Lost to be found

Part 12

I looked around in confusion. Declan avoided my gaze and the Thompson’s were in the other room. “I’m sorry. My name is Moya. It’s nice to meet you all.” I gave them a forced smile. 

They were staring at me, eyeing me up and down. It made me a bit uncomfortable. Declan led me to a seat beside him near the end of the table. He pulled out my chair and when I sat down, he pushed my chair in. 

They said Luna. What does that mean? I really need to read that book. “What does Luna mean?” I whispered to Declan. I saw some turned their heads towards me. I didn’t want them to hear. 

I leaned closer to Declan, pressing into his side. He whispered back, “how about we go back to my room afterwards and we can read about it.” 

I frowned. I didn’t want to read a book when the answer was right in front of me. “Why can’t you tell me now?” I gripped his arm. I needed a sensible answer. 

Before he could answer, a third voice entered the conversation, “Why don’t you tell us Dee?” I turned around to see Nicholas.  

“Wassup stranger. Long time no see.”  

“You know where I stay. You could have come visit me whenever you wanted.” I felt Declan rest his chin on my shoulder and pulled me closer to him. 

“I heard you were doing some training, so I didn’t want to disturb.” Declan wrap his hands around my waist. We were at a table. I could feel my face getting red. I started pinching along his hand. He barely flinched. 

“I wouldn’t consider it training. I was just learning to cook.” Declan laughed, his breath tickling my ear. I turned my head to face him, our lips almost touching. I immediately turned back around. 

“So, she decided to go about it that way. Nice” My breath caught in my throat before I could respond. He was rubbing circles in my side and on my leg. My heart was racing. My body stiffened. It was obvious he noticed my reaction from that smile on his face.  

“Dinner is served.” I looked up to see Mr and Mrs Thompson placing the food on the table. I also noticed everyone else staring at us. This made me feel even more embarrassed.  

I pushed my chair away from Declan and seated myself properly. I started playing with the end of my dress. I really need to distract myself. I feel Declan slowly pull back my chair towards him.  

Everyone took a seat and started eating. 

“So, Moya, was it? What would you like to do in the future?” I felt Declan rest a hand on my leg, his other he continued to use to eat. 

“I would like to become a doctor. Back at home, I studied the sciences and was excelling in them.”  

Another person intervened, “What motivates you to work hard?”   

This was a question I got used to answering overtime. With parents as popular as yours, you get asked a lot of questions. The words left my mouth before I could even think,” I'm driven to do well because I want to succeed. What motivates me to keep going is the knowledge that my diligence and dedication will enable me to experience more professional achievement.” He nodded his head and I continued to eat. My cooking has really gotten better. I improved a lot and I'm glad that everyone was enjoying the meal.  

“What are your hobbies?”   

This was another common question that I was asked a lot. “I have a variety of hobbies. I would walk my dog at the park every chance I get. I spend time tutoring those who lack in subjects that I’m strong in. I read books every night and my most recent hobby is learning to cook.”  

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” It seemed had a question for me. Mr. and Mrs. Thomspon kept quiet, Declan still had his hand on my thigh and Nicholas was, well he was struggling to pick out a piece of bone from his teeth.  

“Before I would see myself in my last year of university or going to medical school. Now I don’t know where I see myself, but I'll try my best to find my place here.”  

Declan hands stilled and he gave me a smile. He seemed contented about my remark.   

They continued asking similar questions all throughout dinner. It felt almost like one of those interviews I did back home. It was a big community, but mom and dad made sure we were well known. And in the end, they did. All it took was an inconvenient case to solve and bam, popularity.  

I answered all the questions without a thought, just as how I was thought to.  

Dinner ended and everyone went their separate ways. I offered to help clear the table but Ms. Diona declined. She ushered us to go outside, Declan suggested we get ice-cream.  

We made our way down the path. It was dark out. We had the light from the moon and few houses to brighten our path. Declan and Nicholas walked with ease, but it was still a bit troublesome for me. They must be really used to this path. They grew up walking it after all.  

"You did really well answering those questions. I hope it didn't bother you too much." I looked up at Declan. Damn he was tall.  

He wasn't as touchy as he was at dinner. We walked side by side and occasionally our hands would touch. I hadn't even seen him that touchy before like what he did at dinner. I mean yeah, we would lean against each other and he'd rested against my shoulder but him resting his hand on my thigh and rubbing my stomach was a first. I didn't even mind it really. It felt nice. Dad wouldn't allow me to have such contact with a boy back home. "Boys will always be there," he would say.  

“Oh. The questions were ok.” i continued looking at him, completely distracted as to where i was walking. I missed a step and fell first. I tried to grab on his hand but only ended up grabbing air. I closed my eyes tightly when I felt my hand being pulled back and into his side.  

He gripped my shoulders tightly, his fingers practically digging into my skin. I looked up at him with a heavy breath. He was as clam as ever as he stared back at me. 

I wanted to reach up and touch his face. He looked so beautiful in the moonlight. I couldn't look away. I saw something shift in his eyes. For a moment, those eyes shone so bright, from dark brown to orangish to dark brown. I couldn’t help but gasp as I pushed him away, but he had barely moved.  

“Are you ok? You must be more careful with your step.” 

“I’m ok. It’s just a bit dark.” 

“Don’t worry. The shop is just up ahead.” I turned to face Nicholas. I almost forgot about him. I looked back at Declan’s eyes. There was nothing. I looked towards Nicholas, there was nothing. I must be seeing things. 

We entered the shop and was greeted by the cashier, "Hey guys. What would you like  tonight?" Nicholas went towards the cashier and whispered something in her ears. He then looked at us with a grin.

Declan face was completely red. He must have heard part of the conversation. "I won't be needing that. Nothing is going to happen."

They all looked at me and I walked away towards the ice cream aisle.

"The signs are showing. It's near and you better be prepared." What is Nicholas talking about being near?

I heard the wrinkling of plastic before Declan shouting, "I am not buying it."

I returned with the tub of ice- cream. "I hope everyone likes cookie and cream."