Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Meeting Family And Friends (Part 3)
Donald and Don remained at the café stand for about ten minutes. Donald finished his bagel, still occasionally glancing around, clearly uneasy about the earlier incident in the gymnasium.
Sensing Donald's lingering worry, Don suggested they head to the library to get their library cards. Donald, eager for a distraction, agreed, and they set off immediately.
As they walked across the campus, Donald's eyes kept darting around, scanning the faces of the people they passed. "I can't stop thinking that the guard might be looking for me," he muttered.
"There's nothing to worry about," Don reassured him for the third time. "Those guys are the ones in trouble now, not you."
"I know, I know. But I can't help it," Donald replied, shaking his head as if trying to dislodge the thoughts.
The library stood as an impressive structure, with tall glass windows and modern architecture. Inside, the space was expansive, with rows of bookshelves stretching out in every direction. The ceiling was high, with large skylights that let in natural light, giving the place a welcoming glow.
Quiet corners with comfortable seating were scattered throughout, inviting students to settle in with a good book or study session.
As they made their way inside, Don and Donald overheard two janitors talking while they cleaned the floors. One of the janitors, a burly man with a thick mustache, shook his head and said, "Sad but not surprising, you know? Kids these days have no respect."
The other janitor, a lanky fellow with a mop in hand, nodded. "Yeah, and these ones were caught red-handed, trying to deny it all. But the guards found videos and photos on their phones. Fresh footage, too."
"Did you get your hands on the footage?" the first janitor asked with a hint of curiosity in his voice.
The lanky janitor quickly shushed him, noticing Donald and Don listening in. They then resumed their mopping, whistling innocently.
Donald turned to Don, his face lighting up with relief. "Did you hear that? There's no way those jerks are getting away with it now!" He laughed, the weight finally lifting off his shoulders.
Don smiled, pleased to see Donald relax and to hear that his plan worked. "See? Told you there was nothing to worry about."
As they approached the librarian's desk, Donald's curiosity got the better of him. "How did you manage to put that stuff on their phones without them knowing?"
Don shrugged nonchalantly. "Wasn't me. Just a guy I know."
Donald eyed Don with a mix of admiration and suspicion in his gaze. He wondered if there was more to Don than met the eye but chose not to press further. Instead, he let the moment pass and focused on getting their library cards.
The process was quick and hassle-free. The librarian, a kind-looking elderly woman with spectacles perched on her nose, processed their applications without any fuss. Within minutes, they each had their new library cards in hand.
"Thanks," Donald said, pocketing his card.
"You're welcome. Not a lot of you youngsters like using the library anymore so it's nice to see some still eager for card," the librarian replied with a warm smile.
After getting their library cards, Don and Donald stepped out of the library and back into the busy campus. The sun was now high and cast a warm glow over the buildings and walkways filled with students.
"So, where to next?" Don casually asked.
Donald shrugged. "We're pretty much done with everything. The rest can be handled online—payments for accommodation and other minor registration stuff."
Don nodded, feeling satisfied that they were done quicker than he thought. "That's perfect. I've got a lot of other things to take care of."
In truth, Don was looking for an excuse to part ways. It wasn't that he disliked Donald's company, but his mind was too cluttered with other concerns to relax and enjoy the time.
Donald looked a bit disappointed but quickly masked it with a smile. "Well, if you need any help with anything, just let me know."
Don shook his head. "Will do. We should exchange contact information. That way we can meet up later or another day."
Donald's face lit up at the idea, which he tried to downplay. He inwardly scolded himself for appearing desperate for friends. "Yeah, sure, that sounds good."
They information, and Don could see the genuine happiness in Donald's eyes. He felt a bit of guilt for wanting to get away but knew he needed the space to think.
"Alright then," Don said, pocketing his phone. "I'll catch you later."
"Yeah, see you," Donald replied, trying to keep his tone neutral.
Don turned and headed toward the campus entrance, moving through the crowd of students and parents still arriving. As he walked, he felt a gentle tug on his shirt. He then turned around to see Trixie standing there, smirking.
"Miss me?" she asked playfully.
Don sighed. "Where have you been?"
"Just making sure all the girls were on the same page about pressing charges against those jerks who messed with my spunk bank," Trixie replied with a mischievous glint in her eye.
Don frowned at the term but decided not to question it. "Never mind. Let's head to the hotel; I need to get my things."
Trixie tilted her head as she walked beside him. "You got accommodation that quick?"
Don realized she wasn't present during Gary's briefing. "Gary sorted it out. There was a lot to take in, but basically, I've got a place to stay at my mother's house. He made sure everything was set before I arrived. I just got confirmation some minutes ago."
Trixie nodded, understanding. "Gary's thorough, that's for sure."
Don glanced at her, noticing how at ease she seemed despite the day's chaos. He envied her ability to stay so composed. "Yeah, he is. Anyway, let's get to the hotel."
———
They walked in silence for a bit, the sounds of campus life surrounding them. Don's mind wandered to the next steps he needed to take.
As they walked toward the campus entrance, Trixie turned to Don with a playful grin. "So, is your mom hot?"
Don sighed heavily. "Really?"
"What? I'm just curious," Trixie said with a nonchalant shrug.
Don rolled his eyes and decided not to dignify the question with an answer. Instead, he asked, "What hotel did you book, and where is it?"
Trixie's smile turned mischievous. "It's called the 'Hard On'."
Don stopped in his tracks and looked at her in disbelief. "You can't be serious."
"Oh, I'm serious," she said in an amused tone. "Our room even came with a gift basket full of BDSM toys."
Don raised an eyebrow. "Do you expect me to believe that?"
Trixie smirked, leaning in closer. "Well…"
Don stared at her for a moment, trying to gauge if she was joking. But Trixie's expression remained impishly vague. So he just shook his head. "You never stop do you?"
"That's the idea," she replied with a wink.
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