Halo | 18+

chapter nine

- AURELIA JONES -

I had spent the last couple hours in the new room Jace set up for me.

Each room came equipped with a small care package of new clothes, socks, underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste and a journal with a pen.

Clothing, hygiene and something to do.

I'd already filled four pages with my thoughts, and was about to fill another when there was a knock at my door.

"Come in." I said.

Ollie poked his head round the corner, "Hey uh- two things. First off, dinners being served, second of all, there's someone here to see you."

My eyebrows furrowed in a narrow line, confused on who would be here to see me.

But when a familiar mop of shaggy blonde hair came into view, I threw myself into their arms with tears in my eyes, "Rez- oh my God." I whispered, holding onto him tightly.

He kept his arms interlocked around my back, "Hey Lia, long time no see huh."

I was a puddle of tears when Rez let got of me. Crying, sniffling, shaking.

I can't believe it.

"What the hell is going on." I sniffed, laughing at myself, "How've you been?" I asked.

He shrugged, "Better now that you're here." He smiled, "I've missed you. Five years is too long."

I nodded, "Oh my gosh- ok." I took a breath, "I'll meet you guys in the cafeteria for dinner. I have to use the bathroom."

The boys left and i made my way to the bathroom down the hall from my room.

Whilst I was in the stall, I heard the door swing open. I quiet-ed down and listened for any noise.

I thought I was in the clear, until someone started to talk.

"Did you hear about those new girls?" Someone said, "Yeah! Apparently one of them is Jace's ex from like- years ago."

I frowned, are they talking about me?

"Joni won't be happy." One of them laughed, "Oh well, the new girls seem nice, let's give them a chance." The other girl said.

I held my breath as they went into the stalls beside me.

They kept talking, and I quickly exited the bathroom as quietly as I could.

I made it to the cafeteria without anymore interruptions and looked over the dinner options before I wasted my time in line again.

I decided against anything as I wasn't hungry, and took my regular spot at the very end of the room.

I couldn't see anyone I recognised, so I waited, bored.

We had to sit through dinner so that everyone in charge could do a head-count and make any new announcements.

I watched the door, counting down the seconds until my friends would walk through the door.

They finally did, waltzing in and laughing. They went straight to the front of the cafeteria, in front of everyone.

Ollie and Rez stood either side of Jace.

He stood tall and proud. If you didn't know him you'd think he was some arrogant prick.

He's just attractive. And he knows it.

"Good evening, everyone. I hope you're all enjoying dinner." He started.

"As we all know, we're heading in to our winter months. Which means food supply will be low, and things like electricity and power will be limited."

"We've been through winters before, and we've survived. What's one more right?"

Everyone watched him with sparkles in their eyes like he was God. "But, just like last year and the year before that, we need volunteers."

"We needs runners, and wood choppers, builders, plumbers- you know the drill."

"I've put a list by the door of my office if you'd like to sign up to help. It would be appreciated."

Someone raised their hand, "Yes Maddison."

The girl who I now knew was named Maddison, stood up to speak, "Is there going to be work for the rest of us, like we spoke about at our union meeting a few weeks ago?"

Jace nodded.

I watched him until I basically watering at the mouth. I had to look away before it was too obvious.

I stood up off my chair. I don't know if I'm allowed to leave during these things but, I am anyway.

I stood up to leave, suddenly feeling eyes on me, watching my every move.

I looked over, it was Jace. "After breakfast tomorrow morning, there should be a notice about all the jobs and information we can do throughout the village over winter. Thanks everybody."

I had just left the cafeteria when I heard Jace call out to me. "Aurelia wait!" He said, jogging to catch up with my walking.

"Who's Joni?" I asked.

He seemed taken back, "I- what?"

"Who's Joni?"

He stumbled over his words, "She- she's just a friend. We- had a thing but, she's- I don't know. Why?"

I shook my head, "Doesn't matter." I looked at the floor, "I'll see you round."

He seemed confused as I left him in the dust, "Lia-"

"I'm tired Jace. Can I-"

"Wait please. Let me just explain something and then you can leave. I swear."

I stopped, and listened to what he had to say.

"There's a self defence and fighting skills class every day before dinner. I'd like you to sign up."

I scoffed, "Why? Because I'm not strong enough to handle myself?"

He smirked, shaking his head, "Oh no, I know you're more than capable of taking care of yourself. But I host the classes, and- excuse me for admitting the truth but, I want to see you. In an open, group setting."

I felt my cheeks heat up, "Besides, I wanna see if your fighting skills are as clean as they were five years ago."

I shrugged, "I'm a little rusty but, I'm sure I'll be fine."

"Tomorrow before dinner. I'll see you there."

"Uh huh. We'll see." I joked.

He pouted, "Please."

I rolled my eyes, walking away, "I'll see you tomorrow before dinner. Where?"

"Oh uh- the quad outside. We have a bunch of- mats n stuff so it's not too dangerous."

I snorted, "Sounds good. I'll see you before dinner, on the quad, with fighting mats for our fighting lesson."

"Good. See you then."

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