The Above || Completed

09 Delicacies

The dining area was exquisitely private. Much more luxurious than our dorm rooms, that's for sure.

The dining table was set out nicely and intricately with five sets of utensils for each of us. There was a table on the far side of the room where a buffet was laid out, emanating heavenly, delicious scents.

I stared in awe at the beautiful setting. Bouquets of morning glory flowers placed in just the right places. All a snowy white colour. A pretty, effervescent ice chandelier lighting up the room. And just the simplicity of the atmosphere.

Zachariah chuckled. "Come on, or we're going to be the last to finish."
I nodded, glancing at our friends who were already seated at the table.

All the food looked delectable. I was a very indecisive person, so anyone could imagine what I went through. In the end, I settled for a little bit of mostly everything they had. More simply put: everything but the salads.

I have survived perfectly fine without vegetables until now.

Besides, they weren't like Earth's vegetables. They ranged from white to a misty grey because they'd been grown in the clouds. Cloud soil was not the most colourful.

I sat down to eat between Erica and Grace. Zachariah took a seat next to Aeron on the opposite side of the grand table. We ate in silence, savouring the enjoyable, tasty food. Erica was the one who eventually broke the silence.

"I have to admit, I could get used to this," she said, patting her satisfied stomach.
Zachariah grinned. "Same. Although I'm pretty homesick."
"Hey, I thought we agreed that you wouldn't remind yourself." Grace pouted.

The ship!

I gave Erica a meaningful look. She raised her eyebrows subtly, the ghost of a smile playing on her lips.

Aeron stood up. "Right, if you'll excuse me, I've got business to attend to."
He gave me a pointed look as he left the room. Oh, right.

"Grace, don't worry about me, all right?" Zachariah gave her the most angelic smile. It felt like Erica and I were intruding on something private.

After a pause, he added, "How about we go back to the library?"
"Okay." Grace jumped up and allowed Zachariah to take her gently by the arm.

As they walked out, Erica stood up as well. "You want to go with them? We don't have anything better to do."

I winced. I really shouldn't have stayed so long.

"Sorry, Erica, I'll catch up with you. I've got something I want to tell Aeron," I said shyly.
Erica narrowed her eyes incredulously. "Really?"
I bit my lip. "Yeah, I'm so sorry. I'll make it up to you."

Without a word, she turned on her heel and stalked out.

I sighed. So, Erica was annoyed. Something I'd have to sort out later.

Now, what I needed to do was get to that courtyard. Aeron would be waiting.

^^^