The 'Two Whale Bar' is a unique bar that is new, and has gain a lot of attention amongst the residents and new comers for its lavish drinks and its delicious Italian cuisines. I always picture myself, chatting amongst new comers and old acquaintances that have nothing better to do than to binge drink there sorrows away, or to compete in their so-called drinking contest.
How I know about all this, well it is simple… Take Chloe for instance, she sure loves to drink, and when people asked her for a drinking contest… well let's just hope you have the stomach to compete with her. She is considered the queen of Liquor and most of our times together; she will sometimes get invited or receive a challenge by a new-comer or friends that we encountered along the way. But, no matter how hard one tries to win against her in a drinking contest… well let's just say many will wind up fainting from having too much to drink, or will manage to puke their guts out. It does feel kind of gross, but funny in a weird way, because she will wind up on the top as champion of binge drinking.
I sure have missed those days, of me reminiscing about the past and exploring new places with Chloe. Being with her, made me feel like a whole different person, but things change over time and relationships tend to dwindle; leaving that void of emptiness in my heart.
Admiring the view of this amazing establishment, I could have imagined what it would be like if the whole town didn't perish back then, maybe things could have stayed the same and my high school friend all could have lived better lives, but who am I kidding…. I still blame myself for allowing a whole town to perish, just to prevent someone I love their untimely demise.
But coming back to this front view of the bar, I am always curious and as a freelance photographer, I always take risks during my urban explorations…. all for a perfect shot. Mesmerized by this new establishment, I love the fresh smell of pizza and garlic bread that's made fresh. The Bar was crowded since it was close to the weekends, and I was lucky enough to find a comfortable seating arrangement at one of the booths that is located at the end of the bar, where the Jukebox stands. As I sat there in my own booth waiting for my colleagues to arrive, I saw a sad young woman who was holding a picture in her hand and taking sip of a well made Greene Martini.
"That woman looks sad and lonely…. She kind of reminds me of me. Lost and confused, and in need of some company." I said to myself while reminiscing about the good old times I had with Chloe, and her buddies we encountered during our journey together.
My eyes darted for any familiar faces until I spotted Gwen looking all confused as she was searching for me, and as soon as she spotted me, she immediately waved her hand and gave me a smile as she came over and took a seat in front of me.
"Hey Max, I am glad I found you," said Gwen with a high sarcastic tone, "Sorry I was late… I went to eat first, and the place is amazing,"
"Well I am glad you made it today, and no need to apologize, you didn't arrive late. I came too early…" I said while laughing in front of her. "So what is the name of the place? And what did you ate today, Gwen?"
"Laugh it off Max!? You really should check this place out. It's a diner, and it has this unique classic menu, and their delicious Jumbo burger, Breakfast meals, and their delicious Belgium waffles. Not to mention they even have a Vegan menu as well." Gwen said feeling all delightful.
"That sounds appetizing; I should check it out sometime this week…. I have a lot of free time for now, until the fall semester." I replied feeling all jittery after Gwen mentioned burgers and other healthy items to digest, "I'm stoic about that so-called diner…. So what is the name of the Diner?"
"The Diner is called…. 'Ms. Joyce's Famous Two Whale Diner'," said Gwen with a mesmerizing look, and in a relaxing mood. "Anyways… I would like to say thank you, Max… for believing in me and trying to prove my innocence back at Caledon University,"
"Oh you! Gwen, you don't have to thank me, I know things have been hard for you since you lost your previous job…. All because of what Safi did to all of us…. And…." I was stopped mid-sentence, when Gwen gesture me to stop mentioning Safi's name.
"Please Max; let's not bring up Safi into this.... I just want to forget what she fuckin did to all of us… me included…. I know that what happened back there at Caledon…. Still bothers me to this day, and moving away from Lakeview was the wisest decision Klaudia and I did, to avoid another repeat of her ruining my career back there…. Anyways can we change the subject? What does Amanda want with us that is so important?" said Gwen feeling a little disturbed, but calm at the same time.
"To be honest, I am just as puzzled as you are, and I was told to meet her here with the rest of you guys," I replied.
