Finding You

Chapter ~~8

            Claude stared at me, most likely thinking this over. I could see the indecision in his eyes. I got scared that Claude might not agree to this. What if he demands a relationship or nothing? I don’t want to lose Claude as a friend.

            Claude looked off to the side. “I suppose a friendship is fine” he looked at me “for now” he said sneakily and smiled. “May I have just one kiss? One quick kiss?” he gave me to most tempting look. I almost said yes, but I managed to shake my head.

            I went up on my tippy toes and kissed his cheek. “I don’t think so.”

            The rest of the week passed without incident except on Sunday. I woke very early that day because I had forgotten to eat dinner Saturday night. I was taking a chance of being surrounded by Demons, but I was so hungry I didn’t really care. Oh god I feel terrible. I went to the dining hall and was met by Demons seated all throughout it. I stepped in and hundreds of pairs of yellow eyes fell upon me. I stood there feeling paralyzed. My stomach growled at me, demanding nourishment. Hesitantly I walked up the aisle and put food on a plate. I put a chocolate muffin and some pancakes on my plate. I saw fascinated eyes watch me as I walked and sat at an empty table. I was only able to take one bite before someone tapped me on the shoulder. It was Claude. I’m so happy to see someone I know.

            “May I join you?”

            “Yes” I said eager for his company. I looked around the room. Most of the Demons had stopped looking at me but there were still a few eyes glued to me. Claude sat down next to me.

            “How do you find yourself this morning?”

            “Good” I lied. I took a bite from my muffin.

            “Is that good?” he looked curious.

            “Yeah. Do you want to try a bite?” Do Demons eat food? I have no idea if they do.  I hope he isn’t upset by my asking.

            “It has been hundreds of years since I have eaten food.” He sounded just as relaxed as before. “What is it exactly that you are eating?”

            “You don’t know what this is?” I asked astonished. “This is a muffin.” I handed the muffin to him. Hesitantly he took it and studied it. “It’s chocolate. It’s good, I promise.” He looked at the muffin clearly unsure. But after some more examination he took a bite. I waited eagerly for his response. Why am I so on edge about Claude’s reaction?

            A smile spread to his lips. “You were right, Navia. That is delicious.”

            “I know. So how have you been Claude?” I asked as I began to eat my pancakes.

            “Not so well. I have feelings for this beautiful woman but she does not seem to be interested.”

            “Well maybe she is. You just aren’t patient.” I took another bite of my pancakes.

            “Maybe I should convince this woman, by showing her what I have to offer.” He trailed his hand down my side. My skin warmed where his cool hand touched me, and a shiver rushed through me raising all the hair on my body. I looked at him, his eyes smoldering and intense.

            “Maybe” I said quietly. I looked away and said “or maybe not.” I ate my pancakes. Shivers were running through my body like an electric current. My whole body was tingling. “These are very good as well.”