Year 1990
The sun shone brightly, reflecting through the window. Layla lay in the tub, the water half covering her face. She sank into the water, her memories drifting to the painful parts of her life. Some minutes passed before she brought her face out of the water, immediately washing her skin.
She was soon done bathing and tied her body with a towel before finally walking out of the bathroom. She picked up a gown and tied her hair in a bun before heading to breakfast.
"We haven't been able to make sales these last few days," the two couples whispered.
"Honey, it's okay. I believe things will get better," Leo said
"But I owe the Vaughn's some money. They won't spare us," Maya replied.
"They won't probably be coming today, so you can spare your mind some trouble,"Leo said
"Morning, Aunt Maya. Morning, Uncle Leo," Layla said firmly, suddenly interrupting their discussion.
Aunt Maya smiled at her, patting her head slightly. "Go get the dishes. Let's eat."
Layla went to the kitchen, gathering plates and dropping them on the old wooden table.
Layla glanced at her aunt, as if discovering something. "Auntie, are you okay? You look pale today."
"It's nothing to worry about. I just caught a cold," Aunt Maya replied.
"You call it just a cold," Uncle Leo muttered.
Layla shifted, concerned. "Auntie, if you're feeling unwell, you can tell me. I can get you medicine from the pet store."
"Layla, I told you it's just a cold. I'll get better after a warm bath," Aunt Maya said.
Just then, a knock was heard at the door. Leo hesitantly flung the door open, revealing two heavily built men.
"Where is your wife, Leo Paxton?" the tallest one demanded, with a sneer on his lips. "She's been avoiding us. When she needs money, she asks for it, but can't return it on time. Take everything valuable here, including the car!"
"We will return the money. Please give us extra time," Uncle Leo pleaded.
"Look at this old fool, still asking for extra time. Let's gather his belongings, including his daughter," the man said.
"How about paying you tomorrow?" Uncle Leo said fearfully.
"Tomorrow, it is, then. And if I don't get it, I'll show you where people like you belong," the man threatened.
After they left, Leo slammed the door shut and retreated back to the dining room.
"Honey, who was that?" Aunt Maya asked.
"He's Daxen. He threatens to take all our properties if we don't pay his money back," Uncle Leo replied.
"I knew he would probably come today, but it's rather better than Vaughn coming," Aunt Maya said.
"You need to calm down. Your health is deteriorating," Uncle Leo said.
"My health is not important compared to the debt we owe people," Aunt Maya replied.
Layla gazed at them as they discussed. "Auntie, I could help by working as a maid in the pet store.
"Aunt Maya glared at her. "Don't ever think about that."
"But... it's a great plan for us to be able to pay him, and you can take a rest," Layla said.
"Get back up to your room, Layla. You don't need to bother yourself," Aunt Maya said.
Layla walked back to her room, slamming the door shut. She paced around the room, murmuring.
"I just wanted to help. Why does she seem so pissed off?"
She thought about something before jumping out of the window. Their house was a bungalow, so there was no possibility of getting hurt. She slid her leg over to the other side of the window, bringing out the other leg as well, before closing the window.Taking one last look at her home, she wandered off into the streets. It was filled with people, sellers chanting their goods for sale, and the road seemed crowded.
Aunt Maya has taken me to the pet store before. I think I can remember it clearly, she thought. She strode past different routes and turns, finally coming to a halt at an old, creaky store where humans usually buy medicine.
She entered, brushing the part of her hair that came to her face."Hello," she said.A young man with grey eyes appeared from behind, looking stunning, but Layla wasn't drawn to him.
"Are you the shopkeeper?" she asked.The young man seemed shocked by her question, chuckling lightly.
"What's so funny, young man? At a time like this, you should be busy," Layla said.
"And if I'm not?" he replied.
"I bet the manager isn't aware, or you'll probably get fired," Layla said.
He stared at her intently, amazed by her boldness, before a young boy of eighteen appeared.
"Mr. Damon, here's your medicine," the boy said.He extended his hand, collecting the medicine before exiting and entering a black Lamborghini parked outside.
"Is he not the shopkeeper?" Layla asked."No, he's not," the young man replied.
"Is there anything you need help with?" he asked.
"Umm... I stuttered. I'm Layla Paxton. I'll like to work here," she said.
"Layla Paxton, you say?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. When do you plan on resuming?"
"Am I not meant to meet with the manager first?" she asked.
"No, it's not necessary. You can go get changed," he said.
She walked past the doors, getting to the changing room before taking out a white and black gown and wearing it. She walked out of the room, exchanging glances with him.
"It looks good on you," he said.
"Thanks," Layla replied."
I'm Peter," he introduced.
"Okay," Layla said.
She picked up the rag by the corner, wiping clean the windows and the rack. When she was done, dawn had already set in.
"I'll get going," Layla said.
Peter nodded, waving bye at her. She waved back, running back home.
Thunder roared, glipping, as lightning struck. Rain started pouring heavily, and Layla stood, remembering the incident that transpired when she was younger. She squatted, clutching her hands tightly in the rain. People packed their goods, closing their shops, while Layla squatted.
"Layla," a voice shouted."Layla," he called out, but Layla had already fainted. Peter ran over to her, carrying her drenched body to an empty house. He lay her there, sitting beside her.
He removed his jacket, using it to cover her, and removed the straps of hair covering her face. He stood, glaring at the lady in front of him.
Night dawned, and the rain became heavier.
In Layla's home, Aunt Maya called Layla, but seemed to hear no response from her. She trudged up to her room to find an empty room.
She panicked, running to the living room. "Leo, Layla's nowhere to be found."
"Impossible. We saw her walk up to her room," Uncle Leo said.
"What if... the vampires have..." Aunt Maya started to say, but Uncle Leo stopped her."You have to be careful," he said. They both searched the house but couldn't find her. They entered the car, passing the lonely streets, looking for Layla.