She and Noah made their way out of the side gymnasium doors that led straight to the equipment shed and field. Alice was just a step behind Noah's pace, but it didn't match up with the difference in the length of their legs, making their walk look off. Noah slowed down so that they could match their steps.
With the list in her hand, she passed it to Noah for him to look it over. The wind tossed his hair slightly into the air with the bright sky as their backdrop. The spring season was truly Alice's favorite. Spring here at the academy was characterized by the blooming flowers, the scent of freshly mowed grass, and shiny pale cement.
Honestly, since the academy used paler shades of cement and brick, when the sun got high in the sky, it sort of hurt to traverse to farther classes since the sunshine would be extremely bright. But as the sun moved across the sky toward late noon and afternoon, it was a pretty sight that she had come to love.
The list that Madeline had given her wasn't anything too crazy. Some more paint and other DIY materials that could be easily found. Along with some stationary paper to add more flair to their work.
They also needed to get colorful streamers. Some thin pipes were the last thing on their list, so it was definitely a shopping list that was doable.
It may take longer than what Alice had planned, but she was sure that she and Noah would be able to get through it. There were some more items on the list, and Alice made sure to keep them in mind as they went on their shopping expedition.
They wouldn't need to go too far, but they would need to go the main roads that led out of the academy.
Noah nodded as he read the list before handing it out to her. "Where did Claudia go?"
"She went to her mother's birthday dinner," Alice said with a smile.
"Ah, I see," Noah said. "It must be nice."
"Claudia's mother is very kind," she said offhand, carefully treading ahead since she didn't know how to respond. Alice couldn't tell if he was being nice about his comment or not.
He turned to look at her just as they passed out the main gates of the academy. "Don't think too hard, Alice. It's nothing personal."
She breathed out a sigh. "It's not like that. Sometimes I wonder if it's normal for you to hold no regard over how your parents are treating you."
"Well, what can I do?" Noah said tonelessly. "I sincerely hope that Claudia is enjoying her time."
"That's kind of you."
"Thanks. I can be sometimes, contrary to your thoughts."
She hummed softly. "That may have been the case one day long ago, but that is not anymore. I swear I'm not putting you down."
Alice jumped over a large rock in the middle of the sidewalk while Noah kicked it over to the grassy sidelines. "I am imagining what you said behind my back now."
She blinked innocently before grimacing. "Well, I'm not going to lie. It was childish at first, to say the least. Saying things to Claudia and friends about how you were only able to get to where you are now because of money and how you never worked hard for anything."
Noah clicked his tongue. "Now, now. Don't go overboard."
Alice smacked him. "I don't think that now. I would never spread any rumors back then though. Or ever. I don't like those kinds of people and would never do something like that. I'm not trying to catch a case before I graduate like some of the other people..."