CHAPTER SIX : I'M SO SCREWED
865 Words
(Thalia's POV)
"Smiley!"
The single word hit the conference room like a bomb.
For a moment, nobody moved. Honestly, I don't think anyone was breathing. The only sound that I could hear was the loud beating of my heart.
Oh no no no no.
I slowly brought my right hand to my face. This is how I will kiss my job goodbye.
Around me, everyone wore different expressions. The manager looked confused. The staff looked shocked. And honestly, who would blame them for being so when a little girl with pigtails runs into a conference meeting?
Davern looked like he had just watched his salary disappear.
And me?
I was already picking what color of coffin would match the clothes I put on today for my funeral.
"There you are!" Luna beamed happily. "I thought I wouldn't find you again"
My entire body froze as I braced myself. I watched in horror as she ran straight past me. I let out a sigh. But wait, did she?
Run.
Straight.
Past.
Me.
Toward Alexander Diaz.
For some reason, that brought both relief and confusion. At least she wasn't running toward me. But she was running towards the one person who noticed everything.
"Where's your mummy?" Alexander asked, his voice calm but firm. "I thought we talked about running around alone." Luna wrapped her tiny arms around his leg and giggled.
Meanwhile, I was one second away from fainting. I turned slightly, and Davern suddenly caught my eye.
He subtly pointed at Luna. Then at the door. I nodded immediately.
Message received.
Save the child.
Save the job.
Save myself.
"Don't worry, Smiley. Mummy is right—"
Davern coughed so loudly that half the room jumped.
Luna blinked.
Davern smiled nervously. "Excuse me."
Before Luna could continue, I practically launched myself across the room.
"I'm so sorry, Mr. Diaz."
I scooped her up from behind.
Luna gasped.
Then, she immediately started struggling in my arms.
"Let me go!" she protested. "Luna wants to stay with Smiley!"
I turned her around quickly.
The second she looked at me, her face brightened.
"Mo—" Alexander narrowed his eyes at me.
Oh s**t.
I shoved her into a hug. Problem solved, or at least delayed.
"Miss Thalia," Davern said smoothly. "Could you please hurry and find the mother? I'm sure she's worried sick about the little angel."
I almost wanted to salute him.
Instead, I nodded and hurried out. The moment the conference room door shut behind us, I finally exhaled.
I carefully put Luna down and crouched in front of her.
"Luna," I called her sternly.
She blinked.
"What were you thinking?"
Another blink.
"Momma told you to stay inside. Why did you leave the room? Why did you come here? Why are you talking to strangers? And why is Smiley not a cartoon? Why is Smiley a grown man?"
Everything came out in one breath.
Luna stared at me silently.
Then she looked down.
"Momma..."
When I heard her voice, I felt instant regret. Her tiny fingers started playing with each other.
"I woke up, and you weren't there." My frustration weakened.
"I looked everywhere."
She stretched her little arms wide.
"Everywhere."My heart cracked slightly.
"Then I heard your name from the big brown door." Her eyes grew watery. I was lonely."
And just like that...I lost the argument.
Completely.
I sighed and pulled her into my arms. "My Lulu"
She immediately hugged me back. Victory belonged to Luna, as usual.
---
(Alexander's POV)
The conference room felt strangely empty after they left. The manager continued ranting. I think someone else was probably talking too.
I wasn't listening.
My attention remained fixed on the door. The child knew Thalia. Thalia knew the child. Mr Davern was acting way too strangely
Interesting.
Very interesting.
Then the door opened. My eyes moved there instantly. Miss Thalia walked back inside, wearing a calm expression, or what was meant to be a calm expression. The kind of calm people force onto their faces when they're panicking internally.
"There is no need to choose someone else," I said.
The room immediately fell silent. I'll take Miss Thalia." I turned towards her as I spoke and watched her pinch the bridge of her nose, much to my amusement.
The manager brightened instantly.
"Oh! Wonderful! I was merely discussing other staff members while she was away."
His attention shifted toward her. "Miss Thalia, I hope you found the mother of that child."
I watched her closely.
"O-Of course."She started playing with her fingers. "I found her."
Liar.
The realization was oddly amusing. I stood from my chair, deciding to add more to the fun.
"My business here is done."
Mr Davern smiled, or rather, attempted to smile. I walked toward the exit. Then stopped directly in front of her. Her sea green eyes met mine.
"For further details regarding the trip," I said calmly, "meet me at my office tomorrow at eleven."
I walked past her. Then paused. Leaning slightly closer, I lowered my voice.
Just enough for only her to hear.
"Bring your child too."
The color drained from her face.
And for the first time that day—
I almost smiled.
- Writer
