Zyla: The Last Chapter

ZYLA: A PARTY

=ZYLA=

            I wanted to sleep but I just can’t. My curiosity had my brain on active and it’s not letting me sleep. Mom said I could come and meet the famous aunt Moona but maybe I was just fine with our non-existent relationship. It’s just that the huge relief I feel for Day is still there and I’m a bit scared that everything would overwhelm me. They had left just a while ago and I thought I would finally shut my eyes but instead my eyes are still wide open. I sat up then sighed before putting on my jacket over my pajamas.

            I didn’t go near Big Jack and just leaned on a tree far enough to just look. My mom and aunt Saff had made some sort of an altar around Big Jack and in the middle is that bright light we had seen come out of Day. Mom, aunt Saff, my sister and her mate were talking over there and they had already probably sensed me but I was not comfortable with my position and was thinking about going back when someone touched my shoulder. I was surprised since I haven’t sensed anyone approach me but I was more surprised when I saw a beautiful and…glowing woman.

“Hello. You must be Zyla. We finally meet.” She said as she gave me a kiss on the cheek. “I’m your Aunt Moona.”

“Oh. Hi.” I greeted and surprisingly, I was calmer than I expected.

“You did a great job with Day.” She complimented as she turned to look at my family by the tree. For some reason, none of them had heard that I was talking to someone.

“I just gave her more time.” I looked at her then at my family. “She was not meant to stay wasn’t she?”

“How did you know?”

“I’ve been observing and studying Day since the day she was born. There was even a time when all the result showed that Day’s body is dead and yet…” I shrugged.

“Day is my successor.” She revealed.

“Oh.”

“Well, I better go and get my a*s kicked by your mother.” She said as she turned to me and hugged me. “It was really nice to finally meet you in person.”

“You too.”

            I watched her approach my family before I turned around and left. As I closed my eyes, I felt like everything was already back to normal. However, I dreamt of William and knew that everything is never going back to normal for me.

=WILLIAM=

            I haven’t seen Zyla for almost two weeks now nor did I see her around the lab. I assumed she was busy and didn’t bother her for a while but after finally meeting her in person, not seeing her does not sit comfortably with me. I finally gave in and called her on the phone number that Kylie had used to call me before. She answered on the second ring but it wasn’t her.

“Hi, Zyla’s busy at the moment, can you call back later or should I get a message?” The female voice asked and I tried to guess who she was.

“Are you by chance her sister?” I asked and there was a silence for a while.

“Yes. Who is this?” She asked and I smiled.

“I’m William. Zyla’s…boss.”

“Ahh, so you’re William. Hello, I’m Zoya but are you sure you’re not Zyla’s boyfriend?” She teased.

            I could not help but smile after knowing that Zyla had told them.

“Well, if that is what she told you then maybe I am.” I said as she laughed.

“Oh wow so you like her?”

“Yes, I believe I do.” I said and I heard more laughter.

“Well then lover boy, you’re in luck because Zyla just came back with my daughter. They had gone for a walk, bonding time before Zyla goes back to the city.”

“When is she coming back?” I could not help asking.

“This afternoon after lunch.” She answered before adding. “If you’re not too busy, maybe you can pick her up?”

            I reviewed the schedule in my head and remembered that there is a company party today, in honor of a job well done this month. All company employees are invited and I was just supposed to pop in for a quick speech and then leave. However, I had only planned to make it quick because I wanted to come back here at the office to finish some things but maybe I can conspire with Zyla’s sister to make Zyla come to the party as my partner.

“There’s actually a party this afternoon. All employees are invited. I don’t think Zyla knows about it.”

“Ah yes, even if she did, I don’t think she would go.” Her sister said and we both chuckled.

“The thing is that I don’t have a partner and I was hoping you could convince Zyla to go as my partner.”

“Well, Zyla, do you want to go?” I heard the sister ask on the other side of the phone. I can imagine Zyla shaking her head but the answer I got was different. “Yeah, she’s going.”

“Zoya…” I heard Zyla complain.

“Great! How much do I have to pay to hire you for those dress and stuff?” I asked as I felt that this sister and I are going to get along just great.

“I’ll give my services for free if you manage to make my sister your girlfriend at the end of that party or else I’ll charge you millions.”

“Deal.” I said with a chuckle.

“Okay. Talk with Zyla later. She might change your mind. Bye.”

            The phone went dead immediately but even without talking to Zyla, my mood had already lifted.

