It's been a month since Alynah became the chief creative director (CCD) , her hardwork has truly paid off. She led the team with grace and visions. The studio flourished under her guidance. She promoted inspirations and experimentations and pushed boundaries, leading and mentoring interns, therefore attracting top brands and coveted clients.
She paused and looked back, it wasn't so long she was an intern and now, she's the one mentoring others, that's life.
As she worked hard in creating various excellent designs, Alynah's name always appeared in the top of business publications and she soon became the sought-after speaker in top industry conferences, yet she remained humble and always willing to help others.
•••Mesquite Neighborhood•••
One particular night, Alynah was having dinner with Betty and Tulip when Betty's phone rang. Betty paused and picked up the call.
After a while, Betty dropped the phone, her eyes misty with tears.
"What's wrong?" Alynah asked, noticing her dimmed expression.
"Grandma Alessia, she's dead" Betty sobbed.
"Oh my goodness...I.. I'm so sorry for the loss Betty" Alynah stuttered.
"I'll be leaving for Alaska tomorrow" Betty stated and Alynah gulped.
"Sure"
"Will you be fine with Tulip?" Betty asked, her voice etched with concern.
"Yes, I will" Alynah assured.
"I'll be back as soon as I can" Betty said and Alynah nodded.
"Mummy, is Aunty Betty leaving?" Tulip pouted.
"Yes baby, for the mean time but she'll be back for you" Alynah comforted, stroking her hair.
"I'll miss you, Aunty Betty" Tulip hugged her.
"Me too dearie" Betty reciprocated.
The next day, Alynah dressed up for work while Betty dressed Tulip up. She also packed her stuffs and dressed up, they all left together.
Alynah dropped Tulip at school before leaving for work, promising to come and pick her up on time.
~~GSG Org~~
Alynah's new office is in the 40th floor. It's simply exquisite and grand with glass wall, a large flower portrait, a soft couch by the left, a small refrigerator and everything needed in an office.
She went to see her team members before going to her office.
"Our Golden Sparrow is here!" Kylie and Lux beamed.
"Hey girls!" Alynah beamed.
"How're you Aly?"
"Fine fine, miss Ky-rett" Alynah answered.
"Ky-rett?" Kylie asked in confusion
"Kylie and Brett, Ky-rett" Alynah explained and Kylie blushed.
"Awwwwn she's blushing"
"He's here" lux announced.
"Hey B2" Brett beamed while Kylie glared.
"C'mon baby girl, what have I done wrong?" Brett asked.
"Brett just let me be please" Kylie said tiredly.
"And you think I'll let you be? I love annoying you" Brett cooed, stroking her hard and she looked up, blushing.
"I have something to tell you but since you're mad at me, fine" Brett winked.
"What now?" She asked.
"You're mad at me, fine" Brett said hurtfully.
"No no I'm sorry" Kylie apologized softly and he smirked.
"I know I'm irresistible" he said boastfully.
"Yeah whatever, what do you have to tell me?" Kylie asked with an eye roll.
"Not now, see yah later" he winked and sat on his desk.
~~~•••~~~
Alynah glanced at her wrist watch, it's almost 12pm, time to pick Tulip from school.
Darn it! How will she leave this territory.
Definitely, she'll have to ask Mr Hart for permission.
She sighed and stood up and left. She met Velvet at the hallway.
"What now, red cockroach?" Alynah crossed her arms and asked.
"Don't think as if you've succeeded cause you didn't" Velvet snapped.
"Jealous operating Manager, that's a great job. You need to know that there's nothing that can hinder my success as far as I am concerned" Alynah glared at her and walked away, pissing her off.
Alynah went to ask Mr Hart's permission and she was really shocked at his easy acceptance. He easily agreed without much queries which Alynah tagged as 'suspicious'.
~Twilight Elementary School~
The big bell rang and kids rushed out if their classes, screaming excitedly.
"Mummy!" Tulip yelled and ran into her mother's embrace. Alynah picked her up and pecked her cheeks.
"How was your day baby? Bullied?" Alynah asked.
"No mummy, I'm fine" Tulip beamed.
"Let's go then"
"Home?" Tulip asked.
"Nop, office"
GSG Org
Alynah and Tulip stood in front of the large glass building and Alynah crouched down to Tulip's level.
"Look here Tulip, this place is not for kids. Behave yourself and do as I say"
"Yes mummy"
"Good. Do not call me mummy here. Call me Aunty Aly" Alynah warned strictly.
"Whyyy?" Tulip whined.
"Just do it, here you call me Aunty Aly, at home you call me mummy" Tulip was reluctant at first but still nodded cutely.
As Alynah and Tulip ascended the stairs every passerby will turn to stare at Tulip.
Tulip is so attractive, naturally beautiful so, you won't get enough of staring at her.
Thy reached the elevator and they got it.
First, they went to the 10th floor since Lux and Kylie are dying to meet Tulip.
"OMG! Is that Tulip?!" Lux squealed as she crouched to her level.
"Awwwwn such a cutie! How're you darling?" Kylie joined.
"I'm fine, good day aunties" Tulip beamed with a smile.
The duo almost melted seeing her warm smile.
"Who do we have here?" Brett asked.
"That's my daughter" Kylie aid teasingly
"Lying doesn't fit you, young lady" he snapped.
"Yeah whatever"
"Good day uncle" Tulip greeted.
"How are you cutie?" Brett cupped her cheeks softly.
"I'm fine"
"Your sister?" Brett asked Alynah
"Yes"
"C'mon Tulip, let's go" Alynah held Tulip's hand and they left.
At Alynah's office, Alynah was busy with her laptop when Evan walked in. He was surprised to see Tulip but didn't say anything.
"Miss Grayling, Mr Hart requires your presence in his office" he stated and left.
"Stay here Tulip, don't go anywhere"
"Okay mummy" Alynah shot her a stare and left.
Unbeknownst to her, as she left Tulip tiptoed out of the office and ran off.