. When you drink, you end up slowing your reaction time. Even if it's barely noticeable, it happens. And I couldn't afford that luxury."

The car was silent as everyone contemplated what Jason said.

"After that, it just became a habit. Even now, I just have a sip or two but not often so …" as Jason spoke, he used his head to gesture at the back where the wine was. "Tell you guys what, stay for dinner at our place and I'll cook up the best meal you've ever had and I'll even open a vintage wine. One that's two hundred years old."

"What's this? Trying to get us all drunk?" Asami teased while Melanie and Emily had their eyes gleaming.

"Drunk? You wound me, Ms. Chiba," Jason clutched his chest and pretended to be hurt and both Emily and Melanie glared at Asami.

"Jason wouldn't do that," Emily said with a strong conviction.

"Even if he did, I'll sacrifice myself to save all of you," Melanie spoke in a solemn tone, as though she was willing to sacrifice her life for a heroic cause. "Just leave it all to me."

"To you? I'm more concerned you'll try to seduce him after getting him drunk," Emily muttered in a voice loud enough for everyone in the back to hear. Melanie heard her and turned to smile at her to which she responded in kind.

"Alright, ladies. We'll head to a cafe for some snacks then visit the amusement park," Jason interrupted the two hissing cats and announced his plans. "So don't eat too much at the cafe, or you'll be sick when we ride the rollercoaster."

"Best. Day. Ever!" squealed Asami. "New clothes, free food, and fun at the park. Ah, I think I'm falling in love with your brother, Alle."

"Too bad you're not his type and you're underage," replied Alina causing Asami to playfully slouch, an exaggerated sigh escaping from her lips.

The girls continued their banters as Jason drove them to a relatively small diner that was barely had any customers. As they entered the diner, Alina couldn't help but grin at the place.

It was furnished like a vintage 1950's diner. With black and white checkered tiles, red leather diner booths, and retro stools near the countertop, Alina couldn't help but feel that childish excitement at being transported through time. She skipped to a retro looking jukebox that was located at the far back while Jason walked to the counter where a middle-aged lady was polishing the counter.

Her blonde hair was held up by a vintage style bandanna updo and she was wearing the classical red waitress dress that ended above her knees with a white apron. She looked up when she noticed Jason leaning near her and smiled brightly.

"It's been a while, kid," she said to Jason. "Hey, Dad! Jason's back!"

The woman shouted into the kitchen and a large hand stuck out the pass-through window with a thumbs up.

"Hey Annie, Joe!" Jason called out as he smiled softly. "It's great to be back."

"Course it is," Annie said proudly before pulling a small notepad. "So, what'll it be today?"

"Oh, the usual for Alle and me. And the biggest parfait you can get for this little one," Jason picked Alice up so Annie could get a good look and the latter grinned. "What about you guys?"

"Waffles," said Michelle immediately.

"Cake!" replied Asami at the same time.

"Chocolate pudding, please."

"I'll have some vanilla pudding."

Both Emily and Melanie ordered the same thing at once, causing them to glower at each other.

"Shouldn't you have something less sweet?" Melanie sweetly encouraged Emily gesturing at her stomach. "After all, it would be terrible if you gained more weight."

"It's alright," answered Emily with a smile as she emphasized her breasts while she loomed over Melanie, causing her voluptuous chest to pop out in front of Melanie's eyes, blinding her as they nearly smacked her. "I'd benefit from the extra calories."

"Oh?" Annie's eyes gleamed as she looked at Jason, a knowing smirk on her face. "Trouble in paradise, kid?"

Jason rolled his eyes before pushing everyone into a diner booth, then he took Alice and sat on a counter stool.

"Wait, you're not joining us?" Asami asked.

"Not yet," Jason shook his head with a smile and he placed Alice on a stool next to him. "Me and Alle, we've got a tradition."