Ziya

F I V E

ZIYA

It's funny how life works. Something happens to someone, yet the world doesn't stop. The person creating the wrongdoing doesn't care as long as they aren't caught and they get their benefits. The victim? Funny thing about being a victim. Some people believe you while majority think it's all an act.

Of course, I know life isn't rainbows and sunshine all the time, I mean I live in Britain for goodness sake. But I like to believe we are only dealt cards that God knows we can handle and snap back from.

When I was bought into the Carter household at the age of 6 I knew something wasn't right. I don't remember a lot from my earlier years. I think it has a lot to do with my brain trying to keep my memories safe, not tainted. Mr Carter was never nice. Never. He was always cold. Him and his son. Abel. But I'm not ready to delve into the trauma right now.

The diner door had me snapping out of my dreary thoughts. The man has his back to me as he shakes the water off his black umbrella. As soon as he turns, the air is knocked out of my lungs.

It's him.

The man with the beautiful face.

Snap out of it Ziya!

"Good evening sir, are you eating in or taking out?" I asked as he settled his large frame in front of the counter I am standing behind.

Yeesh, he's so tall. Was he always this tall? What if I shrunk?

"Eating in, love. Could I get a booth please? I'm meeting some people." His deep rumble had shivers running down my spine. There he goes calling me love again. Damn it, there go the butterflies again.

"Sure, right this way please." I mumbled with my cheeks blazing.

"Could I get you a drink to start off with?"

"A Kinder Bueno milkshake please, love."

"So you liked it? I knew it!" I giggled as I registered he ordered the milkshake I made him last time. "Would you like whipped cream again?"

"Surprise me, darling." He smiled in my direction. These pet names are making me feel giddy. What is happening right now?

I made his milkshake and added whipped cream because if you drink it without, I'm convinced you are a psycho. Just for a little flare, I added half a Kinder Bueno and sprinkled some grated chocolate on top. This should do.

"Your drink, sir. Would you like your food or do you need some more time?"

"I'll just wait for my friends, love. Thank you." He winked at me after taking a sip from his drink.

He. Just. Winked. At. Me.

Taking a deep breath, I raised my hands to my blazing cheeks and attempted to cover them. His low chuckle was heard from behind me and I grew even more red, as if it was possible.

Louis' kids should be coming in today, they said they wanted to see me. It has been so long since I've seen them.

A few minutes later, the diner door was whacked open and in walked 6 tall men. I recognised one as they walked over to the counter. Smiling warmly at the familiar face, I lead them over to the handsome stranger's table. I had to grab a few extra chairs to accommodate to all of them sitting comfortably.

"Welcome to Darla's. Here are your menus and when you're ready to order, call me over. My name is Ziya and I'll be your server for this evening." Handing out the menus, I turned away to stand behind the counter and wait for whenever they're ready.