Page 68 of Alive and Kicking
Sloane’s teeth show through his smile before he looks away. “Fine. You win this one. Come on. Let’s work on getting you moving a bit faster.” And we do just that.
Sandra
The unveiling of my Environmental Project is finally here and I’ve got everything set up and ready to go for the big day. There was quite a bit of wiggle room in the budget, so I ordered a bunch of SU water bottles for the people who come today. I made sure to invite Viv and all her guys, because none of this would have "been possible without her. I never would have had the confidence to continue on this path without her encouragement. I’m even going to say exactly that in my speech.
“Need any help with this?” Theo asks from the doorway.
I startle a bit, not expecting anyone else to be here yet. It’s not a big ceremony or anything so I decided to just set up on my own. But Theo walks into the room anyway and looks at the new filtration system sitting along one wall. We have put one in the cafeteria as well as one in each other building. The lobby of the Arts and Design building where the last one was installed had the most room so we decided to have the celebration here.
Theo grins at me. “I’m so glad you’ve finally got everything done. I’m so happy I got to be a part of this.”
Theo had joined in not long after the bake sale. I don’t know him well, but he’s been really helpful with all the fundraising.“Thank you for helping. I’m so excited to finally have these babies up and running.” I pat the water dispenser lovingly.
Theo grins, “It’s taken a lot of work, but it’s been worth every moment.”
The smile that spreads across my face is one of pure agreement and satisfaction, “It has, but now I’m ready to catch up on about a months worth of lost sleep. Next time I decide to start a big project during finals please stop me.” I groan at the end.
Theo walks over and picks up one of the water bottles. He walks over to the dispenser and fills it about halfway with water. I’m touched when he holds the bottle out to me with a smile. “I think you should have the honor of the first drink. None of this would be possible without you.”
I accept the bottle from him and hold it up to my lips. Pulling it back away for a moment, I hold it up. “To a more sustainable environment.”
We smile at each other before I hold the bottle to my lips again and tip it up. Water washes over my tongue and down my throat and I’m happy to find that it does taste just like bottled water. I put the bottle down on the table next to me, I smile at him. “Thank you.”
His smile curves up, showing too many teeth. “No, thank you.”
My brows furrow and I want to ask what he means, but my head suddenly feels fuzzy. It feels like I’ve been strapped to a top that’s spinning round and round, and I stumble, grabbing out for something to keep me steady.
A harsh grasp latches onto my arms and squeezes tight. “Wha.. what’s hap..ning…?” I can’t seem to get my voice to work properly.
There’s no answer to my question, and all I experience after getting the disjointed words out is darkness.
Viviana
Zane, Sloane, Nox, and I are all waiting in the crowded lobby of the Arts and Design building for the celebration of the opening of the water filtration dispensers in each building. Nox came just to congratulate Sandy. Though the placement of his hand on my ass makes me wonder if he just wanted the opportunity to cop a feel.
“This is a pretty big turn out.” Nox says quietly.
I nod, looking around to find Sandy but I don’t see her anywhere. “It is. I don’t think they expected so many people.”
“Do you think that’s why they’re starting late?” Sloane questions. When I tilt my head and look up at him with furrowed brows he shows me his phone screen. “It was supposed to start over ten minutes ago.”
That makes me pause, Sandy is never late so I’m immediately worried.
I pull out my phone, looking down at our text thread with the last message I sent her still sitting on delivered and not read.
Viv
Hey, we’re here.
I decide to send her another message wondering if she just lost track of time or had to run out and grab something before she could get started.
Viv
Where are you?
The anxiety rising up my spine sends me on a downward spiral. What if she got into an accident or something like that. I decide I’m not above spamming her inbox and start sending texts off in rapid succession.
Viv
