Thursday, morning…
Things are a routine for me in these past ten years of being a mom. But I am happy to open my eyes every day to prepare my kid's meals and the things they need for school.
When I have gotten the kids off to school, my second routine begins at the company. It's a hard trying job where I deal with unending work-related issues of my ordinary daily life as a human citizen...
When at last the day ends. I smile as I look forward to going home, where Janus and Aisha await me.
"Miss Henderson?"
Our team leader calls me while peeping out between his door panels.
"Mr. Floyd?" I answered.
"Manager Jang requested you to go to his office to discuss some matters."
"All right, Mister Floyd, thank you." I thanked him. Before sipping up from my chair, I glance at a small compact mirror to ensure my appearance is presentable for my boss when he lectures me.
'Are you hoping to imitate that FL who distracts the male lead in all dramas with her beauty and flirting charm?
I suppress, not giggling at Luna's comment. She's learning human ways now, but we both know those were just in a drama, not actual life. Unless I'm one of those flirtatious secretaries that attempts to seduce a boss? But that's never to happen.
'Ah, what am I thinking?' Those secretaries must influence me as to how they throw glares each time we cross. Every day, they come to work like joining a Miss Universe, although it's not a Universal beauty pageant… but those pretty makeup, large or long earrings, beautiful necklaces, high heels, and red lips? They walked the aisle and hallways like they were on a fashion show.
'But most of them are not authentic, Priestess… you can make your own jewelry if you use your magic which is too easy for you. You can imitate designer clothes and bags like the original ones.'
'Luna, we're keeping a low profile. I don't need those jewels or fancy clothes to wear every day like I owned a Jewelry store and a Boutique.'
'But you could actually dig all the treasure and gemstones on this planet and live like a Queen or an Empress. You can actually make everyone kneel before you.'
'Luna? I'm a Priestess. My duty is offering a ritual and prayers, not hypnotizing mortals to be my slaves.'
Luna sighed. Her lady could have a comfortable life if she only used her magic. But she chooses an ordinary mortal life. She does not understand but can't contradict her choices as long as her lady is happy.
"Zel…"
My fellow team members looked at me with worried faces. I could tell they were wondering whether I made mistakes with my reports which had never happened before.
"But surely Manager Jang wouldn't scold you," said Amy.
"I did not do any crime as far as I remember." I joked and beamed.
"Manager Jang would not dare to when you are the VP's girlfriend!" Jacob exclaimed.
"What!?" my shocked reaction. "Where did you hear that humor?" I asked hysterically. With a huge question on my face, I looked at Kathy and Jacob, who glanced at each other.
"Um, it was what the gossip is circulating in the cafeteria, Miss Zelena. You were staying here for lunch, so you haven't heard it yet."
"I see. Is that an elevator incident? There is no meaning to it. Vice President Smith asked me to come so that someone can make him coffee during his meeting with Manager Jang." I don't want to explain myself. But I need to clear my name to my co-team members to stop their presumption about the gossip. At the least, they know the truth, and that's enough justification for my name. I know they would share it with other employees.
"So then, if that is true? Vice President Smith is really bossy, isn't he?"
Kathy reacted, to which I sighed in silence. People were simply for them to create gossip based on their beliefs and understanding. Some weighed the credibility of the issue, but most made things that interested them even if they were half true. Anyway, I intentionally fed Kath and Jacob's heads and accepted the gossip after today. So I hope they will stop bugging me with this Romance thing playing on mine.
I don't want issues that involve me that lead to having enemies among my Co-workers. I want a peaceful life and have no time for jealousy and envy. I interact less with the executive because of this kind of mindset among my Co-employees in the company.
All right. I was in front of Manager Jang's office, knocked on the door, and stepped inside. "Good afternoon, Manager Jang. You wished to see me?"
"Yes, Miss Henderson. It will only be quick. Vice President Shane requested you come for a site survey this weekend."
"Site survey? Where could that be? Outside the city or within?" It made me anxious that it would be a countryside site visit. I already have plans!
"It's in the countryside. The Chairman assigned the Vice President to study the proposal. So, Shane wants to see the place."
