dragon fire

chapter 31

Bonus chapter. thank you all for reading. please comment, vote. love you all.

We got down the stairs just as Mike walked through the door. "Good you're both here. Hello Shayla, it's nice to see you again."

I smiled. "You as well. Thank you for inviting me over for dinner." He nodded, set his briefcase down on the table and motioned for him to follow him to the dining room. Walking into the dining room; Linda and another lady is setting out dinner. She looked at us. "You're just in time. Have a seat. Hello darling."

She said giving him a peck on the cheek and handed him a glass of red wine.

Quinn pulled out my chair for me, and went to sit across from me. Even though I'm not looking at him, I can feel him staring at me. Linda sat down at the other end of the table and motioned for the girl to serve us our dinner.

I don't like someone else serving me like this, but I also know that my hosts will be upset if I say something. She made us each a plate and went back to the kitchen. "Please enjoy." Linda said taking a sip of her own wine. Quinn and I each have a soda in front of us, for that I am glad; since I now hate wine. After Tina and I having those girl nights, I have come to hate wine.

"So Uncle how did today go?" "It went well thank you. We should be getting it done by the end of the week."

"What is it? If you don't mind me asking." I asked setting down my glass.

"Not at all. There's a part of the school that needs some work, and we just got the money so work can now begin." "That is wonderful Mike." Taking a bite. Dinner is baked chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans and corn, with a garden salad. We ate our dinner mostly in silence; but every once in a while Linda or Mike would ask me a question, and it wasn't that bad. "So Shayla, where is your family?" Quinn looked at me, then at his aunt.

"She shouldn't have to answer that." "No it's alright. They died, and my mom and my sister were all I had left. Lucky for me after it happened; I was old enough that I didn't have to go into the system. I stayed with a friend and her family for a while after, just until I got back on my feet."

"I am so sorry Shayla. That mush have been so hard for you, being so hard." "It's okay. At times it was hard; and it still is, but I know they love me, and they know that I love them. And that won't ever change."

"Stop talking Shayla. There trying to get more out of you. There's something not right with them. You have to stop."

Speaking to her. "I know. Just stay calm, and hopefully we will be able to get I'll be able to get us out of here."

She started to settle and I can think again. "May I use your ladies room?" "Of course. Quinn show her where it is please." He nodded, and led me to out of the dining room. Near the den, there's a guest bathroom. "I will be right out here." "Thanks." I closed the door; standing in front of the mirror. "I can do this. I can do this."

I kept telling myself, as I splashed some water on my face. Opening the door Quinn is standing there, a little concern on his face. "Are you alright?" I nodded. "Yeah. Let's get back in there." "You sure you want to go back in there?"

I nodded; taking his hand and we went back into the dining room. "We're going to have desert in the den."

Linda said as they started clearing the table. "You two go on in. We won't be a moment." "Okay Aunt Linda." Quinn handed me my glass, walking back to the den. We sat on the couch, facing the window. The sky is darkening; and I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this. Quinn took my hand, squeezing it tight. "It's alright. You're doing fine."

"That's not what I'm worried about." He was about to ask what it is, but Mike and Linda walked in pushing a little cart. On the top there's a covered platter; and on the second there's plates and things, and on the thirds there's cups and saucers. Linda lifted off the lid, and showed the cake I did. Oh god! That's why he wanted me to do that cake for him.

He wanted it for tonight.

I can't let them cut it, but it's too late; they started cutting into it. "Well Shayla I hear you made this lovely cake." I nodded; horrified by what there about to see. I took a sip, wishing there was something stronger in my glass.

"Don't worry, they will love it. Just look at them, they love you; and how could they not?"

She's right, I have to calm down; I'm just driving myself crazy. They handed Quinn and I each a plate, and cut themselves a piece. As they sat down, no one said anything about it, but I know that they want to, but they don't want to be rude to me. "The cake is delicious Shayla. You are quite the girl." "Thank you. I couldn't have done it without Quinn. He gave me the chance, I'm loving it."

"We're glad. We're just happy he's home. Even though it's horrible what happened." Linda said looking at the photographs, lining the fireplace mantle. "I'm sorry for what happened."

"So are we." We lapsed into silence, eating our cake, in an awkward haze. After we finished, Quinn said. "I should get Shayla back. We have an early morning tomorrow." "Of course dear. We've kept you too long." "Actually I was thinking; that I could stay at her place tonight, so we can get an early start." "Well I suppose that makes sense. But only if it's alright with Shayla. Of course." I nodded. "It's fine. It really does make sense." "Good I will just pack a bag then." He started to move, but quickly took my arm so I'm not left in the room with the two of them staring at me, like they are.

We went up to his room, and closed the door, so they can't hear us.

"I am so sorry. But I had to do that. I hope I'm not putting you out?" "No. I'm actually happy you did. So let's get a bag and let's head out." "Thank you." He said walking over to his closet and pulled out a small duffle bag. I didn't pay any attention to what he put in it; but he's done quickly. "Okay let's go." He leaned in so he can whisper in my ear. "Because I want out of here, as fast as we can." I laughed and we went back downstairs; closing the door behind us.

Linda and Mike are waiting for us downstairs; our coats in hand. "Well we are very happy; that you came. It was wonderful meeting you." She said giving me a hug.

"Thank you, it was lovely meeting you as well. And thank you for inviting me. Dinner was wonderful."

She helped me with my coat and walked us out to the car. "You must come back again sometime." I nodded.

"Sure I would like that." Quinn and I got in the car, and once again he didn't wait for me get my belt on; before he backed out of the driveway, waving at them as we went.