Beyond the dark

chapter 1

Zhilay

I woke up to the blaring of my alarm tone.oh my God,it's 6am monday morning. I'm not really meant for this kind of work my dream always is to be a fashion designer,but when life gives me rice instead of bread i have to roll s**t up.First day at Scuola Primaria Aurora,yeah?

I groggily got up and pray to God to let me have a good day because rich kids are high grade spoilt,I'm not trying to be a hater because i didn't live a life of luxury but some are just spoil rotten.i got to the wardrobe to pick out my best outfit for the day which is a baggy jean and top,i love to wear something casual after taking my bath and dressing up i stumbled out of my room to the kitchen.The kitchen smelled like strong coffee and something burning.

"Good morning Nylah"i greeted him

Nylah shoved a cup into my hand. "Buongiorno ragazza,Drink up. Poggiofranco's posh schools don't mess around."

"Okay but what did you say just now"

"I said good morning girl"Nylah said

I have grown to like him alot over the weekend,he's a jovial and free person.

The coffee was bitter,i almost spit it out but I'm not letting any of it go to waste.I grabbed a slice of Nylah's burnt toast and munch on it.

"Thanks for the breakfast nylah and please don't forget to add milk and sugar to my coffee next time"i said while I stand and grab my bag to head out for the first day at work.

"Okay girl,have a great day at work"nylah replied.

The bus to Poggiofranco wound through upscale streets,designer shops,cafes with €5 coffees.Scuola Primaria Aurora loomed ahead sprawling environment, manicured lawns,security guards.

The reception was marble floored, portraits of stern-looking alumni lining the walls.A lady dressed as if she's here for wife me interview sat at the reception typing furiously with the keyboard.

"Hi my name is Zhilay,I'm the new cleaner ,i got the job last week and I'm asked to resume today" I muttered

"Ohhh "she eye me from my head to toe with a judgemental look,i wish i could yank her tell her "hey b***h why the f**k are you looking at me that way"but no i can't afford to lose this job.

"Welcome to Scuola Primaria Aurora"she passed me a box and said your cleaning outfit is in there,your id card will be ready tomorrow"

"Thank you,please can you show me the way to the rest room"

"Just go down the hallway and turn to the left"she said

On my way to the restroom,i bumped into a little girl who is crying

"Sorry ....uhm what your name if I may ask"

"Luna"she replied

I bent down to her level and try to cheer her up "you mean luna,like the mother of the wolf pack,i heard luna's are strong being and strong being don't cry.i wish my mother could have named me luna instead of the ridiculous one".

She raised her head"what is your name"luna muttered

"Zhilay" I replied

"It's a beautiful name it not ridiculous at all"she said,obviously forgot that she was crying.

"If you say so,why is the great luna crying"i said can I hold your hands"

"Yes" she said

I don't want to come to school,i hate schools.

I smiled "no baby,school is great,you make friends and learn at school which makes it fun".

She didn’t say anything"should we make a deal "

Yes"she said

How about i buy you gift at the end of the week if you don't miss school for the whole week.

Really"she muttered

Yes,deal?

Deal,she said and smile

"Luna"comes a thick voice that sounds hot to my ear,The man approached us and luna took his hand,I stand up straight and lo and behold the man looked so hot in his suit as if he got straight out of manga, he's tall definitely my type of man with his sharp suit paired with his stunning blue but cold eyesThe hand luna is holding is covered with tattoos and his neck.i know the tattoo comes down to his chest,I just can prove.

"Uhm uhm"comes the deep voice,i think he catch me staring

"Sorry,hi"

"and who are you"he said

"Sorry I'm the new cleaner,I'm just going to the restroom and I saw her crying"i replied

Dad"luna reached out and he carried out

"I think I want to come to school everyday now"luna said

"Ohh really,why did you have a change of mind so quickly "her dad replied.

"Miss Zhilay changed my mind"

"Why princess"her dad said

"I can't tell you papa because it's girls secret "luna replied

He turned to look at me and muttered Thank you before leaving with luna

"Bye zhi"luna yelled with her tiny voice

"Bye luna"i waved

I think my type of man just change again but it’s a pity I don't do married man,I hate it with all of me,maybe it's because of my deadbeat of a father. Although he wasn’t married when he got my mum pregnant.

"Dear God please I think I will have to change my type of my man for the 59th time"i think to myself as I entered the restroom.

After changing into my cleaning outfit,The lady at the reception who i find out her name is lily"What a bad name for some who is judgemental the name should have been changed"took me to the Chancellor and the necessary procedure were taken and instructions were given

I nodded, got my instructions and resume cleaning

The school was massive,classrooms,labs,playground and a theater.I scrubbed floors,avoiding students in €300 blazers because that's way much than my monthly rent.The receptionist came to check up on me twice

Lunch was in the staff cafeteria basic food, awkward chatter.I ate slowly because I'm not really a fan of food

3 PM.The bell ranged which signifies closing hour.Kids poured out.Their drivers waiting in Audis and different types of car,i don't know much about cars.

My phone rings and I bring it out of my pocket and pick without checking for the name because I know it's Nylah

"How was it?"comes nylah voice

"The school is more big than I imagined,today went well.i cleaned and assist some of the student to the restroom"i said from the other end of the phone.

"Are you in for pizza to celebrate my first day at work" I said

"Sure but don't forget my work place resume by 6pm"Nylah responded.

"I gat you girlie" I replied and we said our bye.

Nylah told me he work has a bartender in a bar.i stopped by at the pizza place and ordered for a medium size pizza,I still have changed left from selling my mum's house.

I walked in the door, exhausted but buzzing from my first day at work.Nylah was in his bedroom leaving the door wide open.

"Hey your pizza delivery girl his here,I held up the pizza box.

Nylah's eyes lit up."Sì! I made mojito mocktails,it's in the kitchen.

I dropped my bag and sat down on the almost worn out sofa and nylah joined me sitting beside me before dropping the cocktails on the floor between us and we dig in.

"So?"Nylah prompted.

I laughed. "Rich kids,judgemental receptionist and a hot as f**k dad... I scrubbed toilets like a pro."

Nylah snorted and leaned in. "You'll survive.Poggiofranco's full of it and the hottie dad?what did you mean

I rolled my eyes."i met a man whose daughter’s in my school,i tell him about what happened in the morning

Nylah raised an eyebrow."really do you do married man"

"No I don't, I'm just admiring him"i said

Nylah squealed. "Ooh, drama,You’ll be like, the cleaning lady in Gomorrah"

I chucked a crust. "Shut up. Pizza’s good."

Nylah stood. "Gotta jet. Tips await "

"Okay girl bye"i replied and he is out of the door before I know it.

I laughed to myself and dug right back in,after eating i wash the cups and get ready for bed

"Tomorrow is another day,Thank you for today lord"i mutter to myself as i close me eyes and sleep takes over me.