The Rooftop Dinner

Sunday, 1 March 2099

It took about three and a half seconds for Bruno to wave back. Valinoti waved right away, which only made it even more awkward for Bruno. Anzalone just grinned.

"Bruno, why don't ya show Anzalone to his new room!" Lee smiled.

"O-Okay," Bruno stuttered.

He walked down the hall, Anzalone right behind him. Bruno opened Room C's door and stood inside.

"This is your room," Bruno said. "All to yourself."

"Thank you, I━"

"Save it!" Bruno interrupted. "I know you weren't in that carriage! You showed up afterwards...although I have no idea how you managed to break your pinky."

Anzalone just blinked; he was speechless. The amber-haired boy swallowed before responding.

"Bruno, I assure you I was on that carriage. I was sitting next to Alec, the really fat Miner," Anzalone explained. "You probably didn't see me because I was sitting in the far right corner with Alec's wide body blocking me."

Bruno did remember Alec, although he didn't know his name at the time. He also remembered now that Alec was one of the Miners that did not survive the explosion.

"Trust me, Bruno," Anzalone continued. "I'm just an Adlington Miner like you who didn't want to leave home. But, to be honest, it's a lot better here."

"Ha-ha!" Lee laughed from the common area. "Not when you gotta pay your MB's!"

Bruno left Room C, Anzalone behind him again.

"My MB's?" Bruno repeated.

"Oh, right," Lee said. "There's so much ya'll don't know yet...Anyway, an MB is our Monthly Bill. We gotta pay it in order to stay in Room Nine."

"But now that you three came here," Cariddi added. "We can all pitch in. Anzalone, where do you work?"

Anzalone looked at his Information Slip. "Says I'm a Cook at Espington Eatery."

"Ha, no shit!" Cariddi laughed. "That's where we're eatin' tonight. Looks like we'll be seein' you a lot in a chefs hat!"

Anzalone and Lee laughed. Valinoti stared at Bruno; he knew that Bruno had just had a serious conversation with Anzalone back in Room C.

"Well, Anzalone," Lee said. "Why don't ya shower up and then we'll all head to dinner!"

"Okay."

Anzalone walked into Room C, shutting the door behind him.

"He's nice," Lee said; Cariddi nodded in agreement.

Yeah, a little too nice, Rich thought.

And he walked back into his bedroom.

Bruno shut his door; Valinoti was already sitting on his bed watching a show from the TV that was hooked up to the wall.

"We have a television?" Bruno asked even though he saw the screen right in front of him.

"Yeah, bro, how sick?"

Bruno shook his head and waved his hands. "Shit, you're making me lose thought... Anzalone! I talked to him in his room and he assured me that he was on that carriage. He even talked about Alec."

"Alec?"

"The overweight Miner who died in the crash?" Bruno reiterated. "Anyway, Anzalone said he was sitting next to him."

"Maybe," Valinoti said. "Hey, I told you I thought he was on the carriage. He probably was and you're just overthinking things because of the whole Islington attack."

"Yeah...yeah, maybe you're right."

"Yes, I am right," Valinoti said. "Now watch some cartoons. I know you've never had a TV before in Adlington."

Bruno sighed and jumped into bed. He let himself watch the cartoons because, yes, he never really had a TV in his hometown.

Anzalone finished showering fairly quickly. He exited his room with a towel to his head, drying his hair.

"I'll be done in a minute," he said.

"Take your time," Lee said. "It's not even six yet. Cariddi doesn't have work until eight."

"I'm at Watchtower One tonight," Cariddi said.

"What?" Bruno said, Valinoti having the same expression on his face.

"Once again," Lee grinned. "I'll explain the Occupations at dinner."

"Good," Anzalone appeared. "'cause I am ready."

Lee clapped his hands together. "Awesome, let's go!"

The five boys went down the elevator and into the lobby. Katrina the Attendant was dusting the lobby fireplace with her usual, fake smile. She noticed the boys immediately and darted right to them.

