The world he had been thrust into proved much more complicated than Zoey had imagined, and, as she learned the hard way, the world he had been thrust into proved much more complicated than Zoey had imagined. It was exhausting being Lily's maid, but it was confusing. She hated seeing the family she worked for living such a lavish lifestyle, but couldn't help but notice the tension in the air. Everything around her had a secret, it was as if.
The morning in the estate was typical, Lily was already demanding her breakfast, lounging in her room. It was still a hard thing to get used to the spoiled way Lily treated everyone, but Zoey was used to it. It was never enough. What Zoey did (perfecting the breakfast eggs or arranging Lily's outfit for the day) no matter what it was it was always something.
But Zoey was starting to get used to this calm. She was always running around but it gave that sense of purpose. Today, however, the air was different.
The voices in the hall were what Zoey heard while cleaning the library. Alex Walker was Lily's fiancé. Zoey stood just out of sight and could hear snippets of their conversation, he was talking to Lily's father.
"How do you feel about the wedding preparations?" It was calm and authoritative, but his voice asked, Lily's father. "We're on track." It's all shaping up to be a very big event: guests, the venue."
He answered, yes, but... I think we need to start talking about Lily's future. "Not quite yet fully on board with everything, it seems."
Dealing with Alex's problems was difficult for Zoey since she had her own issues to handle. One of the biggest things was that Zoey felt relaxed around Alex's grandmother and saw Alex's family as he was. But, the moment she saw Alex and remembered her own family, she felt a shiver down her spine. She felt a strong urge not to see him again or look into his eyes.
'No, it just creeps me out,' she said returning to the shelves. When she attempted to ease the anxiety in her stomach by dusting shelves, her efforts bore little fruit as time progressed. Once that book too reached its place, she picked another. It was at this point where she saw Alex walk in.
"Zoey, I need your help," he told her, looking straight into her eyes the way she had never imagined.
Zoey was taken aback, she did not expect anyone to waltz in like that. "Yes Mr. Walker?" she spoke.
He hesitated. In the interim he made his way into the room and closed the door whilst shifting his focus to a specific shelf filled with books. It was an awkward scene and Zody had no choice but to wait meaning that she was forced to use much of her patience.
"Lily - I have something planned just for her," Alex unexpected announced as he looked up at Zoey. "It's nothing big... all I want are the books that she considers her favorite, but sadly I've no idea which corner they're stored in. Can you be of help?"
Zoey's heartrate intensified. She was taken back, not because of the request but rather that Alex came to her, and not anyone else, with such an an intimate matter. What was she going to do, why did Alex have to be so thoughtful? Who even was Alex? She wasn't too sure so she agreed anyway.
"Why wouldn't I?" I am going to help you, Zoey said heading for the book shelf where she wished to assist him.
She moved past him, and his eyes having a lingering effect on her head was enough to ensure her moments of self-awareness. She was noticed, yes, but never in the manner Alex intended. It was however quite opposite to how Others, including Lily, reacted when they saw her, giving off a sense of indifference and boredom.
It was something much more profound, perhaps even a little... beautiful.
As Zoey pulled the books out she turned to look at him. He must have been off a little because the look on his eyes changed when he noticed the books she was holding.
"Those are great," Alex told her as he took the books from her once again. "Thank you, Zoey. I will make sure Lily will enjoy this."
Zoey gave him a weak grin. "I am happy to assist."
But before she walked out the door, Alex reined her in. "Wait, can I ask you a question, Zoey?"
"Sure, what's it now, Mr. Walker? You again seem to be addressed the whole scheme of things with too much seriousness."
"Are you content that you are working in this place?" he asked with a softer voice this time. "Well, I know, it's not an easy job, but, are you at least satisfied?"
With regard to this, Zoey felt a little put off. Asked such a question was the last thing she had expected. For her this Dubai had been a journey and everything she had done for her in this city was purely work. But in that journey, she had never been again asked if she was content.
"I… am where I want to be," she managed to say in an almost composed voice. "It's my job and work comes with a burden although it may not be very ideal."
Alex seemed to log all the information he got and nodded his head with a gentle smile which he tried to erase thinking it would be inappropriate. "I appreciate your strength. I admire you Zoey."
Her cheeks were turned pale; nevertheless, or perhaps because of it, Zoey took the liberty to excuse herself from conversation. Closing the library doors behind her, she was perplexed by a multitude of mundane questions. Did this man mean what he says? Is there another level to what he said?
The remaining hours of the day elapsed in strength sapping inventories as all hope of a faster world was lost in her. Yet, something solid remained in her head: the strength of Alex and how there is always respect attached to it. It forced her to probe whether he meant to say that. Did he have more reasons for being nice than I understood?
With it, Alex and his love for the family came back to her mind. Preparing for the delicious dinner, Zoey found her space again. But the fears of the ensuing battle had begun to haunt her. The bond that Alex and she shared was changing but how, was the real question. There were strong indications that all this sufficed to add chaos into the mix.
Drenched in confusion and excitement, as the curtains closed on another day Alex still remained the center of her thoughts. Guessing whether there is more to her and Alex's relationship was a better pursuit than imaging things thousands of people had already lived. Activating passionate thoughts would lead nowhere.