New Day - 1

1

Jean: I told you, that shit is the best thing I've bought in a long time.

Noe: Hey! Don't say it's shit, it's a jacket... And, as much as it pains me to admit it, I must say that it is a good buy.

Jean: Of course… Now give it back to me.

Noe: No~ Ah!

A few days had passed and hanging out with those four people was starting to become a habit. Every now and then, some of them did not show up, Jean being the most absent. But still, it was a typical Thursday for me and I was happy about it.

We were back in (the outside of) the Novadía dining room, and we spent most of our time fawning over the jacket Jean had just bought with his savings.

It was dark in color and so big that it made us look like inflated dolls. And I say us because we all loved it and wanted to try it on.

It all started with Noe saying that Lani would look good in it, and then we all got to confirm it. That led to an impromptu photo shoot, during which the roles were changed and we all got a chance to wear the jacket.

That ended when Noe had to give it back to Jean, although she clearly wanted to keep it. And, honestly, I would say that deep down we all had the same desire.

Jean: I told you, I spent a lot of money on this jacket. If you really want one like this, then save some money, go to the mall and look for something. You can find everything there, including the store where I bought this.

Twen: That's actually a good idea... Fashion here at Novadía is something else. I've never really cared much about what I wear, but it wouldn't be bad to start changing a bit. I mean, so far all I've done is try to wear only black and white clothes.

Lani: To match your mask… Makes sense.

Noe: It does, but it wouldn't hurt to try something different. Who knows, maybe you'll find something that catches your eye.

Zena: That’s true! Imagine some chains and rings, maybe even some cool earrings… And you'd look like a total rebel!

Twen: That might be too much for me… But I’d really like to see and know the mall.

Lani: Know? As in, you haven't been there yet?

Twen: No... I've been thinking about going with my mom, but we haven't found a good enough reason to go.

Noe: Really? … Then we could all go this weekend and show Twen a little bit about the center, don’t you think?

The light bulb of ideas went off for Noe in the middle of the conversation, and she quickly proposed this plan that, in my eyes, had no flaws. Something similar happened to Zena when she heard her, although in her case it was more like the light bulb exploded.

Zena: That's a great idea! We could spend more than just twenty-five minutes together, and we'll be talking, and playing, and looking at clothes, and showing Twen around the city… Let's do it!

The way she imagined a visit to the mall, or at least the way she put it, was too positive, like there were a million things to do and every second was going to be awesome.

I found it hard to believe that this could end up being the case… But still, I was totally convinced. It had been a while since I last did anything with my friends and this seemed like an amazing opportunity, again.

Thinking about it made me feel more and more excited, which made one of my feet begin to move rapidly up and down. I also had to start making an effort not to sound too anxious as I spoke.

Twen: Well… I think that would be great! I'm free this weekend, so let's go.

Lani: I heard there's a new bakery in the mall and it's owned by a chef who's becoming very famous. I wouldn't mind stopping by to try what they have, and maybe even stealing one of their recipes if I find something that’s worth it…

Lani looked like a malicious witch as she said that (though it was probably just a joke). Her answer, however, could be interpreted as if she wanted to go, so the plan was pretty much decided.

My mask began to shake and its powers began to manifest. Small particles of light appeared around me, which was a fairly common occurrence, and they had the same colors as always: Green, violet and blue.

Noe: Then we could go on Saturday, right? Does around noon work for everyone?

Twen: Fine by me. Yeah. Sure. Great.

Jean: I… Well, could we do this next week?

All the lights turned red, and with just one look Jean ended up receiving a shock strong enough to shake his hair and clothes. I cannot deny that his comment was not of my liking.

Jean: Let me explain... This weekend I'm going with my family to visit some cousins who live outside Novadía. For that reason, I couldn't go with you all this Saturday, but if we went to the mall next week it would be a different story...

Twen: Oh… I’m sorry. Seriously, I overreacted a bit… But I guess it’s okay if we go another day, right? What do you all think?

I was really hoping my reaction had not been too weird. I mean, my mask did not even completely transform.

Jean seemed to understand how I was feeling and I thought it was admirable that he remained calm and explained his reason. I quickly stood up to apologize to him and shook his hand. He responded without any fuss and it seemed like everything was resolved.

However…

As short as the misunderstanding was, it had repercussions that ended up worrying me. That is, because I heard a sigh of relief coming from behind me.

Lani, who had brought a bottle of water to go with her lunch, had now only a wet shoe and a completely crumpled piece of plastic. And that, from my perspective, was my fault .

I had the feeling again that she was hiding something, and this time I could not help but think that it was directly linked to me, in a negative way.

Jean looked as confused as I was. He seemed to think the same thing, but he did not say anything about it.

I felt like an awkward silence started surrounding us, and that was the case until someone broke the ice.

Noe: Jean, you're saying you'd be upset if we went without you? Are you that eager to go out with us? I had no idea. Maybe there actually is some heart in there…

Jean: You… Of course. If you tell me you want to buy Twen some clothes, I have to be there, otherwise you'll spend hours decorating him more than a fucking Christmas tree.

Noe: That's not a bad idea... Then, I guess we could go next Saturday at 1:00 pm. Zena, how about next Saturday at that time?

