Duskwood: And Beyond

39. Down Time II

ORYN

We drove to the town center, to Rainbow cafe, and ordered some breakfast. After I attempted making rich and yummy omelets that included other things than eggs ended up terribly pancakes, cupcakes and syrup sounded perfect. I was never a fan of cooking and since I was alone for the most part, I never really learned anything more than simple meals like pasta or instant noodles. I also had an unhealthy habit of not eating proper meals, which only made my lack of cooking skills worse. 

We ate our food and started walking towards the church. Jake was in charge of our day today and a part of me was worried about that. But this was a nice way to get to know each other even better. 

Cleo was organizing a cooking class at Gates of Hope. I haven't spoken to Cleo that much since Hannah came back. Part of it was my fault but most of it was hers. She pulled herself away from everyone and ended up hanging out with her mom and Gates of Hope people. We approached the door and paid a 'small' but 'not small' fee to enter.

There weren't many people attending, but those that were here were mainly too young, like high school students. I felt a bit old around them and I was embarrassed that I was not a properly functioning adult. Cleo showed up and welcomed the class. She gave a small introduction speech indicating this class was weekly. During her speech, we made eye contact but she refused to openly acknowledge my presence. She didn't even approach us to greet us.

We were all given small work benches with small electric stoves. Cleo informed us that the food will be given to those in need unless we wanted to take it with us. Jake and I went to our bench and put on our pink aprons. I couldn't help but laugh at how serious he was taking all this. Jake was highly focused The class was focused on Italian cuisine, and we learned how to make homemade pasta and tomato sauce from scratch. I enjoyed the course and since pasta was my main dish, well only dish to eat, I was delighted to learn more about it. We did create a mess when Jake was trying to butcher, I mean, to slice the tomatoes. The teens around us were doing such a better job than us but we were having the most fun.

Once the class was over Cleo approached us. I thought she was going to chat but she only asked if we were interested in keeping the food. We said no and she left with our pasta. Jake must have realized how much this bothered me because he put his arm around me and offered me some ice cream.

We walked back to Rainbow Cafe. On our way, he informed me about his conversation with Hannah and Lilly.

"Are you planning on going?" I secretly hoped he said no.

"Yes, but I would appreciate it if you joined me. I am nervous but it has to be done sooner or later."

I understood his point. We talked to Lilly and Jake informed Hannah that both of them would be attending. He didn't specifically mention me but I assumed my attendance would not be a problem since I practically saved their daughter.

The next bit of our date was even funnier than Jake trying to cook with his pink apron. We walked into a gym and Jake passed me some workout clothes to change into. I didn't realize he packed those until now. I assumed we would work out but then he led me out and we drove to a park near the lake. There were around ten people, all in their workout clothes, helping a man set up some yoga mats.

"I decided that it would be nice to release some stress," Jake whispered as he walked towards one of the mats. I giggled and followed along.

It was a beginner's class. But it certainly was difficult. Jake was good at it while I was failing to balance myself. The instructor was gentle and calm, and I appreciated the peaceful atmosphere. We went through various yoga poses and stretches, focusing on our breath and body. We also tried some simple meditation techniques, such as counting our breaths and repeating a mantra. By the end of the class, we both felt more relaxed and centered, and had a newfound appreciation for the benefits of yoga and meditation. We even considered making plans to attend another class but silently realized our life was too chaotic to make plans for the future.

After our incredible yoga session, we drove back home to get ready for the night. We both took our showers and dressed up. Jake was wearing a button-down with his black casual jeans. I believed this was his only button down and he rarely wore it. I wore a casual dress and paired it with some sneakers.

We stopped on our way to pick up some red wine and flowers. Lilly called and informed me that she was waiting for us close to the house. We met with Lilly and knocked on the door.

It was the longest five seconds until the door was answered.

In front of us, stood a woman much older than us. She resembled Hannah more than she resembled Lily. She was smiling but it felt forced. She was trying to be friendly and welcoming but there was something broken. To be honest, I couldn't even imagine what she was going through. One of her daughters just returned after being kidnapped, her other daughter drifted away from the family and now she learned that her husband had a child from an affair. 

"Oryn, hi. It is so good to see you." She then turned to Jake. 

"You must be Jake. Please come on in, everyone is at the back."

We walked in. I handed the wine we picked up on our way here. Jake handed the flowers he was carrying. Mrs. Donfort hugged Lily and they started chatting while we walked towards the garden. Jake grabbed my hand and gently squeezed it. We walked out of the house. Mr. Donfort was already preparing the food. Thomas was standing awkwardly next to him, trying to look confident. The first thing I noticed was how badly he had shaven. It was as if he forgot how to do that. There was something different about him. He always looked sad and petty but this time he looked like he was carrying something too heavy for him. Hannah was facing away from us, setting the little table. There were only six spots. Mrs. Donfort then joined us, carrying another set making it seven. Hannah turned to help her mom and that's when she noticed us.

She rushed to Jake and gave him a big hug. Thomas and I made eye contact and that feeling grew even stronger. He definitely was not doing well. Then Hannah hugged Lilly but Lilly didn't seem to enjoy it. While this was happening Mr. Donfort and Thomas also joined to welcome us. Mr. Donfort immediately pulled Jake into a hug and they walked towards the barbecue together. Jake turned to look at me and I smiled at him, encouraging him to talk with them.

"I was not expecting you." Hannah broke my non-verbal communication with Jake. 

 "I guess we are both full of surprises."

I walked next to Lilly and joined her conversation with Mrs. Donfort. At dinner, we ate and drank and talked. Jake seemed to be having fun. Lilly still looked like she was forced to be here. Hannah was watching me interact with her parents and her siblings. She always made me feel unsettled but this time, the feeling was much more intense. Thomas never looked up to meet my gaze. He never really talked with anyone. After dinner, everyone sat around a fire pit with their wine glasses in their hands. Mrs. Donfort was already feeling the alcohol. I decided this would be the perfect time to excuse myself.

I went upstairs in hopes of finding Hannah's bedroom. I walked into a room that was Hannah's. Hannah was not living here so it made sense that her room was a bit more childish. But she did keep a spare key here. I grabbed it. I also noticed some notebooks that looked like diaries. I didn't have time to check so I just grabbed all of them and walked to my bag. I hurried to throw them into my bag. Luckily, no one noticed me doing that. Or so I thought.

I turned back to join the others when I ran into Thomas. He was right behind me and he was standing close, a bit too close.

"Can I help you?" I knew he saw what I did. 

"We need to talk. Privately and asap." He walked away and returned to the Donforts.