The Reaping

Chapter 8

Cora

Waking up the next morning I find myself confused as to where I am and what I am doing here. After a few deep breaths and calming myself, I realize that I am Thomas's house and that this is my new home. Just knowing that he wants to take care of me and make me happy gives me more hope then I have ever had in my life. 

Thoughts of what my life has been up until now make their way into my head. Had I really spent my life living in fear of what the day may bring, granted my life was never as bad as some in my village? I think that for the most part I have been spared the worst of what this life has to offer, but that still doesn't mean that my life has been a bed of roses. Knowing that these thoughts were doing nothing to help my mood I decided to get up and start the day.

Last night at the end of our date Thomas walked me to the door and told me that today he would have to return to work. He also said that he wanted me to come with him. After giving him a look of total shock, he told me that he wants me to get to know what it is that he does and that he wants my opinion on things that are happening. I nodded my head like a small child who is being asked if they want a sweet treat.

Making my way down to the dining room I find Thomas laying plates of food on the table. I look at the plate to find a huge breakfast sitting there waiting for me to eat it. I can honestly say that I have never seen so much food on a plate in my life. We never went hungry but we never at what people here would consider a full meal.

"I hope that you are hungry. I may had made more food than we actually needed." Thomas says with a chuckle. 

"I am hungry, but I am sorry to say that there is no way that I will ever be able to eat all that. I'm not used to having that much food at one time." As soon as the sentence leaves my lips, I tense up with fear. Thomas has never done anything that would make me think he would physically hurt me, but there is something engrained in me that women do not speak that way to a man. 

"Cora. Please look at me." I raise my eyes to his, and I see sadness in them." I know that it is going to take some time for all of this to sink in, but I promise that I will never hurt you. I want you to be open with me and tell me what you are thinking and feeling. Don't bottle yourself up anymore. I didn't take any offense to what you said." As he is speaking, he walks over to me and takes my hand in his. I find myself shocked at how quickly I calmed down just from that simple gesture.

"Thank you Thomas. I promise that I don't really think that you will hurt me. It's just that when you have something drilled into you for so long, it is hard to stop thinking and feeling that way. I really am trying my hardest to stop being this way. Just please give me some time and patience." I find myself starting to smile up at him and see that he is doing the same. 

" Well let's eat this massive breakfast and then we can head into the office. If we want to make changes and make this community better then we are going to have a lot of work to do. I want you there with me every step of the way. Like I said I want us to build a genuine relationship that will stand up to anything that is thrown at it."

Thomas

Breakfast was one of the funniest moments that I have had in my whole life. Watching my sweet little Cora trying her best to eat all that food was entertaining. After all that we talked about last night and this morning I have hopes that she and I will become everything that I have hoped for. We both have dreamed of having that someone there who will love us no matter what and I can see myself doing that with her. I only hope that I can make her life something that she can enjoy and be proud of.

We arrive at headquarters, and I, not Cora, has started to tense up a little. On the drive over I told her that I would have to put on that fake persona that I use in front of everyone outside of my family and close friends. I knew that I would never be cruel or rude toward her, but I also knew that I couldn't show the rest of the world the Thomas that she knew when we were at home. I desperately wanted to hold her hand and reassure her. Mustering up the strength to throw caution to the wind I did just that.

"I may not be able to be overly open with my affections in public, but I can at least hold your hand." I give her a small smirk and then put my work face on. I lead her to my office, and we get settled in. I look at my schedule and see that it is not as packed as I thought that it would be.

"Cora, I am going to call in my right-hand man for you to meet. He has been my best friend since we were kids and I think that he is someone who can help us." As I finish saying this, I see her eyes light up with excitement. I send a quick message to Elliot and ask him to come to my office. I hear a quick knock on the door and see Elliot walk in.

"Hey Thomas you needed me?" Elliot has never been one to stand on ceremony. He has always been that one person who just acts the same no matter where he is or who he is with. I think he does it at times just to get a rise out of me. He knows that I have to put on the tough persona when I am dealing with the Chosen and I think he thinks of it as a game to see if he can get me to c***k under all the pressure.

"I wanted you to meet Cora. I am sure that we have been the main topic of gossip all morning." I chuckle lightly. Cora sits with a flaming blush on her face. I think that I may have to use this to my advantage and tease her when we are alone. 

"I was hoping you would bring her in today." He turns to Cora. "It is nice to meet you. I'm Elliot this dork's best friend. I just want you to know that I in no way take any responsibility for how he acts." By the end of the sentence, I can tell he is struggling to not laugh. Cora breaks out in a huge smile and I must say it is a sight to behold.

"I'll try to not hold that against you." She then giggles and it is like heavenly music playing. Elliot smiles back at her and then turns to me.

"So other than meeting, what is the real reason that you called me in here?" I should have known that he would realize there was more to this than just a friendly met and greet.

"How about you and Rebecca come over for dinner tonight. We are going to have pasta." Elliot's eyes light up with understanding. Pasta is a code word for we need to talk where the walls don't have ears.

"We'll be there. I'll bring the bread." I saw that smirk that let me know he was enjoying all this secrecy way more that he should. Meanwhile, Cora sits in her chair staring at us both like we have lost our minds. I haven't filled her in on all of the things that I have done and think are going on. 

When I thought about taking part in the reaping the one thought that worried me was if I would be able to find someone who would be able to keep my secrets and who would be able to help in my work. Everything that we have talked about and all of her actions have led me to believe that I will be able to have all of those things with her.