Adam and Alex are standing in the hallway, both perplexed. Alex looks more spooked than confused though.
"Hey, dude! Stop with the bullshit will you? It's probably your imagination, now come on. It is late."
"Yeah..." Adam not convinced that it was his imagination, smiles to agree with Alex. "... let's head out. I probably imagined it."
They go out and meet the two girls moving to and fro on high alert.
"Is something wrong?" Alex asks.
"What? Oh, nothing is wrong." Edna replies.
"Then end your up and down trend like you are surveilling for something. Now shall we go our ways? It's late."
"Hold up," Adam speaks. "Mary let's escort Edna home."
"Huh...? But-but..." Her eyes meet Adam's and she becomes speechless and unconsciously replies, "Sure dear." Realizing what she has just said, she covers her mouth. "*Sigh* Her house is close to where we are passing anyways. I guess she can tag along." She moves closer to Edna and then whispers in her ear, "I still feel uneasy about earlier. I will initiate a telepathic conversation along the way so be mindful." Edna nods in reply.
"What of you, Alex?" Adam asks.
"That hurts dude. We've known each other for so long and you don't know where I stay? *Sigh* That's my home." He points to a four-story apartment building literally right outside the school's gates, across the road.
"That's your home? And you are late for school literally every single day?"
"What? A man needs his sleep. Anyway, you guys shouldn't worry about me. You can go in. I can take care of... You know, scratch what I just said." He remembers the face of his greatest fear. "Please guard me home." He says with all regard.
"But your house is just there," Mary says.
"Oh come on. Don't you care about my life? Then how about this: you guard me home, and I show you a shortcut home. Huh? It's a win-win."
"You mean through that construction site? If so, sorry but we don't want to put ourselves in danger." Edna says.
"Come on guys. At night they post security guards there so it is completely safe."
"Still, no thank you," Mary speaks.
"Come on girls. Let's just take him home. He is a very good friend of..."
"If you say so, Adam." Mary rushes in. "A friend of yours is always a friend of mine. Right, Edna?"
"Of course. We will do whatever you wish for, Adam."
"Awww. You guys are the best." Alex says. "Now lead the front and the rear, if you please."
They start to walk with Adam leading, Alex behind and the girls at the back. It wasn't long till they got to the stairs of the apartment. Apparently, Alex is on the top floor, room 16 (There are four rooms on each floor). They climb the stairs and for Alex who takes the stairs daily, he appeared to be out of shape as he pants for air. Passing through every floor, they got to see how cheap and egregious the apartment is. They get to his door and Alex takes out his keys.
"Aren't you going to knock?" Edna asks.
"Oh, I live alone. You see, I'm an orphan."
"Oh sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"No problem Edna. I'm already over the fact."
With the atmosphere all moody and awkward now, Mary tries to break the ice.
"At least your family is around for you."
"Nahhh. They all left me behind except for my late grandpa. Oh come on, don't be sad. At least I got to know those who truly loved me and were not doing so because of my parent's money." For a moment all were quiet and surprised then, "Oh I didn't tell you? My parents used to have shares in The Peach company that produces phones and other gadgets."
"Sorry, Alex," Adam speaks. "Just know I am always going to be there for you. I mean what are bros for."
"Thanks, dude." He says and opens the door.
"Alex, how many tomatoes are in your room? I smell it all the way here."
"None. I am allergic to those. It is probably your imagination again."
"Yeah... Anyhow, bye, Alex. We are getting late." Adam says.
"Sure dude. See you tomorrow."
Adam walks off with the girls and Alex stands by the door waving at them. When they take a right and start to descend the stairs, they finally go out of Alex's sight and he walks into his room. The first thing he does is turn on the light switch. *Click* But no light comes.
"*Sigh* Forgot I haven't paid my electricity bill."He walks deeper into the room and then abruptly shrouds his nose. "Adam was right. This place stinks of tomatoes." He moves to the window and opens it and then pushes away the curtain for some light.
"Ahem!" The moment he turns and sees the intruder, he shrieks,
ARGHHHHHH!
"Was that Alex," Edna asks. The three of them are finally out of the apartment.
"He is probably just continuing his foolery. Let him be. We are already late."
They move on and they don't mind the yelp of Alex.
Back in Alex's room,
"How-how-how are you here? Why-why-why... Please don't kill me. I swear on my penile erection, my tumescence, my potency that I didn't let a letter get out." Alex says in a panicking tone.
"Tsk! You are a really noisy kid. Your type dies first in the job, you know? Take a seat on your bed and let's talk. I have a proposal for you. One which you cannot refuse or rather..." Paul takes out a pocket knife. "...you don't have another choice. Now go take the seat."
Alex obeys and then goes to take a seat on his bed.
"What-what did you want to speak about?" Alex finds it in him to ask.
"I like your seriousness kid. Before I start, sorry for the tomato scent. I know you are allergic but I had to mask my scent."
"How-how did you..."
"How did I know? Hm! Kid, I have had my eyes on you for a long time now. I am here because I want you as my successor."
"Wait. What do you mean? What is going on here? I don't even know you from anywhere."
"Wait-wait! I am nearly seventy, I can't keep up when you rush like that. I will explain everything to you but first, let me quench that curiosity of yours. Go for a glass of water." Alex not wanting to comply turns away his face. "*Sigh* I wonder the best place to hide a body."
Alex with haste springs to his feet and heads to the tap for a glass of water. After taking the first sip he hears,
"Do you want to know about the Mythics?"