The Waterfront

Our first day included a visit to the biggest fine arts museum of Eybosnia, Loriya Center, the world's second largest park, The Fargarde, and dinner at the famous The Waterfront Room. Before we checked into our accommodations, we were to check out the House of Atia. However, on the way to all the sites, we were allowed to explore the various boutiques on the strip.

That was something Avery and I were absolutely interested in. While the boys seemed weary and uninterested, Avery and I combed through all the stores. And it helped that Venea was equally excited about the place. Not that it exhibited on her face. But we knew. Her eyes shone a different kind of sparkle. In a way that didn't look like she was about to murder us.

Loriya Center was heaven on land for those who loved the arts. From classical paintings, striking sculptures to actual virtual experiences of some of the famous novels of Odrone. The interior was just as grandiose as the experience itself. The arches in the hallways were overexaggerated with curvy, sinuous lines. The staircases leading to the upper floors were rounded in a perfect asymmetry. The hallways themselves appeared as an illusion playing on your mind. My jaw dragged across the margrane tiles as I walked deeper into the building. I was in awe and dazzled at the advancement of Eybosnian fine arts. I was glad that Mom had packed her old camera with my luggage, because as an art nut that I was, I took way too many pictures.

Avery and I posed in silly poses for the photos. There were some with Hayden. Obviously, with Daxton and Belle. But my favorite was Avery and Erik. All their pictures were of Erik teasing her while she responded with punches.

But let me tell you something.

The Fargarde was far better than Loriya Center.

It seemed like it was its own city. Or town. Or forest. I couldn't even describe what The Fargarde was. It was a spectacle. There was an actual forest inside the park. With wildlife and wild flora. Multiple ponds scattered across the park where people had set up camp. Each pond space was different from the previous. Each having different landscaping styles. A huge amusement park settled at the back of The Fargarde. And a location we were to visit on a later date.

I was looking forward to it. Peeking from above the large Ople trees, I could see the roller coaster ride. I had never been on one. I've only seen pictures. Mom and Uncle Winston talked about it every time they remembered their days back on Earth.

My legs were killing me. The tour around the museum and a quarter of the park, my feet felt like jelly. And so did my tummy. It growled so loud, I was embarrassed by the sound. Luckily for me, no one was around me. Avery was chasing Erik who stole her bottle of water. Hayden was talking animatedly to Daxton and Belle was laughing at something her friends had said. I exhaled loudly as I walked alongside the canal towards our dinner destination. The lights had lit up around the canal as well around the square.

The clock tower looked magnanimous under the bright lights. The dial shifted from analog to digital in a blink of an eye, taking me by surprise. I rubbed my eyes, wondering if I was hallucinating.

"You're not hallucinating," A voice said from beside me.

I whipped my head so fast, I was shocked that it didn't go in a spasm. "Shade. You're early."

He smirked, not-so-amusedly. "Unlike you, I have things to do."

"Right. Is that why you were missing the past couple of days?"

"You noticed. I'm touched." His tone dripped in sarcasm, it irritated me. I rolled my eyes and hastened my speed. "How has the trip been so far?" he asked, catching up with me too soon.

"Wouldn't you like to know."

"I do. I'm your buddy and as your buddy, I need to know." His deadpanned and honest face ticked me.

"Well… it was great," I admitted. "I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Astral City is… beautiful. I've never seen a place like this before. Not even in the pictures or stories that I've seen or heard about Earth. I'm sure there were some gorgeous places, you know before…" I imitated a blast with my hands. "However, this is just something else."

For the first time in a long time, I saw him crack a smile. A genuine smile. And it was towards me. Something turned in my chest. It was pleasantly uncomfortable.

"I'm glad you liked it. There are tons of new places to see around here. You've not seen AstralRealm yet."

"What's that?"

"The amusement park. At The Fargarde. I thought you would have noticed it. It's quite large."

