Selene's New Moon

Chapter 20: Detours and 20 Questions

  We had all loaded the bags into the cars and then headed to the lobby for a quick breakfast.  Owen was turning in the keys and checking us out.  The boys had all quickly made their choices and all but Dwyer were now sitting at the small tables eating.   I was still trying to make sense of the options.  There was fruit, but all the other items are things that weren't allowed at home.

  "What ya going to eat Cutie Pie?"  asks Dwyer. 

  " I am not sure...  I usually eat oatmeal, grits, or bacon and eggs. I haven't had much of this before...,"  I answer as I stare at the small boxes of cereal advertised by colorful animals.  Then there are the donuts - which seem to be way too sweet to be a meal....   I remember one year Mary had smuggled me in a doughnut for my birthday.  She didn't ever talk to me much, and I know I made her very uncomfortable, but she would surprise me with little kindnesses here and there.  It was so sweet and sticky.  I had never tasted anything like it before.  I had eaten half of it that day and then saved the other half for a dessert on the next day.

  "hmm..  Maybe the raisin bran would be the best choice for you then.  Stay away from those donuts for sure-  they look stale, " he advises.  I happily follow his recommendations and get some hot tea to go along with it.  Just as I finish pouring the hot water over my tea bag, Owen walks up to get his breakfast. 

  "You take your tea black.. " Owen observes. 

  "oh, yes.... Never had it any other way actually"  I reply.

  "I drink mine the same way.  Shall we?"  he nods his head towards one of the tables with two open seats.  Kenji is sitting there already.  We all eat quickly, with purpose.   I decide the raisin bran will not be on my list of favorite foods....  The hot tea is wonderful though.  I hold the cup in both hands and close my eyes to savor the warmth as it travels down my throat,  into my stomach.  I have missed it these last few days.  Tea- something I never gave much thought to, but I noted its absence.    I open my eyes and see that both Kenji and Owen are staring at me strangely.  I feel my mouth pull down in confusion. 

  Owen clears his throat then adjusts his glasses, pushing them up further, although they didn't seem to be slipping...   Kenji's face turns a little pink and then he gathers his trash and mine quickly to take to the trash can.  He is off before I can even say thank you.  My attention goes back to Owen as he starts to speak.

  "Yes,  well, we will set out for Washington today, although it will take some time to get there.    We most likely will need to make a stop or two on the way.  We always do..  "  Owen tells me, with the last part more of a mumble.  I nod my understanding.

 He continues, "Which vehicle would you like to ride in today Miss Selene? "

  I am surprised by the question. "Oh, it doesn't matter to me.  Whichever will be fine"

  "She wants to ride with us of course Owen!"  Felix's voice startles me a bit as he is suddenly behind me.  I turn to look back at Owen just in time to see that he has rolled his eyes at Felix.  It makes me smile at him and I am then further surprised by the tiny little half smile Owen returns to me. I think my heart has just skipped a beat in awe.  Felix helps me out of my chair and then we  are all headed to the cars again. Once the others realize I am getting into Owen's car, Dwyer comes over to me.

  "You're going to ride with the boring old men?!  Why don't you want to ride with us?"  His frowns at me pitifully and his green eyes seem so large and sad.  Oh no,  I didn't think anyone would be upset.    I start to wring my hands together.

  "I .... I can ride with you ....  where ever it is more convenient...."  I tell him, unsure.  Would it upset Felix if I ride in the other car?  My voice is soft and nervous.  Aiden comes up behind Dwyer and then shocks me by slapping him upside the back of the head really hard.  I take a step back in unease which presses my back into the car behind me.   Dwyer shouts ouch and then holds his head as he glares back at Aiden.