Lost to be found

Part 10

Dinner was a bit awkward for me. Ms. Diona and Mr. Thompson kept glancing at me. I felt like I was being judged. Then they would glance at each other. Their facial expressions were constantly changing too as they looked at each other. 

For some weird reason it seemed as if they were talking with each other without moving their lips. Were they reading each other minds? Could they read her mind? Of course not. That sounded ridiculous. 

She looked up to see everyone looking at her.  

“You seemed deep in thought. Is everything ok?” Declan placed his hands on hers, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles.  

“Yes I am. May I be excused?” 

“Yes. You can.” Ms. Diona gave me a smile and I left the dining hall. 

As i approached the stairs to go to my room, I couldn’t help but to overhear another whisper “She doesn’t like to eat with us. She’s going to have to get used to it sooner or later.” 

I lowered my head and continued up the stairs. It’s not that I don’t wanna eat with them. It’s just that they make it awkward. I felt like I was left out of an ongoing joke. 

I laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling. I heard footsteps coming up the stairs. I hope I didn’t ruin dinner for them. Then a knock 

“Come in” I sat up in bed. 

“Dad and I will be going for a stroll. We’ll be back later. Good night. See you tomorrow?” 

I smiled back at him “I have nowhere else to be. Also, good night” He laughed and turned away. I continued to stare at the ceiling until I fell asleep dreaming of home and my family.  

***

I was awoken with knocks on the door. “Moya, sweetie. Can you get dressed and help me out doorstairs?” 

“Huh, oh, ummm, yes.” I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I wasn’t sure when I fell asleep or even if Declan came back. 

I looked outside, the sun had barely risen. It was around dawn. Why is she even up so early. God dammit. 

I got dressed and headed downstairs. I heard a few whispers from the kitchen. I leaned against the wall, listening. 

“Why are you putting so much effort into teaching her? She’s not like us which means she’s not fit to be luna.” 

“She isn't like us, but we can teach her. She can learn and be the future luna. She has what it takes. She ended up here for a reason. I just need you to trust me.” 

“I do trust you, it's just that there will be too much...” 

 “Moya! Moya where are you?” I could hear Declan calling my name and I bet so could they. 

I immediately took off up the stairs, keeping my footsteps as quiet as possible. I hope that they didn’t realize that i was listening. 

I needed to hear more of what they were saying. Were they talking about me? What do they mean she’s not like us? What are they? And what’s with all that luna talk? 

I could see Declan in my room. I headed in the bathroom and splashed some water on my face. “I’m still in the bathroom.” I shouted back. 

In a matter of moments Declan stood at the bathroom. His eyes looked panic and his breathing heavy. He pulled me into a hug. I felt his hands tremble around me as he held me tightly, a little too tight. “Are you ok?” 

This reaction was too much. It freaked me out a little. “Yes. I’m ok. It’s just that when I didn’t see you in your room...ummm...forget it. I just wanted to check on you before my jog.”  

He released me and, still holding onto my hands. He took a step back and looked me over once more. He brushed the hair from my face, “You don’t look too bad in the morning time.” 

I rolled my eyes, turning my head to the side. “I sure do look way better than you.” 

He took my chin, forcing me to look in his eyes. “Why don’t you say that to my face?” 

I looked him in the eyes. Those eyes that seemed to have something hidden by them. Those eyes that seemed to want to say more than he lets on. Those eyes that I can’t help but to stare into. “I...ummm... I look.” 

“Others need to use the bathroom as well.” 

We immediately pulled back from each other. I dropped my hands to my side. Why did I feel guilty? Why is my heart beating so fast? 

“May I use the bathroom?” Mr. Thompson asked again, looking at the both of us. 

“Oh yes, I should get going.” I made my way passed Mr. Thompson. He gave me a slight nod and I left but not before hearing him whisper, “Control your emotions or else she’ll get hurt. Now go run it off.” 

I continued down the stairs, trying to ignore what I heard.  

Or else she'll get hurt. This is getting scarier by the minute. What kind of place did she land herself in? What kind of weird stuff are they into? What kind of danger has she gotten into? 

“Moya, come on. We have a big breakfast ahead of us.” Ms. Diona stood before her, giving her that motherly smile, that smile of love but she didn’t feel loved. She felt scared, she wanted to leave but had nowhere to go. She had to stay. 

“Yeah. Let’s make breakfast.” 

***

She could tell that I was feeling off by the way she kept glancing at me but she said nothing. She just continued to give me instructions. 

That’s the wrong spoon. It needs a bit more of this. We add that later. Turn it or it’s going to burn. 

I did as I was told, trying my best not to think about it. I had to do this when I’m alone. 

I was finally done making breakfast. I felt her behind me. “Good job.” She pats me on the back then heads for the dining room. 

“Breakfast’s ready,” It was spoken a little above her normal voice. It wasn’t even a shout but Mr. Thompson managed to hear as he came downstairs and not even a minute later, I saw Declan enter through the front door. 

We all sat down for breakfast. 

I never noticed before but they ate a lot, like really a lot. The pile of food disappeared soon after. I had to look them up and down. They didn’t have a lot of weight. They weren’t thick, far from it actually but they ate more than most people. 

I could assume that it was because they exercised. I did see Declan training in the park. But something in my gut says I’m only lying to myself.  

Soon everyone finished eating and went their separate ways. “I’m going to get ready for school.” He placed his hand towards me, as if he wanted to touch me. Then he walked away. 

“Come. We have plenty of cooking practice to do.”