"Bruno, Valinoti, Anzaloney," Katrina said. "How do you like Room Nine with Lee and Cariddi?"

"It's Anzalone," Anzalone corrected.

"Right, of course," she giggled.

"The suite is great," Bruno answered. "Thanks for asking. We're getting dinner now."

"Oh, where to?" Katrina asked, her eyes widening. "The Inns One Buffet, here at the Inns Two Diner or Espington Eatery?"

"Third one," Cariddi groaned. "G'bye, Katrina."

"Bye-bye now!" she waved, with her smile from ear to ear. "Try the shrimp scampi at Espington Eatery, I heard it is to die for! Remember to wash your hands and try to━"

But Bruno had slammed the lobby door shut after all the boys had passed through. He could see how Katrina was still speaking even though the glass doors had already closed.

"Man, she's insane," Bruno said.

"Still sexy," Valinoti snorted.

"Katrina has been working here ever since Cariddi and I moved to Room Nine," Lee said. "She's only twenty-two."

"And she's dating one of the Guard," Cariddi said. "He's just as annoying."

Bruno was too busy looking around Espington Square and the Heart of Espington. People were still roaming around, enjoying the fresh air and light evening breeze. Two kids were sharing a kite that resembled a dragon. The little boys wore grey shirts tucked into grey khaki shorts. Both boys had cerulean bow ties to complement their grey outfits. Other residents either sat on benches, had picnics, or ordered ice cream from the various vendors.

Espington was very grey. Every single building was made out of some sort of grey stone. They all looked newly renovated; however, the windows, doors, and gutters were a lovely cyan. Bruno came to realize that grey and blue were Espington's City Colors. All the Guard, like Cariddi, wore grey uniforms with grey bulletproof vests and grey boots. The only blue on the Guard were their helmets, sunglasses, and utility belts. Cariddi's walkie-talkie, taser-baton, and cuffs were luckily different colors other than grey and blue. Bruno enjoyed the colors; it wasn't too much and the grey really made the shades of blue pop!

"Who you lookin' for, Bruno?" Valinoti grinned. "Rina?"

"Rina?" Lee and Cariddi both gasped.

"What?" Bruno and Valinoti said together.

"That's Sir Espington's daughter," Lee said. "Nobody can have her."

"Why?" Bruno asked.

"Sir Espington protects her constantly after her first━and last━boyfriend, Hermes," Lee answered.

"Like the Greek god?" Valinoti chuckled.

"Yes, that was his last name," Cariddi said.

"Was?" Bruno repeated.

"Sir Espington Exiled Hermes for trying to kidnap Rina and take her away to the Pines," Cariddi explained.

"Why was he kidnapping her?" Anzalone asked; Bruno forgot he was even there.

"Hermes fell in love with her," Lee said. "Wanted her all to himself. This all happened last year. He gagged her in the middle of the night and escaped through the sewers."

"Holy shit!" Valinoti shouted.

"Exactly," Lee said. "Luckily, a Plumber was working the graveyard shift in the sewer, you know, cleanin' shit and all. He caught Hermes and called the Guard."

"I was there to see him get Exiled," Cariddi said. "All other residents had to stay indoors."

"Wow," Bruno said. "So, is Rina, like, you know, off limits?"

"More like safeguarded," Lee clarified. "Everything goes by Sir Espington before it goes by Rina."

Bruno shook his head. He really thought he could have some sort of chance with Rina Espington. She was, by far, the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes on. Bruno didn't know if he should still try with Rina or just call quits.

Valinoti took Bruno's mind off of Rina when he nudged him on his side. "Dude, look at this place!"

The group of boys were standing in front of a gigantic, grey-stone building with blue shillings and windowpanes. Residents were constantly walking in and out of the place with either to-go boxes or little baggies. Bruno saw one little boy walk outside with a half-eaten breadstick.

"Welcome to Espington Eatery," Lee chuckled. "Wait 'til you see inside."

