"Thanks, Anders!"

"No problem, Louie. Call me if you need anything."

With a nod, I left Louie in the staff room.

I walked around the center, nodding to a couple of staff I passed by in the hallway and checking in on the people lounging in the recreational room. It had already become some sort of routine. When I arrived in the front lobby, my eyes landed on the girl with long black hair and striking grey eyes.

She was busy doing logs on the computer. I leaned my elbows on the counter and flashed her a smile.

"Hi."

Meadow looked up and grinned when she saw me. "Hi."

"What's the plan today?"

Her lips pursed as she thought long and hard about it. I took the time to stare at her, and memorize her features. I noticed her aura changed somehow. Why did it seem like she was getting prettier everyday?

Just as Meadow was about to say something, the front door opened. She shot up in her seat and greeted the visitors.

I didn't bother turning around, too busy watching her.

"Good afternoon! How may I help you?" she said, with a bright smile.

"This place looks too bland for him. Are you sure he's here?"

I frowned, recognizing that voice.

"Yes, now shut up."

I stood up straight. I definitely know these people.

"Hi, we're looking for—"

I turned around, and three pairs of eyes turned to me. Seeing their faces brought a whiplash of memories in my mind – almost all of them ended up with the four of us running away after doing something we shouldn't have.

'"Ey!" Conrad exclaimed, with a grin. "There he is!"

Aurora smirked. "Anders Ferguson."

"What—" I laughed, before getting smothered by hugs from the two boys.

I noticed Aurora hung back and watched us with a small smile. She crossed her arms, looking like she couldn't be bothered with physical touch.

"Too good for hugs now, Aura?" I said.

Gavin and Conrad pulled away at the same time to look at her. She rolled her eyes and stepped forward, wrapping her arms around me.

"Nice to see you," she murmured in my ear.

I chuckled. "You, too."

"You didn't exaggerate," Gavin said, looking around as Aurora and I pulled away from each other. "This place is too boring for life."

I glanced at Meadow, who was pretending to be busy with files. Before I could say something, Conrad cupped my face and pouted.

"I'm glad you didn't go crazy, man."

"Someone kept me company," I said quietly.

Aurora's eyes wandered behind me. As discreetly as I could, I blocked her view of Meadow while I kept my eyes on the boys. I could feel her attention switching to me.

"How did you escape your prison cells?" I asked casually.

"Negotiated my way out of it," Gavin replied.

Conrad chortled. "Tell him what you promised your parents."

"I'll keep my record clean next school year."

I raised my eyebrows. "Big promise."

Gavin didn't look too bothered.

I started to smile, and guessed, "But you created a loophole."

He grinned, which was confirmation enough.

"And you?" I asked Conrad.

"I told them I was having a hard time with their divorce and I let them think that this was my way of acting out." He smiled innocently, batting his eyelashes.

"Brilliant." I chuckled, before looking at Aurora.

She shrugged. "I'm excused. It's debutante season."

"Oh, to be a girl."

"Lady," she corrected.

"What exactly do you do here for fun?" Conrad wondered with a frown.

"I'm starving," Gavin interjected, before I could answer. "Can we get something to eat as well? Take us out, you peasant."

I scoffed. "Ingrate."

"Fool."

"Cockalorum."

"Pillock."

Aurora clapped her hands. "Let's go, shall we?"

I turned to Meadow and glanced at my friends, hesitant at what I was about to do. Although, I knew it had to be done. As casually as I could, I introduced her to them.

"This is Meadow, she's a volunteer. Meadow, these are my friends."

She gave out a shy smile and raised her hand for a small wave. Conrad nodded to her, while Gavin sent her a brief smile.

"Hi, Meadow," Gavin said politely.

Aurora, on the other hand, gave a little bow. "Hello."

I then leaned forward, and asked Meadow, "Can you let Grace know I'll be out for the day?"

Meadow smiled. "Sure."

"Thanks."

I lightly tapped the counter before leading my friends outside, not giving them the chance to scrutinize her. If truth be told, I wanted to take Meadow with us but she wasn't ready for my friends.

And they were nowhere near ready for her.

* * * * *

"Did we step into Riverdale?" Conrad asked, looking up at the diner and down the street. His face was scrunched up, not quite sure what to make out of it.

"They serve good food," I assured him, stepping out of my car and walking to the other side to open the door for Aurora.

