Finding Civilization

Chapter 2

I made my way to the banquet with my family. As we approached the large dining area, my dad pulled me aside. "I know that you question our intentions about this whole ordeal with Derek. I will support you always. However, keep in mind the protection he will provide you and the consequences that will come of your actions if you do choose to say no. Forget your mother for a minute. What is important is that you understand the severity of your gifts Rhianna. And you didn't hear any of this from me. Understand?"

I stood in shock as I registered what my father was telling me. Could he possibly know? Surely not... He couldn't. He was so close to the protector and believed so much in everything that we did there is absolutely no way that he could know. He would've said something. I know he's my parent and could be trying to protect me, but-

All of a sudden I was interrupted by my other half. "DOES DAD KNOW?!" 

"Woah calm down! You're going to blow our cover. There's no way he knows. Think about it. He would've told."

"Come on. He's our father! He wouldn't get us killed. Part of being so close to the protector surely he would know what would happen.."

"No." I replied. "He wouldn't."

"Oh... Okay.. Well then in that case, we should cut off again. I don't want to draw suspicion. We should answer him back now."

"Yeah, good call!"

Dad was waiting for my reply and staring at me curiously. "Oh shit!" I thought to myself. I then realized that I still had my mouth gaping open, catching a few curious stares. I instantly closed it. I took a breath to compose myself and brushed my sweaty palms off on my dress.

"Yes sir." I replied shortly. "I understand."

He began to walk off, but I called after him. "Oh and dad?"

"Yes Rhianna?"

"Thank you. For understanding. And, well, for everything." I tried to read his face to find some hint of understanding at my hidden meaning to "everything". I hoped that, just in case he did know, he would appreciate my gratitude.

I walked into the banquet hall unaccompanied because my father had to accompany my mother in. However, as soon as I walked through the large double doors I knew there was something different about the banquet tonight and I knew I had something to do with it. There, at the doors, stood Derek waiting for me as the guards drew everyone's attention to announce me. They only did that for the protector and his family. That can only mean one thing.

I sucked in a nervous breath and contemplated running out of that room that very second. I HATED attention. I didn't ask to be put in this place. I never wanted people to see me as their leader. How could I possibly lead people when I didn't even have a single friend among them? Someone who knows everyone and befriends them all should be the leader. It didn't make sense! 

I let out the breath I didn't realize I was still holding in and took in the scene in front of me. The protector and his wife alongside both my parents were grinning from ear to ear proud to announce to the colony that I was going to be the future. All of the guys looked like they weren't that surprised. Then again, I wasn't exactly the kind of person they all went after. The girls, on the other hand, all went after Derek so the entire population of women who were unmarried were giving me death glares. 

I turned to look at Derek to see his reaction to all of this and saw that he was totally content with this decision. I knew he liked me, he always has. I just don't think he realizes that this has always just been a setup. Real love isn't supposed to be arranged like this. He looked at this situation like it was totally normal, and I suppose for him and his bloodline it is, but real love is found through fate. Real love was when you grow up dating different guys and getting to know yourself so that one day you can meet an amazing guy who will hold the door open for you and think you are the most beautiful girl he has ever laid eyes on and you think the same thing about him.

"Ugh! It isn't supposed to be like this!!" I thought to myself.

"Seriously, you have got to stop channeling me or we're going to get caught!" Whoops. I accidentally channeled my other half. My bad.

"Sorry! I'll shut it off. I didn't mean to." 

"It's alright. Bye!"

I said bye to her and cut off our communication. As I take in my surroundings again I realize that I'd zoned out for so long that I missed something. Something important. I don't know what it is. All that I know is that I'm supposed to have an answer. Everyone is sitting waiting for my response. The question is, what am I supposed to know?