Anzalone held the door open, the first kind gesture Bruno had ever seen since meeting the amber-haired stranger. The five boys entered Espington Eatery and froze almost immediately. There was a giant, crystalline chandelier dangling right above the front desk. A gorgeous lady stood behind the desk with a grey/blue outfit and a wide smile (she reminded Bruno of Katrina). But Bruno was staring around the hostess and desk. There were dozens of tables and booths, all with a fine, cerulean tablecloth and grey dinnerware. All the waiters and waitresses wore the same grey/cyan outfit with a white rag over their shoulders. The windows took up majority of the walls, letting all the sunlight in. There was a violinist at every corner playing songs Bruno had never heard of.

"Five, please," Cariddi said.

"Yes, may I see your ID Cards," the hostess asked.

Lee and Cariddi gave their Cards to the lady without hesitating. Lee looked at his confused roommates.

"Oh! They just came from Adlington. It's different there," he said to the hostess. "Guys, there's no paper money in Espington. We pay with the ID Cards. All money is transferred electronically here with eDollars."

"That's friggin' awesome," Valinoti said, and then when he saw the hostess wince at the swearing: "Shit, sorry."

Bruno, Valinoti, and Anzalone gave their ID Cards to the hostess. She smiled after scanning all three of them.

"Oh, you three have never been to Espington Eatery yet?" she asked.

"Yeah. They just got here earlier today," Lee said.

"It wasn't easy," Valinoti said, pointing to his bandaged head.

The hostess just chuckled. "Right this way. Since this is your first time, your meal is completely free of charge, guests included!"

"Holy crow!" Lee laughed aloud. "I totally forgot about that! And don't we get Rooftop Dining?"

"Correct!" the hostess giggled like Katrina.

She led the five boys past the tables and booths and violinists. There was a wide, marble staircase with another gorgeous lady standing nearby.

"Rooftop?" she asked with a glistening smile.

"Indeed!" the hostess smirked.

The lady spoke something into her bowtie microphone and smiled soon after. "Okay, I'll take you five up to the Rooftop. Follow me."

The hostess walked away from the staircase as Bruno and the guys ascended to the roof with the other lady. Bruno saw two large, indigo doors with silver doorknobs. They opened automatically when the lady reached the top. The boys' jaws dropped when they saw the Rooftop Dining. Again, there were dozens of tables but no booths. Plants covered the edges of the roof as well as blue eagle statues. There was a DJ stand, bar, and more violinists.

"This brings back memories!" Lee shouted.

"Your table is right over here," the lady motioned over to a long table near the bar.

Bruno and the guys sat down; Lee and Cariddi immediately put the napkins on their laps, making the other boys follow suit.

"Here are your menus," the lady said. "Otis will be your server!"

All of the guys got settled into their seats. Bruno noticed Anzalone fixing his pinky cast; Valinoti adjusted his head bandage soon after. Lee and Cariddi opened their menus; Bruno, again, followed suit.

There were hundreds of different options: breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizers, desserts, so much to choose from. The menu was heavy for a menu; it was grey with blue text. There were no such things as Rooftop Dining, hostesses, or menus in Adlington.

A man walked by with a smile on his face. He wore the same grey/blue outfit, but he also wore an indigo baseball cap. Two pens were in his chest pocket, a black apron around his waist.

"Good evening," the man said. "My name is Otis and I'll be your server tonight. Can I start you men off with something to drink?"

Bruno, Valinoti, and Anzalone ordered the most insane fruit smoothies. Otis wrote it all down on his notepad.

"What? It's free," Valinoti said to Lee.

"Y'know, in Espington, the legal drinking age is eighteen," Cariddi said.

"And that's free today, too," Lee added.

The three boys turned back to Otis.

"I'll have a rum and cola━"

"━four beers please━"

"━and a margarita!"

Otis laughed aloud as he wrote all the alcoholic drinks on his notepad. Lee and Cariddi just ordered water with lemon. The waiter left and walked directly to the bar.

