Rian's world
1028 Words
"Zanaya? My favorite daughter returns!" Zanaya's mother, Isabella, exclaimed joyfully.
Zanaya couldn't help but roll her eyes at her mother's remark. "Mom, you can't play favorites. I'm your only daughter!"
Isabella laughed, her tinkling laughter joined by Zanaya's father, Rafael, who was sipping tea in the living room.
Yes, at thirty-three years old, she still lived with her parents. Since her work often took her across the globe, maintaining a permanent residence seemed unnecessary – especially with Rian in her life.
"How was the mission, mija?" Rafael inquired.
"Um." Zanaya set her bag down. "It was a counter-narcotics operation. Pretty routine."
"You didn't take any bullets, did you, sweetie?" Rafael studied her with concern.
Zanaya smirked. "I wouldn't be here if I had."
"That's my girl," Isabella remarked proudly. She settled beside Rafael. "Why don't you join us for tea?"
"I–" Zanaya paused. "I think I'll go see Rian first."
"Is something bothering you, Zanaya?" Isabella frowned. "You seem...preoccupied?"
Zanaya had already started toward the staircase. She halted, considering whether to tell her parents about Enzo.
The Andresson and Vega families had once been close friends and business partners. But Enzo's disappearance a decade ago had created a rift, with the Vegas blaming the Andressons for betraying their trust.
It wasn't just them, though. Back then, Zanaya had sensed Enzo's mother growing distant toward her. It had felt as if his mother blamed her instead.
Years of friendship had dissolved because Zanaya's older brother had uncovered evidence suggesting the Andressons concealed their son's whereabouts. So given that history, was it wise to reopen old wounds?
She didn't think so. Thus, she replied, "Nothing, Mom. I'm just tired."
"Then get some rest, mija," Rafael said gently. "Your mother and I will enjoy our alone time."
Her parents giggled, and Zanaya choked back a groan. She knew exactly what that meant – her senior citizen parents still maintained an active intimate life!
She fled up the stairs, first peeking in on Rian. It was the weekend, so he was out of school. The young boy slumbered soundly, and Zanaya retreated to her room for a shower and change of clothes. Afterward, she called her fiancé, Rafe, to let him know she'd returned safely.
Rafe was away on business, so she intended to spend quality time with her son. She headed back to Rian's room shortly after.
Finding him awake, Zanaya called out, "Hey there!"
The boy turned toward her voice, his face lighting up. "Mommy! You're back!"
Zanaya was no sentimental sap. Oh no, not her. But seeing her son – and how much he resembled the man from earlier – brought tears stinging her eyes.
A decade ago, she had given herself to Enzo. She had lost her innocence, but that union had gifted her with Rian.
Since Enzo had vanished and the rift had formed between their families, no one beyond the Vegas knew about Rian's existence.
Zanaya had given birth at a private clinic. Her family had homeschooled Rian for the first few years before finally allowing him to enroll in a regular school once they were certain the Andressons were no longer monitoring them and all business ties had been severed.
"Hey, Mom. Why are you crying? Did you get hurt arresting bad guys?" Rian asked, brow furrowed with concern.
"No, Rian." Zanaya quickly shook her head, blinking back her tears. "I just missed you."
Rian hugged her tightly. "I missed you too, Mom. Can you take a break from Crimson Talon? Will you practice martial arts with me after school?"
Zanaya chuckled. "Sure, kiddo. But you know, any of your uncles could teach you martial arts too."
"I know. But I want to learn from you!" Rian insisted adamantly.
"Okay, okay! It'll be better if you learn from the best, anyway." Zanaya winked conspiratorially.
For the first hour, Zanaya and Rian played video games, followed by dinner and a movie. It was supposed to be an adventure flick, but it centered on a father and son overcoming obstacles together. The film likely reminded Rian of his own absent father, prompting him to ask, "Mom? Is my real dad still missing?"
Zanaya tensed at her son's question. Should she tell him about Enzo now? She didn't know what to do, needing time to weigh her options carefully.
She swallowed hard. "Yes, Rian. He is still...missing."
That night, Zanaya remained by Rian's side. She stayed awake for hours, acknowledging the void left by his lack of a father figure. 'Should I introduce him to Enzo? Or maybe Rafe and I should get married. I can't stay single forever,' she mused.
Sunlight filtering through the window roused Zanaya the next morning. She winced, finding Rian clutching her tightly as her phone rang. She answered hastily, hoping not to wake him.
"Captain Zanaya Vega speaking."
"Captain Vega, this is Command Sergeant Major Ramirez. I need you to report to Fort Hawthorn Military Base this Wednesday," the officer stated. "You've been called for active duty deployment."
"Active duty? If I may ask, Sergeant Major, what's the nature of the deployment?" She frowned. "I just completed my monthly service rotation at Riverton–"
"Captain, you know that even as a part-time National Guard member, you can be called up at any time," the sergeant major reminded her firmly. "For now, I can only say the details are classified. You know the protocols."
"Yes, of course, Sergeant Major. My apologies. I'll be there Wednesday." Zanaya acknowledged reluctantly.
"And Miss Vega," the officer added, "Prepare for an extended assignment. You may need to put your civilian job on hold. Inform your family, as we're uncertain of this covert op's duration."
After the call ended, Zanaya fell silent, dismayed that she'd be leaving again so soon on a mission of unknown length. She turned to Rian, regret welling within her at having to abandon him.
"What in the world could this secret mission entail?" she muttered under her breath. "On the bright side, this might help me figure out what to do about Enzo...maybe even stop me from thinking about him altogether."
At least, that's what Zanaya thought until Wednesday arrived.
- Writer
