Chapter 17
Chapter 17
The streetlight nearby was still on, casting a soft, warm glow. Nina stood right in that light, her long hair falling over her shoulders, making her look like she was wrapped in a veil of silver mist-mysterious and beautiful.
She gave him a small smile. “Thanks for helping today.”
Chris forgot to breathe for a second. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. “It was nothing, Nina.”
“This time I called you out last minute because things happened too fast,” Nina said, her face turning serious. “I’ve already left the organization. You’re not supposed to have contact with me anymore. If that guy finds out, it’ll be dangerous for you.”
“I don’t care, Nina,” Chris said without thinking. Then he quickly added, “We’re such good friends. What’s wrong with helping a friend?”
“That’s exactly why. Chris, I don’t want to get you hurt.” Nina looked at him, her voice soft as she let out a faint sigh. The guy she had mentioned was like a madman-he’d hurt anyone without thinking twice.
“But I want to help you, Nina,” Chris said.
He stepped closer without meaning to, emotions rising in his eyes. “We fought side by side for years. We’ve been through life and death together. Even if you’ve left the organization… just knowing you’re safe every now and then-it means something to me.”
Nina lowered her eyes, watching the shadows of the leaves dance across the ground.
After a while, she let out a quiet sigh. “I don’t want to hurt you, Chris. We shouldn’t see each other anymore.”
Back when they were in the organization, she used to brush off Chris’s stubbornness with jokes. But now, her time was running out. If he kept holding on, it would only bring more pain in the end.
She had made up her mind-it was better to end it cleanly than let it drag on.
Chris froze when he heard her words, his face full of hurt. “Nina, you’re joking, right?”
“I’m not,” Nina said seriously, looking him straight in the eye. “You’re no use to me now. I’m just a regular person. It’s better if we keep our distance.”
“I don’t want you scaring my parents or messing up this new life I’ve worked so hard to get.” With that, she turned and started walking back.
Chris didn’t believe a word of it, but he didn’t try to stop her. He just stood there, heartbroken, watching as Nina climbed back up to the second floor using the tree outside, as easily as ever, then closed the window behind her.
“Nina, I will find the cure for you,” Chris whispered, placing a hand over his chest like he was trying to hold himself together. The pain felt like it was tearing him apart, but his eyes stayed steady-full of quiet, unwavering faith.
The next morning, Nina yawned as she ate breakfast.
Yvonne noticed and asked with concern, “Did you not sleep well last night?”
“A little,” Nina said with a smile. “I still can’t believe I actually get to go to school.”
Robert peeled an egg for her and said warmly, “Looks like someone’s really excited for school life.”
1/2
pm
Chapter 17
“Let me see if I can get an appointment to order the uniform today,” Yvonne said. “And we’ll pick up a few new sheets and stuff for Nina while we’re at it.”
Even though the house came with everything they needed-and even the blankets were brand new, still sealed in their bags -the sheets and pillowcases were all the plain white kind you see in hotels.
Robert and Yvonne didn’t mind, but they wanted to get something a little more fun and cheerful for their daughter.
Nina found it odd. “You need an appointment just to get a uniform?”
Robert nodded. “Yep. Aqualore International High School uniforms are custom-made at a special store in the mall.”
Just then, Yvonne came back from her call, looking pleased? “Perfect timing-they had one last slot open for today. So let’s head out early, take Nina shopping, and get something yummy while we’re at it. Sound good?”
09 pm
