The Rebirth of Layla

LAYLA'S POINT OF VIEW It is clearly night time, I am running for no exact reason. I feel like I'm being called somewhere, I am running at a different level of speed, and then I suddenly stop in the middle of nowhere, I am with different people, I'm as surprised as you are, beasts? Certainly they are, but… Some of them are looking like humans, I see them approaching me, most of them are looking at me with disgust, ‘I don't belong here’ I mentally scold myself, trying to sway the inner feeling of peace and longing here. It feels right here. Just right! And then… the air thickens, my breath seizes, I jolt awake, gasping for breath as the nightmare is still on my mind. I didn't see the beasts clearly. That is the same old dream. I rolled on my bed, from one side to another. I got up and walked to the balcony, ‘this view is perfect!’ I left the balcony for my bathroom, reminded of the day's work, standing in front of the mirror, I grabbed my toothbrush and my toothpaste, brushing my teeth rhythmically. I stared at my reflection, humming a song in my head, and moving to the sound of the song in my head. After brushing now, I turn on the shower, the water is warm. I grabbed my favorite body wash, it's vanilla scent filling the air, this has to be my favorite time of the day. As much as I would love to spend the whole day here, I've got to fend for myself. I rinse off and head to my room in my white towel. I opened my closet and scanned through the options, confused! I brought out a nice gray suit at first, with a matching trouser. I returned it and took a floral dress, which goes quite well with the sunny weather. I slipped into the comfortable black flats and chose a delicate bracelet and hoop earrings to compliment. Checking myself in the mirror one last time, I felt satisfied and confident, ready to tackle today's unknown stories, and adventures. I locked the door of my rented apartment and went to the garage, where I usually park my car. The car is a gift from my current place of work, plus the apartment, which they pay my yearly rent. I hate to brag but I'm one of the best journalists this country has produced. I ignited the engine of my car, The familiar sound of the car fills the air. The journey to Highlight Publication is nothing less than one hour, thirty minutes. It's 6:30 already and by 8 I should be in the office. I drove calmly and steadily, the road wasn't busy. Only a few go out at this time. I turned on the radio, which was playing one of King Thomas’ songs - ‘My woman’. Finally! It waa exactly 8 am. I arrived at the compound, got down at the security checkpoint,and gave my key to one of the security personnel to park my car in the garage properly. I pushed open the glass door, and stepped in. My heels were clicking on the polished floor. I made my way to the reception desk, and I greeted my colleagues a good morning which seemed to be more of a chorus. “Good morning Sandra.” I dropped my bag on the desk and wrote my name and the time I came in on the record book before me. “How was your night? Any exciting news today?” “Morning Ma'am, my night was very well, thank you ma'am. There's an interview with the Mayor about what has been going on.” “Interesting… send a copy to my office.” i told her and off I went to my office “Okay ma'am.” I made use of the elevator to my office. Within a few seconds the elevator clicked and opened, it's now on floor 10, I walked down the hallway before getting to the front of my office. I tried slipping my key in the keyhole but realized it was already opened. I looked around thinking it was probably my boss, or Emily, my best friend. Not surprised I got in to see Emily. “You don't look surprised”. She complained and I laughed at her old trick. “This is old fashioned already, try something else” I told her. I moved past her, put my bag on my table and took my seat. I'm in this office alone, which hints that it's due to a promotion. “You left here quite late yesterday,” Emily said, looking at me like she was looking for the answers in my eyes. “I had a lot on my plate obviously, I had to submit some papers to Mrs Chloe.” That is our boss' name. “I have gist for you Layla, I heard from the boss that…” she stopped and looked at me, curiosity piqued, and ready for another juicy gossip session. I paid attention to her now. “You know Drake Kane right?” “Sure, the actor, who's also a successful musician.” “Yes, him.” She replied looking at me with excitement. “I heard that Mrs Chloe wants you to interview him today.” Me? I laughed and rested on my chair again. “Don't you want to see the most successful actor, and musician in the country? Who happens to be the most handsome guy in the world?” My laughter intensifies “That's pure exaggeration”. “What do you mean by pure exaggeration? He was crowned the most handsome in the world.” “Don't you have other assignments? You're so good at annoying me.” I replied and she sat on my table. “I'm your best friend for a reason, your love for me is as deep as the oceans.” My simple reply was “You're watching too much movies.” “See you later Bestie, and if you happen to go to Drake Kane's place, tell him I love him very much.” I give her a disgusted look and rolled my eyes which made her laugh harder. She left my office and I picked the file on my table to take another look. The information of people that had been killed by the unknown beasts are here, the information of the missing people are also here. Those that have been killed are killed in the same place, through the same way. ‘Looking at this over and over again won't solve the problem’ I mentally reminded myself. Sandra brought the file of the interview with the mayor and left after delivering it. ‘What are the measures you've been taking to address these incidents?’ ‘How are you communicating with residents and locals, can reassuring them be enough?’ ‘What's the plan towards catching these perpetrators?’ ‘Are there adequate resources and support for law enforcement agencies to handle these situations?’ These were the questions that we have drawn for the interview with the mayor. I placed the file on my table, switched on my laptop and started working on it. My office phone started ringing, it wasMrs Chloe. “Good morning ma'am.” “Morning Layla, I want you to report to my office with immediate effect.” “Okay ma'am.” I replied, I hibernated my laptop, and headed to her office. I knocked on her blurry almost transparent door, and she said ‘Come in.’ I entered her office. “Ma'am.” I said with a slight bow. “After careful consideration, the editors and I have decided to send someone else to interview the Mayor.” “Why ma'am?” I asked “We have another assignment, and I feel you're best for the interview.” She nodded her head positively as if affirming she made the right