As we walked out of the company, I could see the frustration written all over Rose's face. She needed something to relax her mind, and honestly, so did I. Thinking for a moment, an idea struck me, and my eyes brightened up.
"I know where to go!" I said, my sudden enthusiasm catching Rose off guard.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her confusion evident as I drove us to the quieter, more remote side of the city.
"The animal rescue center under my mother's name," I replied with a small smile.
My mother was a true animal lover. It wasn't just about puppies and kittens; she genuinely cared for all creatures, from the smallest domesticated pets to wild animals. She had started this rescue center to provide shelter and care for animals in need. This was something I had learned through my Aunt Mina, as I had no personal memories of my mother.
Aunt Mina never kept anything about my parents hidden from me. She always told me stories, painting a vivid picture of the kind of people they were. "You were very unfortunate to lose them so early, Lyla," she would say. "But I will show you, in every possible way, how great your parents were, so you never feel the emptiness of not knowing them."
Through her stories, I had come to understand my parents' passions, their dreams, and their love for life. My aunt had made sure that even though I couldn't grow up with them, I would feel their presence in my life through their legacy.
As I pulled into the rescue center, I couldn't help but feel a sense of connection. This place was a testament to my mother's love and compassion, and being here always made me feel closer to her.
The rescue center had changed its name to honor my mother after her passing—Jasmine Knight Rescue Centre and Wildlife Park.
"Wow, I never knew we had such a massive wildlife park in our city," Rose exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings.
"Well, it's primarily a rescue center for animals. They also shelter some endangered species here, but the park isn't open to the public," I explained, realizing why she had never heard of it before.
"Oh, then how can we go inside?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
I gave her a look of disbelief. "I just mentioned it's under my mother's name. Obviously, they'll let me in."
"Oh, yeah. I forgot that," she said with a sheepish grin.
"Come on, let me introduce you to my friends," I said, tugging her arm as I quickened my pace.
"Friends?" she echoed, confused.
"Yes, I have many friends here," I replied cryptically, not explaining further.
As we walked, a few employees glanced our way. They greeted us warmly, some engaging in brief small talk, but no one questioned our presence. I took the familiar path leading to an open area of the park where the animals were free to roam.
"Rain!" I suddenly shouted, making Rose jump in alarm.
"Lyla, what are you doing?" she asked, clearly confused.
"Just wait," I said with a mischievous grin.
Within seconds, a sleek black shadow darted toward me. Before I knew it, I was on the ground, laughing uncontrollably as a massive black panther pounced on me, nuzzling its face into my neck.
"How have you been, Rain?" I asked between laughs, stroking the panther's soft fur.
Rose's horrified scream interrupted our reunion. "Panther? Lyla?!"
I glanced up to see her standing frozen, her face pale, her hands trembling. Before I could say anything, Rain's ears twitched, and the big cat turned her sharp gaze toward Rose. Letting out a low, menacing growl, Rain moved swiftly, placing herself between me and Rose, her eyes narrowing.
Rose stumbled backward, panic evident in her every movement. "L-Lyla, do something!"
"Rain, stop it!" I called, placing a hand on her sleek black coat. "You're scaring my friend."
Rain turned to look at me, her golden eyes narrowing as if to say, Why are you calling her your friend?
"Aww, my possessive big cat," I cooed, stroking her head affectionately.
"Rose, let me introduce you to my friend," I said with a warm smile as I continued brushing Rain's sleek fur. The big cat let out a low, contented rumble, clearly enjoying the attention.
Rose's jaw dropped. "A jaguar... as a pet?"
I shook my head and laughed. "No, not a pet. Don't get confused. Rain is protected by the rescue center. I have visiting rights, and I often come here to play with her. She's more like my friend."
Rose looked at me in disbelief. "A friend? Lyla, most people have dogs or cats as friends, not a wild jaguar!"
I chuckled at her reaction. "Rain isn't just any jaguar. Her mother was the last animal my mom rescued herself before she passed away. After Rain's mother gave birth to her, I used to visit often. The rescue center allowed me to spend time with her, and over the years, we've formed a deep bond."
Rain nuzzled into me as if to confirm my words, her large amber eyes fixed on me with an expression that almost seemed affectionate.
Rose still looked unsure, keeping a cautious distance. "Well, she's... impressive. But are you sure she won't—"
"She won't hurt you," I reassured her. "She's just being protective. Rain can sense when someone is nervous or scared, so the best thing you can do is relax."
Rose gave a shaky laugh. "Relax? Easy for you to say when you're the jaguar whisperer!"
I smiled. "She's not as scary as she looks. Rain's just... unique, "
"The world of rich people is really quite different from us local folks," Rose said, her voice finally steadier as she calmed down.
I couldn't help but laugh at her words. "What do you mean by the world of rich people? This has nothing to do with money. It's just a bond I share with her."
She raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh sure, says the girl who can waltz into a private wildlife park because her name is on the owner's plaque."
I playfully glared at her as her sarcasm sunk in, and then we both burst into laughter.
"Come on," I said, gesturing toward the path ahead. "Let me show you my other friends."
Rose looked at me, half-amused and half-wary. "There are others? Who's next—a lion? Maybe a tiger?" she muttered under her breath, but I caught her words and smirked.
"Not exactly," I said, enjoying her reaction. "There are some smaller animals—rescued kittens, dogs, a pair of deer, and one very rare species of…well, some animals even I can't name. I just know they're adorable."
Rose raised an eyebrow skeptically. "You sure there aren't any more 'dangerous' surprises waiting for me?"
"Don't worry," I reassured her with a grin. "There aren't any more big cats or predators. Most of the animals here are gentle, and I love spending time with them. This place helps me relax when the outside world feels overwhelming."
"Alright, lead the way, Lyla," Rose said, rolling her eyes but smiling. "But if I see another big creature charging at me, I'm running straight out of here."