Chapter 20: The Tasteless Treat

Me and Mackenzie are just chillin' inside this coffee and milk tea spot, waiting for our order to come through. The sun is still up, like it's the afternoon heat welcoming the night, even though it's almost the end of the day. Mackenzie was totally staring at me while I was like, looking around all over the place, still stuck on that surprising thing that happened in the *realm*.

Once our order arrived, Mackenzie was the one who stuck the massive straw in the milktea, and that's when our eyes locked.

Mackenzie just snapped his fingers in front of me out of nowhere while I had no clue I was staring at him. “I feel like I'm gonna get totally drowned this time,” he joked. I blinked a few times and then used my handkerchief to wipe the side of my eyes.

“Hm?”

“Seems like you're pondering something deep…”

As I glanced down at the milk tea, glazed doughnut, and chocolate chip cookie that he had purchased for me, I let out a long, thrilled sigh. "I thought we were going to come here for a coffee?" I questioned while reducing the volume of my voice.

"Well, as you are probably aware, these days people are into this trend." I was taken aback by his response. Surprised that he was able to hear what I whispered. He then added, "Milk teas and coffees may be enjoyed together."

“Ah…” I was unable to respond to anything more than a heavy sigh that emanated from my senses. I had such a hard time concentrating on him that I couldn't even make out the things he was trying to tell me, and I couldn't even make out the words...

I tried my best to avoid making eye contact with him by looking down many times. When Mackenzie touched my hand, he entwined his fingers with mine, and I heard him let out a sigh as he did so. It was hard for me to imagine that he could be so comfortable with me at this point.

“Lita, tell me,” he started off sounding low. “Is there anything that bothers you?” he finally asked. His stare stabbed right through me. In anticipation of my response, the wrinkles in the forehead became more noticeable. He went so far as to squeeze my fingers in the space between.

When I looked up, both of our eyes locked with each other. I attempted to open my mouth, but all that came out was air until I put out a particularly forceful breath. "D-Do you feel like there's something off about Dwayne?" I wondered, not having the slightest idea if this was a good thing to ask or not.

While maintaining his grip on my hand, Mackenzie leaned backwards and peered around, most likely to ensure that no one else could hear us. "Are you talking about his attitude and the way that he treats you? Does he treat you below the belt?" He responded with questions.

I quickly shook my head. “N-No! Not exactly… I mean…” I stayed still for a little period. When I glanced back at him, he seemed to be giving me encouragement to go on by having his eyes stilled without blinking.

*Should I tell him? I sounded too guilty of entering an underground organization if I’ll just keep this concern to myself.* Additionally, it wasn't only Dwayne about whom I had a hunch about something. Even I, too, have my doubts about Mackenzie’s life.

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

Mackenzie cast her eyes downward and let out a deep sigh. When he came back to me, he made the gesture of closing his eyes and tilting his head. "Well, is there anything else that you would like for us to discuss?"

"Mackenzie," I said in order to get his attention. He raised his eyebrows and gazed up at me with a serious expression.

"Yes?”

“I remembered you had indicated in the past that both of your parents had passed away; is that correct?” I quickly asked; straightforward. Shortly before he turned back at me, he broke the eye contact. It took him quite a long time to respond.

“Y-Yeah… What about it?"

I swallowed. “What’s the cause of death?” I did not care to blink as I continued to stare him down with my eyes wide open. I didn't even bother to lick my chapped lips either.

Mackenzie gave a distracted glance towards the direction of the road. This time, he removed his hands from mine. He sat back on the sofa in the backseat and pinched his own fingers while leaning forward over the table. He drank a little bit of his coffee at that point. "It's running cold," he uttered.

Up to the point that I had the epiphany that I was posing such a delicate question to myself. I gave a quick shake of my head and then used the tips of my fingers to comb through the strand of my hair. I apologized, "I'm sorry if I ask something that triggers you…”

He stopped drinking the coffee and used a table tissue to wipe the edges of his lips. I offered him one, but he did not make the effort to take it from my hands and put it to use. "Everything's good!" He managed to dispel the awkwardness that had been lingering between us. The minimalist lighting at this café complemented his face radiating just as much brilliance as it does.

After feeling a vibration from my phone, I glanced at it and saw a message from my brother. In it, he asked me to return home since my sister is looking for me. I've assured him that I'll be there before the sun goes down.

"My brother texted," I made sure to let Mackenzie know in order to prevent any confusion. "It’s about Celeste.”

“How is she?”

“She's feeling better. Regarding the absences she had, I still need to discuss the matter with her teacher.”

“You should also consult Nera about her absences from her swimming lessons, too."

*I almost forgot about that!* “O-Oh… yeah… That one.”

We had a fruitful conversation with one another, particularly on our shared academic interests and parallels in our lives. It was enjoyable, but at the same time, I had to remind myself to keep my composure and avoid revealing too much information, lest I reveal anything that I ought not to reveal.

When I saw that the sky had almost completely darkened and taken on a neon color, I suggested that we go back home. Due to the fact that I am not yet done eating them, I requested that my coffee and some doughnuts be wrapped.

“Thanks for the free treats!”

“Sure! There will be next time!”