THE GATEKEEPER

Chapter 5

6:02 pm

"Well now, I feel that went better compared to we might have envisioned," Drake remarked.

Alice agreed, "Yeah."We probably wouldn't finish in second place in the competition.

Drake and Alice were seated at the same outdoor cafe where they first met in section B of Atlantis City in the late afternoon.A small silver trophy was on the table between them.There was an engraved "2nd" surrounded by a laurel on the surface of a large clear crystal set in it.

All of the other performances had finished a few hours earlier, and the judges were tallying the audience's votes while all of the performers went to a waiting room.They started calling for a few performers to return to the stage over the intercom system about an additional hour later.When Drake and Alice got the call, they didn't know a thing about what was going on until they got to the stage and saw the trophies on a table there.After the award ceremony, one of the judges, dressed in a full white suit and shaded glasses, approached Alice and gave her his business card. They had won second place.

He had told her, "That really was something else."Despite the fact that the majority of the audience is American, you chose to sing a Japanese song despite clearly being an American.The fact that so many people chose you as their candidate demonstrates your talent;If they really enjoyed the performance, people wouldn't vote for a song in a language they couldn't understand.

Drake had spoken up, "Of course."Who says that you have to know how a song is written to like it or enjoy it?You must like it if you do.You can't be told you can't by anyone.

Drake caught the judge's attention at this point.Also unexpected was your stunt during the performance.I can't believe you made the decision to join in and begin singing along in that manner.It was also amazing how you threw Alice;How strong are you really?She was thrown about fifteen feet into the air by you.Was that completely impulsive?”

Drake responded, "Yeah, it was."They had seen replays of the top three performances during the ceremony, and Drake had seen his stunt.His face had lost its color after seeing it himself. "I honestly wasn't expecting to throw her that high either."I really just enjoyed myself and got caught up in the moment.Drake put his hand on his still-stinging cheek from Alice's earlier slap.Alice has already eaten me whole;believe me."

The judge made a joke.I see.That was some impressive strength, regardless.He reached into his vest with one hand and pulled out a second business card, which he gave to Drake.Numerous of my friends are involved in the film industry.There, you could definitely go big;because of your strength and those eyes.

“Huh?”Drake instinctively tried to reposition his sunglasses on his nose, only to discover that they weren't there.​What?When did those disappear?The last time I saw them was at the park. The judge then turned around and started to leave.When you have some spare time, either of you can call me.I'm confident we can come up with a solution that works for everyone.

“Drake?Are you ok?”

Yes, I'm okay.Drake sighed as he returned to the present and stirred the ice in his water cup with a straw. "I’m just a little irritated with myself."I didn't have my sunglasses on when I went on stage at a big televised event.On our way to the talent show, I can't believe I left them there.I was pretty stupid for doing that;Now, my eyes will be known to the entire world

Alice comforted by saying, "It's also partly my fault."Since the park, I've been following you around;I never gave up holding your hand.While stirring her iced tea, she briefly remained silent before speaking once more.Do you want me to buy you new shoes?

Drake said, sipping his water, "Nah, it's fine."I might as well not bother hiding it if everyone will find out about it.In addition, I haven't been bothered by it much lately.Now, I can largely ignore the comments.

After another minute or so of silence, Alice finished her iced tea and returned the cup to the table.Drake, thank you," she said suddenly.

Drake looked at her confused.What's the point?

"Thank you for persuading me to participate in the talent show."“Alice smiled at him as she looked up.A new possibility for my future emerged because of you.You are to be commended for that.

It wasn't from the earlier slap to the face that Drake felt his cheeks start to burn.He looked out the window at the road, embarrassed.Okay? It was nothing.He mumbled, "I simply desired that you have fun out there.I had a good time, too.

"Somewhat excessive, don't you think?"Alice remarked. "You might have killed me with that stunt you pulled out of nowhere.Will you accept my apologies for that?”

"Shut up, I did nothing wrong," I said.

Alice chuckled, "I guess so."In addition, she gazed out at the road.

Just at that moment, a shiny black sedan came down the road. To their slight surprise, it slowed down as it got closer to the cafe where they were sitting and finally stopped right in front of their table.

"What's the matter?"As the driver got out of the vehicle and began to walk around its front, Drake muttered a loud question.However, Alice became pale.

She muttered, "Oh, God."That is the butler of my father.Don't tell me it's......" The driver opened the door to the passenger compartment, and a short, bald man got out.He was squeezed into a blue suit with a black and gold checkered tie, and he was pretty fat.This man gave Drake the impression that he was a huge blueberry at first.

Who is that?Drake inquired.

“Dad?!”Alice wailed.What exactly are you doing here?

“Dad?”Drake echoed, slightly enthused.In order to get a better look, he leaned closer to his chair.Is this the man your father?The mayor of Atlantis City here?”

Drake was the target of a stubby, short finger from Mr. Tyrion.Punk, you better respect me,” he demanded.

What?Drake felt a twinge of annoyance.He had just advised Alice that he could now largely ignore the remarks; however, this individual was only requesting a punch to the face.The mayor's delivery gave the impression that he was conversing with a disgusting piece of trash.

“Dad!You can't just pull up and start talking to a stranger like that!As she stood up with her hands on the table, Alice reprimanded herself by reclining her chair.

Her father continued, pointing the finger at her.Now, Alice, pay attention, I no longer want you near this man!he directed.

“What?!”Surprised, Alice and Drake exclaimed.

"What did I ever do to her that justifies such a demand?” I asked.Drake fought.

The mayor started by saying, "I watched the performance today."When Alice heard this, her face went white.An associate showed me the award ceremony on his phone while I was taking a break from one of my meetings.Drake was once again the target of his finger's pointing.He continued, "You could've killed Alice with that stunt, and anyone who puts my daughter in danger is no longer allowed to associate with her!"

Drake's annoyance grew as he heard this.At this point, he gave the mayor a hard stare.The mayor looked pale and took a step back in response.

As he sat backward in his chair to stare intently at Mr. Tyrion, Drake almost growled, turning his chair and folding his arms to rest on top of its back.He didn't care what Alice's father thought of him at first.No matter what you say about me, I don't care.In Atlantis City, Alice is my only friend, and I won't let a huge blueberry like you tell me if I can hang out with her or not.

“B-b-blueberry?”Mr. Tyrion stumbled and froze to the ground in a cold sweat.

"D-Drake..." warned Alice.Drake looked at Alice's watch after things remained in this position for a while.It had recently reached 6:06.

There was a strange sound just at that moment.It was so out of tune that it was almost impossible to distinguish it from the clock's gong.Drake looked around and saw the clock tower in the distance, high above the cityscape, in section A of the city.Despite being six hours off, the clock hands were still indicating midnight for some reason.

The odd gong rang six times, and when the last one went out, the clock's face exploded.As the clock tower collapsed, a huge cloud of dust could be seen from where they stood, and screams could be heard from the area around it.