Seventeen: My fate
A code? What code was that?
Ezekiel asked himself as he looked at Monalissa's motionless body that was lying on the floor. He balled his fists in anger. He was angry at her. She should have said so earlier. Why hide it?!
He stood, his mood dark. He looked at Kim, signalling him. Kim got the cue and turned the heater off.
The room's temperature came back to normal causing a wave of relief to spread on the hearts of Kim and the bodyguards. Ezekiel looked at Monalissa again. He noticed that there was a bracelet on her wrist. He didn't think much of it however he made a mental note to question her on it.
After he was done, he walked out of the room with Kim leading the way. They headed for the study at Ezekiel's command.
Ezekiel stood by his window with his hands in his pockets.
"Boss, there seems to be something about Master Christopher's death".
Ezekiel didn't reply. He just took out a stick of cigarette and lighted it. Taking in a deep draw from it, he looked at Kim.
"Kim, there's a code. How do we find the key to it?"
" It seems Miss Walls can say something in this. Maybe she can help us find it out ".
Ezekiel glared at him. "Are you saying that I seek help from the one who killed him? My enemy? "
" I'm sorry Boss if that seemed to offend you but I think Miss Walls can be a catalyst to this case".
Ezekiel took another draw. He looked at a certain distance.
"The Fords's party is the day after tomorrow. Prepare everything. Also, the enemy might be lurking around at that party".
" Yes Boss "
" Also, have Walker interrogated after she wakes".
" I understand boss".
" You may leave ".
Kim bowed and left. He slumped into the office seat that was there.
It was another morning at the factory. The sun was a bit bleak. It looked like it was going to rain. The young girl that lay on the bed finally stirred in her sleep letting out a groan that was laced with pain.
A soft sob was heard. This sound made Monalissa open her eyes. She was met with Hanabi's eyes clouded in tears.
"Mona? You're awake?"
"Why're you here?"
" Yes. You were quite injured when the men brought you back".
Monalissa nodded. That devil wasn't even merciful. He's the devil himself.
Hanabi nodded. " I believed that they will bring you back but I didn't expect that you would be in this state ".
Monalissa sighed. "You're just like a radar".
"I saw you leave with those men yesterday. From my window".
" What time is it? "
" That doesn't matter at the moment Mona. You're in a bad state. You should focus on your recovery ".
Monalissa sighed. "Hanabi, you shouldn't let yourself get into trouble while trying to help me. I really can't afford it if you're being punished ".
" I already prepared a bath for you", Hanabi said standing up. She ignored Monalissa's stubbornness.
"Hana, please. Ok?", Monalissa said almost pleading. Hanabi looked at her for a while. Tears brimmed the corners of her eyes. She turned away, muttering under her breath.
"Mona, why's he being like this towards you? What wrong did you do to receive all of this? He's too.....cruel!"
Monalissa sighed when she heard that. "Hana, you see, I'm not an entirely good person. I'm the kind of person you don't wanna get close to".
Hanabi shook her head."No you're not. Even if you were, you had your reasons. He's treating you like...shit!".
"That's okay Hana. I need to prepare".
"Yeah, sure", Hanabi said and walked to the bed to help her up.
"You don't just listen yeah?"
"You can hate me later". The two girls chuckled at Hanabi's words.
Hanabi helped her with her bath. It was quite painful. Monalissa bit down on the towel that was in the bathroom to avoid screaming. She didn't even know what to feel towards Ezekiel after all that he had said the previous night.
She had killed his brother. But, he also killed her family. The people that she had come to love. The ones she cared about the most. However, when she thought about it, it was his revenge on them. He was avenging his brother. But why did it feel so cruel?
A ball of tears rolled down her cheeks into the bath. She was a bit confused. He is the one that's in the right. She had no right to hate him but she did. She hated him for making her life so miserable; for making her live alone in this shameless world.
After Hanabi was done scrubbing and rinsing her, she helped her out of the bath and dried her up.
"Do you really have to work today?"
"It's the rules Hana. I can't slack off".
Hanabi sighed. "Let me fill in for you".
"No. I disagree. You don't have to".
Just when they were debating on the topic, a knock came on the door. The two girls looked at each other. Monalissa arched her brow while Hanabi stood and walked towards the door.
Taking in a deep breath, she pulled the doorknob and the door was opened.
"Ma'am", Hanabi blurted and gave a slight bow.
It was the female administrator from Monalissa's arrival at the factory.
"Is Miss Walls in?"
"Yes ma'am".
Hanabi made way and the woman walked in. Monalissa looked at her from head to toe. She stood up slowly and bowed.
"Miss Walls, you should prepare. The boss's men would be here soon".
Monalissa nearly fainted. Again?! She screamed in her head.
"Yes ma'am", she replied with an effort to control her outburst.
The woman left the room after she was done. Hanabi looked at Monalissa.
"Dear Mona, I hate it that this is happening. I can't even help out".
" Let it be Hana. I guess, this is my fate".