The Alchemists

Since it was still 1 o'clock in the afternoon, and the appointment for driving lessons was at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, Finland and Jean watched one more movie. This time they watched the Fantastic Beast movie.

"It's already wine o'clock, we can watch a movie while drinking wine," said Jean. "Get it? One o'clock… wine o'clock…? Hahaha…"

"Wahaha… that's funny. Unfortunately, I can't drink now, Jean. Later in the afternoon I want to practice driving with Jadeith," Finland said sadly. It was unfortunate that she had to refuse the expensive wine from Jean's private cabinet, because she had promised Caspar she would learn to drive.

"Who is Jadeith?" Jean asked in surprise.

"He is Caspar's bodyguard who was assigned to escort me this week and teach me how to drive. Later this afternoon he will take me to Bukit Batok Driving Center for training. Do you want to come?"

Jean laughed to hear it, "Sounds interesting. I have nothing to do later in the afternoon. I want to see how you drive."

Jean didn't have a car in Singapore because he spent most of his time in Paris, but he was able drive. He and Finland once dreamed of going around the world someday to make travel videos. It would be nice if Finland could also drive and they could rent a camper van to travel around Europe by road one day.

At almost 4pm, Jadeith arrived at Robertson Road to pick Finland and Jean up. Even though he remained friendly, Finland could feel Jadeith was not happy with Jean's presence. Maybe he was concerned about his master's feelings, who was far away in Germany.

"Jadeith would be the perfect man for acting in action films as Dolph Lundgren's brother," Jean whispered in the back seat when the car started driving.

"I think so too..." Finland whispered back. The two of them laughed softly. Jadeith saw their interactions from the rear mirror; his expression was hard to guess.

Finland stopped briefly at Rose Mansion to change her clothes and after, they immediately proceeded to the driving center.

Their arrival drew attention from the people who were at the driving center. They couldn't contain their shock when they saw Jadeith come out of the driver's seat and signaled for Finland to take the driver's seat.

They were pointing their fingers at them and whispering in plain sight. Jean covered his face in embarrassment and Finland started feeling very anxious.

"We are becoming a spectacle here, Jadeith. Everyone is staring and pointing at us. Can't we just borrow a car from the center and practice with that?" Finland whispered, "I don't want to scratch this beautiful car."

"It's okay, Madam. I assure you, you will be able to drive well. I am a great teacher and this car will not be damaged," said Jadeith calmly. "Please come in. I have never failed to teach anyone."

"How many students have you taught to drive before?" Finland asked, upset.

"Just one." answer Jadeith.

"Oh..." Finland felt more depressed.

At that time her cellphone rang. It was Caspar calling her.

"How is the driving practice?"

"We are just about to start... I'm so embarrassed. People are staring at us because we are using a Rolls Royce for driving practice. They might think I'm a snob. Can I just borrow an ordinary car from the driving center? You like privacy, I do too..." Finland whispered in a desperate tone.

"OK." Caspar said later. He asked to speak to Jadeith and a moment later Jadeith met with the manager of the driving center.

"We would like to extend a sincere apology to all guests using the driving center. We are closing early today. I invite everyone to go to our receptionist to get a refund. Thank you for your cooperation."

Suddenly they heard an announcement from the loudspeaker and the on-duty manager approached the guests who were at the driving center and asked them to leave.

Jean and Finland looked at each other.

"That's not what I meant..." Finland said desperately.

That was not what she meant at all.

Why was it so hard to talk to people who do not understand what it felt like to live as a normal human being….?