Chapter 3 : New Characters Unlock
688 Words
As Harper and Phoebe walked away, Elijah stood alone, lost in thought for what he heard on Harper’s lips. The hum of the mall's air conditioning and the chatter of shoppers filled the air, but Elijah's mind elsewhere. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafted from nearby food court, but Elijah didn’t notice. Meanwhile, Duke and Swyne, Elijah’s friends, were browsing through a shoe store nearby laughing and joking around about different stuff.
“Dude, these sneakers are fire! Swyne exclaimed, holding a pair of sleek black shoes.
Duke chuckled.
“You and your shoe obsession, man.”
“It’s better than your girls, dude!” teasing him while laughing sarcastically.
Swyne was a cool, laid-back guy who was always ready with a witty remark, sometimes sarcastic to lighten the mood. With his stylish messy brown hair and piercing blue eyes, he’ wearing confidence and charisma. He was the “it's okay to be alone” guy when it came to love, but he also loved to tease his friends, often pushing them to reveal their true feelings.
Duke, was the charming playboy of the group. With his chiseled features, short black hair, and piercing brown eyes, he had a way of making everyone feel at ease. Duke wasn't always interested in pursuing romantic conquests, but he loved to flirt for fun. Despite his playboy reputation he was a loyal friend and would always have Elijah's back.
They spotted Elijah standing alone in the middle of the mall, gazing in the direction of Harper and Phoebe had gone. So they went to Elijah's place. They laughed as they approached Elijah.
“Handsome, what’s going on?” he teased Elijah using that word, clapping Elijah on the back.
Swyne chuckled, “I think he lost his heart again by the same woman.”
Elijah rolled his eyes, a hint of smile on his face. “Shut up guys. It's not funny.”
Duke and Swyne exchanged a knowing look, their expressions serious.
“What's going on dude?”
Duke asked.
Elijah didn’t answer and he started to walk, his two friends joining him as they finished buying their personal stuff.
“So, what happened?” Swyne asked Elijah interestingly.
“We broke up.” Elijah said, short and serious tone.
“Not new, you’re like a magnet for drama. You attract it like a bee to honey.” Duke chimed, grinning.
“Yeah, and Harper’s the queen bee of drama. You’re a match made in... well, not heaven.” Swyne added.
As they walked towards the mall exit, Swyne and Duke were laughing and joking around, while Elijah was still serious.
“I’m going to be serious,” Duke answered like he's going to laugh again but he isn’t.
“What did she do?” Swyne expression turned curious.
“She lied,” Elijah said, his voice firm.
“About what?” Duke asked, his eyes narrowed.
“Everything,” Elijah replied, serious tone.
Duke and Swyne couldn’t resist teasing Elijah again, trying to lighten the mood.
“So you’re single again?” Duke asked, grinning.
“Yes, I am.” Elijah replied dryly.
Swyne chimed in, “And you’re going to find someone new?”
“Maybe his next will be Coffman.” Swyne answered teasingly.
“It's the last name of Harper, right?” Duke laughed with tears, “I guess you’re right,” he added.
“Not now,” Elijah said with flat tone.
Duke asked, “You still love her?”
“No, I don’t,” Elijah replied firmly.
As they walked to the parking area, Duke and Swyne continued to tease Elijah.
“Revenge, huh?” Duke asked, grinning.
“Yes, plans,” Elijah replied, a sly smile spreading across his face.
“You’re going to prank her?” swyne asked
“Oh yeah,”
Duke asked, “What’s the plan?”
“Not telling,” Elijah replied, his lips sealed.
They reached their cars, Elijah said, “Let’s meet at the bar. I’ll drive.”
Duke and Swyne nodded, getting into their own cars.
“See you there,” Duke called out, winking.
- Writer
