𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟔: 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞

                                    

                                          

                            

                                
                            
                              
                                  
                              
                              
                                
                                  
                                  
                                
                              
                             
                            
                            
                          
                          
A few days had gone by since Chris had departed. People were heartbroken the first few days, devastated that a member of their beloved V4 would be gone for an unforeseen amount of time; some students even set up a box to collect letters written in anticipation of his return. It was all too dramatic. Most people had already come to terms with Chris' absence by this point. Although some females mourned the loss of their favorite musician from the courtyard, they knew it wouldn't last forever and that he would return at some point. He simply didn't know when.
Alaina missed him too, he'd left to pursue his first love on account of her advice. It hurt a part of her, but it was the right thing for him to do. It felt a little lonely without him though, no one to bother with her disagreements and complaints about Damon. Although, she had less to complain about lately. With everything that had happened from the moment Victoria arrived to when she left, things between her and the V4 were becoming a lot less hostile and a lot more complicated. For now, Alaina was living freely, her first week without anything going wrong.
Alaina was at her usual lunch table, this time accompanied by Ellie. The two of them ate their lunches. "I'm so glad we could have lunch together. I've been sick lately so I haven't seen you," Ellie spoke up, sticking a fork into her kale salad. "Did you hear that Chris went on holiday? Apparently, he's chasing after his first love. It's all over the school. Someone said it was Damon's real blood sister. Isn't that weird? I mean, they grew up together." She gave her opinion on the situation, but Alaina simply shrugged. She was close to the situation and saw it differently.
"I don't know, it kinda makes sense. It's like, you know that person so well because of that connection. You've supported them at their worst and celebrated their best moments. They've done the same for you. It's romantic, isn't it?" she commented.
Ellie looked at her confused. "Maybe, it's still a little weird. He's Damon's best friend, and he likes his sister. It must be awkward."
Alaina laughed, thinking back on it. Damon was so calm about it all, she could tell he had made peace with it and moved past the romance between his best friend and his sister, mostly because he knew it wouldn't happen. "I doubt it." She took a forkful of pasta from her tray, scooping it into her mouth.
The lunch hall was instantly filled with cheers and screams, the source leading to Damon, who walked in with a surprise solo appearance. His eyes searched the crowd for someone until they fell on Alaina, the two of them making eye contact. First, it was Brendan and Cordie, but Damon? Damon coming by personally for whatever disagreement he had with Alaina? That had everyone's attention.
"You're kidding me," Alaina spoke with a mouthful of pasta. Everyone followed Damon's steps leading up to Alaina, watching enviously and anxiously.
"Saturday at one o'clock. Front entrance of the Mist Moon Tower," he told her, the words missing the context. Alaina swallowed her pasta, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Ellie's eyes moved from Damon to Alaina, her fork lowering back to her plate. Damon turned to walk away but promptly doubled back. "Don't be late," he added, leaving immediately after. Half the crowd followed Damon out, the other eyeing Alaina.