Chapter 524: Land o Dream (1/2)
Friday the 12th – the day began per the downpour of rain. A disturbance in the weather was reported late at night. The extent of the rainfall eluded even the weather reporter's mind.
Whatever happened didn't matter, suitcase in hand, backpack on the shoulder, and weapons on the table. An unbranded cap kept the hair from moving; a cheaply made long-sleeved dark-brown shirt, skinny jeans, and less than presentable shoes. For someone owning a lot of cash, caring about materialistic things could have been less of a worry.
”Igna?” the door stumbled with minor yelps.
”Anna!” opening the door, ”-why are you moving about?” she fell into his arms.
”Don't,” said she trying to stand, ”-I felt normal a few minutes ago. Got dizzy, that's all.”
The explanation went in one ear and out the other, ”-congratulations.”
”For what… oh, wait,” for a brief second, her hands braced for an eventual fall, ”-huh?”
”Stop moving around so much,” said Igna holding the young lady, ”-heavier than you appear.”
”Ha-ha,” the sarcastic remark followed a pleasant smile, not overbearing or under shadowed; a perfect balance. ”No commotions outside,” said she.
”The rain,” he pulled the curtains, ”-pouring cats and dogs.”
The television toggled to show the early morning news. Igna headed on to pack his bags, though, he did so before the day. Cross-checking was but a diversion. A less than gratifying sleepless night of utter insult and self-degradation left him exhausted mentally. The eyelids waned per each blink, the eyeballs itself burnt, uncontrollable yawns and achy joints, '-not the best start for today.'
*Knock, knock,* slammed the door.
”Coming,” replied he.
*Knock, knock,* slammed the door yet again.
”Said I'm coming,” a brute pull had the visitor stumble inside on her knees. ”Damn it,” cried Igna, ”-you've soiled the entryway.”
”Shut the hell up,” glared Ila quickly sorting her revealing outfit into more of a respectable one.
”She's back for more,” cried the local hoodlums, ”-Ay, Igna,” waved a certain familiar face.
”What's up,” returned he.
”The girl's got stripes pink and white panties man,” they laughed obnoxiously, ”-don't get too close, else you'll end up in jail like Papa John.”
”Got it, thanks for the advice,” returned he courteously. Before closing, the door halted with an escaping wink and thumbs up.
”Was that necessary?” returned she with a listless visage.
”Not my fault you decided to wear skimpy outfits on a rainy day,” he held her bags, ”-thanks for moving in. Anna's going to need the help of someone trustworthy,” he guided till his room, ”-you'll stay here, I've cleaned up the place.”
”Awesome,” she entered, ”-I'll take a shower, see you in a bit.”
”Alright,” he moved to the kitchen and readied a simple dish as well as lunch before leaving. Meanwhile, a documentary on the glamour of the Alphian's entertainment lifestyle had Anna clutching her pillow. Multiple famous figures gave snippets and interviews for the world to know. It looked like a fantasy, hanging out at the side of popular people, gaining their trust, learning about the secrets hidden deep within.
”Excited for the journey?” wondered Anna half-an-hour later.
”Referring to the documentary?” asked he doing the dishes.
”Obviously, a friend of mine is going to the place of dreams. Can't help being hyped.”
”Quiet down,” said he pulling a bowl, ”-have some soup. My rides on the way.”
At 09:30, Éclair received the call for departure. ”I'll be off then,” he stared into the hallway leading to the living room. Green-hair stood leaning over the tall-shoulders of Ila, the duo was pleased. 'Time to head out then.'
”Take care on the travels,” said Anna.
”Break a leg,” added Ila a bit too literally.
Off the metal stairs and inside the restaurant, ”-Mr. Kord, I'll be leaving.”
”No worries kid,” said he reading the special dishes, ”-go there and conquer the world. The Academy is too small for someone who has so much potential. Don't forget, cooking doesn't have to bind you, do what the mind feels like doing – you'll eventually come across what was meant for you.”
”Thanks for the advice.” And so, a little sprint across the road led into a big-black car. Anna stared from on above, she waved and so did he. Rain slammed harder on the metal body, ”-hello Igna,” said Lia sat with legs crossed.
”Good morning.”