Transform Me (A "Shatter Me" Trilogy Fanfiction)

NINE: MESS HALL MESS

9: Mess Hall Mess

We’re in the mess hall right now having dinner, which consists mainly of a bowl of rice topped with steamed, mixed vegetables.  I’m sitting at one of the tables with Jun, Caitlan, the medics, and some other friends. 

 Farhan used to sit right between me and Jun.  I knew he sat there so my brother and I wouldn’t bicker so much.  Now, the space beside me is hollow, just like my chest.

 I poke at my food with my chopsticks, listening absently to the steady hum of chatter around me.  No matter how much I try to distract myself, my mind constantly betrays me with thoughts of Kim.  About how his lips felt on mine, and how dazed and amazed he looked after we broke apart from the kiss.  This will only encourage Kim, which is something I’ve been trying so hard not to do for three years.  What was I thinking? 

I’m so consumed by my contemplations that it takes me a moment to realize that an unusual hush has fallen upon the room.  Bemused, I turn my head to the general direction of where everyone else is looking and see Devin standing by the entrance, together with Juliette (whose arm is still in a sling), Warner and Kishimoto.  The three of them are looking around the room in wonder.  Juliette and Kishimoto’s expressions, however, are tinged with something wistful.

Devin clears her throat and smiles.  “Good evening, everyone.  I’d like to make a quick announcement, then you can go back to eating.  I’m sure you’re aware that we’ve been housing guests for the past few days.  This here is Miss Juliette Ferrars, head of the revolution in North America.  These are her friends, Mr. Aaron Warner and Mr. Kenji Kishimoto. 

The men in the room are eyeing Juliette appreciatively, and I can’t blame them.  She really is beautiful.  She has the kind of face that necessitates a second, lingering glance.  Warner seems to notice this too, and he does not look the least bit pleased.  Devin slides Warner a glance and there seems to be a silent exchange of thoughts between them, because there’s amusement in her eyes now. 

Devin looks like she’s suppressing a laugh.  “Oh, I’m sorry.  Mr. Warner is Ms. Ferrars’ fiancé and he’s asked me to kindly tell all the gentlemen in the room to not get any ideas.”

Juliette immediately flushes and whispers something to Warner, and I see him smile and say something back.  Then he laces his fingers through hers.  It’s a possessive gesture, but sweet all the same.

“No need to be all stiff and formal, though.”  Kishimoto cuts in, grinning.  “You can just call me Kenji, him Blondie—” he jabs a finger towards Warner, who’s wearing a deadpan expression, then nods to Juliette, “—and her, Juliette.”

“Alright then.”  Devin claps once.  “That’s all for now.  I expect you all to welcome our guests and be on your best behaviors.”  She looks at the three behind her.  “Now, follow me.”

They fall in line to get their ration of food, and after that, Devin leads them to our table.  Those who have finished eating get up and leave to make room for them.  Warner and Juliette sit across the table from me, next to Devin.  Then before I can realize what’s happening, Kishimoto is sliding into the empty seat next to me and setting his tray on the table.  I feel myself stiffen next to him.  From my peripheral vision, I can see that the others are sliding me looks of concern.  Everyone knows that this is Farhan’s seat.

However, the uneasiness quickly passes and the others at the table take turns introducing themselves, except for me and Caitlan, since they’ve already met us.  After this, Juliette looks around the room with a curious expression.

Kenji lifts his chopsticks.  “Man.  I haven’t used these in a while.”

“I haven’t used these at all.”  Juliette is scrunching her nose at her own pair.  “I don’t even know how to use them.”