Chapter 15 - Breathe in (1/2)
My heart raced, what he said echoed with each thrum. Grant held me close to him. What will really happen when we sync? The whole business made me want to run away from them. My breathing came out raspy.
”It's ok, Liliane,” he pressed his cool forehead against mine.
”Hands off!” snapped Demos. Grant rolled his eyes towards him.
”You almost kiss her without her consent!” scolded Grant. I wasn't sure I followed everything.
”You wanted the same thing!” retorted Demos with a smirk. I raised my hands up. That was it for me.
”Enough of the weird stuff!” I shot at them. I pushed away from them and exited the bathroom. I couldn't think straight in such a confined space with those two. What was that all about wanting to kiss me too? Oh god! Those two were too much. I'm staying away from Demos for sure.
”Are we still going to the picnic?” Grant called. I took a moment; I needed air, fresh air. I needed space to think about our situation.
”Sure.”
The sun peeked behind gray clouds when we set off. Grant strode away wearing his new outfit for the first time. He auto proclaimed himself navigator of our trip to Level twenty-three found in the commercial zone. Unlike the shops in our neighborhood, geared towards middle-aged women and elderly here, the shops were lively with trendy brands, flashy colors, and happy music. Tall edifices surrounded the open plaza that held outdoor restaurants, food vendors and live bands. Over the sides of the high-raised buildings were breathtaking giant pieces of street art. Exotic birds peeked from one corner as we reached a crossroad.
”That one measure eighteen meters tall, called Geko from the late French street artist known at Zatou91. Born in 1991, he was well known for his ecologic messages to save the planet's endangered species. Which he failed because the small reptile went extinct about a couple of years after his death,” Grant shook his head as he read from his screen hovering in front of him. ”We are lucky we can still appreciate the beauty of his work,” he pointed towards a green lizard crawling up the side of a blue skyscr.a.p.er with plants hanging off the different terraces creating an illusion of a green waterfall. For once Demos walked behind us with Grant leading. The lights turned green spilling the flow of people to the other side of the pedestrian crossing. The street was surprisingly crowded for a weekday. Constituting mostly of tourists with multicolored hats.
”Why are there so many people?” I pushed my glasses up my nose. I should have worn a hat too.
”Bazaar commercial zone, Level twenty-three... That's a mouthful... Is pretty famous for its shops and… gardens,” Grant looked up from his screen. ”Jardin La companie, that's exactly where we are heading,” He pointed to a dot on his map. ”It's about a couple of blocks near the old docks on the left,” we followed the flow of tourists chatting in different languages. I spotted some Italian, French and I think some Japanese too. The sun perched high in the clear sky, a perfect day for those who like vitamin D. I wasn't a fan. Sweat dripped down my back as I trailed after our auto proclaimed tour guide. I gasped for air when we reached a steep hill covered with old steps. I held on the railing to catch my breath. Demos slowed down to join me.
”What's wrong?” he smirked. I frowned, he was unaffected with the whole effort. ”Tired already? Whiny princess, want a piggyback ride up the stairs?” I shot him a dark look making him laugh harder.
”I preferred when you were the silent and mysterious not that jerk!” I waved in his direction. He slipped his hands in his pockets flashed me a devilish smile before slowly climbing the stair.
”The jerk mode is not coming off. Move your fat ass, Princess. We don't have all day,” he tossed over his shoulder. I fumed glaring in his direction as he climbed with ease.
”JERK!” I shouted attracting curious bystanders' attention on me. Grant, who was some steps ahead turned back.
”Can't you cut it out you two? Demos stop calling her princess and Liliane don't fall back, we are almost there,” he called. Demos mouthed 'Princess' at me, mocking me. I pushed away from the railing and squeezed the little energy I had in my legs to keep up with them. Demos kept grinning at me all the way up. What was wrong with him? I've noticed a visible change in his attitude towards me since our little fight. He has no respect at all and kept pushing me out of my comfort zone. Fat ass?... Ouch, that hurts! The worst was, he actually enjoys it. Sometimes I even forget I'm dealing with an artificial. I didn't know they could be so annoying.
We had to take a break when I reached the top. I was about to faint, Grant, helped me sit on a low wall. He handed me a chilled bottle of juice, which I eagerly took. I sipped and sighed with relief. My forehead was covered with sweat. He pulled a napkin from his pocket and wiped it. I pulled him closer and warped my arms around his waist in a moment of pure desperation.
”Please tell me your garden thing is near,” he cleared his throat; I looked up and noticed his crotch was pressing against my face. I let go of him and jumped backward with a little scream. I averted my eyes as my face burned with embarrassment.
”It's not… hum… far,” Grant tried to sound normal. Demos chuckled in the background.
”I didn't know you were this desperate!” he commented. I shot him a killer glare. He bit his lower lip. Shit! I sprung to my feet. What was that? His simple action triggered reactions inside of me, I didn't even know were there.
”Where is your stupid garden?” I stomped to the left on a path made of small pebbles boarded with ferns.