Numbers That Follows

chapter 11

We made our way down the stairs. We got to 5he door to the dining room. I stopped for just a second. I was unsure of what everyone would say about the situation.

"Are you okay?" Caster placed his hand on my back.

"What will they say when we go in?" I looked at him "what do I say?"

Caster turned to face me "I don't know but if it makes you uncomfortable at any point we can leave."

"Okay" I took a deep breath.

Caster opened the door and we walked in. Armin was sitting on the far end of the table, Aarah and Flint were on either side of him. We came in and I sat down beside Arrah and Caster sat on the other side of me.

It was an awkward couple of seconds and no one said anything. It was almost worse than actually talking. I looked at Caster hoping he would start a conversation just so we could have some control.

As if knowing what I meant Caster cleared his throat. "So tomorrow One is going with me to the summit. Aarah she may need help packing and she needs something for the ball."

"Yeah totally I can help her with that in the morning." Aarah nodded.

"Okay" Caster said

The room now was slipping back into silence and it looked like no one else knew what to do either.

Armin cleared his throat "one would you meet me in the common area when we are done eating,"

"Yes, of course" I shook my head.

"Well I am hungry because we are having pasta and breadsticks. One, have you ever had alfredo pasta?" Flint said ending the cycle of silence.

"Yes," I replied

Honestly it was one of my favorite foods, we only had it if we could go one week without problems. Which was next to never. But occasionally I behaved.

"Well when you get back from the summit my birthday is the day after. So of course you're coming to my party." Aarah gleefully spoke.

"How old will you be?" I asked

"18" she said "I will be able to shift, mindlink with the rest of my pack and find my..." she cut off.

"Mate?" I questioned.

"Yeah," she said, calmer and quieter.

"It's okay, just because of this situation does not mean it should take from your excitement. You must be thrilled about it." I reassured her.

"I really am, I hope they are at least in this pack. I don't want to leave." She said a little scared.

"If he is not in the pack, we will just have to visit often" Armin put his hand on her shoulder.

I would have to admit I would be. Sad if she was to leave she reminded me of my old friends and I would hate to lose her. But at least I would still get to see her once in a while.

"I just would hate to leave my family behind," Arrah said.

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it." Armin said

Just then the food came out. Just like the other night. One lady brought the pasta, another brought the bread. The boy brought the dishes and placed them down.

"Is everything okay?" The older lady said.

"Yes, everything looks great, thank you." Armin responded.

I went to dish my plate and Caster grabbed my plate and held it close to the bowl so I would not spill any food. I smiled at him. It was sweet. I got some of the noodles on my fork and twirled it around. I took a bite. It was way, way better then what I was used to tasting.