"I saw Charmuel's right down the road," she mentioned, climbing out of the car.

"Meh." Gavin shrugged, with one hand in his pocket and looking nonchalant. "I'm open to trying something different," he added, before heading for the diner's entrance.

Without waiting for Conrad and Aurora, I followed Gavin inside and chose a table for us. It wasn't the corner booth that was Meadow's favorite. I chose somewhere in the middle, right in the heart of the place.

"Aurora, tie your hair up." Conrad snickered, as he slid into the booth. "With your blonde hair, you can role play Betty."

"No, thank you," she said from beside me, careful not to touch anything as if she would catch germs just by leaning on the table.

Just then, Wendy came over to our table with a grin.

"Well hello, Anders!"

I returned her smile. "Hi, Wendy."

"I see you brought new friends," she said, nodding to them.

"They're only visiting."

"Oh." She smiled at them. "You kids from the city?"

Gavin nodded. "Yes, ma'am."

"How do you do?" Aurora said, with a graceful smile.

Wendy giggled. "Ain't y'all polite?"

Conrad was trying not to smile, as he shook his head. I ignored him.

"I'll have the classic burger and fries," I told Wendy.

Aurora added, "Pancakes for me please."

"Same with Anders," Gavin said. "Thank you."

"Not much to choose from." Conrad scoffed, looking at the menu with the same look on his face he had earlier. "Burger and fries, then."

"Drinks?"

"Water please."

"Coke."

I gave Wendy a knowing smile. "Root beer."

Conrad sighed. "Beer."

I kicked him under the table.

"Ow!" He glared at me. "Root beer."

"I'll be right back with your orders," Wendy informed us, before turning to leave.

I sent her an apologetic look. When she caught it, she only smiled reassuringly at me. My friends didn't miss the gesture, though.

"You're close with the help now?" Conrad teased.

I shot him a look.

The person from the other table looked over at us with a frown, appearing to have heard Conrad's comment. He looked quite pissed.

Conrad pulled his hands up and laughed.

I shook my head. "Would it kill you to have manners?"

He snorted. "I do, but not to those beneath me."

The pissed off person from the next table turned his body towards us with a devil smirk, as though he was about to have his meal. Thankfully, the girl with him called his attention and shook her head in warning.

Gavin sighed, looking like he disapproved of our friend's actions but couldn't be bothered to say anything. Aurora just pulled out her phone and checked her messages.

Had it always been like this?

"I have excellent news," Aurora said, putting down her phone and looking at me. "Mother convinced Natasha to let you back home for the ball."

"Right, it's this weekend." I nodded, remembering my promise to be her escort. It had been decided since we were kids. "I'll be there."

She looked pleased. "I know you'll be."

"But seriously," Conrad began, "what the hell do you do here to pass the time?"

"Go here," I said, leaning back on my seat and gesturing to the diner. "Watch old films in the theatre, skate in the roller rink, and swim in the nearby beach or lake."

Gavin chuckled. "Sounds very provincial."

"I'm surprised you don't find those boring," Aurora remarked.

It would've been boring, if I wasn't with Meadow. She was the only one who made even the most mediocre things fun. It was like a gift.

"Surprised me, too."

Gavin and Aurora exchanged looks and weren't lost on me. I wanted to call them out on it, but I already knew what they were thinking. And the last thing I wanted was to talk to them about it.

"Man, do you at least get laid?" Conrad asked, just as Wendy came back with our drinks. Impeccable timing.

"No," I answered, more of assuring Wendy because she'd only ever seen me hang out with Meadow. "I can survive without that."

Conrad looked at me like he was seeing me for the very first time. I couldn't really blame him. I would've had the same reaction if it was me a few weeks ago.

"That doesn't sound like the Anders I know," Gavin said, watching me closely.

I shrugged and watched Wendy leave. "It's just not one of my priorities."

"And what is?" Aurora asked.

"I'm still figuring that out."

"This is so weird." Conrad frowned, looking slightly disturbed. "You always have an answer for everything."

"Not everything."

I still had no idea what I wanted to do in the future. I still hadn't the slightest clue what I wanted to be. I still didn't know what my purpose in life was.

"Are you alright?" Gavin asked me, concerned.

"Never better."

Just in time, our food arrived. It surely saved me from the odd conversation I was having at the moment.

I smiled at Wendy. "Thanks."

