Lost to be found

Part 14

I woke up the next day still a bit shaken up by last night events. I looked around the room. There was no sign that Declan had returned home last night. His side of the bed was empty and cold.

I got up and opened the curtains. It was dawn and the sun was rising beautifully in the sky. It seemed my body had gotten used to waking up at this time.

I eyed the edge of the forest, searching for those eyes once again. I had lied about seeing them last night and sent Declan on a wild goose chase. But then the eyes showed up here, when everyone was out searching.

What if someone had gotten hurt? Maybe that's the reason he hadn't returned last night. I must find out what happened.

I turned around to head downstairs when I noticed the mess of a room. I cleaned it up a bit, tidy the bed and made my way to the bathroom to freshen up.

After a short shower, I made my way to my bedroom. It seemed I was running out of clothes to wear. I'll have to make Ms. Diona aware.

I headed downstairs to the kitchen where I saw three women bustling around with ingredients.

They stopped in their tracks and greeted me. "Good morning, Miss. What would you like for breakfast?" I looked at all the ingredients scattered across the table. It seems they were making a big breakfast. I wonder how many visitors we will have today.

"I'd like to make it." I grabbed my apron and made my way to the counter when I was stopped.

"We appreciate you filling in for us for the past few weeks, but we are all better. We would like to make you something now. It is our job after all." I looked at them in confusion. Job? Filling in? Were they the cooks of the house? I guess I could see that, seeing that they cook a lot and in high quantities.

So Ms. Diana put me through all that hell because of training but in reality, she needed help. I clenched my fist. Then why didn't she simply ask. Did she think I would say no? Does she think so lowly of me.

"Ma'am?" I felt a hand on my shoulder. The cook smiled at me.

"It was no problem. I only hope my cooking did your own justice. I can't wait to enjoy your meal."

"Thank you so much Miss. We'll get straight to work." They rushed around the corner and continued their cooking. I stayed for a while, observing, before I decided to leave.
Now that my 'training' was over, i had nothing much to do. I sat on the porch. Declan still hadn't returned. He must come home so he can get prepared for school.

The forest is way different in the daytime compared to night. The trees seemed wider, and the leaves were greener and flusher. The branches swayed in the gentle breeze. The animals made their way out of the forest and ran in all direction. I stood to my feet. Was something coming? Should I leave?

I stood by the doorway, ready to close the door at the first sight of trouble. I heard the crushing of leaves and inaudible noises. My heart started to pound.

I focused my eyes on the entrance of the forest. Come on. Show yourself. My hands shook my nerves. I bite my lip, unblinking, and then a boot appeared followed by a pair of shorts.

My body relaxed when I saw Mr. Thompson coming from the forest. Some other guys followed. They all looked beaten up. Parts of their blood-stained clothes were torn, small cuts covered their bodies, and their eyes were barely opened from weariness.