"So, Lee," Bruno started. "Explain what the job of a Factory Worker entails."

"Right," Lee said. "Here in Espington, we sell food, fabrics, furniture, and finery; I call it the Fab Four."

"That's dumb," Cariddi chimed in.

"Shh! Anyway," Lee began again. "the food is sent in by Belington, the Farming City. The Espington Factory workers make all the Espington fabrics, Inns furniture, and finery for the Jewelry Market."

"Hm, seems simple," Bruno said.

"I mean, once you get the hang of it, yes," Lee said. "But the hours are just...ugh!"

"What are the shifts like?" Valinoti asked.

"Lemme see your Information Slips," Lee said as Otis came back with the tray of beer bottles, margarita glasses, and two cups of lemon water.

Luckily, Bruno and Valinoti had their Information Slips; they handed them to Lee.

"Give you men another few minutes?" Otis asked.

"Please," Cariddi said and Otis was off again.

"Okay, awesome!" Lee cheered. "You both work with me Mondays and Tuesdays from six to six!"

"What?" Bruno and Valinoti both said.

"I know, I know," Lee calmed. "It's twelve-hour shifts, but for only two days!"

"Wednesday to Friday, you two go to ESH," Cariddi said.

"What?" Bruno and Valinoti both said again.

"Espington Schoolhouse," Cariddi clarified. "All residents must go the Schoolhouse until they turn nineteen."

"That's a weird age and rule," Anzalone said.

"Yeah, it is," Lee admitted. "It's only from eight in the morn 'til around two thirty. The teachers just teach ya the basics, nothin' major."

"What will Valinoti and I be making tomorrow?" Bruno asked.

"Nothin'," Lee laughed. "Our boss, Mavers, will be teachin' y'all the rooms, rules, procedures, and equipment. Think of tomorrow like a trainin' day. Hey, you get out early and they still pay ya."

"This is bullshit," Cariddi said. "Ya'll work together and I'm with Jago and Sayer!"

"Well, I'm a Cook downstairs," Anzalone said.

"Cooks work every evening, including Sundays," Lee said. "Only the best of the best get that job. You should be proud!"

"I mean, I am grateful," Anzalone said. "But I'm highly allergic to spices like cinnamon, cumin, tarragon, even garlic powder."

"Shit," Cariddi said.

"Yeah, you might wanna go to the front desk in Inns Two," Lee said. "They have all the information on ya. You can request an Occupation Change Form. They'll let ya switch if you got serious allergies."

Bruno didn't like the sound of that. Anzalone was going to be a harmless chef, but now he had the opportunity to switch jobs. What if he got a Guard like Cariddi and decided to shoot up Espington. Bruno knew Anzalone was bad news, but he didn't know what the badness was yet.

Otis came back and all the boys ordered. Bruno, Valinoti, and Anzalone got the most expensive entrees, while Lee and Cariddi just ordered rounds of appetizers. The violinists ceased playing and the DJ started to spin his records; techno music echoed the air.

"Residents like this type of music when they eat?" Bruno asked.

"Indeed," Lee said. "It makes us forget about all things stressful!"

"Cariddi, you said something about Watchtower One. What's that?" Valinoti asked.

"You probably saw them when you three arrived," Cariddi said. "There's a Watchtower at every corner of Espington, so there's four. The Guard stand at the tops of them with their rifles in case there are any threats such as Islington or Piners."

"Piners?" Anzalone repeated.

"Yeah," Lee said. "Remember I told you about Hermes? He was originally a Piner, someone who lives in the Pines, before moving to Espington. Piners are very dangerous and clever. None of the Four Cities know how many Piners there are, but there could be up to a couple thousand."

"Thousand?" Valinoti gasped.

"Yep," Cariddi said. "We are anticipating an ambush, but we're ready with all our artillery."

"That's insane," Bruno said. "Maybe the Piners attacked us and somehow they got a hold of Islington fabrics."

"That's a good theory, but I believe Islington was behind the carriage attack," Cariddi said. "They don't want anything to do with the other Cities. They want to rule Togluagoa."