=ZYLA=

            I spent 3 more days with the family before I finally decided to go back to work. The morning I was supposed to go back, Day wanted me to take her for a walk and I was more than happy to oblige since I didn’t know exactly when I was going to see her again. They are going to stay here for a few more days before resuming their travels. I don’t know their specific plan but I guess it’s all right now.

“Aunt Zyla, do you think I could be cool like you when I grow up?” Day asked when we were on our way back after a walk around the neighbourhood.

“Am I cool?” I asked instead.

“Yes, you are. Your work is also cool.”

“Do you mean you want to work as a scientist when you grow up?”

            Day did not say anything for a while as we walked.

“No, I think I want to work the same job as my dad and uncle Zane.” Day finally said.

“Well, that’s cool too.” I said and we smiled at each other.

            When we arrived back at the house, my sister was sitting on the coffee table with my phone on her ear. She winked at me when we came in. Dad, Zane and Josh had gone for a run, something about strength and boy stuff as my sister said. Meanwhile, mom was leaning by the arch leading to the dining room and Abigail was sitting on one of the sofa. They were both listening and looking at my sister who I realized was talking to William. I felt a bit of embarrassment but it didn’t bother me that much until I listened further.

“I’m not going.” I said when my sister put down the phone.

“I already said you would.” My sister said. “It would be rude to take it back. Besides, it’s a great chance for you to get to know your mate better.”

“But…” I said but I don’t really have no reason to go, I just don’t want to. Not because of my mate, it’s because of the crowd.

“Come on. Let’s go find a dress for you.” My sister said as she put her arm around my shoulder.

            When my sister acts like this, especially when she’s this happy, no one can stop her. I’ve known this side of her ever since I was young and even I could not avoid everything even when I try very much not to be under my sister’s radar. They dragged me to my sister’s house and then did all these things to my body while I just stood there blankly because I honestly don’t know what to think of this.

“I know you’re annoyed or something like that so I didn’t want to push you more.” My sister said as she pulled me towards the mirror.

            I am not annoyed but I did know what she meant. I was wearing pants and skirt at the same time and then a long sleeve as a top. I don’t know how to describe dresses but I do look pretty and formal.

“I made this for you a year ago. I just didn’t think you’d really be using it.” My sister said as she leaned her head on mine.

“It’s beautiful.” I honestly complimented and she smiled.

“Of course. It’s, after all, made by the best.” She said and it was my turn to smile.

            For the first time in a long time, I used the family’s private jet since I didn’t want to go in a plane full of people looking like this. Surprisingly, I was calmer than I should be and even managed to get a nap during the short 2-hour flight. When the plane landed, our family pilot helped me with my backpack when I am completely capable of carrying it myself but I forgot all about it when I stepped out of the plane and saw William. He was leaning against a car and smiled when our eyes met. I felt my stomach flip for some reason.

“My beautiful lady, I came to pick you up.” William said when I arrived in front of him.

“Must I really go?” I asked him instead as he led me to the passenger’s seat.

“I also would rather prefer to be at my office right now but my father said that I have to motivate my employees with my presence, including you.” He said before closing the door and going around to the driver’s seat.

            We drove in silence for a while before my curiosity got the better of me.

“How did you know my sister is a fashion designer?” I asked.

“Did I say she was a fashion designer?”

“You told her to dress me up and some things.”

“When you like someone, you want to know a lot of things about them.” He just answered after a while and I frowned in confusion.

“You like my sister?” I asked and he laughed.

“Silly girl.” He just said and the conversation stopped there, leaving me confused.

            We stopped in front of a grand-looking hotel.

“Will there be a lot of people?” I asked when we were in the elevator going up to the topmost floor.

“Well, it’s a party for the employees so I guess your coworkers and mine would be there.”

            I wanted to frown but my face just stared blankly at the increasing number of the elevator but I looked down when William suddenly held my hand.

“Don’t worry. Just stay by my side and you don’t have to do anything else.” He said.

            I don’t know why but I feel a lot better. When the doors opened, William did not let go of my hand and just pulled me along with our hands still intertwined. Before I could think of the consequences of this, we had already entered the hall. I’m not that naïve to understand why the noise seemed to have decreased the moment we entered. William had this effect since he’s the leader but to appear in front of everyone while holding someone’s hand is another thing. This is what Siva would call gossip.

            William mingled around for a while without letting go of my hand which somehow suits me better despite the stares since I really don’t know what to do when I’m left alone. Sometimes I am included in the conversation and sometimes I just greet and then close my mouth for the entire conversation. When I spotted Siva, she was wiggling her eyebrows at me and it was also at the same time that William had to make his speech. He let go of my hand with a pat before heading off to the stage then Siva was beside me in an instant.