Heaven place

After the last bell rang, the crowd of students in the yard was horrid. Everyone was in a hurry to get out, pushing one another with their elbows, stumbling, cursing. The picture reminded of a lion's pack, fighting over each other about who's going to get to the antеlope first.

Caroline was usually one of the last to leave. She didn't like to push herself into the crowd, she found it extremely stupid.

"I don't think you'll get any further than me and any quicker just by leaving two minutes earlier, but never mind, push yourself if that is what you want!" She thought, and went down the stairs slowly.

Anthony was waiting for her at the front, outside the school yard. He was tall, dark-haired, with dark, deep brown eyes. The complete opposite of Caroline, who was blonde and possessed very light sky-blue eyes. Dressed in navy blue jeans, white T-shirt and sneakers, he had a small bag hanging over his shoulder. He didn't like to keep things in his pockets like most of the boys do.

Anthony was three years older than Caroline and worked as a journalist in the latest television program, which appeared only a few months ago. He had been doing this not for too long, but it was a real pleasure for him, and that was the thing that matters the most to him - to enjoy your job and be happy. To help, to contribute with something, even a little something and not because you have to, but because you want to.

'Hello, darling.' He greeted her with a warm kiss, 'How was your day?'

'Hello, babe. It was great. My project was chosen as the best one for this school year so far! Can you believe that?' She rushed to brag.

'That's amazing. I'm so proud of you!' Anthony exclaimed and hugged Caroline. 'I didn't doubt you for a second.'

'And that is not all. I happened to be nominated for "The excellent graduate for the term". The results will be out in a month. I am so happy. And so excited.' Caroline jumped happily and threw herself at Anthony in a suffocating embrace.

'Оkay, оkay..I understand your excitement, but can I breathe now?' They both laughed and headed to the usual place where they had lunch.

- - - - -

'What are you having today?' Anthony asked.

'Hmm..I was thinking about something not so healthy today. What do you think about a burger?' Caroline winked playfully at him.

'Okay, we'll eat burgers then. It didn't take much to convince me, did it?' He smirked. 'French fries?'

'Actually..should we have pizza instead?' She put her index finger to her chin, pensive. 'I don't know, you decide.'

'How about we take both and separate them? This way you will have both?'

'Great idea.' Caroline laughed. 'What would I do without you?'

'Well.. you would probably starve to death.' Caroline frowned at him and narrowed her eyes. She knew he was messing with her. He always did. And she didn't mind it. "Okay, I'm going to order then. Do you fancy a drink as well?'

'Milk shake, please.'

'Which flavour?'

'Banana.'

'Okay, I'll be right back.' He kissed her forehead and got up.

'No, no, wait. I changed my mind. It will be strawberry shake.'

'God, you are so indecisive today. It must be all about the excitement in school today.' They both laughed, and Anthony walked to the diner's till to place his order.

While she waited, Caroline checked her Facebook account, but was shortly interrupted by a phone call.

'Hey, mum, what's up?'

'Have you finish school? I just wanted to make sure everything is okay.'

'Yes, I'm in the diner with Anthony. The usual. "Heaven place". We came to have some lunch. After that we will probably go for a little walk and then return home at the usual time 3:00pm.'

'Will Anthony stay for dinner?'

'I don't know. I haven't asked. But I doubt he will.'

'Why not? It will be lovely to see hem and talk to him again. You know I love it when he stays.'

'For you, maybe, but can't say the same for dad.' Caroline said, lowering her voice.

There was a short pause.

'Okay, it's up to you, darling. And I'm sure your father won't mind. See you soon. Love you. '

'I love you too.'

Caroline hung up the phone and set it aside.

"What is Anthony doing so much, I'm starving." She stretched her neck and looked around. There was a queue of at least ten people at the till. Not particularly pleased, she grunted and leaned back, enjoying the sunny day, but also slightly annoyed that she had to wait.

As she observed the birds flight and the white blossoms showing from the trees, Caroline spotted a dull black car, parked at the opposite road. The window was down and a man, wearing black glasses was sitting at the driver's seat. Motionless. She couldn't see where exactly his eyes were pointed, but she had the feeling they were on her. The moment she looked at him, the window went up. What the hell was he staring at? Caroline thought, but didn't pay that much attention.

'Oh, thank God, I'm so hungry, let's eat.' Caroline said as she adjusted and put her hair behind her ears, ready to dig in.

'Who were you talking to a few minutes ago?' Anthony asked. His left eyebrow raised.

'My mum. She called to check if everything was OK. And she also asked if you would stay for dinner tonight.

'Sure, it will be a pleasure for me.'

'Really? I thought you didn't enjoy staying when my father was home.'

'No, that's fine.' She looked at him, disbelieving. 'Honestly.' He put his hand on his chest. 'And yet I intend to marry you one day, so I shouldn't be worried about your dad. At least not that much.'

Caroline smiled.

'Okay, let's eat now, I'm hungry. Oh, and by the way, there was some weird guy in a black Mercedes. I thinks he was staring at me. So weird.' She shook her head. 'Or maybe I'm just seeing things.' She flipped her hand, letting it go away. 'Maybe he wasn't looking at me at all. I just decided you would like to know. That's all.'

'Where is this Mercedes?' Anthony asked concerned now.

'Right there. The corner in the mid..Where did he go? He was there just a minute ago? I swear.' She rose from her chair to take a good look. ' It doesn't matter. Don't worry. Really. I'm sure I'm just seeing things. Let's eat.'