THE GATEKEEPER

Chapter 3

Alice exhaled.I already told you;Until I left, my father was all over me.I ended up running out the door on him because he wouldn't give me a single minute to myself.When he gets home this evening, he won't be happy with me.

Drake made a comment, "He sounds more and more like a stick in the mud every time you talk about your father."Is he unfamiliar with the idea of having fun?

They had arrived at a sky rail station at this point and entered it.Atlantis City was only a few square miles in size, so someone came up with the idea of connecting the entire city with sky rails—basically sky trolleys—that would let people quickly get to the main area where they wanted to go and walk the rest of the way.The idea that was put forth was adopted unanimously due to the fact that there were few roads for cars and the sky rails occupied very little ground space.Since Atlantis City only had sixteen stations, there were stations all over the city and trolleys that led to other stations at each station. There were approximately fifteen trolleys at each station.There were two trolleys traveling in opposite directions on the track of each rail line.The majority of the time, it was hidden from view by massive steam clouds that hung low to the tiled floor.The insane amount of steam in the building did not surprise Drake;The steam-powered sky trolleys were made to be environmentally friendly.

Drake and Alice strolled through the door, over which an enormous white I was painted to show which station is was.The timing of their actions was perfect;the dull green metal streetcar connected to their objective had recently entered the station.The doors opened with a steam hiss as it descended to the loading platform.Those who were waiting to board were able to board after the onboard passengers unloaded onto the platform.On top of the trolley in question and next to each of the four doors was a large white G.Within the station gate, there was a map of the city and a map of the rail lines.Each of the sixteen smaller square sections of Atlantis City was approximately half a mile square.Each section was arranged four by four.They were labeled with letters A through P in alphabetical order, starting at the top and working their way to the right.The trolley that Drake and Alice were getting on was now headed to Section G, which was close to Atlantis City's center.Seniors and people with disabilities were the only people who could use the trolleys that connected to adjacent sections;Because each area of the city was only half a mile square, the council wanted to make sure everyone's health was taken into consideration.

They stepped onto the platform and made their way toward the trolley after showing their Atlantis City identification cards to the technology screens at the gate.Drake and Alice immediately entered the trolley and sat down on a bench near the back, avoiding the need to wait to board.Except for a few rows of benches that lined its length and width, the trolley's interior was mostly empty, evoking the experience of riding a ferry boat at amusement parks around the world.The doors closed after they sat down, and the trolley began to ascend until it reached a level spot near the station roof and exited through a wall crack.

Alice began, "By the way, Drake," as she briefly dug into her purse after opening it.Happy birthday, even though I know it's a day early!She gave Drake a small, plain silver box she had pulled out.

Drake had a dazed demeanor all over as he acknowledged the gift. "He muttered, "I can't believe you remembered."I only once mentioned it when we first met;You didn't need to go out of your way to buy me a present.

"Obviously, I did!"Alice countered,her expression somewhat perturbed.Tomorrow is the birthday of my best friend;I must at least provide you with something.Since I have to accompany my father on his errands all day tomorrow and won't be able to see you tomorrow, I decided to give it to you today.Proceed to open it.

Drake complied and removed the box's lid.A crystal pendant in the shape of a clear blue sky was inside.At the top, a silver fastener held it in place, and a pair of wings that looked like dragons sprouted and wrapped around the crystal.A tiny green crystal about the size of a thumbtack was embedded in the mount where the fastening was attached to the string at the top.

The pendant's weight indicated to Drake that the materials used were legitimate;The pendant did not contain any plastic or cast iron.When he was in high school, he used to almost always wear a cheaper pendant that he bought online. After about six months, it would break and he had to order a new one.He stopped ordering them after the third one broke because even the cheap ones cost a lot.Drake took the pendant out of the box and held it in front of him, observing how the light from the windows made it sparkle.

Alice: "Wow, this is amazing."In awe, Drake said.

"I know, correct?"With a smile on her face, Alice said.She pointed to the blue crystal that served as the pendant's focal point.That stone was given to me by my mother when I was young, but I haven't used it, so it's been sitting in my closet collecting dust.When I placed an order for it, I had it polished and incorporated into the pendant.

Drake turned to look at Alice, his own expression looking a little strained.How much did you spend to make this?”

Alice exhaled.Really?”She exclaimed, annoyed.That is not the thing you should share with somebody when they give you a birthday present."

“Sorry!Much appreciation!Drake quickly made the necessary corrections and fastened the pendant around his neck.Some way or another, the heaviness of the pendant on his chest provided him with a feeling of solace.He smiled as he looked over at Alice after placing his hand over the pendant.I truly enjoy it.Alice, I appreciate it.

After a moment, Alice looked away as her cheeks turned red.She mumbled, "Well, I guess I can overlook your initial response if you like it that much."

"Are you really going to get stuck on that?" I asked.Drake asked, perplexed.You should not let that bother you at all.

For the next few minutes, Alice ignored him and continued to gaze out the window next to her until the trolley entered a different station and began to descend.The doors opened with a steamy hiss as the trolley slowed to a stop.Before anyone else got out of the trolley, Alice abruptly got up from her seat and ran.Drake moaned as he stood up and advanced out of the streetcar with the remainder of the group.Leaning up against the wall next to the exit and whistling, Alice was waiting for him at the platform exit.She smiled and jumped out of the gate when Drake got close.Hold on!If we don't hurry, we won't get there in time!Over her shoulder, she called.

"What are you referring to?Still, we had more than forty minutes!She was pursued by Drake.He was completely perplexed as Alice left the station and shook his head.She's giving me the cold shoulder for a moment, then she wants to race?Girls are truly so perplexing.Drake ran after Alice, sighing once more, and weaved his way through the crowd as he left the station.He quickly glanced around when he reached the exit and saw Alice waving at him from the other side of the street.Alice took off once more, this time toward the venue where the talent show was being held after Drake confirmed that he had seen her.

After a few minutes of running, Drake realized that Alice had entered Atlantis City Park through a gateway.Drake increased his speed and smiled as he went through the park gate.He quickly closed the distance between him and Alice so that he could reach out and grab her hand, leaving no one in his way.