Beyond the dark

chapter 3

Zhilay

It has been a wonderful two weeks for me,I didn't come across the spoil brat while on duty except the nice one.I packed my stuff hurriedly to head home because it’s Friday again and Nylah promised to take me to the bar tonight.i have gift luna gifts as promised and she hasn't miss a day at school.This morning I bought her chocolate and last Friday was homemade pancakes made by my lovely bestie Nylah.

Nylah has been a wonderful friend to me and I couldn’t ask for more.The school is almost empty just few children waiting for their drivers,i walk past them just for my name to be called by a tiny voice

"Zhilay" I turned back and see luna crouched down with tears in her eyes

"Oh baby,what are you still doing here where is your nanny?"I remember I always see her getting picked by a woman whom I thought was her mother until she told me otherwise.she haven't said anything about her mum before and I'm not in the shoe to ask though i find her dad hot

"I haven't seen my nanny and the driver"luna cried out

"Sorry about that luna,I think she will be here soon" i said

I don't think I can leave her alone although there are other staff in school,I picked her up with her bag in my left hand as I find a shed for us to sit.she ask questions about me and I answered,it's getting late I decide to check the time and I realise it almost 6 in the evening and Nylah and me plan to go to the bar by 7.i ask her for her nanny's number so that I can give her a call.

"Luna,do you know your nanny's number so that I can give her a call" i asked

"No zhilay,she replied as she play with my fingers

"But I know my dad's number" she added

"That will be better" I said as I reached for my phone

I gave her my phone and she input her dad's number,i tried the number thrice but nobody was picking.

What should I do now?I scroll through my contacts and dial Nylah’s number after the second ring he picked up

"Hi bestie" I said

Hi girl" he replied

"I have a situation here"

"What situation,do you got kidnapped?"He asked in a little voice

"No,i didn't get kidnapped,One of the student here is waiting for her nanny to pick her since 2 and she hasn't show up since then and i can't leave her alone by herself" I said

"That's bad,what do you plan on doing "he asked

"I think of bringing her home or taking her to her house if she knows the direction "I said

"You better take her to her home or leave her with the school staff before the police come knocking on our door and arrest you for kidnapping"He said

"Okay Nylah,bye.i will call you back later"

"Hey luna,do you know the address to your place" I asked

"Yes zhilay"she replied

She gave me her address and I sign the sign out book that I'm the one taking luna home so far her guardians are not picking up.I hailed a cab, Luna's hand in mine. "Poggiofranco, please.The white villa."

The driver nodded, whipping into traffic. I settled back, checking my phone to see if her dad returned my call

Luna placed her head on my lap and smile as she start talking about her new friend miya.I smiled, answering.

As we drove, buildings blurred, shops, cafes... then, tall trees. The cab turned in.

My eyes widened. _This_ was Poggiofranco's rich side? Mansions behind stone walls. The cab wound up a hill.

Luna pointed. "Papa's house!"

The driver stop in front of a large gate,I pull out 20 euros from my purse and pay the driver.

I hold luna hand and moved towards the gate before ringing the bell,A man open the door with a hard stare he look like those bouncer you see on tv

"Can I help you?" he asked, gaze lingering on me.

Luna piped up. "It's okay, Franco! She's with me"

He look down and see luna beside me

"Luna welcome"The guard said as he make way for use to enter

"Like are you for real,so you know she's supposed to be home by 2 and this is past 6 and you couldn't come find her"i muttered angrily

"What are you saying "The man asked as he look as if he wants to smash my head into the wall". Her nanny left home before two to pick her up from school,I thought they had another things to do,that’s why i haven't contacted the boss.

He called Luna's father boss that means he's working for her dad

"Okay no problem,I will be on my way now.you should try and contact the nanny" i said

"Zhilay, you can't leave like that can you have to wait until my dad is back,luna asked

"Oh my God I can't say no to her pretty face" I'm sorry luna i have somewhere to be" i said at last".

"Please Zhilay",she pleaded with her puppy eyes

"Okay luna,I will stay until your dad's come back.

I pulled out my phone to let nylah know about my whereabout and I told him I won't be able to meet up for the outing tonight and he understand.

I put my phone back in my bag,and Luna drag my hand for the front door,excited

"Luna baby can you tell me why you're excited"i asked

"Yes Zhilay,I want you to prepare dinner for me and dad,can you do that please?she pleaded

"Luna do you think that is a good idea,what if your mum comes in and meet me in her kitchen,that's not something polite to do as a guest" I said

"I don't have a mum,luna said

"Oh,sorry about that baby" I said

" you don't need to be sorry zhi, I have never met my mum though dad said she's in a good place right now, dad has been so good to me that I don't bother about her

"Okay baby that's good" I said

Luna removed her hand from mine to pull the front door open.I stepped inside, Luna tugging my hand.

Whoa.

Marble floors,crystal chandeliers. Sunbeams danced through huge windows. I gapped, trying not to stare.

Luna skipped ahead. "Zhilay, come!"

I followed, feeling out of place in my casual oufit.The hallway opened to a plush sofas,art on walls and a fireplace.

Luna shouted from the staircase. "Make yourself at home, Zhilay."

I nodded, taking it all in. A grand piano. Fresh flowers.A staircase curving up like in movies,From the sitting room you can see the kitchen,everything in it screamed luxury

Luna comes down changed into a changed casual outfit.

"Zhilay can you make spaghetti for me please" she asked

"Of course luna,that's my area of speciality "I said and she beamed

In the kitchen, Luna perched on a stool, twirling spaghetti. I stirred the sauce, inhaling garlic and tomato.

"Papa's home!" she squealed, running to the door.

I wiped hands, smoothing the apron. The door swung open.

Marcus walked in,suit jacket slung over his arm. Eyes met mine, sharp, then softened seeing Luna.

"Papa!" She launched into his arms.

"And what the hell is going on here"He asked in a stone voice.