Additionally, she didn't seem to have any issues regarding their family's average financial situation, which filled him with genuine happiness. The fact that she had not only made friends but also found really good ones was a source of great comfort and joy for him.
He attributed her ability to thrive at school to her wonderful personality. Lizzie possessed a magnetic presence that naturally drew people to her with her warm and friendly demeanor. Her laughter had the power to light up any room, making her the kind of person others couldn't help but admire and adore.
Just as the conversation with Lizzie and her friends was in full swing, Lucien noticed the three guys who had been standing a little further away approaching. The guy at the front took the lead, introducing himself, "Hello, I'm Ethan Harrington, a classmate of Lizzie and the class president."
Upon first encountering Ethan, one couldn't help but be struck by his timeless handsomeness. His neatly combed, dark brown hair framed a face where the gleam of mischief in his striking blue eyes was impossible to ignore. Standing at a height of 179 cm, he carried a lean, athletic build, suggesting an active lifestyle. Ethan's refined attire perfectly complemented his charismatic demeanor, hinting at a subtle charm that reflected the status of his family.
Ethan then gestured toward the guy on his left and introduced, "This is Lucas." Lucas presented a friendly and down-to-earth appearance at first glance. His light brown hair and warm hazel eyes radiated approachability. Standing at a modest height of 175 cm with an average build, he often opted for comfortable and casual clothing, giving an impression of practicality.
Continuing the introductions, Ethan pointed to the guy on his right and said, "And this is Cameron, but we call him Cam." At first sight, Cam appeared as the laid-back and spirited type. His sun-kissed blond hair fell into a charming mess, and his bright green eyes expressed a lively nature. Standing at a height of 178 cm, he boasted a slender and agile build that complemented his energetic personality. Cam's style was easygoing and comfortable, characterized by his casual and colorful attire.
Lucien responded in a friendly but somewhat reserved tone, maintaining a certain distance as he didn't fully trust or understand the intentions of these new acquaintances. He refrained from smiling, keeping his stance clear.
Ethan noticed the subtle distance but wasn't bothered by it. He then explained, "I've invited Lizzie and her friends to a graduation party that will take place after the official ceremony. Lizzie mentioned that she would only attend if her big brother could join as well, as she expected you to visit and wanted to spend time with you before you have to leave. So when I saw her running out and looking so excited, I wanted to see what was going on and extend a personal invitation to you."
Ethan finished with a hint of uncertainty in his tone and looked at Lucien, awaiting his response.
Lucien glanced over at Lizzie, noticing her excitement and enthusiasm. He decided to consider the invitation, although he still held some reservations about the party. With a measured response, he said, "I'll check my schedule and discuss it with Lizzie. She'll get in touch with you about our decision. It should be possible, but I have some other things to attend to, so I can't provide a definite answer right now."
His caution was justified, and he wanted to ensure that it was feasible before committing to the event. What Lucien was unaware of was Ethan's hidden agenda. Ethan had a crush on Lizzie and intended to confess his feelings to her at the party. Without Lizzie's attendance, he wouldn't have the opportunity to express his emotions. Lizzie's remarkable beauty and the frequent rejections of other suitors had made him somewhat apprehensive. However, he recognized that high school was ending, and this might be his last chance to express his affection.
Ethan's initial disappointment gave way to happiness when he heard the likelihood of Lucien and Lizzie attending the party. He responded enthusiastically, "Sure, take your time. I'll be waiting for your response." He looked at Lizzie, and she nodded in agreement.
The boys then bid their farewells and returned inside the school. Lucien glanced at his phone's clock and realized that there wasn't enough time to grab lunch during Lizzie's break. He suggested, "It looks like we'll have to postpone lunch since your lunch break is almost over. I'll meet you here after school, and we can go back home together."
Lizzie replied, a little disappointed but understanding, "Okay, see you later." Gabby and Frankie also said their goodbyes to Lucien before heading back inside.
As Lucien contemplated how to pass the two hours before Lizzie's school day ended, he decided that a visit to his favorite café was in order. Although he didn't feel particularly hungry, he longed for the warmth of a well-brewed cup of coffee. This café, nestled in a quiet corner of Ardenvale, had been a familiar haunt during his younger days. Its reputation for exceptional coffee was well-deserved, but what he cherished even more was the peaceful ambiance it offered.
With a sense of nostalgia, Lucien set out for the café. Its charm lay in its minimalist design, free from excessive decoration or ostentation. Comfortable seating and soft, mellow lighting set the stage for patrons to unwind and savor their beverages in quiet solitude. The staff was amicable but discreet, adding to the overall sense of tranquility.
