Zenon's Game Chapter 252

"I get it," I said. I hear it all the time, so I changed subject. "Out of everyone, who surprised you the most on the trip?"

I was so curious about that. That group was the focus of so much attention at school that the rumors about them had taken lives of their own - overtaking their real lives.

The closer I got to them - to Zenon especially - the more I realized that.

"Hmm," Cynthia played with her hair as she thought about it, "I have to say Oma. I thought she was more stuck up than she really is. She took incredible photos of you and Zenon by the way."

"Really?" I asked. Zenon and I don't have many pictures together.

"Yeah, she wants to study chemistry in college and start a make-up line that's inclusive of all skin tones," Cynthia continued, "And you know my dream is to become a makeup artist, right? I love make up, but my parents would kill me."

"I had no idea," I said, "I still don't get why she hangs out with Bianca, but aside from that, she's a role model."

I meant it. Oma was mature. She knew what she wanted and was focused on getting it.

"I can't believe they're all going to graduate soon," Cynthia sighed, staring up at the ceiling, "Only a few months left of Axel."

"And Zenon," I whispered, staring up at the same ceiling with sadness, "But when they're gone, at least we'll still have each other."

I don't know what she thinks, but this friendship is going to stick like cement to brick.

Cynthia answered, "No doubt."

~Too early the next morning~

I barely slept. The nightmares of the blackmailer kept waking me minutes after I closed my eyes.

Winnifred's fate and the break in showed that whoever it was... was seriously dangerous.

Screams in the hallway had me wide awake early the next morning. It took me a second to remember where I was.

I sat up in the air bed and looked over at Cynthia, fast asleep under her duvet. The screams outside were from her siblings, already awake and playing at 7 AM on a Sunday.

I exhaled in relief and got up quietly to change. Cynthia's room was full of cosmetics, stationery and clothes. Her dressing room table had so many lipsticks of all different shades lined up in front of the mirror. She had a mug full of brushes and a box full of eye shadows.

My phone rang and I jumped for it, not wanting to wake her up.

"Hello?" I whispered.

"You're awake," Zenon's deep voice greeted me.

Why does he sound surprised? If I wasn't awake, his call would've woken me.

"Why do you sound out of breath?" I whispered, glancing back at Cynthia's bed to make sure I was quiet enough.

Or maybe that was the wind? There was a lot of wind noise on his side.

"I went running," he answered, "And guess where I ended up."

"Here?!"

At seven am?!

"It's ten." I could hear the smile in his voice. He must be able to read my mind.

Zenon then said, "I have no clue what house you're in. Axel gave me the street but forgot the actual number."

"Seven," I said, realizing the connection between that and my thoughts on time. "I miss you," I added, jumping around to find my clothes.

"I miss you, Candy," he replied, "So you coming? We only have one day left before senior spring and I want to make it count."

If I was at home, I'd be able to fling myself out the front door and into Zenon's arms. His strong, neighborly arms. No matter where I live in future, I will always think of Zenon as my neighbor.

The future seemed so scary to me now. Zenon will be leaving this summer for college and I didn't know where I would be. If my mother doesn't come home, what will happen to me?

I didn't like thinking about it because my eyes started to sting. I called my mom and sister again, like I always do, and expected no reply. I received no reply.

"Why are you in such a hurry? You're not going anywhere without fuel to start your day," Cynthia's mom told me. She placed a plate of waffles on the table, "What would your mother say if I let you leave hungry?"

I don't know.

That's the problem.

I watched Cynthia's mom cut the waffles into smaller chunks for her youngest son. He was busy with a coloring book, though his crayons preferred to color the table instead.

Sitting next to me, Cynthia was just as restless as her siblings. She twisted round in her chair to stare out the window.

"Is he really outside?" she whispered, trying to spot him on the street, "I don't believe Zenon Albert is outside my house for breakfast! He is a full meal though."

She giggled at her own joke until her mom gave us a look. Zenon was outside, waiting for me. I ate my waffles quickly and tried not to jump too eagerly at the sound of coffee. After inhaling an entire cup, I was desperate to leave.

"Go, go, go!" Cynthia urged me, "And remember to ask Zenon about Axel!"

I thanked Cynthia's parents and I grabbed my backpack and scarf. I tried to avoid looking out the window and making it too obvious.

Cynthia's mom took my coat from the hanger and handed it to me. "There is a boy outside this house," she said, "I'm guessing he's yours?"

I nervously said, "He's my boyfriend."

"Then slow down," she told me, watching how I was rushing to put my shoes on, "And let the boy wait."

The cold couldn't deter my smile.