The Light of Roria

Chapter Eight

"I brought chips and dip." Jake lifted the grocery bag to my eye level. Inside were three large bags of chips and a tub of sour cream.

I smiled in return and tried to guard the emotions of the day. I was certain a movie would be another great distraction and hoped it would keep our conversations at a minimum, fearing I'd say something to contradict an already established lie regarding Elijah.

"Cool, come on in," I told him casually.

As Jake followed me toward the kitchen, Elijah looked between Jake and I, carefully observing our interactions. I sensed he wondered about the nature of our relationship, and assumed Elijah feared I wouldn't keep everything a secret if we were serious, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Revealing the truth meant magnifying just how bizarre my life really was, and poor Jake had been put through enough when it came to me.

"Come. Sit down, Jake. We've got sushi and yakisoba." Staci motioned him forward. "It's not as much as I'd liked for four but Adi I added some salad for each of us."

"Just yakisoba for me, thanks. I'm not big on sushi." He announced, taking a seat.

"Not enough red meat in them?" Staci teased.

"Nothing wrong with a hearty steak." He countered, smiling at me.

"By the way Jake, this is Elijah. Elijah, this is Jake." I quickly added, forgetting to introduce them.

Jake reached out his hand for Elijah to take in a pleasant introduction "How's it going?"

Grinning, Elijah moved forward, but his hand never touched Jakes, reaching instead for his forearm. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jake."

Jake glanced at Staci and me, his eyes asking if we too thought Elijah's actions were a little strange.

Staci quickly whispered, "He's from England, but also very Amish."

"Got it." Jake replied, as if that explained everything.

Elijah's brows creased together before taking his seat. From his perspective it had been a proper greeting, declaring peace between them both. I would have to show Elijah how people introduced themselves these days.

Focusing on our plates, the room was quiet enough to hear the hum of the A/C and as I tried to rack my brain for clever conversation pieces, Staci finally broke the silence.

"So, Elijah, what does a regular day in Surrey look like for you? I've never been to an Amish community before. What do you do back home?"

Elijah finished his large bite of food before speaking. "Well, I'm a guard, so it is my duty to protect the people."

Staci leaned against the table, her head titling to the side. "So, you're like a police officer?"

Before Elijah had a chance to ask what she meant, I spoke for him. "That's exactly what he does. Protect and serve, ya know?"

Without hesitation, Elijah nodded in agreement and played along with the life I had painted for him.

"I can see that." She admitted before changing the subject. "So, are you seeing anyone?"

Confused, Elijah said, "I see three people and a dog. Should I see someone else?"

Jake almost choked on his water while I closed my eyes with a long breath. "She meant are you in a relationship with someone. Like are you married or do you have an understanding with someone."

"Did you just say, an understanding?" Jake leaned toward me; his face humorously muddled.

I abruptly waved him off, my face warm with how absurd the situation felt. "I already said he's Amish."