To The Moon And Back

Chapter 10

I never would've expected that staying in a stranger's bedroom would be so comfortable, but Jay is really welcoming, even despite his snarky comments that he gives whenever he sees me.

So it embarrasses me to admit that I want to stay in his room for the remainder of my internship.

"Here's the bathroom, the closet, and this is an emergency exit." Jay shows me around my new chamber. "Is there anything you'd like to change?"

I shake my head. "No, thank you, Jay. But why isn't my room next to the other dorms?"

"I told you, we're renovating the dormitory wing. This room is a guest room, so that's why it's in the diplomatic wing."

"That sounds luxurious." I raise my brows.

"I'm glad you like it. Now, if you need anything, my place is at the end of the hallway."

"Yeah." I nod. "I know that. Thank you, Jay. Really."

"Anytime." He says with a hint of arrogance.

"Although I liked taking over your room better than this one," I say.

He smirks, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You stole my bed for too long, I kinda miss not sleeping on a sofa."

"Shut up, it wasn't even fancy," I say.

"But I like it. And I gave it up because I'm a nice leader," he says, raising a brow. "Or aren't I?"

"Perhaps. Well, yes, you were very kind," I reply, a smile forming on my face. "Thank you."

"For heaven's sake, stop thanking me. Enjoy the room." He gets up and leaves. I unpack my suitcase and try to make myself comfortable in this new place.

------

In the morning, Martha announces that HQ will be hosting a ball this weekend. I can't understand why, but it has to do with political guests and whatnot.

So now I'm rummaging in my closet, scattering around the same clothes I neatly folded yesterday, looking around for something that fits the occasion. I find nothing. I know I didn't pack a single evening outfit, because who would've presumed I'd have to attend a goddamn ball?

I don't even know what I'm looking for. Maybe I was hoping to find a flawless dress at the back of the closet like in the movies. But I'm in no movie and right now I have nothing I can wear for the stupid ball.

I tell Cass about this during lunchtime. "So I probably just won't attend, you know."

She scoffs. "Nonsense, we can go shopping after work, I'm sure I'll find you something nice."

"We'll leave HQ? But I thought we're kind of imprisoned here," I say.

"You just don't have neither a way to get out nor a map to guide you," she says.

"Which means I'm stuck here," I conclude.

"Yes. Well, luckily, I have both, so I'm leaving, and you're tagging along."

"Fine by me."

I finish my lessons that day and head to the main HQ entrance, where Cass is waiting for me in her car. She takes me to a shopping mall and we look through a million stores (give or take), but nothing feels right.

We enter another shop. I'm beginning to hate the concept of parties and dresses and shopping as well, and my feet hurt.

"Check this one out, Aurora." Cass shows me a fitted, knee-length, black dress. "It'll look lovely with your skin tone."