Hacker Academy

Python Gala (2)

I turn to Domain and Unix. "Let's go."

"What, why?" Unix exclaims.

Domain speaks. "After this will be Mr. Python. And then the dance will start."

"There's not much to see after that. I think we've wasted our Sunday long enough." I head down the tree.

To actually come here to spy on Cyber to see if he'll be fine without me is just so low. I don't know how I brought myself to commit such a desperate act. I want to stay in the dorms for the rest of my life and never come out. I squeeze my eyes shut. When did hacking become such a complicated matter? I never asked for this. I just wanted a better life for mom and sister. How it became so entangled with people and secrets, I'll never know.

Bzzt.

I check my phone.

[Message from Miss Tag]

Ada, could you meet me at the Administrative Office of Teleportation at 10pm? Where Domain works. I hope to see you there.

I check the time. 9:30pm. If I want to make it in time, I'll have to head back to Hacker Academy right now. But what could Miss Tag possibly need from me on a Sunday that could not wait on Monday?

Domain and Unix join me.

"We're thinking of going to get pizza and a few drinks," Domain says. "You coming?"

I shake my head. "Getting too late for me. Tomorrow's a school day. I'll head back first."

"Sure thing. See you tomorrow."

We part our ways and I watch the two of them walk away. I smile. The two of them deserve to be happy.

Before I make my way back, I decide to see the gala one last time. It's not everyday I get to see a formal gala up close. The event is surrounded by tall hedgerows. I can only see the faint glow of the lanterns above swaying in the wind. Then I spot a small opening in the corner of the hedgerows. It's large enough for me to squeeze in, if I try hard enough.

Hesitantly, I pry through the bush before wedging myself through. I come out unscathed, but with a few leaves clinging to my jacket. I let out a small laugh. Hacker number 350 just tried to get in the Python gala.

As I brush myself off, a deep and calming voice stops me in my tracks. An overwhelming were of bittersweet emotions come upon me.

"Ada?"

I stuff my hands in my pockets and shyly turn around to look at the familiar face.

"Hello... Cyber."

He looks me up and down and hides his emotions with a damning smirk. "You make quite a grand entrance."

"I aim to surprise."

He gives a soft chuckle before looking at me with a frown. "What are you doing here?"

"My friends dared me to sneak in."

"You know if you were caught by anyone other than me at this gala, you would've received a penalty warning on your ID card?"

My face drops. "No, I didn't think it was that serious." Shit. What did I get myself into? And meeting Cyber of all things?

"Oh, they take trespassing very seriously, Ada." He comes closer. I try to take a step away but he puts a strong hand upon my back. "You didn't have to trespass if you came with me," he murmurs. His gentle voice tickles my skin.

"I-I," then I remember the girl he brought with him tonight. I push him away.

"Stop acting like you... like you..." I shake my head. "You brought Perl with you."