Broken

Chapter 61

The week that followed was hectic. Atlas was glad he'd caught up with the chaos just in time that it wasn't too chaotic. Two new classes may not seem like a lot, but the assignments he had to get done were the problem. Yes, they help him get a better understanding of the courses and would come in handy in practical aspects of running a business. But most of the assignments they got were truly pointless.

He'd been pleased to get one of the courses' note from Will and even more pleased that Will was in the other class. As the week came to an end, he was slowly getting the hang of juggling his new classes with his usual ones. He hoped by the following week, it would be a norm for him.

"Any plans for the weekend?" Khloe asked as they headed out of the library,

"Yea..."

"She means asides from studying." Renee pointed out with a smile before Atlas could reply,

"No, that's pretty much what we do all weekend." Will said,

"How about you guys lay off the books and come hang with us tomorrow." Renee said,

"There's this party we got invited to. You should come." Khloe added when they got no reply.

"I'm game." Will looked at Atlas,

"I still have a lot to cover." Atlas said honestly, "Another time maybe?"

"Of course." Renee said and Khloe offer a smile,

"Have fun, mate." Atlas said to Will as he left them to make plans for the following day.

Atlas got on his bike and headed to his apartment. Big Henry had given him the 'all good' for his motorcycle but he hadn't had the time to take it for a spin yet. He hoped he would reward himself with a long ride when he'd gotten through the last of the material Will had given him. He hoped that might be Sunday evening, at the latest.

Atlas revved his motorcycle smiling at how good she was running. He zoomed off with the breeze in his face.

The sound of the motorcycle whooshed by as Makenna stepped out of the gym with Brandon. She'd had early classes and was able to get to the gym on time only to find Brandon already at it.

After keeping away from the group for a while, she felt herself slipping. She needed to immerse herself back into the new life and get in touch with who she was. So, she met up with them at their usual spot at the start of the week. She was glad no one brought up her absence, either they hadn't noticed because they were too busy with other stuff, or they simply didn't want to bring it up. A small part of her told her it was the former, but she shushed it before that thought festered.

"So, party tomorrow. I'll see you there, right?"

"Definitely." Makenna said, "See you then."

Makenna turned and headed towards her dorm. Brandon watched her for a moment with a smile on his face before he turned around and headed to his place.

Before Makenna reached her dorm, it had started to drizzle. But she'd seen it coming all day long with the dark clouds hanging above. She inhaled the cold scent of petrichor before she turned and entered the building.

On getting to her room, Makenna emptied her bag's content onto her bed one after the other. She took out her clothes first, then reached inside for her writing materials but froze. She stared at the now alien content sitting at the bottom of her bag. She'd gotten it on impulse a few days ago but hadn't been able to unwrap it. Just looking at it brought back her anger towards him. It bothered her that he was so insistent on being her friend. But she hoped her parting words had been enough to keep him away.

She put back her writing materials in her bag, burying the sneakers bar at the bottom just like she did with her feelings.

It's not important.
She told herself.

Killian arrived at the Tacoma Art Museum like clockwork that evening. With a brown bag in one hand and a to-go cup in the other, he opened the door with his back. There were a lot more people than there usually were, so he stayed near the door and scanned the museum for Thea. He was close to turning around and giving up when he caught sight of her. She was in deep conversation with someone and he just stood there, frozen in time, unable to do anything but admire her. A smile made its way to his lips and he exhaled softly.

Thea smiled at something the other person said and found her gaze meeting his. She froze for a moment and her smile widened. It was all happening in slow motion and they were suddenly the only two people in the room. The visitor caught her attention again when she felt a touch on her arm.

"Yes, yes." Thea said recollecting what their conversation was about, "I'll be sure to show her around when she's able to make it."

"Thank you so much." The lady smiled, "Have a good night."

"You too."

The lady turned around and walked away. Thea checked her wristwatch for the time and discovered that Killian's presence wasn't a mistake. He wasn't early, he was right on time. She loved her job, especially when there were people she could show around and tell them things that would light up their face. Today, the time had gone by in a flash because she had been busy doing just that and had lost track of time.

She looked up and headed towards Killian when someone stepped in her way, blocking her path.

"Hi."

Thea looked up at the young man smiling and returned a polite smile,
"Hello,"

"I was wondering if you could give me a tour."

She hesitated because she was trying to get to Killian but this was her job. So, she nodded,
"Of course. Right this way."

She sent Killian a quick sad glance that said she was sorry. Killian replied with a smile and an exaggerated blink telling her he understood.