Chapter 128 "The Reunion of Bonds and Memories"
The group moved next to the cafeteria, where the aroma of spices and freshly prepared food filled the air. Inside, they spotted a team of cooks, all neatly dressed in white aprons and kitchen wear, moving briskly to prepare the day's meals. At the helm was a middle-aged, chubby woman with a fair height and an authoritative presence, tasting sauces and inspecting dishes with precision.
As soon as she noticed Tessa, the woman's spoon clattered onto the counter, and her eyes widened. Glancing briefly at Principal Hammond for confirmation, she whispered, "Is that… who I think it is?" Her composure crumbled as she abandoned her professional demeanor, rushing forward and pulling Tessa into a tight embrace.
It was Mrs. O'Neill, the cafeteria's head cook. She had been in charge of preparing Tessa's meals during her years at the school, aware of Tessa's unique dietary needs due to her alien lineage. She'd taken extra care to exclude salt, knowing the risk it posed to Tessa's health before her recent transformation and partial awakening obtaining partially, the moon goddess's legacy, where that weakness was no longer an issue.
But Mrs. O'Neill was also haunted by memories of being interrogated by General Rwald Dune, who'd ruthlessly pried into Tessa's eating habits. She'd felt trapped, forced to divulge details, and since that day, guilt had gnawed at her, convinced that her words had nearly led to Tessa's death.
Overcome with emotion, Mrs. O'Neill clung to Tessa, tears streaming down her cheeks before Tessa even had a chance to speak. Nyala stepped forward, joining Tessa in consoling her. They gently reassured her, helping her regain her composure as her sobs softened.
"I'm so sorry, Tessa," Mrs. O'Neill murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to… that man, he threatened everything. I was so afraid… he was going to kill my family."
Tessa held Mrs. O'Neill's shoulders firmly, her gaze steady yet compassionate. "It's all in the past, Mrs. O'Neill," she said gently. "He can't hurt anyone anymore. Whatever power he held, whatever threat he posed, it's over. He's little more than an empty shell now, his influence and resources long gone."
Mrs. O'Neill finally nodded, a glimmer of relief in her eyes as she looked between Tessa, Principal Hammond, and Nyala. The weight she'd carried seemed to lift, replaced by a tentative, grateful smile.
"Let me whip up something special for you!" Mrs. O'Neill exclaimed, already dashing back into the kitchen, her enthusiasm making her seem like an agile young girl rather than a seasoned chef. She moved with precision and skill, and before anyone could even comment, a delightful aroma began to waft through the air.
The smells were a feast in themselves—warm pancakes, crispy waffles, savory sauces, and a medley of meats that seemed to represent every cut and preparation imaginable. Within minutes, Mrs. O'Neill emerged from the kitchen, proudly carrying an assortment of dishes. Each was plated to perfection, with fluffy pancakes stacked high, golden waffles drizzled in syrup, and platters of spiced meats that were tender enough to fall apart with a touch.
Nyala's stomach betrayed her composure, rumbling loudly enough to make her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She covered her face, suppressing a laugh as she thought of Ecdy. If he were here, he would have dove in without hesitation, content to savor each bite, leaving the rest of the world to its own concerns.
They all began to eat, and even Principal Hammond couldn't resist joining in. It wasn't every day that Mrs. O'Neill prepared such a spread, and her reputation for culinary magic was well-deserved. Adrian was the first to try a piece of chicken, and as he bit into it, his eyes widened. The meat was tender and juicy, seasoned just right, with a hint of spice that brought out its natural flavors. The dish was saltless, crafted especially for him, while Tessa's dish contained a touch of salt—carefully adjusted since her transformation had lifted her former dietary restrictions.
The principal's and Nyala's plates, on the other hand, were seasoned to their liking, and they ate with relish. The meal was more than just food; it was a comforting reminder of shared memories and the warmth of home. The four of them ate in companionable silence, savoring each bite, the flavors rich and comforting. Inwardly, each one felt a surge of gratitude for Mrs. O'Neill, whose care and talent brought joy to them in every bite.
As they finished, Tessa caught Mrs. O'Neill's eye and offered a sincere smile. "Thank you," she said, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "You've given us more than a meal."
After finishing their meal, the group rose and continued exploring the underground school's vast campus. Tessa's eyes sparkled with intrigue as they wandered; every corner seemed to hold a memory or surprise that brought her excitement. For Adrian, the familiar hallways provided a rare chance to unwind and forget, if only briefly, about the looming threats from Rhemon and his sinister followers. Nyala, though not connected to the school, couldn't help but feel the warm and inviting atmosphere, basking in the joy of the journey alongside her friends.
They moved past the reserved boarding area, which housed dormitories for students. Nearby, several staff members in crisp black shirts and white aprons bustled about, sweeping and scrubbing away even the faintest traces of dust. Every so often, the workers would huddle together, taking short breaks before resuming their tasks.
One of the women, noticing Tessa, suddenly froze in place. Her eyes widened, and without a word, she dashed over, her heart racing with recognition. The others, startled by her sudden sprint, paused their work and hurried after her, intrigued by what had compelled her to move faster than they'd ever seen.
When she reached Tessa, she gasped, barely managing to catch her breath. "Is it really you?" she stammered, eyes brimming with disbelief. "The Moon Goddess herself... right in front of us!"
Realization dawned on her coworkers as they joined her, their eyes lighting up with the same awe and wonder.
Tessa felt a jolt of surprise as she recognized the familiar face of the cleaner—a woman who had been a quiet but steady presence in her life. Mrs. Gorul, a kind soul with a few silver strands in her hair and a warm smile that could light up the gloomiest of days, was someone Tessa had known for years. Mrs. Gorul had been close to Ms. Caldwell, Tessa's adoptive mother, and always seemed to look out for Tessa as though she were her own child. Whenever Tessa had needed help, be it finding a lost book or calming her nerves before an exam, Mrs. Gorul had been there with kind words and encouragement.
"Oh, Mrs. Gorul!" Tessa exclaimed, her face lighting up as she stepped forward. She wrapped her arms around the older woman in a warm embrace, surprised at how comforting the reunion felt. "Thank you for everything you did for me all those years. I still remember how you always had my back," she said softly.
Mrs. Gorul smiled, her eyes misting with emotion. "You grew up into such a remarkable young lady, Tessa. I knew you'd do great things," she replied, patting Tessa's hand warmly. "I'm so proud of you."
Tessa gave her one last squeeze before letting go. "Take care of yourself," she said, her voice filled with warmth and appreciation. Mrs. Gorul nodded, stepping back as Tessa and the group continued down the hallway.
As they resumed their tour, Adrian gave Tessa a sideways glance. "You seem to know everyone here," he noted, a small smile tugging at his lips.
Tessa chuckled, her eyes shining. "This school has been my home for so long. It's impossible not to form bonds with the people who make it what it is."
Nyala listened quietly, feeling a slight pang of envy but also admiration. The history between Tessa and this place was something profound and irreplaceable—a connection she could only dream of.
With each step, they ventured deeper into the school's underground halls, where memories clung to every corner, making the place feel more like a kingdom that had nurtured its future queen. It was a tour that felt less like a walk and more like a tribute to the legacy Tessa had left behind.