Knight | Celeste Academy Series BK #1

3rd Chapter ♣ Job Search

"In Valemnia, a war between demons and its people have been ongoing for ages. And by ages, that's more than thousands of years into the past."

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CHAPTER THREE ♣ JOB SEARCH

The cab pulled over in front of the airport. Xandra and her parents waiting in front of the gates. Her best friend's face was creased with worry as she restlessly rocked on her heels and played with her fingers.

Valeriana rapped on the back of the driver's seat and spoke. "Sir, I'll just be a minute. Do you mind waiting?"

"Alright," he said. "Don't take too long. Airport policy—"

She then disembarked the cab and pulled herself to stand up. "Xandra!"

Her best friend jumped when she heard her name being called. Xandra whipped around, her black hair swishing as she met Valeriana's gaze. The look on her face was priceless as she ran forward and crushed Valeriana in a hug.

"Oh my god, Val. I was so worried," she said, breathing against Valeriana's unruly hair. "I'm so glad."

"Ouch. Wait." She hissed as her best friend accidentally brushed against a tender spot on her back. She tapped on her shoulder and pulled away, grimacing.

"Sorry!" Her brown eyes glinted with guilt, her eyes raking over her body. "Are you alright? Oh my god, look at you! You need to go to the hospital!"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just . . . well, I hurt my foot," she said, looking down at the aching limb.

"I don't think you are. You need to get cleaned up," Xandra insisted. "What about the thief?"

"He got away," she answered. Xandra began fussing around her, though her rant fell on deaf ears. Her gaze flew over her BFF's shoulder to see her parents making their way over.

"Good grace! You just made me lose a few years of my life!" Xandra exclaimed.

"I'm sorry." Valeriana chuckled.

Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez examined her with incredulity as they came behind their daughter. Anna, Xandra's mother, placed a hand on Valeriana's shoulder and squeezed it comfortingly. Mr. Hernandez pulled Xandra close to him, an arm around her shoulders.

"Dear lord, Valeriana. Are you alright, dear?" Anna's blond hair washed over her shoulder.

"I'm totally fine, Mrs. Hernandez." She took Xandra's hand and felt her chest tighten at the thought of not being able to hang out like they used to.

"I think we can spend a few minutes and bring you to the hospital ourselves," stated the Xan's father. "We can't leave you in that state."

"No! Please don't bother doing that at all. You'll miss your flight."

"Are you sure?"

"Very sure," she said and nodded. "Just let me say goodbye and I promise I'm going to go home immediately."

They looked at her with doubt and worry.

"Can you guys not tell mom what happened? I can't have her worrying too much," Valeriana pleaded. She watched them exchange hesitant glances and grimaced. "Please?"

Anna sighed disapprovingly but nodded. "Alright."

She looked at Xandra. She had been with her since their childhood days. Over the course of twelve years, they were with one another. It was hard to think that they had to be separated.