You're the one // Peter Ballard

Pt. 3: The dinner

Walking through the spiderweb of hallways you didn't recognize any of them even though just hours ago you got the tour of the facility which was meant to help you orientate better. Still, you didn't worry too much, things take a while and then it seems like you knew everything all along.

The way to the dining area didn't take long, especially because Peter was very good at small talk.

"So, how are you feeling so far?" He asked.

"Oh, I think it still hasn't fully settled that this is my new home for the next 9 months." You laughed.

"How did your family react to you taking such a job, if you don't mind me asking of course."

"I didn't tell them really, I doubt they care too much tho. And if they do – they'll find my note I left on my pillow."

"What a brave girl you are. Glad to have you here." He said and opened a door, behind which was the dining room. The children were already sat at tables but not eating just yet.

"How wonderful of you to join us." Exclaimed Dr. Brenner. "Please, take a seat, the food is about to be served."

You thanked the older man and allowed Peter to show you to your seat, right next to him just as he promised. The food arrived just seconds later, and everyone dug in. It wasn't particularly delicious yet still better than any other hospital food you've ever had, so you couldn't complain.

The dining area was filled with noises of cutlery, chewing and slight chatter from the kids. Dr. Brenner was eating too, while talking to some people who looked like staff, medics perhaps.

"How are you liking the food?" Peter asked with a smile that has already made an impact on you.

"Truly, I expected worse." You giggled and he smiled again in return. The rest of the meal was finished in silence, simply observing the surroundings and the kids. They didn't look sick, yet they all sported shaved heads and hospital gowns. Being sensitive you didn't want to speculate too much about what was wrong with them because being upset would make you too distracted and, after all, you were here to help these kids.

While deep in your thoughts you didn't notice that your body shifted slightly to the side where Peter was sitting and now your knee was touching his. Once you did notice it, however, you didn't move. How long have you been touching him like this? Did he mind? Surely, he would've moved if it bothered him. And after all, this wasn't anything inappropriate.

"Don't worry, I don't mind it." Peter whispered, pulling you out of your thoughts and making the hairs on your arms stand up.

"Sorry, what?" You asked, trying to figure out if you misheard him.

"I can sense you're nervous and you shouldn't be. Everything's fine." He said calmly.

"How did you know that?" You replied with disbelief since it felt like he read your mind.

"A gentleman never tells." He said and sat back in his seat, finally putting an end to the little connection you had with your legs.

Despite his reassuring words and a calm aura, you didn't feel relaxed. Not because of this little incident since it's truly no big deal. No, you felt nervous because you could sense a slight attraction forming and you couldn't have that, not at a place where you both live and work. Just as on cue, Peter put his hand under the table, ever so gently brushed his fingers against yours and excused himself. Before you could protest, he turned around and said, "I'll be just a moment."

You watched him go to Dr. Brenner and chat for a bit, before he was sent away, and the old man came up to you.

"I hope you enjoyed the dinner. I know you don't start working today but perhaps you'd be interested in observing the other staff members for the rest of the evening? They just have a few things left to do so you could see how the evening goes and then get assisted back to your room. I'm afraid Mr. Ballard will not be able to walk you back tonight." He spoke.

"Mr. Ballard?"

"Oh, he probably just introduced himself as Peter."

"Yes, he did." You smiled. "And to answer – yes, I'd be glad to see how it all runs tonight, as long as I get some help making my way back to my room."

"Absolutely, please come this way."

He walked you to some other staff members, men mostly and left you to introduce yourself and observe their jobs. You didn't know if you'd be expected to perform the same tasks as them, but you watched carefully, nonetheless. Once the children were instructed to go to their rooms, one of the staff members walked you back to your own and again you were left by yourself.