"But doesn't Belington give them food?" Valinoti questioned.

"Islington has enough food to last them centuries, that's how wealthy they are. They have their own factories, greenhouses, gardens, and structures to keep them stable," Lee explained. "And even though Belington doesn't want to trade with Islington because of how dangerous they are, they still do because they get merchandise in return. And Belington needs all the stuff they can get."

"That's a shame," Valinoti said. "Why doesn't Espington give some money or food to Belington?"

"Cause decades ago, Belington attacked Espington because they thought we attacked their Sir Belington," Lee said. "It was really Islington. Espington never forgave Belington because they had killed thirty innocent residents."

"Have they asked for forgiveness?" Anzalone asked.

"Yes, and they got it," Cariddi said. "And they won't get anything more."

"This attack occurred when Cariddi and I were two, when we lived in different Rooms with our families," Lee said. "Belington, um, they uh━"

"They killed my father," Cariddi said. "He was part of the Guard, too."

"I'm so sorry," Bruno, Valinoti, and Anzalone said around the same time.

"It's okay," Cariddi said. "Luckily, I don't remember him much and I know he died protecting Espington."

Cariddi smiled as a tear rolled down his cheek. Bruno was shocked that he learned so much about Espington and his roommates that he didn't even realize Otis was there with a tray of different entrees. He handed Valinoti a nice full-rack of ribs, Anzalone a jumbo bacon burger with extra cheddar cheese, and Bruno a chicken parmesan entree.

"I'll be right back with your appetizer meal," Otis grinned. "Not enough room on the tray!"

Otis speed walked back into a room that probably connected to the floor below and all the kitchens within. The DJ switched to a song that remixed Togluagoa's National Anthem.

Valinoti was loving his ribs, as was Anzalone with his burger. Bruno grabbed his knife and fork and proceeded to cut the cheesy chicken breast. He took and bite and almost choked.

"Quick, Cariddi, do the Heimlich!" Lee shouted.

"No, no, no!" Bruno laughed. "I've never tasted anything like this good before."

"Well, next time, don't make it seem like you're chokin' to death, jeez," Lee said, patting his forehead with his napkin.

Otis came back with a platter of potato skins, fried calamari, potstickers, mozzarella sticks, and cheese fries.

"Well, that's fattening," Bruno laughed.

"That's why I ordered the Vegetarian Appetizer Meal, the VAM," Cariddi said, Otis handing him a plate of grilled greens, potatoes, and balsamic tomatoes. "What? I gotta stay healthy if I wanna stay a Guard!

The boys kept eating, not really speaking. Every so often, Valinoti or Bruno would ask questions about the Schoolhouse or Katrina; Anzalone asked no questions.

"By the way, your ID Card has around two hundred eDollars," Lee mentioned. "Just to keep you on your feet before you start work!"

"So if you wanted to hit up the Markets for yourselves, that'd be a good idea," Cariddi added.

"Sweet! Maybe Bruno and I will check it out later tonight?" Valinoti suggested.

"Yeah," Lee said. "All the Markets in Espington don't close until midnight."

Bruno was almost done with his chicken parmesan. He looked around and saw a few other ex Miners that were taking advantage of their free Rooftop Dining. Lee and Cariddi had already finished their appetizers; Valinoti was almost done with his ribs. Anzalone barely finished his burger and sweet potato fries.

"Well, I gotta go!" Cariddi said. "It's almost eight. I'll see ya back at R Nine."

"R Nine?" Bruno repeated.

"Room Nine," Cariddi laughed. "So much for you to still learn."

The Guard got up from the table, took one last sip of his lemon water, and disappeared through the double, blue doors.

"Dessert?" Lee asked.

"Yes!" Bruno and Valinoti cheered.

"Actually," Anzalone said, "I'm gonna head out, too. I wanna look around Espington, see if any place sparks an idea for a new job."

"Good idea!" Lee smiled. "We'll see ya back at R Nine!"

