Jaidyn smiled as she continued petting the dog, which was now in Lucas' arms. "Well, if tournaments won't let you keep her she can always stay at my house." The kitten in her hand seemed to have fallen asleep. "I'm getting this kitten because our car passed away two weeks ago. My sister really misses having a cat around the house."
"Mm…" Lucas swiftly filled out paperwork. "I'm sure they'll be okay with it… but if they're not, I may take you up on that offer." He purchased a collar and leash for the dog, going to engrave a dog tag with the name 'Sophie'.
Jaidyn nodded. "Of course." She replied as she filled out her own paperwork for the kitten.
Lucas gently clipped the collar around Sophie's neck and attached the leash to it, setting her on the ground. "Ready to go?"
Jaidyn nodded. "Yup." She held out her kitten to Lucas."I hereby dub my new kitten Gigi." She said, giggling.
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/345229127662155619/) (Her kitten)
Lucas smiled softly and stroked Gigi's head before walking out of the shelter.
Jaidyn followed Lucas, holding Gigi tightly to her. The kitten seemed to be enjoying it, but Tucker looked jealous again. Jaidyn giggled. "Tucker, I'll pet you too, but right now I have to hold Gigi!"
"Where to now? I'm perfectly happy to avoid my father and Kiara for a little longer."
"Hmm….." Jaidyn thought hard. "Would you be interested in seeing the college? I know we have the entire summer before college but me and the rest of the college-age teens hang around there often, and some of the professors even hang out and do stuff with us, so we get to know them better. Professor Wise is a history professor, and he traveled around the world. He has some interesting stories."
"Sure, why not? Lead the way." Lucas glanced back in the direction of the boat where his father and Kiara still seemed to have not noticed his absence. It usually took them a long time to realize, and even then they just waited for him to come back without even considering that he might want to run away.
Jaidyn led him towards the college, which was close to the animal shelter. "They built the animal shelter near the college because animals can help lower stress levels and most of the college students feel more comfortable around them."
"That's smart, actually. College students are stressed all the time." Lucas laughed quietly, leading Sophie along beside himself.
Jaidyn silently agreed. "Oh, sweet freedom. This is our last summer before we become just as stressed as the rest of the collge students….." She exclaimed.
"True… well, not that I'm not stressed already, but I'm sure college won't particularly help my case." Lucas picked up Sophie and admired the campus.
(College campus: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/515380751087539877/)
Jaidyn nodded. "Same here."
"I'm not even sure I can afford college. I think my father might have kinda forgotten that I need to go to college. Or forgot me…" He finished under his breath.
Jaidyn frowned, hesitated, then put a hand on Lucas' shoulder. She gave him a sympathetic smile, but didn't say anything. She knew there was nothing she could say to make him feel better.
Lucas smiled halfheartedly back at her, resuming his walking. Don't push your personal problems on her… put up and shut up like you always have.
Jaidyn followed Lucas and put Gigi up on her shoulder, grabbing Lucas' wrist and yanking him back. A basketball bounced against the wall where Lucas had been walking. "You okay?" She asked him.
"I'm fine." Lucas didn't make eye contact with Jaidyn, simply watching the basketball bounce past him. Rocky and Sophie whined quietly.
A young adult ran up to them, catching the ball before it bounced away. "I am sooooo sorry!" He exclaimed.
"It's fine Zachary, but maybe you should start watching where you bounce things?" Jaidyn suggested, laughing as Zachary walked up to them and gave her a quick hug in greeting.
"Ahm….good idea." He answered. She held out his hand to Lucas. "Sorry about that dude. I'm Zachary Willis."
Lucas shook Zachary's hand politely. "Lucas Mulbright. Pleasure to make your acquaintance." He smiled weakly, and Rocky sniffed at Zachary.
Zachary nodded. "Nice to meet you Lucas." He bent over, petting Rocky and Tucker. "Hey guys!" He said energetically.
(This is Zachary btw: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/855472891693791471/)
"Do you go here? I'm new, so this is my first time seeing the campus." Lucas pet Sophie's head.
Zachary nodded. "I'm twenty years old, so I've been going here for two years now. I think you'll love it here. Jaidyn does, and she hasn't even taken an actual class here." He said with a laugh. Jaidyn laughed with him. "Of course I like it here? Why wouldn't I?"