I roam my eyes around the beautiful room that is now under my care. It kind of bummed me that it is not connected to Mom’s room but she is just in front of me. I can burst in anytime.
“What things would you need? Would you need to go back to your old house to get things?” Colby asked me.
My face scrunched as I try to think if I have anything important in my old house. I am thinking of saying a proper goodbye to my work at least. But I still want to continue my studies.
“I don’t think I need to get anything except maybe my clothes.” I hesitantly said.
“Don’t mind the clothes, sis. You have a walk-in closet here, a jacuzzi, a fireplace, and a bar. Name it, I’ll get it.” he winked.
“It’s starting to sound like you are bragging about your status, dear little brother.” I said as I raise my left eyebrow at him. He laughed and raised his hands in defeat. I laughed a little.
“I would need to properly leave my work so they can find a replacement. And I would really like to continue my studies. I’m almost finishing college.” My hands are gliding on the leather couch.
“Noted on that. Would you like me to transfer you to my school?” Colby offered. But I shook my head.
“I’m just one semester away from graduating. I think I’ll just stick it through.” I smiled.
“I’ll start to look for a job once I settled my previous work.” I am thinking maybe I can serve in the restaurant upstairs.
“Uhm, about that sis.” Uh-oh. Here comes the price of the luxury life I have just been presented with.
“I already have a job for you in our, uh, humble company.” Colby showed me his big grin.
“What job? Please Colby, you know I am clumsy as hell. I can’t do your spy business.” I rattled. I don’t think I can handle that. He instead laughed at my description.
“No. No. Of course, I won’t put you there. That’s dangerous. But I know you will do something more, behind the scenes.” I am getting tired of his winks.
“Alright! Don’t think of it too much for now. I will tell you the details once you have settled. But take your time and get rest for tonight. Here’s the key to your room, mine and Mom’s. I don’t advise you to suddenly burst in my room but you can always do that in Mom’s room.”
He handed me the keys and pulled me into a tight hug. I hugged him back. Inhaled all his manly perfume and remember the shape of his body. He let go and kissed my forehead. At that moment, my feelings are welling up and I am forcing myself not to cry.
“I missed you so much, Leilah. I am beyond happy you are here.” He whispered as we pressed our foreheads together.
“I never thought I could see you and Mom again. Thank goodness.” My tears raced down my cheek. Happy is an understatement.
He bid me goodnight and closed the door behind him.
I toured the rooms once again and inspected all the furniture. I found the walk-in closet Colby was talking about. It has a lot of varieties of clothing, all of them with brands I can’t even pronounce. Believe me, I tried.
I went to the bathroom., which is connected to the closet and my bedroom I figured I could fancy a nice shower before going to bed. It took me a minute to find which bottle should I use for my hair and which one is for the body. I have liquid and bar soaps, different kinds of body scrub, three different types of toothbrushes, and a cabinet full of towels and robes.
I have a bathtub and a shower. I took my time in choosing which one should I try first. I went inside the shower and screamed as the hot water almost burned my skin. I learned to adjust it to the right temperature.
After that steamy wash, I grabbed a robe and choose a dark red sleepwear set. It’s made of silk and laces, my hands gliding on it as I wear it. I wonder if sleeping in one of these can relieve my insomnia. Before I went to bed, I opened the balcony door in my bedroom to see the view outside.
I felt like at the top of the world. Being able to see my mother alive and my brother in the best situation I could ever wish for, I feel like I would be able to offer my life just to make sure everything will stay as it is.
I closed my eyes and felt the wind touch my face. I held on tightly to the railings as I listen to the silent lull of the nighttime city below. I am feeling the fatigue leave my body when I sensed that something is staring at me.
I opened my eyes and looked at where the sense was coming from. On the other end of the building with the same balcony, a man in a robe is holding a glass of what seemed like alcohol. He is leaning on his railing with his back facing the view, staring sternly at me. He didn’t look away even though he knows I am already looking at him. I can’t see him clearly, but he has broad shoulders and dark ruffled hair.
We stared at each other for a good minute before he raised his glass towards me, stood up, and went inside his room. If I remember correctly, that is Colby’s adoptive brother’s room. I guess I’ll ask Cols tomorrow. I’ll call it night for now.
I went to my work the following day to let them know that I would be leaving. I apologized for such short notice. They said they understand and that since I was only working part-time, it won’t be much of a problem.
I also went back to my old house, I talked to the landlady that I will be evacuating the unit and that all items are free to go wherever they deemed fit. I already checked it and got all the things I would be needing. I settled my last payments as well, my water bill and electricity. Colby handed me cash over breakfast earlier.
Now, my old life is cleared, I guess I am ready to take on something new. I bought myself a new phone and a laptop. I figured I might need these since Colby has set me up for a job already.
“Hey Cols, I’m done for today. I’ll be going to class now. See you later!” I told him on the phone.
“Alright! I’ll fetch you. What time would you come out?” he asked.
“Pick me up at six. I’ll text you the address.” I called on a trike so I would not be walking to school.
“I know where you study, sis. See ya!” He dropped the call before I could even protest. I guess I should’ve known better.
The day went as quietly as possible. Final exams are just around the corner and everyone is cramming to meet deadlines. Studying in a community college is tough. The facilities are almost always incomplete and some teachers always shove the reality to our faces that we are here because of charity. People can be mean.
When I was walking towards the gate, people are gathering outside. It’s very rare you get to see people group up like that here, something must be happening. I am not a nosey person, but something is telling me to have a peep.
A bright red car is parked across our school gate. People are whispering questions and admirations for the car and the owner of it as he seems to be well off.
“A sugar daddy, perhaps?” I heard someone say.
“He doesn’t look that old to be a sugar daddy. Maybe a hooker’s client.” They giggled.
The car owner waved at me from inside his car.
“Leilah!” Colby’s grin sent squeals from the girls watching him. At the moment, I really want to bury my face underground.
I get into the car and we drove away. I scolded him to never do that again. I am trying to maintain my peaceful life for as long as possible. He just laughed.
We went to a different hotel. This time, the restaurant is on the 13th floor. Although a different hotel, the vibe is identical to Colby’s. We went directly to the farthest seat.
“Blake!” Colby called and a man in a navy blue hoodie looked back. “Have a seat, Leilah.”
Colby assisted me in the seat in front of this Blake guy while he took the seat beside him. There were folders on the table and Blake is drinking wine.
“Leilah, this is my adoptive brother, Blake Valentino. Blake, this is my biological sister, Leilah Rivera.” Colby introduced us. Blake reached out his hand.
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Rivera.” His voice is sultry and wispy. It sounded like sea waves crashing inside my ears.
“Please call me Leilah. Nice meeting you too.” I shook his hand. He held mine firmly, looked in my eyes with his gray eyes, and smiled.
“Sure, Leilah. You can call me Blake. I am looking forward to working with you.”
Aksara