Moses and Yasmin arrived almost a few minutes later, and had joined us while we wait. While my colleagues were chatting amongst each other, I started to wonder about the mysterious Lady who was sitting all alone in one of the booths, someone who is close to her mid-30s with a messy bun, wearing a light purple long sleeve shirt, and was wearing a three layer braided gold with turquoise tear-drop necklace. If only I knew, what was on her mind when suddenly Amanda appeared, blocking my view of the mysterious lady.
"Hey guys, sorry I was late… I had to help my sister unpack her stuff and getting her room ready. But, I am glad you guys made it…. There is something urgent you guys need to see," said Amanda, looking all shocked and spooked.
"So what's the emergency you had to tell us?" I replied looking at her with a worried look.
Without a second to lose everyone remained quiet, while Amanda took out her phone and showed us an online news article that mentioned a colleague of ours, Lucas Colmenero.
"Get the Fuck out! Lucas Colmenero…. Is dead?" said Gwen, who looked shocked after she read the online news article of his untimely accident.
Yasmin as well looked shocked and began to read to us what the article said, "It says here that…. according to the police report, Lucas Colmenero. Who was the Department Chair of Literature at Caledon University, died on impact after his Vehicle flipped over, under mysterious circumstances while on his way to see his son, Roberto Colmenero Jr. who was competing in the Martial Arts Tournament…."
"I can't believe that professor Colmenero is dead…. I mean yeah he was a derange man who wants nothing more than to take credit for work that doesn't even belong to him, especially his own students…." I said feeling all shocked and sad for his kid
"I mean, he just got let go due to him plagiarizing other student's work…. But who would have thought that some of the work belonged to Maya Okada, and now this?" Moses said while trying to keep a calm demeanor.
Yasmin, who was also shocked, was able to maintain her demeanor and wanted us to keep calm, "Ok everyone, no need to panic. I know that what Lucas Colmenero did was wrong, and I regret not putting a stop to his plagiarism while he was still teaching at the University. But for now, we must focus on ourselves," she said with a worried and calm demeanor. "Ok Ms. Amanda, is there more in that article?"
I began to notice Amanda shivering from hearing the news of Lucas's untimely demise, but was able to snap out of it after she noticed me looking at her with a worried look. While giving me a smile, she immediately continued on explaining further what she had discovered in the article so far, "Ok, the investigators were puzzled as to how the vehicle got turned over, since they found no traces of bumps or scrapes on it, they assumed the vehicle got turn over due to the axels, or the shocks not properly maintained. But, when they took the damaged vehicle for an inspection, everything in the car was fine. However, the scary part was that the surveillance camera that was installed in the vehicle, demonstrated how the professor's vehicle got flipped upside down, and oddly enough there was no witnesses at the crime scene. But they did manage to catch a glimpse of the one who may have been responsible for Lucas's death…" Amanda paused and began to fiddle with her phone, scrolling and searching for something.
Then, not a minute too soon she shared another article related to the incident. This time it was from a street camera that caught a glimpse of someone wearing a red hooded sweater in front of Lucas's Vehicle as it was been lifted into the air, and another captured image shows this mysterious entity walking away from the crash site.
"Wow!!! That is indeed…. Strange," I said while analyzing the article that Amanda had shown. "But, when was this incident?"
"It was three days ago…" replied Amanda who was now scared and worried, "Could this be related to Safi? If so why would she want Lucas dead?"
"No, it can't be Safi's doing…." Said Gwen, while observing the image of this mysterious hooded figure…. "This hooded figure is wearing man's clothing and is a little bit taller, and knowing Safi too well…. This is not her."
"Gwen is right, that is not Safi…. those clothes look awfully worn out, and my daughter prefers luxurious brands that capture her style…. But whoever this person was sure has it in on Mr. Colmenero…" said Yasmin, as she was analyzing the photo as well, "Well, let's not jump into conclusion yet…. For now we just have to move on, we have a new day ahead of ourselves, and my condolence's goes to his family for his untimely demise."
Everyone remained silent for a moment after hearing the terrible tragedy that fell upon Lucas Colmenero, we all wondered if what had happened to Lucas Colmenero can indeed happen to the rest of us. If so, could Safi had been involved in all of this, reason for wanting justice by eliminating those who could be considered a threat to her plans of wanting to control the world with her abilities. I hope it's not the case, and what she has said to me back then, that she will be going around in search of others who may have powers too just like me and her. But, whatever the case is, I hope we don't have to run into each other anytime soon.