His mind’s other obsession was Caviana. He was intimidated by her. Her directness continually put him on the spot. It was disappointing that she was so anti V-Commando, and considered how he might change her mind. He liked her - a lot, but had no idea how things could progress due to the cultural barrier between them.
The silence continued until he had nearly finished his lunch. Dad fidgeted his way through half of his, then placed his cutlery down.
‘Zak,’ he said. ‘We need to talk.’
Zak inadverently gulped down a mouthful of food. He did not want to talk, but it would be too rude to just get up and walk out. He needed a delaying tactic.
‘Oh,’ he said. ‘Could we wait till I’ve finished?’
He took another big spoonful in an effort to get through his food as quickly as possible.
‘Well, let me say what I want to say,’ said Dad, calmly.
Suddenly, Zak’s attention was drawn to some waving from outside the bar. It was Ragboy.
He was glad that he hadn’t exchanged contacts with Ragboy, but was more than pleased to see him right now.
‘Alright mate!’ he shouted, returning the wave.
He turned back to Mum and Dad, who looked like they had missed an opportunity.
‘I’d better go say hello,’ he said, getting up and putting the last big spoonful in his mouth. ‘Thanks,’ he mumbled.
He would inevitably have to endure the grilling from his parents at some point. But he made a mental note to prepare for it before it happened.
He turned out of the entrance to meet Ragboy, only to find him flanked by two larger companions – twins! Was this some kind of setup? Zak got ready to run.
‘Alright Zaktar. I’ve been lookin’ all over for you, where you been?’ said Ragboy, with a genuine smile.
It put Zak at ease. But he wasn’t going to attempt conversation with the other two.