During his walk to the café, he meandered through the heart of the city, taking in the sights and sounds. He passed by Harmony Park, a central oasis within Ardenvale. The park featured a picturesque central pond, meandering walking trails, and a delightful playground where families came together to create lasting memories.
Harmony Park was a popular gathering place, where friends congregated for picnics, children played in playgrounds, and couples strolled hand in hand. It was a setting that brimmed with joy and laughter. Lucien often found solace in visiting the park, particularly during moments of solitude and reflection. His parents' anniversary was such a time, a poignant reminder of the void they had left behind.
Despite having his loving aunt, uncle, and Lizzie by his side, the loss of his parents weighed heavily on his heart, and these moments in the park allowed him to remember them fondly. So, as he continued his walk, he drew comfort from the sight of happy families and friends enjoying each other's company, and he quietly treasured the memories of his parents that he held close.
Lucien continued his walk, exiting the park with the café located on the other side of it. However, as he approached the café, his attention was abruptly diverted.
A few steps from the traffic light, he noticed an older woman walking on the sidewalk with a young boy, perhaps only 5 or 6 years old, dashing ahead of her. The traffic light indicated green for pedestrians, but it had just transitioned to red. Lucien halted in his tracks, waiting at the crosswalk.
Suddenly, the young boy sprinted ahead without checking for oncoming traffic. Without a moment's hesitation, Lucien surged forward and reached out, managing to grab the child just as the boy stepped onto the street. It all happened in an instant.
From the left, a car raced toward them at an alarming speed, its tires screeching as it braked abruptly. Lucien's quick actions had saved the young boy's life, but in the process, they both tumbled to the ground. Dusting himself off, Lucien checked to ensure the child was unharmed, holding him close to his side. The blaring car horn and the panicked shouts of the older woman seemed distant as they both lay on the ground, a sense of relief washing over Lucien.
Lucien, in the midst of the tense moment, heard the notification bell inside his head as the system announced something. He quickly instructed the system to clear his sight and not send notifications for the time being, choosing to ignore it.
Sitting up and gently placing the young boy on the ground in front of him, Lucien moved quickly to assess any potential injuries. He checked the child carefully, his heart racing. A wave of relief washed over him as he realized the boy appeared to be physically unharmed, except for the emotional shock he must have experienced.
Lucien released a deep breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding, a profound sense of relief washing over him. As he turned his attention to the boy's grandmother, who had hurried over as fast as she could, he observed her tearful eyes and the frightened expression on her face. The gravity of the situation had certainly affected them all.
"Thank you so much. I can't thank you enough," she profusely expressed her gratitude to Lucien. Turning to the young boy, Alex, she scolded him with a worried expression, chastising him for his recklessness.
Shortly after, the driver of the car stepped out and approached, concern etched across his pale face. It was evident that the near miss had shaken him to the core. He inquired if everyone was okay, his voice tinged with anxiety. Upon confirming that everyone was unharmed, he released a relieved sigh and sank to the ground. The tension that had gripped him finally dissipated, and he could, at last, begin to calm down, thankful that nothing tragic had occurred.
Recognizing the shock and distress in the driver's demeanor, Lucien approached him to offer support. He knew that the driver needed time to process the near-miss accident. Lucien advised him to take a break and wait until he felt more composed before continuing to drive. He even suggested taking a day off, allowing the driver the opportunity to fully digest the gravity of the situation and recover from the emotional impact.
As the driver sat down on the side of the road, nodding his agreement to take a break, Lucien returned to the old lady and checked on her. She continued to express her gratitude, and Lucien reassured her that he was fine and grateful that nothing serious had occurred, especially that the young boy, Alex, was unharmed.
Alex approached Lucien and offered his thanks, albeit likely at the behest of his grandmother. Lucien, in a reprimanding yet caring tone, replied, "Be careful next time. We don't want this incident to happen again. It would be best if you were more cautious in traffic from now on."
The young boy nodded vigorously and pledged to be more careful, even making a pinky promise with Lucien. The grandmother looked at Lucien with gratitude, wanting to reward him for his help, but he politely declined. Instead, she handed him a contact card, explaining that if he ever needed a favor in the future, all he had to do was call, and she would do her utmost to assist him.
Lucien expressed his gratitude to the old lady once more, and they parted ways. Both parties agreed that involving the police was unnecessary, as nothing serious had occurred. Lucien continued his journey, crossing the street when the traffic light turned green, and made his way into the café.
Upon entering the café, Lucien settled into a corner seat, a familiar spot he had always chosen during his younger days. As he sat there, he patiently waited for a waitress to come over. He was pleasantly surprised when the same waitress who had served him back then approached his table.
With a playful tone, the waitress remarked, "Who would have thought that Lucien would come back to visit our humble café again."