Vacation
The sun blazed in the sky, its heat intensifying the humidity that clung to Zane's face. He'd watched enough of the churning surf swallow the sand from afar. Weariness settled in as he wheeled himself back toward the shaded green, seeking respite from the sun's relentless glare. The strain of gripping and turning the wheels of his chair was taking its toll, but he stubbornly refused to rely on his younger brother, especially during summer vacation. He'd made it about a third of the way back to the picnic tables when the irregular thudding in his chest began. He cursed his physical limitations under his breath. A small gasp drew his attention to the left. "Let me guess, Syrus sent you to find me, Alexis?" he said dryly, as the blonde woman approached.
Alexis had been enjoying her vacation and hadn't heard from Syrus. Her time in Domino City was limited, and she'd wanted to spend her last day at the beach. Zane was the last person she expected to see. "Actually, I haven't spoken to Syrus. I was just passing through," she replied.
It felt strange seeing Alexis again. It had only been two years, but she seemed to have grown. Her golden-brown hair, still cascading past her shoulders, was now pulled back in a loose ponytail. The most noticeable change was in her eyes; the warmth and naivety were gone, replaced by the weary, focused gaze of an adult. "Heh, I see. It was good to see you again, Alexis. Now, I have to get back to Syrus," he said, attempting to turn the wheels again. A mild stab of pain shot through his chest. .
Seeing his weakness and his reluctance to ask for help, Alexis moved toward the wheelchair, took hold of the handles, and began pushing.
Zane felt the chair move and sighed, knowing arguing was futile. "Thank you, Alexis," he muttered, his pride smarting.
A soft smile played on Alexis's lips as she pushed him across the grass. "You were always too stubborn for your own good," she teased lightly.
"I can't argue with that, Alexis, but stubbornness can also be a lifesaver in times of crisis," Zane replied with a small smirk.
"True, but it's also important to know when to lean on others," she advised gently. Her words resonated with Zane, echoing in his mind as they approached the small outdoor table where Syrus waited.
Syrus greeted them with a shy smile, his gaze flitting between his brother and Alexis with a mixture of surprise and relief. "I wasn't expecting to see you here, Alexis," he admitted, glancing at his brother.
Alexis parked the wheelchair at the table and smiled warmly at Syrus. "I saw Zane and thought it would be nice to catch up with both of you, and he needed a little help getting here," she said.
Syrus nodded, understanding her unspoken message. From the slightly annoyed expression in his brother's eyes, he knew Zane hadn't been thrilled about the assistance. "Thank you for bringing my brother back, Alexis. Big brother doesn't like asking for help, even when he really needs it," Syrus added, casting a knowing glance at Zane.
Zane sighed in defeat. "Fine, I get it," he relented, a rueful smile playing on his lips. He couldn't deny the warmth he felt with Alexis near, and he realized that, deep down, she was still the kind person he remembered.
Syrus's phone buzzed. He quickly pulled it from his pocket and answered, his expression lighting up, yet tinged with seriousness. After the call, he looked at his brother. "That was Ramen Co., big brother! They've agreed to sponsor our first Cyber League trial!" he exclaimed excitedly.
A smile spread across Zane's face. They were another step closer to their dream. "That's great news, Syrus," he replied. He noticed the hesitant look on his brother's face. "Let me guess, they want us to meet with them now?" he asked calmly.
Syrus nodded. "Yes, but this is the first time you've agreed to come out on vacation, brother, since your surgery," he said.
Alexis saw the concern in Syrus's eyes. Since she had no other plans, she offered, "I can watch him for the rest of the day, Syrus, if you're both okay with that."
Syrus looked at his brother. "It's okay with me, Alexis, but what about you, Big Brother?" he asked worriedly.
Zane knew his brother could use a break and that he was capable of handling the meeting alone. "It's fine with me," he replied.
Syrus smiled. "Well, that settles it. I'll handle this while you relax, big brother," he said.
After Syrus left, Zane looked at Alexis. "So, why did you decide to stay here with me, Alexis?" he asked plainly.
Alexis returned his gaze, wondering what lay beneath his stern exterior. "You looked like you could use some company… and I have no one else to spend the end of my vacation with," she admitted.
"Heh, then let's enjoy the rest of your vacation together," Zane replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.