Anzalone waved goodbye and exited through the same double, blue doors; Otis appeared soon afterwards. Bruno felt Anzalone's sudden departure was highly suspicious.

"Can I get you men any dessert?" he asked.

"May we please have the Brownie Explosion, a platter of chocolate strawberries, and three pilsner glasses of whole milk?" Lee asked.

"Surely!" and Otis was off again.

"Yum!" Valinoti smiled.

The double doors opened and Bruno noticed a small group of girls. The one girl was very familiar, but the night sky made it hard for Bruno to make out all her features. Finally, she walked past a lantern and Bruno knew exactly who it was.

"Valinoti," he said. "isn't that the Nurse that bandaged your head?"

"Oh, yeah." Valinoti smiled. "Hey, hey, Madigan!"

The Nurse turned her head, smiled her pearly whites, and made her way to the table along with the other three girls.

"Hey, Valinoti," she said. "How's your head doing?"

"Good," he smiled. "I had to shower with my head to the side."

"It'll be frustrating this week, but you'll get used to it," Madigan assured. Then, "Guys, these are my partners and roommates: Caroline, Samantha, and Nicole."

The three Nurses waved. Bruno remembered Madigan mentioning Caroline; she had been the Nurse that put a cast on Anzalone's "broken" pinky. She had long, straightened dirty-blonde hair; her skin was a nice shade of beige. Her ID Card rested on a necklace. The Nurse named Samantha was standing behind Caroline. She was even more blonde than Madigan, with bright, blue eyes. Her lips were pink but her smile was her best feature. Next to Samantha was who Nurse Madigan introduced as Nicole. She had wavy, brown hair and cinderwood eyes. The Nurse had a nose ring as well as redder-than-pink lips. Nicole held a jar of peanut butter.

"Can I ask why you're holding━"

"I hate the Eatery's peanut butter," Nicole said, cutting Bruno off, "so I brought my own for our dessert."

"Lee, I didn't know you lived with Valinoti and Bruno," Madigan chuckled.

"Yup, they're sick roommates!" Lee smiled.

"Isn't Anzalone with you guys, too?" Caroline asked.

Bruno nodded.

"Is Otis here?" Samantha asked.

"Yeah, why?" Lee wondered.

"He's gorgeous."

"Oh, shh, Sam!" Nicole chuckled.

"Well, it was nice seeing you guys," Madigan said. "Valinoti, remember: no water on your head until next Sunday when I see you again!"

Valinoti gave Madigan a thumbs up.

The Nurses walked away and were led by the same gorgeous lady to a table near the edge of the building. Lucky for Sam, Otis was making his way to their table. Another waiter handed Bruno and the boys their dessert. The Brownie Explosion consisted of a giant, steaming brownie topped with ice-cold vanilla bean ice cream and wet walnuts. The boys devoured the platter before the waiter even placed the plate of chocolate strawberries on the table.

"Um, enjoy," he mumbled and then hobbled away.

Five minutes later, the strawberries were eaten and the glasses of milk were empty. The three boys were clutching their stomachs.

"Ready to leave?" Lee asked.

"Yeah. We've been here for almost three hours," Bruno realized.

"Even though our meal was free, we should still give Otis a tip," Lee said. He took out his ID Card and waved it over the center of the table where an engraved symbol that looked like two uppercase E's was located.

Suddenly, a small screen appeared in the center of the table and Bruno and Valinoti gasped.

"Oh, relax," Lee laughed. "It's just where you pay for the meals."

It looked as if a tablet was embedded into the table. Lee typed in the amount he wanted to give as a tip and then pressed the ACCEPT button.

"Let's bounce," he then said.

The three boys got up, waved the Nurses goodbye, and headed to the double doors. Bruno opened the door and bumped right into Rina Espington.

"Oh, shit, sorry," Bruno said, moving to his side.

"No big deal, Bruno," Rina smiled, walking to a sectioned off table with her little brother, Colton.