NG:- I'm making a lot of progress with this fic. Must be a new record for me.
Shard:- Yeah only because you decided to not study as hard as you should have.
NG:- well I got it done didn't I? The test is over and done with and I need to relax. Anywho, please enjoy chapter four!!
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The ride back to her apartment was quiet. Saito dropped her off outside, informing her that the briefing would be at 9:30am and that he'd be picking her up at 9 sharp, before driving off. Cade took the lift up to the ninth floor, and entered what would be her new home for the following months. It was a one bedroom apartment, with kitchen, a small lounge and bathroom. It was tidy, and there were some basic foodstuffs in the pantry and fridge. She'd have to venture out sometime to pick up some items, like milk and veges.
After ensuring that there were no bugs or hidden cameras in the apartment, Cade unpacked her luggage. The majority of her belongings, clothing and shoes had been vacuum packed in special bags. She opened these and filled her wardrobe with them. Next to come out were a small toolkit, which promptly went under her bed and a pair of rollerblades.
Deciding that everything else could wait a while, she accessed the net to gain the exact location of the Memorial park. Taking the rollerblades and a small messenger bag with her, she left the apartment. Outside, she sat on a seat, removing her shoes and slipping into her rollerblades. Shoes in bag she set off, not noticing the black coupe slowly following her.
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The memorial park was only two blocks away from the apartment and Cade found it to be rather peaceful. She zoomed past fountains and flowerbeds, leaning heavily at corners, to avoiding reducing speed. It wasn't long until she reached the skate park. Surprisingly for her, it was deserted. She reminded herself that most teenagers were interested in the net, not grabbing a skateboard and trying out some tricks on the ramps.
"It's a crying shame." She muttered to herself as she made her way to the half pipe. She began to skate up and down, building up momentum to get her to the top. I won't push it too far today. This is just some pre-dinner exercise, work the kinks out my muscles. She made it to the top and changed her mind, Ah what the hell, a couple of tricks shouldn't hurt me, and began one of the routines a friend taught her, years ago. Partway though, Cade heard the sound of shredding plastic and felt her right 'blade jack-knife beneath her. She dropped and rolled to prevent her knees taking the full force on the concrete, stopping at the bottom.
Mentally, she checked that nothing had broken before sitting up. There was now a rip on her trouser leg. Easily repaired. She thought as she removed her right 'blade. A stone was wedged in her front wheel, which had mushroomed out. Checking the other wheels she found small cracks. Disuse and they end up like this. Sighing she removed the other 'blade and put her shoes on again.
"You know that's not the sort of thing people do at your age." Cade turned around and saw Pazu.
"It's a hobby and I can name five professionals who were in the competition circuit well into their thirties."
"Are you alright? It looked like you took quite a fall there."
"It's nothing serious. First rule of skating for beginners is to learn how to fall properly or don't fall at all." Cade got up slowly; making sure nothing had been sprained, before going over to where Pazu stood. "I just felt like getting some exercise in before dinner. I was a former runner-up two years in a row on the amateur circuit."
"Need any help getting back to your apartment?"
"I'll be fine. Did you need to ask me about something?"
"No. I was just passing through on my way home."
"Then I'd best be on my way. I have a couple of things to do before heading back. I'll see you tomorrow morning, Mr Pazu." Cade walked in the direction of the nearby shopping district. The black car continued to follow her.
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NG: - as always reviews are much appreciated!