Republic of Omisha

Chapter 19: Sebastian

   He's so happy he has this chance to explain. To explain everything to Eliza. There is so much that Sebastian has kept to himself and that is why she broke up with him. It is his fault. Why Eliza would invite him to her homecoming dinner, he isn't sure, but he's thankful to have the opportunity to explain things to her.

He's in the cafeteria that is decorated for the occasion. None of the students have arrived yet. Sebastian sits at a table staying on the ball of his feet so that he can rise quickly.

He folds his hands on the table, his leg bouncing impatiently. His mind is racing, going through every possible way to tell Eliza what he needs to.

Sebastian eyes are drawn to the door. He sees a beautiful brown eyed girl. Her long brown braided hair is draped over her shoulder delicately. It's Eliza. He has never seen her so calm, so full of life. Her bright eyes meet his and he rises to attention.

He walks over to her straining himself to walk slowly when all he wants to do is run to her and hold her in his arms. A large grin grows on his face and he's sure it looks dorky, but he doesn't care.

When he stops he's two feet away. Eliza looks uncomfortable and takes a step back. "Hi," she says.

"Hey cutie," Sebastian replies because that is the first thing he ever said to her. She blushes and drifts her gaze to the floor. He knows that she is flattered, but she is incapable of comfortably accepting compliments on her looks. I don't know why she never believes how beautiful she is.

She meets his gaze again. "Shall we sit down?"

He nods. "Where do you want to sit?"

They both scan the room. "Um, I usually sit at that table. The other students will be here shortly and we kinda all sit at the same spots every time."

"Who you sit with?"

"The hidders."

He gives Eliza a puzzled look and she grins suppressing a little laugh. They sit and Eliza tells him about the hidders, runners, and deceivers.

Sebastian asks, "you seem... well."

"In what way?" Eliza sounds like he just hit a nerve, but she tries not to snap.

Sebastian hesitates so she answers for him, "mentally?" He nods. "I think this place has done me well too. I don't understand how, though."

"Friends? Good teachers?" He pushes.

She shrugs and turns to a blonde girl that approaches their table a smile is plastered on her face. "This is Valerie."

The girl nods, "you must be Sebastian."

Sebastian nods. She's been talking about me? He hopes that this is a good sign and that Eliza isn't mad at him. "How are the teachers here?"

"Fine." Eliza says unconvincingly, not because it sounds like she's lying, but as if she's unconvinced, like she's hiding something.

Sebastian decides not to press. Now all the students are eating and Eliza seems like she has no interest in speaking to her Father or step-Mom.

"Could I talk to you?" Eliza nods. "Is there somewhere private that we can go?"

Eliza nods again and heads for the door. Sebastian hastily follows.On the way out they pass a tall boy and the look that Eliza gives him makes Sebastian jealous, but he doesn't say anything.

She leads him to the greenhouse. Tropical plants sit everywhere. They sit on a bench in the center of the greenhouse.

It's now or never. Sebastian thinks to himself. He sighs and begins. "I haven't been totally honest with you."

He turns to face Eliza. She begins to squirm at his words and doesn't meet his gaze.