Chapter 190: Enjoying her small victories.
As usual, Moon left home with purpose in her steps and a faint smile painted across her face. She greeted all those that she passed by, both young and old.
She had a joke for everyone, a pat on the head for all the children and a bop on the nose for every pet. If she had candy, she would be throwing it out like Santa Claus.
Her ploy was working because everyone liked her. They returned to her the same energy as she gave to them.
There was a spring in her step, one would think she was celebrating the arrival of a beautiful normal summer and there was no apocalypse. She skipped twice and drew in a deep breath. The air was crisp and cold but she welcomed it.
It smelled like victory.
Just like it did every morning, her path led her straight to the daycare, where she always made sure to arrive before Aliana.
She interacted with the teachers and other parents that were dropping off their children. To appear helpful, she reorganized some chairs and arranged the sleeping mats in the corner.
Then, she positioned herself behind the door, ready to greet Aliana the moment she was dropped off. She always stayed behind the door or conveniently seemed to be busy when Leah showed up, never wanting the woman to see her interacting with her daughter.
When Dominic did drop offs, she would find a way to take over from the teacher that was on welcoming duty. She would make herself look responsible and dedicated to the base by speaking on some things she had noticed and what improvements were needed on the base.
All this was done while she held Aliana’s hand or smiled at the little girl.
Her behavior was not alarming to anyone. Only Leah saw through the facade.
Moon thought she was lucky again this morning because Dominic’s vehicle appeared outside. It looked like he was the one dropping off Aliana again.
Her greedy eyes swallowed in the sight of the man she lusted after. So tall and ridiculously good looking! He had gained more muscle since she first saw him.
Moon’s fingers itched to touch the hard angles of his body.
It was winter, there was barely any sun now but his skin was tanned. Why was he tan?
He looked even hotter somehow because he was guiding his fragile daughter by the hand. He was a contrast of soft and hard.
Dominic was a real man, not a waste of space like Cassius!
She stepped forward, ahead of old Mrs. Tilda, the other teacher. Moon’s heart fluttered as he nodded at her, acknowledging her without saying a single word.
She stooped low, her face lighting up as as Aliana swept into her embrace.
"Good morning base commander." She carried Aliana and smiled at Dominic.
"Morning." He replied gruffly.
To others, it looked impatient and more like politeness. To Moon, it was another form of acknowledgement.
Before she could keep him back for random conversation, he walked away to speak to Old Mrs. Tilda and then he left.
Old Mrs. Tilda walked to Moon and took Aliana from her, settling the girl down in a chair. Moon did not like it but she forced herself to smile and remain by the door, welcoming other children.
The morning hours at the daycare passed with songs, drawing and a simple lesson on sharing and being kind.
At break time, when the children scattered to chase each other around the fire pit in the middle of the classroom, Aliana tugged on Moon’s sleeve. "Auntie Moon, I have something to tell you." She whispered, eyes wide with secret.
They slipped to their usual hiding place, the kids bathroom where no one could disturb them. Moon knelt soothing Aliana’s hair back. "What is it my princess?"
Aliana’s cheeks glowed with excitement. "I told them."
Moon’s eyes narrowed. "Told them?"
"My parents," the girl said with a sad face. "I told them about you. About you being my best friend. I am sorry I shared our secret."
For a moment, Moon’s breath caught. Anger flared hot in her chest.
Stupid reckless child!
The girl had ruined her plan. Moon swallowed down her anger, forcing her voice calm and measured. "And...and how did they take it?"
Aliana bit her lip. "Daddy was okay....but mommy she was mad. They shouted a lot about it."
Moon felt the spark of anger transform into something sweeter. She was careful to hide her smile, but inside she was rejoicing. A crack. Finally a crack in the Stewards that she could use. Now she only had to widen it until the family shattered.
She squeezed Aliana’s small hands gently. "That must have been scary. "I think mummy is just scared because I am new and a bit of a stranger but she will see that I am not a bad person soon. Aliana you are very brave for telling them."
The child beamed, soaking in the praise. Moon embraced her, savoring the triumph blooming in her chest.
Later as the children settled back into their play, Moon’s day took a turn. Festus, Dominic’s right hand man strode into the daycare and asked for her.
His voice was curt when she met him. "Dominic wants to see you. In his office."
Moon’s pulse quickened. She rushed to the bathroom first, smoothed her hair and dabbed at her lips with the faintest trace of balm.
She followed Festus to the car and he drove her all the way to the part of the base where Dominic’s office was.
It was near the training grounds, a deliberate move made so that he could keep an eye on the training sessions of the superhumans.
"Here goes nothing." She murmured to herself when Festus left her outside the door. She knocked and announced herself.
When the door of Dominic’s office opened, her hopes crumbled. Suddenly the cold began to sink into her veins.
The room was not private. Around the heavy table sat several of the camp leaders, including five superhumans. At the head sat Dominic himself, grim and steady.
Beside him was none other than his wife, Leah!
Moon froze at the threshold as Leah’s eyes lifted, sharp as daggers. The icy stare struck Moon like a blade aiming for her heart. She almost shuddered under it but masked her discomfort with a polite nod.
"Come in," Dominic said, gesturing to an empty chair.
Moon obeyed, her body rigid as she sat at the furthest end.
"Where is your coat? Are you trying to get killed by the cold?" One of the leaders asked.
Leah let put a derisive laugh. "She is an adult and her decisions are all up to her. We should not waste time on irrelevant matters." She knew very well why Moon had come to her husband’s office without a coat.
She was showing off her figure which was undeniably pleasant to look at.
Moon pinched her lips and shuddered, her fingers freezing. She regretted her decision of leaving the warm fur coat behind.
Dominic cleared his throat and looked at Moon. "We need your abilities. I am sure that you have heard the messages of president Finch calling on people to join him. There is also a rumor that his camp is growing in strength. Some of our people believe that we should join him."
One superhuman nodded. "It’s a very safe option."
Their words carried weight, and soon all eyes turned to Moon.
"What do you think?" Dominic asked her.