Hidden Paradise

25

"We were planning on watching the sunset together before the first day of school. You know? The tradition" Oliver stated as Amaris went to grab Athena's suitcase.

"Oh yeah! Where are we watching this time?" Their tradition was always supposed to be at the clock tower but due to a lot of accidents, students were prohibited to go 40 feet near it. "I happen to found on of the best spots on the Island" Jason ran a hand through his hair with a smug look on his face.

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Both Amaris and Alex asked in unison. The two looked at each other. Then looked away, realizing no one was trying to start a fight and both wanted to avoid one for the rest of the day, at least.

"We should leave our suitcases first, don't you think so?" Amaris held out their cases as Diana motions them to follow her. "You guys can leave it here" She points at the pile of suitcases, with their names on it.

“We can look over it” A guy randomly raises their hand “Thanks” Diana gave him a smile. The guy felt flustered as he sat down next to the suit cases

     "Nice. Come on" Jason clasps his hands together as they left through the back gate.

As soon as they walked out of the back gate of the school, the island’s view from top was quickly displayed, leaving them awed. “I forgot how beautiful this place can be” Diana opens her arms as the wind blew hard.

    “It better be a windy afternoon.” Athena placed her hands inside of her pockets as they started to walk forward. “We’ll be back before dinner, right?” Jason nods his head and Alex reciprocates him.

     “Don’t worry about it. Micheal told me about this place somewhere at the top so we’d be fine” Jason skips forward, leading them. “Wait…does that mean he’s never been there?” Alex shrugs his shoulders while Amaris silently followed him.

The wind blew hard against them as they got closer and closer to the top "You made sure the place we're going isn't dangerous, right?" Alex looks as Jason nods his head.

“And, are you certain we’re going the right way? Maybe it was in one of the rest spots?” Amaris received silence as they continued forward.

    They kept walking and walking under the burning sun. Too tired, sweaty and thirsty to talk at each other.

“Maybe we could stop at the cafe, right?”

'Wearing a sweater today was a WRONG choice' Athena took deep breaths before continuing. Even Diana and Jason who were both in their P.E uniforms were panting hard.

"Are we there yet?" She drags every word as she complains "Almost" Jason was almost out of breath too. Everyone was out of breath at this point.

"Let's take a break first." Alex sat unto he ground as they followed. The sun was painting pink and purple on the sky as it slowly sets. “Wait, I think we can go up a bit more further to the cafe.” Oliver suggests as Alex threw him a glare.

“Let’s not-“

“That’s a great idea. I’m a bit thirsty too” Amaris stood up while Alex internally groans.

The cafe stood gracefully as it reflects a bit of light from the sun. “I’m guessing we’ll be doing self service, huh?” Oliver rushes up to one of the chairs. “You guys don’t want to go in?” Diana shook her head as she sat down next to Oliver.

“You know, we could get a bit of- never mind” Athena quickly rushes in, realizing Amaris wasn’t beside her. Nor was Alex.

    Amaris chose her cup and proceeded to get behind the counter with Alex. Students would sometimes work here every morning for those who woke up early and decide to jog or exercise. Although it was already 4 in the afternoon, the cafe was still open for everyone. As long as they don’t make a mess and make it themselves.

     “You still like Matcha?” Amaris gave him a glare as she pours a cup of powdered matcha into the shaker. She harshly added the ice and water and stayed silent the whole time while Alex waited for his turn.

“What?” Amaris eyes him as she scoffs. “What did I do?” he continued to stay silents as Athena went in “Do you want it with tapioca pearls and cookie crumbs?” Amaris nods her head as Athena proceeded to fill her cup.

    While Alex slowly judges her up and down. Out of all flavors, why matcha?

“I think Diana would love to have a mango milkshake while chocolate for Jason, don’t you think so?” Athena turned towards Alex. He quickly understood what she meant and proceeded to prepare their cups. “Cold water for Oliver then” Alex went to grab another cup.

    “I’m pretty sure he’d love lemon water or just give him sprite” Amaris finished creating her drink with cookie crumbs on top. “Let’s grab one for him later on. What would you like to have?”

“Just a vanilla milkshake” Both Amaris and Athena looked dumbfounded while silence filled the atmosphere. Amaris tries to hold in her laughter while Athena prepared his cup.