" So, " Jude drawled, shifting in his seat while Moonlight hooked her arm into his, smiling.
" How are things? Last I heard you were serving your sentence in the quarter," Jude paused and raised his eyes to look at me " Forgiveness is not in Mason's nature, or so I hear," Jude abashedly smiled, and I was instantly annoyed that he knew more about Mason than I did. I lived with him, under the same roof and I still knew less than everyone else.
" I'm well. No, I finished serving my sentence not long ago but I still volunteer, " I sighed, trying to hold back a million questions that popped into my head.
" How are you?" I returned the question, hoping it would lead to a different kind of topic.
" Not much, mostly dreading the next four years of my life," Jude Addison, son of Commander Addison, dreading his years at the academy. I needed to see it with my own eyes.
" How so? Everyone I have met has spoken so highly of the academy as an institution. I'm surprised to hear you say that," I wasn't. After combing every single book cover to cover, I found what made the academy so sought after. It was the army-like regime, and the strict rules all students had to adhere to, regardless of their pedigree. It was used to educate the rich and the unruly.
Jude mustered a meek smile " I'm not fit for a place like that, but my father insists," More like forcing you to go, I thought.
" I'm sure you will have a wonderful time," I added trying to hide the sarcasm in my tone. It was a cheap shot but I couldn't help myself.
" So, which school are you going to?" Jude asked, most likely to distract himself from his impending prolonged misery. His freedom would be lost.
" I'm hoping the academy," I smiled " I have a meeting with the head of admissions in a month," I caved to the hunger and took a bite out of my sandwich, while Laira sort of slumped on the bench, quiet as a mouse.
"Willingly?" Henry interjected, surprised no less at my choice.
I laughed " Yes. You seem surprised," I had to try, even if that attempt would end in failure.
"I am," Henry scoffed " You are the ward of a very influential businessman. You could easily skip a few steps and learn from him. First-hand experience," Henry added with an irreverent expression, scrutinising me, and most likely, judging. I doubted that learning from Mason would be any easier. All those times when we sat opposite each other while he scolded me for various slip-ups came into mind.
" I could but where is the fun in that," I knew that academy would be anything but fun " I have been homeschooled. I never had a chance to attend school like everyone else. I want that," I replied and turned my attention to the sandwich. And realised that for once Mason didn't take prevalence. The academy did. I did.
" You're not missing anything. I promise," Henry added in the same snobbish manner.
" I think you should follow your heart and the universe will reward you with great things, beautiful things," Moonlight dazedly chimed in, smiling. I wished it would be that simple.
I smiled " Maybe," I bit on my sandwich, a little bitter " I hope the universe will reward me either way," I didn't like where the conversation was heading. I was trying to keep my sentiments in check and I could, until Mason came into the picture. After that it was mayhem. Every logical thought and every resolution that I had made prior, imploded.
" Don't worry Blossom, the universe takes care of the ones meant for greatness," Moonlight tried to ease my worries. What about those who weren't? She wasn't exactly helping. My cynical nature wasn't very taken with her spiritual views on life.
" I'm sure it does, Moonlight, " My mindless sarcastic reply slipped out of my mouth. At this point, I had, had my fill of nonsensical notions about the universe. Despite being a big place, sometimes it wasn't big enough.
Henry sighed " It's your funeral," He added a little dismissive and I wasn't sure I liked his tone.
" Would you stop it," Jude interjected " I don't want to think about it, anymore. I want to enjoy my freedom while I can," He added a little miffed, and probably a little desperate at the overall look of his grim future.
" So, what are you doing today?" He shifted onto something else, smiling or at least trying to. He wasn't fooling anyone. Clearly, he
wasn't very happy about attending the academy.
" We were about to go and listen to some music and maybe head home aft-"
" No, you promised to drop me off at the academy," Laira cut me off. I had forgotten.
" Right, we are doing that," I awkwardly smiled, as Laira slouched back onto the bench.
" We are going to a bonfire later. You are welcome to join us if you like. It's at Caragan Point, right where the beach ends and the Jurassic coast begins. It starts at ten," Jude went into details, giving me a glimpse of how the other half lived. I was tempted, so I glanced at Laira who shook her head. I also didn't want to go alone.
" Come on, Laira. It will be fun," Moonlight tried to suade Laira. She was being a grouch. On a bad day, I wasn't any better.
" We will think about it," I didn't want to say no. I had never been to a bonfire party and I so desperately wanted to go at one. Live dangerous, for once.
" All right. We are going for a swim. I'll see you later, " The trio stood up and said their goodbyes while Laira finally came back among the living the second it was just us.
" You're not seriously considering going?" Laira asked, and I knew it would take a lot of work to convince her to go.
" Maybe. I don't want to go alone. Come with me. We won't be long and I can take you home or you can stay with me. It is just us after all in a great big old house," I countered trying to make my point " It will be fun," I found myself reiterating Moonlight's words, and grimaced a little displeased now that those very same words were attached to someone who lived in a different dimension. They were attached to an airhead girl who thought the universe just gives handouts.
" Fine," Laira grumbled " Not for long though. In and out. We got into trouble last time." She added, and I was chuffed. It was easier than I thought it would be.