Platypus

Chapter 9

The class schedule still had Caspian's class listed in it. Fenton wouldn't have to leave. As for studying, he had plenty of time at the library. He looked through the weekly schedule that Caspian had put up. There were even slots for his job, so Caspian had bothered to see what Fenton did.

Then his eyes fell on Sunday. Six hours, one on one tutoring. Math or other subjects.

He wasn't trying to get rid of Fenton. This was Caspian's way of looking out for him while trying to remain professional. Fenton closed the binder. It was the first week of classes, he might be able to switch some around if he begged a counselor hard enough.

"I'll take some time to consider it," replied Fenton.

Caspian began to eat his meal again. "Let me know by Saturday what you want to eat for lunch on Sunday. I'll order and pay for it."

So he was still planning on tutoring Fenton, no matter what his decision was. "You already took care of the food for today."

"Taking care of you doesn't bother me," Caspian said in a nonchalant manner. It actually did bother him a great deal, but he had always been good at hiding his emotions. "One more thing though... I don't want to register as partners right away. It'll give you too much stress and your grades will suffer."

Registering as partners started the process of moving in together. Fenton moving would also cause Albert to find a new place. Being around Caspian made him nervous. Even if he was ecstatic about the situation, he knew he couldn't leave Albert alone. Not when Juliet was completely ignoring him.

"That's fine with me. I don't plan on moving anytime soon either."

Caspian smiled. "Great," he replied. "Go ahead and eat. Tell me about Chicago. I grew up in Toronto, but never had a chance to visit it."

They ended up having a decent meal. Fenton stuffed the architecture binder in his bag and thanked Caspian for his time. It was true that he had only taken engineering because Albert suggested it. Changing majors wouldn't be too much of a bother for him.

He retrieved his phone to ask Albert what he thought. Before he finished writing out his text, Lacey called him. "Hi Lacey, did you get lunch yet?"

"I haven't! I was going to ask you if you were available." She sounded cheery, which was different than Caspian. Caspian spoke in a monotone manner, making it difficult to understand how he felt.

"I just finished. Sorry." Fenton leaned his back against the wall. "I'm alone tonight if you want to catch dinner." Thursdays were date night for Rafi and Melissa, and Albert stayed out late with a study group.

"I can't," replied Lacey. "I have to take care of Zen first, you know? Hmm... But I guess it'll be hard for us to meet up for any lunch. How busy is it at the library on Saturdays?"

"We're open till eight. Sorry, I mean 2000. It gets a little busy in the afternoon, because that's when we pull out the chess boards, but I'm not in charge of that."

Honestly, he was a little terrified of the chess players that did show up. They were all very intense when they played. Front desk is where he felt comfortable and safe.

"Saturdays were always board game day for me and my family," replied Lacey. "I looked up a few groups, but they meet up on Sundays. Did you want to come with me then?"

"That's when my tutoring is," said Fenton. His ears were burning at the thought.

"Would it be alright if I brought a deck of cards with me to the library?"

"It'll be fine. You'll have to sit behind the desk with me so no one sees Zenfred, but I don't think any of the employees would mind."

"Great!" Lacey's voice squeaked when she said that. "I'll see you then!"

"See you then," replied Fenton before he hung up.

He didn't move from his position from the wall. Fenton's mind was still troubled by a single thought. Pink and Blue. Lavender. Was it possible that both Caspian and Lacey were meant to be his partner? Or was he just being hopeful? Or greedy?

They both seemed like people he would wish to know better.

But that's just it. What if both Lacey and Caspian were meant for him? That meant that one day, Fenton would have to choose... And he had no idea what would happen to the other. Would they be banished from living in a system territory forever?

Caspian would be just fine, but Lacey? Fenton shook his head. He had to force himself to stop worrying about it. That was Future Fenton's problem.

Future Fenton was older and wiser. He would be truthful with both of them and let them know of his concerns. Maybe Future Fenton would even know which one to pick. Or Lacey could've found her partner. Everything will likely work out on its own without Fenton having to do anything.

So why did it feel like Fenton was going to have his heart broken?