"I did. I saw it." And the thought of it got me enthusiastic again. Which he noticed and grinned. But I didn't let that deter me or my elation. "I saw the giant roller coaster. It looked thrilling. I can't wait to get on it."

"It's dangerous." Shade raised a brow.

"That's the whole point. If it's not dangerous, people wouldn't want to go on it again and again." I shoved my hands in my denim jacket pocket. "People love danger. What they fear are consequences. They feel that if they take the risk, the outcome may not be in their favor. They're afraid of the outcome. But if you don't take the risk, how will you know what the outcome is? And even if it's bad, you can always turn it around and make it work for you."

"Even if the outcome is death?" Shade asked.

I smiled politely. "Especially if it's death."

"What do you mean?"

"Take the example of the roller coaster. As you say, it's dangerous. You've made up your mind that whatever happens, it's going to end bad. But if you've never rode on the roller coaster, how will you know? You might actually enjoy it. The excitement, the thrill, and not to forget the sudden surge of adrenaline. And even if it ends badly. Like you throw up, or faint, you'll always remember that day and things that happened. Then one day, you'll laugh about it."

"What if you die?"

"Then I died happy as hell. At least that's for me." I chuckled. "Riding the roller coaster is at the top of my bucket list. I died achieving my dream."

"You're a weird girl," Shade commented.

I scowled. "Well, you're a statue. You should be kept in the Loriya Center."

"Because I'm a fine art?" Shade's face was blank again but the mischievous glint in his eyes annoyed him. I pursed my lips and took large steps to get away from him. Shade chuckled under his breath, pissing me off.

~*~*~*~

After dinner, I washed my hands at the communal washroom and on my way back, I noticed Hayden leaning against the wall.

"Hey, you," I said, sauntering towards my dear boyfriend.

Hayden looked up at me and smiled. However, I couldn't see it reaching his eyes. "Hi. All washed up?"

I raised my clean hands and grinned. "What's wrong?" I asked. It was quite evident something was bothering him.

"What do you mean?"

"Hayden, I know you. I know all your tells. So, I know when something is bothering you. Tell me, what is it?"

Hayden sighed heavily. "I saw you talking to that Eybosnian."

"Wow, you did? I thought my invisibility cloak was shielding me from people seeing me," I joked. Hayden did not crack a smile. "So, what?"

"I don't like it."

I raised a brow and scoffed. "You don't like it? What do you want me to do then? Not talk to him? Not see him? Run away when he's around?"

"I appreciate that."

I stared at Hayden, hoping he was joking. But his expression seemed dead serious. "Hayden, I can't do that. As much as I want to and believe me when I say this, I don't like him. He's abhorrenable. Yet, he's my buddy. For pretend's sake, I have to tolerate him. I can't completely ignore him. Also, I barely talk to the guy. You don't need to get jealous of him. You trust me, don't you?"

"I'm not jealous of him. I don't need to. Because I obviously trust you. I don't trust him. I don't like the way he looks at you, babe. You might have noticed, but I have." Hayden moved closer to me, weighing my hands in his. "I know you can't completely ignore him, just don't try to indulge in a conversation that it's required."

"Fine. I won't talk to him. But this is the last time you'll order me to do something." I pulled my hand back.

"Babe, I'm not ordering you to do anything. I just want to keep you safe." A frown creased his perfect face, that I really wanted to punch. I rolled my eyes and walked away.

We grabbed our bags from the school bus-craft, and headed towards our accommodation, Regal Obelisk Inn. It was located just behind the House of Atia, our last location of the day. The chapel was known for its breathtaking wall paintings and the double heighted atrium. People from across the world would come to visit the chapel just to take in the outstanding interior. However, unfortunately for us, we weren't blessed to see the beautiful murals of the chapel.

Just as we were about to pass the goliath clock tower, a loud warning bell rang. A second later, I found myself flying in the air, smoke and fire surrounded us like a blight as the base of the clock tower fractured and began collapsing on itself.