After a few minutes of sitting in the car, I became restless for some reason. Unable to stop the fidgeting, I climbed out of the car, to have a look around. I knew Laira wouldn't be long. If I did well at keeping track of time, Laira excelled.
The water fountain in the centre of the academy grounds caught my eye. Three leaping dolphins stood in the centre, shooting water up their blow holes. And from there, an intricate design of paved paths treading over the well-manicured lawn. Fenced grounds, circled by a thick row of trees along the entire estate. Well, someone went through a lot of trouble creating it, I thought. You needed mad talent to go over that fence, and since that was a science academy, I was sure that over the years, someone had come up with an idea of how to get passed it. Only time would tell.
The contrast between the red brick, and white limestone carvings on the face of the building was quite eye-catching. A bold contrast but I assumed that whoever built it, didn't spare any expense. It was hundreds of years old, but it looked as if, it had been built just the day before. Pristine was the word that came to mind.
A few students walked out of the main building and waved at me when they caught sight of me. I waved back and smiled. At least their time at the academy hadn't killed their spirit. Just yet. I sighed when one of them broke off from the herd and began making his way towards me. Oh, no.
I glanced at the clock on the dashboard, it was ten to five. As the curly-haired boy approached as shifted to the front of the car and leaned against the hood.
" Hello," The boy said in a sing-song voice as he closed the distance. A head full of curly hair that would make any girl jealous, freckled skin, and compared to me, shortish.
" Hello," I greeted back, smiling in an attempt to be friendlier with people I came across. I wasn't very good at spontaneous situations or making small talk with strangers.
" Are you a student here? I haven't seen you around," The line sounded familiar. It was the same line David used when we first met.
" No, but I'm hoping to be. I'm just here with a friend," I sighed, eyeing the building that Laira disappeared into.
" Oh, I see. Well, from an academic standpoint of view, it is an amazing place to be, but if you have a taste for finer things in life, then this place is your worst nightmare," He offered more insight and I wished he wouldn't. It would have been nice to have a chance to make my own opinion, instead of being constantly bombarded with others' views on things.
" So, I have heard, " I absently replied, and relief washed over me when Laira stepped out of the building.
" Simon, but my friends call me sci-fi," He introduced himself just as Laira approached, with hurried steps. We didn't have a lot of time before the gates closed. I wanted to ask about the pet name but we were running out of time.
" Lily, and this is Laira," I introduced both of us as I pushed myself off the hood " We need to get going, but I'll see you around or not," I said as I made my way around to climb into the car.
" Nice meeting you, both of you," He said as I opened the door, while Laira just blantlaly ignored him and got in the car, wearing a somewhat troubled expression.
" Likewise," I waved and smiled, following Laira's lead. It might have appeared to the untrained eye that she was rude, but she wasn't. It just took a while to warm up to her.
" How is David?" I put the car in drive since the big old gates began closing. It was one minute to five. Boy, they weren't kidding around.
" He is fine. He had a little accident with one of his experiments. He will survive. He just didn't want Millie to see him like that. She would worry," She sighed, shaking her head. Who knew quantum physics could be dangerous?
" How bad is it?" I watched the gate close on its own behind me in the rearview mirror. Novel idea, considering automation was still in its early days.
" A few scratches and bruises, and a third-degree burn on his arm," She explained and began nibbling on her thumbnail. It was interesting to see.
" He will be fine. Scientists are mad. It was bound to happen," I tried to lighten the mood and poke at her at the same time to see her reaction.
" You don't understand," Laira snapped at me. Interesting, I thought. It seemed I wasn't the only one weighed down by secrets.
" Tell me. I want to understand," I pried further. I couldn't do much talking, because I had to keep my eyes on the road, but that didn't stop my mind from doing rounds. For two years, I had tried to figure out if Laira had feelings for David.
A vault would have been easier to crack than Laira.
" I can't lose him too, Lily, " She let out a heartfelt sigh, rubbing her forehead. I knew her mother died in a factory accident when she was little. It was a tough one. I had first-hand experience with loss, but still, I couldn't find the right words to help her.
" He won't. It was just an accident. I'm sure next time he will be more careful." That was the best I could come up with in the spur of the moment.
" You don't know that," She snapped again, and I was beginning to feel the sting of her ire.
" You're right. I don't. Nobody does. We are born, we live and we die. We do a full circle. The only thing we can do is to live it well and make a difference," I decided to take a philosophical approach on the matter. I was really bad at comforting people. Hell, I couldn't even comfort myself, let alone others.
" Isn't that a quote from a book?" Busted. I wished I remembered which book. I had lost track. I had spent my childhood and teenage years buried under mountains of books. A way out.
" It is, but that doesn't make it wrong. You expect me to drive and be original at the same time," I amusedly said " Well, you're in for a disappointment. Multitasking isn't something mother nature has bothered to bestow on me. So, I'm afraid you will have to settle for a quote from a book, " Still couldn't remember which one. I sighed when Laira punched me in the shoulder. Boy, I wasn't winning at anything lately.
" You're the worst," Laira giggled and threw her head back letting out a frustrated groan. I was, but I was ok with it.
" Listen, I don't know what to tell you. I'm not very good at this. I'm fairly new at being around people. I'm working on it, though. I can give you a hug when we get home. And since it's your lucky day, a pat on the back," I amusedly said, trying to keep things light-hearted. I was well acquainted with the slippery slope she was going down on.
" Oh, thanks. What more could I possibly want? That should fix all the wrongs in the world," Laira sarcastically bit back. Success.
" I don't have a lot to offer, so keep that in mind when you ask for things," I continued in the same amused manner, to keep the ball rolling. I knew that distracting her would only delay the inevitable. Fear was a natural reaction. I was just hoping that when it would subside she would be able to look at David's little accident with different eyes.
" I figured as much long ago. You're socially awkward," She pointed out, amused. I was, but mostly because I didn't have enough practice.
" The pot calls the kettle black," I smugly retorted, which garnered me another punch in the shoulder. She could punch all she wanted if that made her feel better.
I was relieved when Northenhay came into view. David had pointed out that they knew where it was. It was hard to miss. Dead on in the heart of Morston, one of the oldest and the most imposing houses in town.
" Have you ever been inside?" I knew it was an idiotic question, but I felt the need to ask.
" No, of course not. Under what pretext?" Laira questioned back, a little ruffled up as we climbed out of the car.
" Alright, there's no need to get all worked up. It was just a question," I raised my hands in surrender. She was on the defensive. Not a good day for Laira.
" Come. I'll show you around and then will have some food. Maybe that will help with your crazy mood," Luckily she was too dazed with the view, and most likely decided to let me off this time around.