Chapter 53: These Blood Sucker Friends
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After enduring the chaotic antics of the spirit children in the last test, Alex was more than ready for a break. He had faced countless challenges, but nothing could have prepared him for the patience required to deal with those mischievous kids. He needed to clear his mind and recharge before diving into the next trial.
With that thought in mind, Alex decided to check on his friends and CV. He hoped that seeing them would help him relax a bit, and maybe even get some moral support. After all, they were supposed to be in this together, right?
As he made his way back to the spot where Stella had pointed earlier, he could already hear faint sounds—laughter, the crunching of popcorn, and the unmistakable theme music of a drama series. The closer he got, the more certain he became that something wasn't quite right.
Finally, Alex stepped through the mists and found himself back in the strange, modern living room setup. There they were—his friends, Jenny, Mark, Sarah, and his beloved wife, CV—still sprawled out on the plush sofa, eyes glued to the TV. They were completely engrossed in whatever drama was playing, each of them holding a bowl of popcorn.
Alex couldn't believe his eyes. After everything he'd been through, all the stress and chaos of the tests, this was what his so-called "team" was up to? Watching TV and stuffing their faces with snacks like they didn't have a care in the world?
He felt a surge of frustration rise up within him. His fists clenched, and his face flushed with a mix of disbelief and anger. *Are you kidding me?!* he thought, staring at them in sheer exasperation.
Without saying a word, Alex stomped over to them, his footsteps loud and heavy. But even as he approached, they didn't seem to notice him at all. Jenny was completely absorbed in the screen, her eyes wide as she leaned forward, hanging onto every twist of the plot. Mark was casually tossing popcorn into his mouth, occasionally offering some to Sarah, who would nod absentmindedly, too engrossed to really pay attention.
CV, his dear wife, was sitting there, legs crossed, seemingly lost in the drama as well. The fact that she hadn't noticed him was the last straw.
"Really?!" Alex finally exploded, his voice booming with frustration. "You guys are seriously just sitting here watching TV?!"
The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at him, startled by his sudden outburst. For a moment, nobody said anything. Then, Jenny, as casual as ever, spoke up.
"Hey, Alex! You're back!" she said with a grin, her tone far too cheerful for his liking. "Come join us! This drama is getting really good!"
Alex stared at her, incredulous. "Join you?! I've been running around like a madman, dealing with insane tests, and you're all just sitting here, watching TV?"
Mark shrugged, still munching on popcorn. "Well, what else were we supposed to do? There wasn't much we could help with, so we figured we'd pass the time."
"Pass the time?" Alex repeated, his voice rising with each word. "While I'm out there suffering, you're passing the time?"
CV finally spoke up, her tone calm and soothing as usual. "Alex, darling, don't be upset. We knew you'd be fine. You're strong, and you can handle anything that comes your way."
"That's not the point, CV!" Alex huffed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I'm out there dealing with spirit kids, greed traps, and who knows what else, and you're all just lounging here without a care in the world!"
CV gave him a soft smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're right, but we also needed to keep our spirits up. And what better way than with a little bit of drama and some popcorn?"
Alex sighed deeply, feeling his anger start to dissipate, replaced by a sense of weary resignation. "You're unbelievable," he muttered, shaking his head. "All of you."
Sarah, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally chimed in. "Come on, Alex. Don't be such a grouch. We're your friends! You know we'll always have your back when it counts. But when it doesn't, well… drama time."
There was a moment of silence, and then, despite himself, Alex started to laugh. It was a dry, almost defeated laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. The sheer absurdity of the situation had finally caught up to him, and he couldn't help but see the humor in it.
"You guys are impossible," he said, rubbing his forehead. "But I guess that's why I keep you around."
"Exactly!" Mark said, giving him a thumbs-up. "You know you love us."
Alex rolled his eyes but smiled despite himself. "Alright, fine. But just so you know, the next time I'm stuck with annoying spirit kids, I'm dragging all of you along."
"Deal!" Jenny said brightly, though it was clear she didn't take his threat seriously at all.
CV patted the spot next to her on the sofa. "Come sit down for a bit, Alex. Take a break. You deserve it."
For a moment, Alex considered it. The idea of sitting down, relaxing, and just enjoying a few minutes with his friends and wife was tempting. He'd been through a lot, and maybe he did deserve a break.
But then he glanced at the TV screen, where the characters were embroiled in some ridiculous melodrama, complete with over-the-top acting and nonsensical plot twists. Alex shook his head.
"Thanks, but I think I'll pass," he said with a chuckle. "I'd rather save my brain cells."
The group laughed, and CV gave him an understanding nod. "Alright, just don't push yourself too hard."
"I won't," Alex promised, already feeling a bit lighter. "But you guys better be ready when I come back for the next round."
"Always," Mark said, grinning. "But for now, it's popcorn time."
With a final shake of his head, Alex turned to leave the room, still chuckling at the absurdity of it all. His friends were ridiculous, but they were his friends. And in the end, that was what mattered.
As he walked away, he could hear the sound of laughter and the TV blaring behind him. For all the craziness, it was moments like this that made everything worth it. He'd take on the next test with renewed energy—and maybe, just maybe, a little less stress.
To be Continued.....