Ruby Sky Striations

After Alice and Claudia said goodbye to everyone after much effort since they wanted to keep their words going, they headed back in the direction where they came from back over to the gates waiting their turn since lots of people were also trying to file out.

Alice leaned over and tossed her empty cup into the trashcan over by the little stand for food, and Claudia looped her arm around Alice's so that they didn't lose each other through the thick crowd.

The population of the academy was on the smaller side considering that the selection rate for the academy was quite high, but there were enough people at the school to be considered a somewhat large community.

Class sizes at the academy were diminutive as one would have guessed, but Alice thought that it was to foster academic growth in that sense. Alice would also attest that she was glad that she had good professors along with enjoyable classes, so there were no complaints on her end.

Alice was thinking about what she needed to get done when she got back home when the sun from the golden hour shined right into her eyes making her grimace despite the golden light covering the academy being one of her favorite sights.

Blinking furiously, she took in before her all the flowers blooming in the courtyard along with the well-kept grass and stone statues becoming washed in a golden hue was stunning.

The golden hour was beginning to fade, but the sun had gone with a red color that streamed along the sky. It was in high season for some of the flowers in bloom with stunning colors that added life to the quad.

The weather was warm, and it was the perfect time to go out. She didn't bother voicing it, but she was sure that Claudia knew that she was somewhat grateful that Claudia came over to bring her out of the convenience store to enjoy something new for the evening.

The soccer game was entertaining and much more high-paced than she thought, and a piece of her knew that she did sincerely wish that Noah was able to play with the rest of the group for their homeroom. All in all, she was happy that Noah was at least able to stay with his grandfather for his evening.

Claudia tugged on Alice's sweatshirt, and Alice tilted her head over at Claudia. "What is it?"

"Let's go inside to use the restroom," Claudia said.

Alice was along the same lines as Claudia since she was also for it but knew that they couldn't get inside the home building of the academy. "The doors lock on the outside after seven p.m. It's openable from the inside, but who would open the door for us?"

Claudia pointed over to the janitor was rolling his cart inside with a grin already knowing Alice's reaction to the situation. "We can ask, Mr. Anthony."

Alice sighed slowly but let Claudia drag her along to see Mr. Anthony, who was dressed in a navy blue worker's suit from head to toe, and Claudia waved her hand to get his attention.

Mr. Anthony was extremely cranky in the little moments that she was able to meet with him with him always just wanting the best for them and her him.

They strode over there to where Mr. Anthony was getting inside, and Claudia ducked her head in greeting. "Hello, Mr. Anthony. How are you today?"

Mr. Anthony's brows came together as they got closer to him already not liking their shenanigans. "What are you girls up to?"

Claudia pointed over her shoulder to the field where they had just come from. "There was a soccer game today that we came to see."

"I see," Mr. Anthony muttered. "I hope you girls enjoyed it."

"We did," Claudia sweetly remarked. "Can we head inside to use the restroom for a second?"

Mr. Anthony sighed. "You know the rules. No students inside past five if they are not a part of a club or sport. You can use the restrooms on the other side of the quad near the food court."

"That's too far," Claudia said to try and get him to understand her urgency which made Alice roll her eyes. 

"Right now?" 

"Yes," Claudia nodded.

There was a long pause on Mr. Anthony's end before he scratched his head as though he was tired of dealing with high school students or rather rambunctious kids in general which made Alice pinch Claudia in her side for dragging her into her antics.

Mr. Anthony deserved to take today easy rather than having to deal with her and Claudia. Then again, it didn't hurt for him to crack a smile every now and then. But if he did, Alice was sure that the world had turned over in a crazy way.

"Okay," he slowly said. "Don't go waddling around. I have a lot of work to do."

"Yes, of course," Alice said to try and lessen the wound. "We won't get in your way."

"Go in, ladies," Mr. Anthony kicked the door open wider with his foot. "Better leave after doing your business."

Alice ducked her head with a smile before squeezing Claudia on the shoulder letting Claudia know her inner thoughts. "Thank you for being understanding."