Is this destiny?

Instead of returning through the hallway, Noah and Chloe took a small detour on their way to the dining hall and Chloe saw a yard that had a dirt surface with nets and markings for two volleyball courts. One part of the yard was covered in neatly-trimmed grass, and there were several mature trees with colorful flowers around their base. 

Noah was telling Chloe that on Sunday afternoon, kids have volleyball tournaments, and she could imagine a bunch of kids enjoying a picnic on the grassy area.

The dining hall reminded Chloe of the cafeteria at her University, but the choices were fancier. There were chicken and salmon and a variety of vegetables and other sides and by the time she took a bit of everything, Chloe's plate was heaping with food.

Long tables lined the space, each accommodating at least a dozen of people, and the dining hall was getting full quickly.

Noah and Chloe took seats at the table where Ade, Hande, Xiaohui, Daniel, Rosa, Tejan, Merve, Harini, and Panya were sitting. It was obvious that this table was reserved for the kids from the Cliffside Villa, as no one else approached them.

After introductions with the ones who didn't interact with Chloe so far, Nico and Beck joined while Noah was telling Chloe that Daniel and Rosa teach cooking classes.

"The salmon and the side with mushrooms and bell peppers were made by my team.", Rosa said proudly, to what Daniel added, "The chicken and the caramelized carrots with the homemade ranch sauce, are from my team."

"You guys are competing?", Chloe asked.

Rosa nodded in confirmation. "We form teams and pick recipes." She pointed at the voting box at the entrance. "On your way out, you need to vote, and the winning team gets excused from chores for a week."

"What are the chores?", Chloe asked, wondering how big the prize is.

"The usual...", Rosa responded. "Tidying up the common areas and making sure that the water and coffee machines are stocked, sweeping the floors, removing cobwebs..."

"Killing bugs?", Chloe asked while struggling to keep a straight face. Somehow, this reminded her of Noah's description of what an assistant should do.

"That also.", Rosa responded with a quizzical look as she noticed that Noah and Chloe were exchanging glances and smiling. 

"Which one is better?", Daniel asked while pointing at Chloe's plate, and Chloe realized that she was in a sticky situation when Rosa looked at her expectantly.

How can she pick one dish over another when both Rosa and Daniel are staring at her? No matter what she says, someone would be offended.

"I'm not sure. Both are delicious." Chloe used a political approach of praising both sides without calling out any.

"It's because ingredients are from our garden.", Rosa said.

"You have a garden?"

"It's in the back.", Noah responded. "Kids are growing vegetables that are used for their meals. I will show you after lunch if you are interested."

Chloe was impressed. It seems that these kids can do anything. "I would love to see it."

Oni, Michael, Nala, and Haru joined them at the table. They were leading classes in the afternoon and came earlier to have lunch here.

Chloe was happy that after exchanging greetings, the newcomers didn't ask questions about her presence. It made her feel like she belonged there… next to Noah.

Of course, Chloe didn't know that Oni, Michael, Nala, and Haru were in the meeting on the previous day, the one which Noah left early in order to have a date with Chloe. And because Chloe was with Noah, they all guessed that the date went well.

Corey entered through the side door and came straight to their table. He gave a quick kiss to Merve before announcing, "Sean and Ryan are on the parking lot, waiting for help. We came with a lot of watermelons and need some strong arms to bring them in. If you help us out, we can quickly put watermelons to chill and join you for lunch."

"Do we have enough for everyone?", Merve asked.

Corey wiggled his eyebrows. "We didn't at first, so I called Charlie and now we have enough for everyone. Kids and staff included." He looked at the guys at the table. "There is a lot. Why are you still sitting?"

"I just started eating…", Nico grumbled while standing up.

"If you want to eat, you need to work for it.", Beck said cheerfully. "Watch my food, I will be back."

Michael, Haru, Ade, Daniel, and Tejan also stood up and Corey looked at Noah. "Are you coming?"

Noah glanced at Chloe and she understood that he didn't want to leave her.

"I will be fine. Go.", she assured him.

Noah pressed his lips into a line and walked out with Corey and the rest of the guys. Noah hoped that the girls will be sensible and not tease Chloe. If they scare Chloe off, Noah will give them an earful.

At the table…

Chloe put a piece of salmon in her mouth and her movements halted when she realized that Oni, Nala, Hande, Merve, Harini, Panya, Rosa, and Xiaohui are looking at her expectantly.

Chloe chewed slowly while wondering which one of these girls will speak first. It was Hande.

"So… you and Noah?"

Chloe shook her head helplessly. "It's not like that."

"And how is it?", Merve asked.

Chloe was not sure how to respond. "I…" She exhaled and lowered her head. Chloe was embarrassed to say what was on her mind. What would she say, anyway? That she and Noah like each other, but the timing is off?

"I don't know how it's for you.", Xiaohui said, pulling Chloe out of her thoughts. "But since we took over this youth center, Noah was always first in the morning, and today he came late. Every weekend he spends with kids here, yet today he prioritized you. None of us is blind, and we see how he is looking at you."

Chloe's brows furrowed as she felt guilt swell within her. Is she leading him on? No… he knows that she is planning to leave.

"Chloe…", Nala called. "We don't want to poke our noses where they don't belong, but Noah is a good guy. Don't hurt him."

"I know he is a good guy and I don't want to hurt him.", Chloe said honestly. She didn't want to hurt him. Will she hurt him? That was another thing. To Chloe, Noah was strong and tall and confident and there was no way that a little Chloe can hurt him.

"Good…", Rosa said. "As long as you follow your heart and do the right thing, it will all work out."

"It sounds easy when you say it like that.", Chloe said, and her expression showed that she was troubled.

"Hey…", Oni called. "If something is bothering you, feel free to reach out. I know that it sounds strange because we don't know each other, but we are willing to help. Every person here was once in a spot where they thought they don't have a way out, and… here we are."

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