She grinned back. "Enjoy, kids." With that, she left.

"Greasy," Gavin commented, after taking a bite of his burger.

Conrad nodded. "Reminds me of the hotdog they sell in Times Square."

Aurora made a face. "Must you be grotesque while we're eating?"

"That's an uncanny impersonation of my mother." Conrad raised both his hands and clapped. "Bravo, Aurora."

She only rolled her eyes. Conrad chuckled at that and kept one hand raised, while he looked around the diner.

"What?" I asked.

"I want more ketchup," he replied, keeping a hand up. "The waitress should have made sure we have all that we needed before leaving us. I swear, she can't even do her minimum wage job right."

Someone slammed the ketchup bottle on our table, causing us to jump in startle. Our heads turned to the guy from the other table who had been eyeing us since before.

Now that he stood, his tall figure loomed over us. I guessed he was over six foot tall, with dark hair and mischievous green eyes. He didn't look like someone you'd want to mess with, especially not teenagers like us.

"Here you go, you little bitch."

Conrad scoffed and turned to him. "Excuse me?"

"You're not excused."

Conrad got to his feet, but the guy still towered over him.

"What's your problem?" my friend demanded.

"You and your fucking shitty mouth," he spat harshly. Then, he pointed to Wendy who was by the counter. "Apologize to Wendy."

"Is it a crime to speak the truth now?"

"Don't disguise your sorry ass opinion as the truth. It's fucking pathetic."

Conrad let out a leer. The irate guy grabbed his shirt before we could blink. Gavin and I stood up in an instant. Even the girl the guy was with was on her feet.

"Alfie, he's just a kid," she said.

"Kids like this need to get knocked over from their high horse."

Right, I needed to step in.

"I'm very sorry, sir," I told the person named Alfie. "He failed our etiquette class, that's why he has no manners."

"Please let him go," Gavin added. "I'm sure he learned his lesson."

"Go ahead, hit me," Conrad taunted. "I'll fucking sue you before you can even call your lawyer."

I sighed, while Gavin dragged a hand down his face. Normally, I enjoyed Conrad's knack for seeking the thrill. But not right now, and not this way.

Fucking hell, Conrad.

"What makes you think I'll stop with one hit?" Alfie smirked. "I won't let up until you can no longer speak, and I'll make sure nobody finds your body."

This time, Conrad finally looked worried. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he stared back at Alfie. It was quiet for a few minutes. Nobody dared to speak.

Nobody but the girl.

"Alfred."

"Arisa Emilia."

"Seriously, that's enough," the girl named Arisa Emilia said, patting his shoulder. She turned to us, and added, "Don't worry, he's only kidding."

A devil grin spread on his lips. "Am I?"

I noticed Conrad started sweating. I couldn't blame him.

To be fair, I wasn't intimidated by this Alfie. I just knew well enough to play nice. I had a feeling there was truth behind his threats.

"Go on," Alfie dared, lowering his voice. "Test me."

Aurora let out an impatient breath. "For God's sake, just do what he says."

"Do it, Conrad," I urged.

"Yeah, man," Gavin added.

"I—Fuck—Fine, I'm sorry," Conrad called out to Wendy.

Wendy waved a dismissive hand. "No harm done, honey. We're just protective of each other around here, see—Alfie, let the poor boy go."

Alfie let him go but didn't step back. "Watch your mouth, you little shit."

And with that, Alfie and Arisa Emilia went back to their table and everyone in the diner continued to eat as though nothing happened. Just like that.

Glowering, Conrad clipped out, "Let's get out of here."

Gavin left a few bills as we started to gather our things, before making our way to the exit. But then, Alfie's voice stopped us.

"Yo."

We halted and slowly turned.

"You're not really gonna leave behind your half-eaten meals, are you?"

"We're full," I said.

I didn't need to tell him that I wanted a private word with Conrad. Now.

"You know what I hate more than stuck-up kids? Wasted food." He pointed to our table, and deadpanned, "Finish your goddamn food."

"Yes, sir," Gavin muttered, dashing back to our table.

We finished our food as fast as we could and got the hell out of there. I nodded to Wendy before we stepped out. As soon as we did, I shoved Conrad to Gavin's car.

"What the hell was that?" I demanded.

Conrad's eyes widened in disbelief. "What, I'm a victim!"

"That's the last thing you are," I gritted out.

