JULIAN OLIVAREZ
"You seem to be in a good mood lately,Julian." Alya's remark made me return my attention to her,in shock. I must have zoned out again,thinking of none other than Adrien.
I should get a hold of myself soon. I can't keep on losing concentration in the middle of meetings.
I'm a CEO for crying out loud.
I cleared my throat and straightened my posture,resting my hands on my laps instead of leaning in and resting my head on my fists.
"Uh! What gave me away?" I akwardly asked Alya,who was sat across my table,discussing stock rates and my schedule to me earlier on before I zoned out. Can't even recall a thing or two off those sheets she's holding.
"You're being smiley and clearly glowing. Your aura has also improved,I could be mistaken, but you sure do look like a man in love." Alya replied,her eyes glimmering with mischief and love,a warm smile plastered on her round,aged face.
She doubles as my personal assistant and secretary, but honestly, Alya is more than an employee but more of a friend and family than any of my blood relatives can ever be.
Alya is the only person I can sit down with and discuss literally anything and everything. She's a friend,mother figure, and companion. Her children and husband are lucky to have her in their lives. In fact,I'm blessed to have her around.
"It's nothing like that. I think I'm just excited about the way business is booming around here. I swear." I had to brush it off somehow,in attempt to bring myself to not spill the tea like I usually do whenever I'm around her.
"Even you can't believe your words,I bet. Business has always been booming, but you've never had this lovey-dovey look in your eyes before." Alya answered,folding her arms across her chest.
"Oh my God! You know me even better than I do myself. It's creepy,Alya!" I loudly gasped after being caught on my lie and literally called out.
"Haha, stop trying to change the topic,Julian. Who's the lucky girl? She better not mess with my boy or else I'll deal with her myself. Can't have a repeat of last time."
"I know,Alya. I'm aware that Mama Bear is available to protect me,her precious cub. But what makes you think it's a she? It could be anyone." I made it seem like I'm kidding, but deep down,my heart was ready to clench the moment she reacted badly.
I wanted to test the waters before I stepped in. I know that I will eventually have to tell her about Adrien somehow,probably soon. Many won't mind, but I do. Alya,as I said,is like a mother to me. Whatever I failed to achieve with my birth giver,she provided.
"O. M. G!!!!" Alya literally sat up from her seat and started jumping while screaming with glee. I honestly didn't see that reaction coming,matter of fact,I have never seen Alya so excited.
I got up from my seat and went to her,we may be in a soundproof room, but that doesn't guarantee the safety of my eardrums.
"So it's true? You found someone? Tell me,how are they to you?please-"
"How about you first relax and take a quick breather,then ask me one question at a time. You're old, for goodness sake!" I cut her off from her rant.
She stopped and re-composed herself,took a few deep breaths and then grabbed my hand and led me to the lobby area. She sat me down first and followed later with two glasses of water which she had poured from the dispenser.
"So,did you find someone new?" She asked slowly. I could swear I heard the punctuations with each word.
"I think I did,Alya." I replied with a smile,looking between her eyes to gauge her reaction.
She took her time,trying to wrap her mind around this topic,probably looking for the next question or how to take it.
She took a deep breath and held my hands in her tiny ones,looking at me with strong emotions in her eyes.
"To be honest,I think you have moved on so fast. Except of you're telling me that you didn't love Issa and were just attached. I'm not saying this to imply that I'm against your decision but have you thought it through,my boy?"
"I understand your stance Alya,I get it. It's not easy moving on and I won't say that I have completely forgotten about Issa. I haven't, but,after our separation,I realized that I was only attached to her. It wasn't love.
She was the first person to be my friend and she stayed. She listened to me and cared for me,something I was craving as a child who was starved from parental affection. I realized this after I self reflected,following my therapist's advice. Trust me,I think this person loves me and I'm ready to love them back." I maintained eye contact with Alya while telling her this,I needed her understanding and guidance as an elder.
"I had doubts about this person at first,we met on that day I called off my wedding to Issa. Our meeting was rather fortuitous,they gave off a comforting aura,their mere presence at that moment was rather soothing and calming. I never felt lonely or deserted while I was in their presence. We became friends and got to know each other more,I even met their brother last week. He's also a good man,you've met him. So please try to trust my judgement this once,please." Alya looked at me all the while with unshed tears,threatening to roll down her cheeks any time soon. The moment I completed my sentence,she let them fall,smiling through her tears.
Alya pulled me into her gentle,motherly arms and embraced me,passing on the emotions she couldn't put to words. I hugged her back,with equal enthusiasm,happy that she's happy for me.
It's rare to find people like Alya,especially hard in this day and age where people are selfish and spiteful. I held onto Alya like the gem she is until our mini crying session ended.
We pulled back and I grabbed the tissues from the table and gave her some,while I also wiped my face and nose.
"I haven't met this person but I'm glad they're making you feel this way. I'm glad you found someone who makes you feel loved and that you finally moved on. I hope for only the best in your relationship with them. If you ever feel more confident about them,please introduce me to them. I'd like to meet the person who's brought back joy in my sweet boy's eyes." Alya said between sniffs and hiccups.
"I'm also glad to have you in my life,I don't know if you're aware but I love you Alya,thank you very much for everything."
"I love you too,Julian. Mama bear loves you so much little cub. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything."
We hugged once more before we were interrupted by someone knocking at my door.
Alya stood up and left the office,while I returned to my seat. I never even once expected my day to turn out even more beautiful. I should definitely be more optimistic.
"Are you ignoring me?"