Chapter 38

Entering the café, I began to find a table while Lyra and Yang-zi went to get the hot chocolate. I sat down, resting my chin on the palms of my hands. My eyes wandered over to the food section, and I was surprised to see a very familiar face there.

His green eyes met mine, and I realized how much I missed him. Xander said something to the person next to him and walked over to me. He was wearing his cafeteria uniform and a chef-like hat.

"Hey, weirdo," he said to me when he got to the table.

He looked very nice in that outfit. "Hi, what a nice surprise."

"Yes, I have a new job to entertain myself. My psychologist calls it shock therapy—exposing me to my fears." He paused for a moment. "You know, there are a lot of germs and contact in the kitchen."

"Oh, I didn't know there was such therapy."

Xander shrugged. "Me neither. Let's hope it works out." His eyes fell on the bracelet around my wrist. "I see you liked my gift."

I ran my fingers over the bracelet, remembering how I