⛭ Chapter 3 ⛭

Walking down past Dream Academy High, Cherry began to notice Chelbie sniffing through her nose. While she was able to guess that it was to pick up a scent of some sort, she also knew there was this hidden mental baggage beside that which her friend seemed to be going through.

And that was concerning.

“Hey so, I know what happened this morning was a bit overwhelming. Do you want it talk about it?”

Chelbie stared up at the sun, contemplating whether or not she should. It was a touchy subject for sure that was slightly angering her inside a little.

“I don’t know what to talk about Cherry. If it has to deal with calmin’ me down and explaining that how I feel is normal or whatever, it’s gonna drive me a bit crazy, not gonna lie.”

“You’re right. Sorry I said that. I just really don’t like seeing you this depressed. Not to say that you are, but if you feel like it, I’d be happy to hear you out on your problems. No matter how bad it is.”

Exhaling a deep sigh, Chelbie looked at Cherry and decided to warm up to her suggestion.

“It’s okay Cherry. The problem isn’t you. Not even Hisa really to be honest. Even if she’s been watchin’ me like a hawk… Ya see, I’ve been having this bad feeling lately. When we were in Revv, I saw Lucila walking down the street while I was driving you guys to safety. She didn’t recognize me though because when we last met, I looked a lot different.”

“Woah… So that could mean she somehow managed to travel across to another universe or that it is a completely alternate Lucila.”

“Yeah. Either way I look at it now, my entire life got screwed upside down since she fucked it up. I’m not letting her get away with this, no matter what version it is. I mean, they’re probably all the same anyways.”

“That might be an exaggeration, but considering how many astrological theories delve into that topic, it could be possible.”

“Speakin’ of alternate versions, I’m pickin’ up a familiar smell. I could always get the scent of that restaurant from about a mile away before finding it. Only time will tell I guess…”

Cherry started to wonder something concerning their trip to this place that she had never been to herself.

“Right… Why are you and Styra going there again? I never saw her take interest in a location like that until recently.”

Immediately after this question, Chelbie began to run a small distance before pointing at a certain sign about which would direct them towards their left.

“We’re gonna find out shortly. We just gotta wait for Styra to arrive.”

The two of them ventured another block down before finally finding what they were looking for.

Ling’s Spice N’ Dine was one of the largest public restaurants to serve not only Starspace City, but also Centreplex City as well upon discovering where it was.

“And inside we go!” exclaimed Chelbie after opening the door for Cherry and herself to enter.

When they finally walked into the building, there was a sense of boundlessness within everything that happened around them. For an early morning glance, it turned out to be more busier than expected.

The sprawling atmosphere of delicious food dishes being served became the first thing that caught both of their eyes. Unlike in StarSpace where Chelbie had witnessed waiters or waitresses giving her family the meals at a table, people in Centreplex were able to serve themselves to their own liking after paying upfront.

“Okay, what the hell? This restaurant is a whole lot different compared to the other one I used to go to. Luckily, the manager who owns it still has the same name. If that’s true, maybe this place has another me here too,” said Chelbie.

“Not be pushy but, I don’t think that is how that works,” stated Cherry before getting abruptly alerted by a voice coming through a radio broadcast from the announcement speakers.

“Attention all customers, we have special global news. Animearth has received contact from worlds away on the planet called Revv. President Keath Daylight, founder of the Blazethon Racing Association, invites you to compete in a universe-hopping event where every type of road racer can get the chance to have their skills recognized. Interested in joining the Blazethon? Come over to the registration table located next to the restroom and sign up. Only 16 years or older are allowed to sign. Thank you for listening and enjoy the rest of your day at Ling’s Spice N’ Dine.”

A quiet air of surprise grew within Chelbie as the noisy atmosphere around her became blurry and calm. Looking downwards at her hand which was shaking almost out of excitement, her stare further acknowledged the prosthetic legs that were helping her stand.

Tranced by the burning desire to use this as a scapegoat opportunity to find Lucila and live out her dreams at the same time, her focus recollected itself as she began to gravitate towards the registration table.

Inching closer and closer, the suspense became more heavier as each foot stepped in front of the other. It almost seemed as if this was her chance and she could just run right up there.

Never looking back…

Never being in the backseat…

Never regretting…

That was, until she suddenly stopped.

Dead in her tracks.