He pushed me away and glowered at me. "Why the fuck are you so sensitive over a measly comment?"

"The fact that you don't see what's wrong with it is what's wrong." I shook my head and let out a humorless laugh. "How did I not see this before?"

"See what?" Gavin asked.

"How entitled we act, Gavin. It's sickening."

"It's how we've always been," Aurora defended, frowning at me as though she was trying to figure me out. "And for the record, we're not entitled."

I turned to her. "What do you prefer to call it, then?"

She raised an eyebrow. "It's not our fault we grew up having been made to believe we can have everything."

"But it is up to us how we act with that in mind."

"You acted no different two months ago," Gavin pointed out.

My jaw clenched. "I know, and I'm trying my best to change."

Aurora sighed exasperatedly. "There's nothing wrong with you."

"But there is – there was."

"You know what, I'm fucking done with this place." Conrad raised his hands in surrender and shook his head. "I want to go home."

Aurora stared at me. "I'm riding with Anders. He's also going home today."

"The ball isn't for two days," I said.

"That's enough preparation for you to familiarize yourself with the program."

Gavin nodded to me. "See you in the city."

I nodded back, and watched Conrad get in the car without a backward glance. It wasn't long before their car pulled out of the parking lot and left.

"Come on, Anders. Let's go get your things," Aurora declared, turning to me and waiting for me to open the passenger's door for her before getting in.

A million different things ran in my mind as I got in the driver's seat and keyed in the ignition. I quietly drove to the hotel, reflecting on how much I'd changed and I didn't even notice it. I also didn't realize Aurora was watching me until she spoke.

"What happened to you?"

I glanced at her briefly, before facing the road again. "You mean, besides getting sent away with little to nothing allowance?"

"Yes. Something clearly happened. You're not... you."

"Elaborate."

"You look far too peaceful," she noted. "It's like that fire inside of you that craves for adventure is gone, replaced by this very chill person." She paused. "Are you high?"

I chuckled. "No."

"Then, what is it?"

"I gained a new perspective."

"Hardly something to cause a drastic change."

"It was enough." She was enough.

"I'm not sure I like it, whatever caused you to change like this."

My jaw clenched. "I'm not asking for permission, Aurora."

"Maybe you should."

We knew we were talking about the same thing. I shouldn't be surprised that she managed to catch on quickly. She had always been perceptive.

"It's my life," I said quietly.

"Right." She released a deep sigh, before reaching inside her purse and opening a small case. I watched from my peripheral vision as she popped something in her mouth.

"You need to stop taking that," I told her.

"Why?"

"It's bad for you."

She scoffed. "Since when have you cared?"

"Since I realized it's bad for you."

"Anders, we've always known this stuff is bad for us. But that fact never stopped us before."

"It should have," I muttered.

Aurora shook her head as she stared at me. "No. If I had stopped, I wouldn't have gotten through this fucking summer with my crazy obsessive mother breathing down my throat." She looked away. "You of all people know that."

"I'm sorry. It's just... There are other ways to cope."

"Like what, going to a therapist? Sneaking off to another country? Burning down a building? Oh, wait. We already did all those things."

I shook my head. "Don't you think we've been living in our own bubble for so long that we fail to see the world outside of it?"

She stayed quiet.

"We think we're running out of options, that we have no choice. But that's only because we're not allowing ourselves to see things from another angle."

She crossed her arms and kept silent.

"We're unbelievably privileged to actually have options. Why don't we use it?"

Aurora scoffed. "First, we're entitled. Now, we're privileged. You know, Anders, it sounds like a completely different person talking."

"I told you, I gained a new perspective."

"It's not a very appealing perspective." She shook her head and sighed. "It must be the air around here. We need to get you back to the city."

"It's not the air."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

"She's..." The corner of my lips lifted up, remembering all the times the girl with a bright personality made me smile. "She's all my adventures rolled into one."

Aurora sent me a pitiful look, before telling me, "That's what summer is all about, Anders. It's an exciting rush. But that's just it, it's fleeting."

I managed to keep my facial expression blank, but my grip on the steering wheel tightened. I didn't want to hear what she had to say, but I couldn't tell her to stop.

"Don't let a summer fling change who you are."

I glanced at her. "Even if it's for the better?"

She gave me a knowing look. "Better for who?"

My jaw clenched, refusing to admit that a part of me agreed with her.

_____________

Do you agree with Aurora?