Under the Shadow of the Moon

Chapter 46

Luna blinked a few times, staring at the text on her phone, trying to decipher it through her blurry vision.

The text from Trae read: I'll be there soon, be ready! With a smiling emoji. Luna couldn't help but shake with excitement, squealing silently to herself.

I'll be ready! She replied, pulling herself out of bed. She was tired, barely getting any sleep the entire week of training. She slid out of her bed, careful not to step on Sylvia as she tiptoed across the room.

Harper was asleep on the top bunk of Luna's bed, and Sylvia in a sleeping bag on the floor, along with most of the pillows. Lily and Lloyd were sharing his top bunk with Razaia on the bottom one and Colin on the floor.

Luna thought for a moment, trying to decide what to wear when Harper started to stir. Luna tried to be quieter, but there wasn't much she was doing to make noise in the first place. Harper turned towards the window, the silvery light of early night spilling through the thin blinds. She rubbed her eyes, turning her back to the window.

"Luna? What are you doing up?" Harper whispered when she saw her. "What time is it?" she asked sleepily as she rolled onto her back, rubbing her eyes again.

"It's early. Just go back to sleep, everything's fine," Luna whispered back with a stifled giggle.

"No way, I'm up now." She slipped from the top bunk, almost falling off the ladder onto Sylvia. "What are you doing?" She asked again as she stumbled towards her.

"I'm getting ready for my date," she said in a happy tone, not being able to hide her smile.

Harper squealed under her breath. "Oh my god, I can't believe I forgot! That's so exciting! Where are you guys going?"

"I don't know, he said it was a surprise." Luna sighed, breaking the moment of feeling like a normal teen. "I hope nothing happens while we're out... someone might see us—see me. What if something happens?"

Harper clasped Luna's hands. "Nothing is going to happen, I promise, trust me."

"I just don't understand why he decided to do this now. He's never shown an interest in me, not like this."

"Luna, stop doubting yourself. He was just like you, too afraid to say anything and too good at hiding it to give any hints. Trust me, you belong together."

Luna smiled. "Thanks Harper." Luna hugged her tightly, grateful for her best friend. Grateful that nothing had changed between them. Grateful that she had her back after everything. Grateful that the government wasn't keeping them apart anymore. Grateful that she hadn't left her yet. Grateful for everything she still had.

Harper helped Luna pick out an outfit and helped her put on some makeup. Harper was always better at that sort of thing.

Soon everyone was up, most of them still in whatever pajamas they had brought.

Lana had seven plates set out around the table, and a plate of pancakes set in the middle. They talked as they ate, discussing plans for the day as well as the week, while still trying to seem normal. It was all they wanted, but they knew it was selfish to try and live it.

Luna stood as soon as the doorbell rang, her stomach filling with butterflies. She hugged all her friends and walked to the door. She looked towards her friends one more time, all of them giving her a thumbs up. She turned, opening the door.

Trae was smiling, holding a single pink rose. "You look so beautiful," he said as he handed it to her.

"Th-thank you," she responded sheepishly, looking down at her feet.