ONCE UPON AN US

Chapter 2

Luna had only been there a few minutes before she was swept up in a business conversation that Abby had wanted to have earlier. Meanwhile, Clarke remained in her room, contemplating whether to go downstairs and greet the new bodyguard.
When she had thought it through and finally left her room. She tiptoed down the stairs and approached the door to the sitting room, trying not to draw attention to herself as she looked for Ms Rivers. It was difficult to prepare herself since Luna's body was hidden by Abigail's silhouette.

Clarke watched the two women exchange information for a few minutes and didn't want to interrupt. She began to backtrack quietly but almost missed a step, she let out a sigh of relief that things didn't end up as bad as she thought.
She looked up towards the door, hoping her mother or Luna hadn't noticed her almost fall, or better yet, her presence. Unfortunately for her, both women were aware of her presence. Mrs Gryphon called Clarke over in excitement, but it was unclear why she was excited.

- Clarke! What a pleasant surprise. Come, I'll introduce you.

Clarke was embarrassed that she made a fool of herself in front of ms Rivers. But she walked over to get introduced but was surprised by Luna's beauty and nearly became paralyzed. She had hoped for a quick introduction before leaving for her outing, but now she wasn't so sure she even wanted to go.

- Honey this is Luna, the girl I told you
about earlier today. Luna, meet my daughter, Clarke.

Clarke was so mesmerized by Luna's beauty that she couldn't speak. Luna had captivating skin and eyes, and her cheekbones were striking. Her hair was a beautiful chocolate colour with blonde highlights, and she was extremely attractive. It seemed like Luna was trying to study Clarke from where she stood, which made Clarke nervous, especially with Luna's intense stare. After all, Luna was the most gorgeous woman Clarke had ever seen.

- Is that your daughter?

Ms Rivers questioned, fixing her gaze on Abby for confirmation. She quickly averted it back to Clarke, who immediately dropped her head to the floor in the embarrassment of being caught staring.

- Yes, that's her.

- I did not realise she'd be so...

She trailed off, searching for an apt
descriptor. She didn't know if she should voice her true thoughts on what she thought of Clarke in front of her mother. That didn't seem like a good idea. Luna's gaze was fixed on Clarke, even when she flicked her tongue on her bottom lip.

-  Be so what?

Clarke's eyebrow rose with a questioning look, daring her babysitter to continue her sentence because it seemed like there was more to it.

- Umm...Nothing. Is something burning?

Luna tried changing the subject, and the opportunity presented itself.

- The lasagne!

Mrs G screamed and ran into the kitchen, leaving her daughter to entertain their guest as he tried to save the food she had worked hard to prepare. She had forgotten about it in the oven because she was so preoccupied with Luna's arrival.

Clarke continued to stare at Luna, only this time her gaze wasn't so friendly. Luna, on the other hand, paid her(Clarke) no mind. She just quietly admired the interior of the room from where she stayed seated. She had of course noticed Clarke glaring at her but decided to ignore her for a while. Just long enough for her to catch her in the act.

- Are you done staring? That's no way to look at an old friend.

Ms Rivers stated. She grinned at the way her question caught Clarke off guard.