Her Viking

Chapter 5: Dinner

She smoothens out the nonexistent wrinkles on her dress. Constantly checking the time on her watch. Filling her lungs up with tensioned air. The tension in one's self. Mariana tries to loosen and relax her muscles but it just seems near impossible.

Closing her bedroom door, she takes her time walking down the steps. Grabbing her clutch, phone, and keys, she is off to the restaurant. Pulling into the restaurant's parking lot skyrockets her nervousness. Quickly, she took deep breaths. Painfully she reminds herself that she's dealt with way worse.

Exiting her car, Mariana walks towards the entrance. The night breeze nipping at her skin. Telling her that she forgot to bring a jacket. Opening the door she walks through the entrance. the place is almost full. Mariana is surprised. Many couples and families enjoying their evening, on a weekday. Something she never truly had in life.

"Hello! Table for one?" Mariana shows the waitress her invitation. "Right this way."

The table is located in the middle of the restaurant. Everyone is already sitting. Only one seat left is vacant; between Rei and... Jean? Jean smiles brightly over at Mariana as she nears. Quietly ignoring everyone's stares, Mariana sits down.

"I bet you're surprised to see me here!" Jean exclaims. Mariana nods. "Oh honey, you should really talk more."

"Is this the Mariana I've been hearing about?" A lady in her mid-thirties asks.

"Yes," Rei answers. "Mariana, this is my mom, Kadlin. This is my dad, Lyting. You already know my Uncle Kage and Aunt Jean. As well as my siblings."

"It's nice to meet you Mariana. As you can see, we're a small family. We'll look at you as a part of us. Please feel welcome." Kadlin smiles genuinely.

"Thank you," Mariana whispers.

"Let's start ordering!"

The food is served and half an hour later everyone is almost done. Mariana has been quiet throughout everything. Everyone has been conversing, laughing, making jokes here and there. Kage hasn't said anything either. He didn't even glance at Mariana not once.

"Mariana, sweetheart, you need to talk. Lighten up," Jeans pushes.

"I know."

"You know, I've been trying to get Kage to talk to you. That man is so stubborn," Jean lowers her voice only for Mariana to hear.

"Is he always like this at dinners?"

"Yes, for the most part. Oh honey, why don't you try talking to him?" Jean trying to encourage.

"No..."

"How are you two suppose to ever talk if you both are always quiet?" Mariana only shrugs. "Well, I'm just going to have to force you two."

"Kage," Mariana's eyes widen as Jean calls out to him. "Mariana has something to tell you."

Everyone's conversations stop. Looking back and forth from Mariana and Kage. Kage slowly lifts his head up. His cold eyes connect with Mariana. She doesn't know what to say. Her mouth is just open.

"You ahead and tell him, dear." Jean presses on.

"I... I... forgot." Mariana lowers her head.

"She wanted to tell you that," Jeans snaps her fingers as if she is trying to remember something. "What is it you do again for a living?"

"I'm an author."

"Oh, that's right! She's an author. Not only that, she was wondering when do you have off. She would like you to show her around Loen. It can help her with ideas for new stories." Mariana is frozen in shock at what Jean said. "Isn't that right, dear?"

Mariana couldn't even shake her head 'no'. Her eyes are stuck on his. Goosebumps arise, suddenly it feels so cold. Rei sees that Mariana is struggling to answer and with this attention. Deciding to help, Rei speaks up.

"Yeah, Uncle Kage. You should show Mariana around."

Kage breaks eye contact with Mariana. Glancing at his aunt and niece. Knowing they won't stop until he agrees. He doesn't see the point in him having to show her around. Nonetheless, he sighs and nods. Rei and Jean share mischievous grins.

"Great! Come on, let's finish eating." Jean diverts the family's attention to the food and the halted conversations.

"You're welcome," Jean whispers in Mariana's ear. She snickers as Mariana finally starts to snap out of her frozen state.

Mariana trails behind everyone as they exit the restaurant. The night's air is dropping. Shivers snake through her body. A sigh escapes her lips. Mariana sometimes wishes she was more outgoing and talkative but, it's just the way she's always been. Especially growing up... Entering adulthood... It was her way to shut the world out and protect herself.

"Mariana?" Jean calls out with her forehead lightly wrinkled. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes."

Everyone says their goodbyes, parting way. Her legs shake yet, she pays no mind. The cold feeling refreshing. Halfway to her parked car, Mariana's fingers and toes are slowly numbing. Her shoulders are suddenly weighed down by a heavy jacket. Feet coming to a halt. She turns slightly around.

"You're cold. You need a jacket," Kage's voice gruff. "Why didn't you bring one in the first place?"

"I forgot," she whispers. Kage grunts in annoyance at her reply.

"I have off Friday. See you soon."

With that said, Kage walks away. Mariana slowly places her hand on her cheek. Her face feeling extremely warm. A small smile creeps on her face. Flashbacks appear draining the moment. Shaking her head she continues on her way. Knowing she will have it return the jacket tomorrow. Not wanting to dwell or think about anything, Mariana pushes all thoughts away; wanting the night to end.