Zena: Huh? Next Saturday… Yeah! Okay.

Noe looked around for anyone with complaints, and finding no one, declared the plan as confirmed. After that, she looked at me and, with a very simple gesture, winked.

At that moment, I was able to understand the dynamics of that group a little better. At least about Noe’s role as the mother.

She seemed to be good at keeping order within the group, and with just a few words she was able to lighten the mood, like she had just done. I felt grateful, and so I sat back down.

While it is true that I continued to reflect on what had just happened, I also thought it was important to continue with what I had gone to do. That being, eating my lunch.

I took off my mask again and enjoyed a tasty corn tortilla that wrapped rice, meat, beans, some vegetables and cheese, and in terms of taste it was not bad at all.

From time to time, I would put the mask back on to harness its powers and have my food regenerate when it was nearly gone. That way, I always had something to eat while I pondered my actions.

Apparently, that fact was quite interesting to Lani and Zena.

Zena: Lani, just look at him… He could be doing so many things and he's just sitting there, stuffing his stomach with food. Isn't that kind of cute?

Lani: I know what you're getting at with that, Zena… I’m sorry. I really try, but there are times when I just… I don't know…

Zena: I think you're doing well.

Lani looked distressed. She claimed to be trying something, but sadly was not succeeding. It was something she had clearly already discussed with her dear friend Zena and was lucky to receive her support.

I still did not know exactly what it was, but could make myself an idea. And, although I would have liked to clear up my doubts, that one did not seem like the right moment.

In fact, I did not even have the time for that. Shortly after, Noe reminded us that we had to go back to our respective classes, and our reaction was the same as always.

We got up, made sure everything was in order and then said goodbye. That could have ended there, but I noticed Lani spent a few last seconds staring at me.

She did not have a specific expression, it was more like she was staring into space and I was in her way. However, she eventually turned around and walked away.

Zena and I did the same.

…

On the way back to the JJRU, Zena walked ahead of me. She looked as cheerful as ever and I did not want to ruin that. However, I was really starting to want an answer to my questions, so I decided to ask her.

I sorted out the thoughts in my head and made sure to remind myself that, if I seemed to be touching on a topic I should not talk about, then I would stop.

Twen: Zena… Do you think I can ask you a question? It’s about Lani.

Zena: Yeah? Are you finally going to fall in love with her?

Twen: Besides that… Could you tell me a little bit about her and the OV? I don’t know if I’m right about this, but I’ve noticed from the beginning that there’s a distance between her and me. I tried to think that it was just not my problem, but I’ve already perceived the same thing a few times and… Well, to be honest, it’s starting to affect me a bit. I don’t want to be a bother to her… Or for her to be a bother to me.

Zena's steps slowed down after hearing me. She looked a little dazed and nervous. It was obvious that this was a deep topic, so I thought about stopping, but she had no intention of doing so.

Zena: It was obvious that you would notice… Yes, there is something, and I know it can be annoying, but please don't think badly of her. She doesn't have any bad intentions, it's just that… Well, I don't think I'm the right person to talk about that.

Twen: Do you think it would be okay if I tried to talk to her directly?

Zena: I don't know... But what I do know is that it would be good if you two became friends. It's an opportunity that could be of great help to her and she knows it. She told me that she wants to learn from you to get closer, but it's not easy. That's why I've tried to help her, I want you to get to know each other better, but maybe what we're doing is becoming a bother to you... And if so, please tell me, but I'd also like you to understand.

The way she said it was quite serious, and at the same time full of fear and sadness. It was a complex subject that must have been important to both of them, much more so than I initially thought, and I could be of help.

I imagined that Zena, by confessing to me what was happening, would be afraid of losing an opportunity that had been presented to them (that is what she called it), but that depended on my reaction.

Maybe I was starting to overthink, but I wanted to consider all the points that led me to that situation.

I thought of Lani hiding her issue, me feeling affected, and Zena being worried for her friend.

I thought of being nice, of being too nice, and about my position as an OV carrier having to choose correctly who and how to offer my help.

I thought about having friends, being friends with Lani, that good people attract good people…

It only took me few seconds, as I had already been thinking about it for a while, to be honest… And so, I managed to decide on an answer.

Twen: Zena… It’s not like I want to get on bad terms with Lani. She seems like a nice person, and I have already been trying to become better friends with her. It’s just that sometimes I feel like she wants the opposite.

Zena: Of course not! That is not the case at all! … But, what you're saying, are you serious?

Twen: I'm not really used to lying... If you want me to become Lani's friend, then we have the same goal. And that being the case, I lack reasons to refuse. I'm not doing this just to help you guys, but for myself as well...

Zena: Really?

Twen: Of course… And saying this out loud is going to be a little weird, but… Can I trust you to do your part in this too?

I extended my hand to her to make a deal. She stared at me for a moment and, when she seemed to understand that I was not lying to her, she decided to accept.

Zena: So, you're going to try to get along with Lani?

Twen: You can hate me if I don't.

Zena: Thank you very much!

With a handshake, the deal was sealed.

Small particles of light appeared from the ground, in green, violet and blue. Perhaps the mere thought of having a goal to achieve made me feel encouraged.

Zena sensed what was going on and apparently was infected by my excitement. We both started to smile.