Alex looked down at her. Are you awake, he asked calmly.
Yes. She answered.
Then wake up already. Both of my arms and legs are numb. And why are you so heavy? Alex cried out.
Aiyana was pissed and pushed him back to help herself get up.
"Ahhh...My legs are crying in pain."Alex stands up with great difficulty. You didn't sleep yesterday, did you?"There was a slight concern in his voice that he tried to hide.
Forget it why should I tell you? And how dare you tease me when I was so low already? Aiyana screamed.
Fine fine. Finally, you seem okay. He signed with relief as they were already back to being themselves bickering out.
He again gets close to her and hugs her. I missed this side of you. I'm sorry. I should've told you the reason. Alex said as he closed his eyes and rest his head on Aiyana's shoulder.
Aiyana was trying to avoid the hug but ended up hugging him back.
But as you are already here would you like to send your work to Dyl...I mean the CEO. He pushed Aiyana back with his hand on her shoulder.
What? What do you mean? Aiyana asked nearly stuttering. I haven't prepared anything to present.
Oh, it's, okay just send your old works and you better visit him in PERSON. He makes sure to say that particular word loud and clear. He wanted her to go out and see the company whether fits her liking or not. It was good for a bit of scenery change as well as she always locked herself in her room, fixing her eyes on her computer.
He picked up some paper from his desk that he was checking before Aiyana came and gave them to her. I'll inform him of your arrival.
Best of luck. Now go.Byee.He pushed her out of his office and close the door.
Aiyana was dumbfounded. Yet she straightened her back and walked away.
"RYUU PUBLICATION". When she reached the company she read the company's name with a huge smile. I'm finally here but I'm nervous.
She shake her head a bit to clear her thoughts and entered.
Take a deep breath and out. She said to herself as she was closer to the CEO's cabin. She pushed the door and immediately closed it. The rash action was out of habit. She closed her eyes as she mumbled. You fool. Look what have you done. Relax, she took a long breath and softly knocked on the door 3 times. Excuse me, May I come in? Aiyana asked as politely as she could. But there wasn't any response.
M.R. CEO, May I come in? She asked again, a little louder than before as she thought he didn't hear her first attempt.
She slightly opened the door and get inside after hearing "Yeah come in". She was a bit uneasy when she saw him. He was drawn up and looking straight into her eyes suspiciously with his fingers crossing other.
Aiyana right? He asked coldly.
Ye..ahem Yes. How did you know? We haven't even met before. She fixed her gaze on him with doubtful eyes.
Here Alex send me your profile as he said you only brought your work. Seems like you have never had a proper interview hmmm..he smirk slightly as he showed his phone to Aiyana where her detail was written along with her photo.
Please sit. He added.
Aiyana was mortified for forgetting such a basic thing. Yet she acted as if nothing happened and smiled a little. She wasn't used to such things as she never really had to go through interviews. Sir, here are my works she hesitantly pushed the papers she brought.
I see. Dylan turned the pages and his eyes rapidly shifted from left to right as he read.
Not bad for a novice. You indeed are good as Alex said but ...
Bu...But what? Why are you quiet suddenly just spit it out and stop beating around the bush. Aiyana spoke inside her head.
Alex raised his eyes and gazed at her intensely like he just heard what Aiyana said. But of course, that's not possible. He said you lack manners.
What?! Manner?
She choked on her saliva. Pardon? She said.
Did you forget the way you barged inside my office a few minutes ago? He looked at her expecting an answer. His eyes followed her hands that were tapping on his desk.
Aiyana tried to avoid his gaze and replied, "Sorry for the bad manner. I didn't use to knock so my hands slipped out of habit . I'll make sure not to repeat the same mistake".
You may leave. Dylan raised his hand and swing it saying her to get out. Aiyana walked a few steps only to stop again from his call. She turned back and said, yes..!!Come and meet me at 10:00.Dylan said without looking at her.
Yes, sir Aiyana bows her head and makes her way out. She was super excited. She messaged Alex to share her happiness. Alex was a bit sad to leave her but at the same time like a good supportive friend, he was happy for her.
Aiyana heard a loud bang from the CEO's cabin but ignored it and happily walked away.
What was that smell? It's...
Dylan fell, his hand holding his head.
This smell...
.....AKANTHA.....
Noooo noo it can't be her. That's not her face but that fragrance. Aka...
He blacked out and when he opened his eyes he found himself on the top of the mountain. He was holding a sword and in front of him was a beautiful girl with a white robe slightly covered in black at the edges. They were in the middle of a duel. The mountain was filled with the sweet aroma of the lily of the valley.
The girl was smiling at him. He slowly approached her and suddenly the scene changed into a dreadful battlefield. He was barely keeping his head up as he kneeled with one leg, supporting his whole body with a sword. He saw the same girl fighting with monsters. Her beautiful white gown was covered in blood. He hardly stand up again and reached his hands towards her. She turned back and .....
Akantha...he opened his eyes as his hands were reaching out for someone in the space. He breathed heavily. He was gasping for air as his heartbeat was beating unusually. He checked his surrounding and realized he was in an infirmary.
Alex opened the door hearing Dylan's yell.
Dylan, are you alright? One of your workers called me and I brought you here. What happened? Did you have that vision again? He asked. His voice vibrated as he held his brother's hand.
Alex, I'm okay. Dylan took a breath of relief realizing that was just a dream. He was heavily sweating so he reached for a tissue near him and wiped it.
He signed and lay back in bed. Alex, he called him in a low voice.
Yes, I'm listening. Alex leaned forward to listen more clearly as he was speaking in a very low voice.
That girl you send what's her name again? Dylan asked trying to think of her name.
Aiyana!! Alex replied with a hint of confusion. Why are you asking about her at such a time?
Not a particular reason but how long have you known each other? He asked.
Well, we..Alex replied, "we've known each other since early. When we shifted from your house to our new house her house was next door.
That means you know her since you were five, right? Dylan said as he struggled to get up.
Alex nodded supporting his brother to get up.
Can you tell me more about her? Something related to her that is different from others or anything you know.Her family and all...
What's wrong with you suddenly? Why are you asking about her? You've never shown any interest in girls before that I thought you were gay. Alex chuckled as he said.
I felt her presence today. And for a bit of time, there was that incense when she suddenly opened the door. That friend of yours, that aroma...Dylan covered his face under his palm trying to retain his tears as he recalled the catastrophe Akantha brought.
What are you talking about? How can you feel her presence suddenly after so long? She's no more. Accept it and move on. You might be hallucinating things as the day is coming near. Maybe the aroma was from Aiyana's perfume. She is fond of perfume made from diverse blossoms. You rest for now and we will talk about it later. You don't seem to be in the right sense right now.
Alex left the room giving Dylan the space he needs.
How is it possible? She can't come back when we are this close to getting back to where we belong. That witch I'll never let her near Dylan again. And Aiyana she can't be her..she can't. Alex mumbled to himself as he make his way out of the infirmary.