Kids in the Country

Chapter 3

Pidge woke up and went down stairs for breakfast. She got a bowl of cereal and just ate as she thought about what Lance and Hunk said yesterday. Pyrrha came down all dressed and all excited, and it made Pidge a little scared.

"Uh, Pyrrha?"

"I have some great news!"

"Really? What is it?"

"I got a letter from Mrs. Garett saying that we're invited for a welcoming dinner tonight! And, she said that this week is going to have really good weather so there'll be a lot of activities!"

"Cool! When is dinner?"

"6: 00."

"Isn't that a little early?"

"She says she has a surprise planned so maybe thats why dinner is early."

"Oh, ok. Where is Jaune?"

"He's working on unpacking still."

"Oh. Is there anything I can do to help you guys around?"

"No. You can just do whatever."

"Ok."

Pidge finished up and and went to her room to unpack and make it clean and organized. She thought it would take a while, but it only took about an hour. She checked her watch and it read 8: 30. She plopped herself down on her bed and kept thinking about that boy Hunk and Lance described. They said he was the same age as her, and that he might have the same interests, but thats as much as they knew. Pidge jumped when someone knocked on her door.

"Hey Pidge!" Lance and Hunk walked in.

"Oh hey guys."  Pidge re-positioned herself so she wouldn't look like she was just scared half to death.

"How you doin'?"

"I'm doin' great. How are you?"

"Fine. So are you excited?"

"Excited about what?"

"Did you not hear? Hunk's mom is throwing a welcoming party for you and Jaune, and Pyrrha!" Lance slid onto the bed to sit next to Pidge.

"Oh yeah! I heard."

"Oh yeah! Tonight is gonna be great! I can't wait for the pie!"

The three talked and went outside to run around. The man with the black car returned and they watched as he went into Keith's house. Pidge could see a glimpse of the boy when the door opened. Her glasses helped her see him even though she didn't really need them. The image was stuck in her mind and she really couldn't wait for the dinner tonight.

'They said he attended all of the events, so he'll be there...' Pidge thought as she walked with Hunk and Lance to the rock.

"Well, I gotta go. I have to help my mom with the party." Hunk said as he said bye and went of to the lodge.

"I gotta go too. I have to help my mom with the food too." Lance said bye and went to his house.

Pidge returned to her house and laid on her bed thinking about the glimpse of the boy. He looked her age, but he didn't look like he would be into robotics or science like her. He looked so innocent, like he hadn't done anything wrong to have that man come and help him. He reminded Pidge of herself.

She was startled by the sound of Pyrrha's voice telling her to get ready. 'Had it really been that long already?'

She just changed her shirt to a green button up and a suit-vest over it. She wore a pair of some cleaner sneakers to look presentable. She, Pyrrha, and Jaune walked to the lodge and were greeted by a surprise by everyone. They literally yelled "Surprise!" when they got there.

Pidge saw the boy in the back. His face was just mutual until he made eye contact with her. He raised an eyebrow and cocked his head to the side slightly like a dog. She did as well, just a little more noticeable.

Everyone got to know each other and socialize while dinner was being prepared. The boy was standing next to his mentor Takashi as he talked with a few other adults. Pidge slowly made her way over and tried to stay calm towards him.

Keith could see her through the crowd and saw her making her way over. He just starred straight ahead and ignored the person making their way towards where he was. Then he became more alert as the person disappeared. Takashi noticed and placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him, but Keith stayed alert instead of giving into his mentor's command. Takashi released Keith's shoulder.

Just when Pidge had reached Keith, someone called for everyone to come to the table because dinner was ready. Pidge was caught off guard and jumped back. She tripped on a bench on her way to the ground and fell. When a thump was heard, everyone gasped and turned their heads to where the sound had probably come from.

They were all starring at Pidge. Keith gave his confused look like the one when he and Pidge made eye contact earlier. She sat up and Prryha and Jaune rushed over to her to make sure she was ok.

Everyone went to sit down for dinner. Mrs. Garett helped Pidge seal up the few cuts she had gotten. Yes, Pidge got some cuts, but nothing food can't fix! Jaune pushed the bench back in place and Prryha thanked Mrs. Garett for helping them.

Pidge sat with Hunk and Lance at one end of the big table. At the other end, Keith sat between his mentor and his care taker. Pidge would look over every few minutes or so and they would sometimes make eye contact. No one noticed, but Takashi did. He could see it in the corner of his eye.

They all told stories of their experiences and they all had a big laugh. Their stomachs hurt no only from being stuffed, but from laughter.