"Okay, but why me? Isn't the Research team assigned to accompany him?"
I heard Manager Jang heave a sigh. 'What was that for?' He has been acting strange lately.
"Miss Henderson. I know you are uncomfortable, and your Co-workers see you being together with your boss. But it is a work-related Miss Henderson."
It surprises me that Manager Jang cares about issues such as gossip in the company.
Anyway, since our new Vice President began working here, everyone has witnessed how Shane showed fondness toward me. But he probably only cares for the Vice President's reputation as a close friend and not for me, the employee.
"Manager Jang… truly is one thing of what I'm concerned about, but my reason is that I made plans already. I promised my children a weekend vacation in the countryside. Besides, is it to be a job by our planning team?"
"I reasoned to Shane, but he insisted." Manager Jang sighed. "Anyway, I will convince Shane to bring the other team instead. You may have a wonderful time with your children, Miss Henderson."
I don't know whether I should be surprised. Does Manager Jang show thoughtfulness toward me? Or did he care for his friend? Ah, whatever. I'm happy he did not force me and insisted that it was my job to follow my assigned work.
"All right. That's all. You can go back to your table now."
"Thank you, Manager Jang." I bowed, then left the office. I thought it would ruin my surprise for my children. Still, the force of luck is with me.
"So, what is it about? I was just informed about our work."
Mona asked me after I seated my chair. I responded with a smile to show that Manager Jang did not scold me.
"Oh, thank God. I'm starting to wonder how I could stand with you if they pointed out that you made a mistake, and Manager Jang scolds you!"
"Silly girl. Don't you ever do that, okay? You need to keep your job, so if ever that day comes? It's alright if you wouldn't voice out for me." I patted Mona's head. I didn't notice, but Mona was like a younger sister to me.
* * *
Time to go home…
What a day. Still, a struggle for me to maintain an ordinary life.
'Why don't you teleport or use a portal to go home? You need not take a bus or this train, you know.' Luna suggested.
I smiled to myself. 'I understand your concern, Luna. But I could not relate to these humans if I didn't feel their suffering and happiness at the same time. Look at her?' I studied the woman sitting across from me. 'She's a mother like me. Her work uniform says she works as a nurse. The curls on her forehead showing she's exhausted, but there is joy in her smile. The frequent peeks at the box of cake mean how she looks forward to seeing the person waiting for her at home.'
'And that young man over there. He looks depressed.' I glanced at the next bench. 'The frequent biting of his mouth shows he's suppressing crying. But when he raises his head and glances outside the window, gleams of hope stay in his eyes.'
'They're some of those who struggle but keep fighting every day. Inside this train, a few laugh aloud and laugh cheerfully.'
I fixed my gaze on a group of young people who got off the train at this station. They were bidding goodbye to each other and taking different directions.
'But when they were alone, they shed tears.' I went on. 'However, it is their way to lift the weight inside their chests. With that, they can face another day. All they just needed is a moment.' I shared with Luna what few things I witnessed about humans. I know she understood, as she was aware of my feelings and only worried about me.
I arrived at my stop and got off the train with big steps. I have to drop by to bakeshop and buy chocolate cupcakes for the kids. I have been spoiling them with sweets lately. Aelius likes sweet foods, and Janus shares the same cravings as his father.
'Priestess. Do you have plans to go back?'
'Are you talking about the Celestial Universe?'
'Yes.'
'I don't know, Luna. If the time comes, and we have to move out, I have to choose another planet that Janus and Aisha could freely use their power.'
Indeed, it was in my mind already. When Janus and Aisha come of age, they must train to control their energy. I must teach them soon. As of this planet does not the perfect place. I won't take a risk, as once the twin releases all of their energy... it might bring disaster to this planet. Right now, we can conceal it. But soon, they were uncontrollable.
'Let me know if I need to watch them closely. Also, I have learned a lot already about human behavior. I can assure you. I would behave around them.'
I smirked. I know that is only half true. But a time would come when I needed Luna to stay human to watch my children.
I was close to the apartment building when I spotted a yellow sports car and Mikael leaning on it while talking to my kids. So, I prayed that it was not something about trouble in school. My chest has this intuition...