Chapter 47: Paradox in the Making (1/2)
The party was coming to an end. Percy was the first one to leave still on strict curfew hours after the Vanguard situation. Alton and Zinnia were lying in the garden staring at the night sky discussing a range of things. Anything was on the table tonight. Zinnia took a deep breath, smiling, watching the endless stars. ”Would you believe it's been two months since we defeated Vanguard? I go back to school next week. What a pain. Where does the time go?”
”Nothing lasts forever, I guess. It has been fun though, yeah? Be quite the story to tell all your classmates.”
”You're not wrong there.” She chuckled. Zinnia rolled over onto her front as she stared at Alton. ”I can't honestly thank you enough for everything.”
”This again? You don't have to thank me for anything. Everything here was all you. Team Rhapsody. All of it. We're here because of you.”
Zinnia shook her head, feeling stupid. ”I know it's probably getting old for you and all. But I'm serious. Not only has this been the best summer of all time but also the best birthday. I got to spend it with all my friends, and I even got a present from mum. I never gave up hope she was coming back.”
”Just, promise me you won't get your hopes up too high, yeah?”
”What do you mean?”
”Never mind… sorry I couldn't get you anything. Still a little bit tight on money. Although I'm making progress, the new Apartment is nice. Way better than the one before, even if it's a little further away.”
”I'm just glad you've got your own place again.”
”I'll say the shower situation in this place was driving me crazy.” Alton raved tutting. ”We're getting big, aren't we? Top 50 streamers. Imagine that. Next year. When we're number one, I'll buy you the best present money can buy.”
”Don't be silly. Everything you've done here. The party. The cake. That's more than enough. But don't think we're skipping out on you mister. Your birthday is going to be just as big.”
”Well, we'll have to wait until next year now. Mine was a month ago.”
Zinnia sat up look frustrated. ”It was?! Crap! Why didn't you say anything? Now I feel bad.”
”Don't sweat it Zin. I just didn't care. I haven't celebrated my birthday in six years now. Ever since my mum died, it doesn't feel right…”
”I'm sorry. But next time you better promise you'll celebrate it! No matter what! To make sure you don't chicken out tell me your birthday so I can write it on my phone.”
”Alright, alright. My birthday is on July 19th.”
Iris walked over yawning. ”My ride is here. I'm heading home. Thanks for the party guys.”
”Thanks for coming Iris! I'm sorry your sister couldn't make it.”
Iris sighed, shrugging her shoulders. ”Yeah, you lot better come and celebrate out birthdays though! November 1st, write it down in your diary scrubs.”
”Already down. You two are twins then?”
”Yup. Alice is older by twenty minutes. She will never let me live that down. Anyway. See you guys later!”
Emil walked over with Percy looking smug. ”Hey, Alton I heard Scarlett was leaving.”
”She is? Oh, alright.”
”She might be walking alone.”
”I'm sure she's getting a lift.”
Emil placed a hand on Alton's shoulder while Percy stood close eyes closed agreeing with everything Emil was saying. ”If you're going to let a hot chick like that leave when she made the first move your stupid. Don't let someone like that getaway dude.”
”What are you on…” Alton stopped as Emil began wiggling his eyebrow suggestively. ”I guess it is late. I should probably walk her home.”
”That's the spirit! Go get her tiger!”
”I'll see you all tomorrow, yeah?”
”See you tomorrow, Alton! Thanks again for the party!”
Alton ran down the hill and out of the gate as Scarlett stood idly by looking lost. She had her phone down by her side. ”Alton?”
”Sorry, need a moment, it's late. Let me walk you home.”
Scarlett gave off a small smirk hiding the text with her driver calling off being picked up. ”I would very much like that. But I must say it is quite far. I will probably have to get a train.”
”Jinx. I moved further out into the city so getting here is two train journeys.”
Scarlett nodded, holding her hand out. ”Shall we walk then?”
”What are you doing?”
Giving off an innocent look, she tilted her head lost. ”Did you not want to hold my hand?”
”Whoa, that's what couples do!”
”Well aren't we a couple of misfits? In case I get lost.”
Alton went bright red as he took her hand looking away. ”This is so embarrassing.”
”There is no need to be embarrassed Alton. As long as we are enjoying ourselves, who cares what others think?”
The two began walking as Alton was still all stiffed up by the events playing out. He tried mustering up some small talk to calm him down. ”Zinnia said you approached her about Vanguard and myself? How did you know what was happening?”