Chapter 39. The Real World Out There

**CHERYL**

As soon as I stepped into the dining room, chatters coming from everyone sitting around ceased and their heads swiveled in unison to gaze at me in anticipation.

What? What's this? An ambush of some sort?

“Oh, good morning everyone,” I choked out, my throat clamping up from their intense stares.

Mrs. Heron smiled at me sweetly from where she was sitting at the end of the long table. “Good morning, darling. How was your night? Hope you slept well?”

I blinked and my cheeks heated up. “It was fine, thank you.” I beamed at her. Of course, it was an eventful night filled with endless action nonetheless but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Her smile widened. “Splendid!” she clapped her hands with glee.

“Come sit here, Cheryl.” Resse beckoned on me and patted on an empty chair beside her. “I reserved a spot for you.”

I smiled my thanks and just as I wanted to sit down, I took notice of another empty chair beside mine and my lips pressed