Lillian
The dreaded knock did indeed come to her door at 8 o'clock sharp. "Lily! Time for breakfast." Chelsea sounded so cheerful and energetic Lillian wouldn't have believed she had been up so late last night if she hadn't been with her in the game.
"Thanks, Chels. I'll be out in a minute." She listened to Chelsea's retreating footsteps before starting her morning routine. Going through her duffle bag, she found the five remaining outfits of T-shirt and pants and undergarment sets. Pulling out a soft blue tee and faded jeans, she freshened up and got ready for the day. Half expecting a day like the day before she braced herself for the impending whirlwind to come.
Stepping out, the halls were quiet. No shouting. No roars of fury. Just the quiet buzz of energy that permeated from the campus as a whole. Lillian let out a breath she wasn't aware that she was holding. Further down the hall, she heard heavy foot steps coming her way. She tensed slightly when she saw Mitchell at the end of the hall, but neither the electrical jolt or the icy chill that served as her body's natural danger detecting sense radiated through her. Upon closer inspection, the grey hoodie and sweatpants he wore this time made him look a bit smaller, fitting more loosely. The brawny man's head hung low, his eyes shaded by the hood pulled over his head. What she could see of is face was of someone crestfallen.
Concern for the man overcame her initial unease. When their paths met halfway down the hall, Lillian brushed her hand over his shoulder just enough to pull him from his thoughts. "Is everything alright?"
He raised his head a small margin. The eyes that met hers were filled with regret. "Lillian, was it? I'm sorry. I got so frustrated with the game and took it out on you and Uncle Jack. Neither of you guys deserved that. Could you forgive me?"
She couldn't deny such a sincere apology. "It's water under the bridge." Lillian used her hands to gesture water going under a bridge. Mitchell's eyes lit up a bit. "Why don't we meet up in the game sometime? We might be able to help each other out."
Mitchell gave her a sheepish smile, his cheeks turning a soft pink. "I'd like that. I'll see ya around." He waved, then continued on his way, his steps a little lighter.
Lillian felt a little better about the ordeal. Although she hadn't gotten to know the guy very well, it did seem like there was more to him than first impressions indicated. Laughter poured from the cafeteria, redirecting her attention back to the lively atmosphere and the bubbly friend waiting for her. She entered the bustling room filled with chatter from each table. Chef Jack's notepad and pen rested on the countertop while the man himself was busy preparing what must have been at least five portions of breakfast sausage patties, bacon, ham, and eggs. Tortillas, biscuits, english muffins, bread and small thick pancakes were set aside, ready to be toasted or heated.
Lillian's mouth watered after laying eyes on the spread. She wrote down her order, deciding on a pancake breakfast sandwich with garlic and chive hash browns to go. She wasn't quite ready to brave the huge crowd yet, but she wasn't completely opposed to having a little company. It was at that moment, Chelsea rushed over to greet her with a crushing hug in spite of her petite frame. She scrutinized the handwriting on the notepad. Her eyes narrowed and her lower lip poked out as she glared at Lillian. "Are you trying to ditch me?"
Lillian had to fight off the smile that threatened to come to her mouth. "On the contrary, I was going to invite to my room to eat together and discuss the game. But-" She watched Chelsea's pout turn into astonishment before she looked away preceding to teasing her. "If you don't want to-."
"I do. I do." Chelsea was bouncing with so much pent-up energy, Lillian thought she might burst. "So much happened yesterday, and I just can't wait to tell you about it." Chelsea quickly jotted down her order under Lillian's, wrapping her arm around the taller girl. The shorter dark-haired girl tried to escort Lillian to a table where three other people sat, but the older girl had planted her feet firmly to the ground. Ears pulled back and body growing tense, Lillian stood frozen. Chelsea glanced back at her puzzled, then her eyes widened when she witnessed the discomfort written all over Lillian. Something akin to understanding dawned in her chocolate brown eyes.
Chef Jack chose that moment to set out ten platters piled high with various food items, retrieving the pad of paper. ""Thanks for helping me yesterday. I'll deliver your meals to you as soon as it's ready, Ms. Frost. Ms. Hernandez." He scribbled rapidly on a fresh sheet of paper. Leaning over, he ripped the page out, folded it and placed it on the counter for her to take. His face showed its usually cheery smile but his eyes held a stern message that made her skin prickle. "Go ahead and order lunch and dinner too. Just in case you stay cooped up again."
Lillian accepted the note and slipped it into her pocket. She thanked Chef Jack. Heeding his advice, she did as he instructed. On their way back to her room, Chelsea was silent. Whatever was going on, it wasn't to be taken lightly.