In Search of Solace

Skinny Boy

"Okay guys, my dad didn't let me use my car. So, I guess we're going to commute." Lucas said. Currently, we are having a video call.

“Why? What happened?” Jul asked as she was opening her bag of chips.

“It’s for our safety.” Lucas said in a bored tone, making us nod in response. Then we must obey Mr. Johnsons’ order.

“Oh, by the way, what time are we going to meet again tomorrow?” Luc asked.

“Eight in the morning. I want to have breakfast with the two of you.” Jul said as she threw the empty bag of chips somewhere in her room, which I assumed was the trash bin. Wait, since when did she finish a large bag of chips?

“You always want to eat when we meet.” Luc joked, making Jul pout.

“HEY! Not all the time. Hmp!” Jul scoffed and opened another junk food box, making Luc and I look at each other and then laugh.

***

“You should eat some vegetables too, Jul”

“NO! I don’t want to. Who eats vegetables first thing in the morning?” Juli complained as Luc tried to put a mouthful of lettuce in Juli’s mouth. This dork, sigh.

“I do; now open your big mouth!” Luc said in a frustrated manner. I just smiled as I took another bite of my food as they continued to bicker. After we ate breakfast, we were on our way to the bus. I don’t know exactly where we're going, but if it’s them with whom I’m traveling, then it’s not a problem. As we walked on the side of the street, I saw a familiar guy carrying a couple of boxes.

“You again?” I said out loud, making Jul and Luc look at me.

“What’s the matter, Aubrie?” Jul asked as she looked in the direction where I was looking.

“Oh, who is that pretty boy?” Jul complimented as soon as she saw the guy. I then looked at Luc, who made a face. Like what?

“I’m more pretty than that skinny boy.” Luc said as he fixed his hair and flexed his muscles while Jul just stuck out her tongue. We were about to leave when the ‘pretty’ boy called me.

"Hey, miss. Don’t tell me you were mesmerized again by my handsome face?” he said with a smirk on his face, making me roll my eyes. This guy is getting on my nerves. How arrogant.

“No way, creep.” I answered, then turned my back on him and walked away.

“Hey, where are you going?” He asked, making me sigh.

“Please just do your job and leave us alone.” I said, making him raise his left eyebrow.

“Us? Who are you with?” He asked as he looked at me weirdly.

“My friends are over there.” I answered, pointing at where my friends were. He looked at them for a few seconds and smiled.

“Can I join you guys?” He said, which made me shake my head in disapproval. He frowned and went in front of me.

“Why not? I mean, I have a car. I can take you to your destination.” He said with a smile on his face and showed me his keys.

“Yeah, he can go with us. The more, the merrier, they say.” I heard Jul say, holding my arm.

“Let’s go; I think he is not that bad. He looks innocent.” She whispered to me and giggled.

“What’s your name, pretty boy?” Jul asked him as she let go of my arm and went to him, but I think he didn't hear her because he didn't answer right away. Then suddenly, I heard a scoff beside me.

“I’m more pretty than him, right?” Luc asked with a pout. I smiled and fixed his hair.

Yes, Luc, you are.” I comforted him and lightly pinched his cheek, making him smile.

“I’m Noah. Noah Williams at your service!” he introduced himself to us. He then leads us to his car. I sat beside him and the two dorks at the back.

“Is everyone good?” he asked, looking at me, and I nodded in response. The ride was peaceful, Luc was looking out the window, and Jul was sleeping beside him. I told Noah where to go, on a high place, that’s where Juli said she wanted to go. Noah was confused at first but smiled and drove to where the ‘high place’ was located. I looked at the mirror above us and saw the two heavily asleep. I closed my eyes and felt the breeze at the window.

“About the other day, I’m sorry. I was having a bad day and unintentionally vented it out to you.” He opened up. I hummed in response and opened my eyes.

“It’s fine, but you were really annoying when we met, eh?” I said, making him chuckle.

“I can’t blame you, though.” He replied, which made me smile.

“So, how long do you plan on staying at that high place?” he asked.

“I don’t know.” I shortly answered.

“Oh, I haven’t got you and your friends’ names.” he asked. I didn’t know this guy is that curious.

“I am Aubrie; my friends’ names are Lucas.” I said as I pointed at the back

“And that girl is Julianne” I finished as I smiled at my friends sleeping peacefully.

“Noted!” he said as he nodded, which made me smile again. Maybe Jul is right; he is not that bad after all.

***

As we arrived, I looked at our surroundings. The view was breathtaking. I can see the ocean from afar, and the grass is beautifully green. I looked at Noah and thanked him. He went out first, then walked towards the other side of the car and opened the door at my side.

“Come on” he said, and he gave me his hand. I took it and also went outside. Damn, the wind is so refreshing. I was about to fish out my phone to take a picture when Noah came beside me.

“How about your friends?” I heard Noah ask, and that made me realize that I’m also with my friends. I walked to his car and tapped on the window before opening the door.

“Hey, wake up the two of you. Come on.” I said as I shook P Luc’s body, making him groan.

“W-Wha? What?” He opened his eyes and saw Juli sleeping on his shoulder.

“Oh, that’s why my shoulder felt heavy. I thought I had gained weight again.” He said, making me laugh. I felt Noah beside me and checked what was happening.

“Are they awake?” he asked, taking a peek inside his car.

“Luc is awake, let me just wake Jul and we’re good to go.”

I said, and he nodded in response. I also said to take my bag out and set up the tent. He gave me a thumbs up and did the thing I said.

“Julianne, if you don’t wake up, you will not see the sunset.” I said, shaking her arm.

“Come on get off of me, Jul” Luc complained and gently moved Jul’s head. Jul woke up and sat up straight.

“Okay, I’m up. I’m up.” She said and went outside the car. I walked towards Noah and helped him set the tent up. Luc took their tent and set it up also. Jul was preparing our food. Once all of them were finished, we sat on the log and began eating. Jul made a porridge which I’m okay with.

“Okay, who eats porridge at sunset?” Luc said out loud, making Jul smack him.

“I don’t know what to cook this time, alright?” and yes, they bicker once again.

I handed Noah a cup of chocolate, and he inspected it before giving me a grin and taking a sip. Meanwhile, I ate the porridge, which had no flavor, but I didn't mind, since Jul's cooking was always bland. Luc and I didn't bother questioning why Jul cooked every time and were simply grateful for her volunteering.

“I’m having a great time spending time with you guys.” I heard Noah say carefully.

“Me too.” I said and smiled at him. Yes, I can trust him. I feel somewhere inside him; he has a pure heart.

“What do you guys have in mind? Any activities we can do tomorrow?” he asked when I placed the mug. I called Jul and Luc to discuss the things we want to do for our little getaway. The night was filled with laughter and also bickering. I had fun, to be honest. When it was about time to sleep, Noah lay down beside me.

“I’ll stay here beside you.” He said in a gentle voice.

“Goodnight, Aubrie.” He added, I also said goodnight to them and I fell asleep.