The tale of Zayra [in Review]

09. A MYSTERIOUS YOUTH

||And slowly, the awareness
Mixed with a sweet certainty
"The universe is my fortress"||

Extraterrestre - Eugenio Finardi

×~×~×

I've been a part of this family for days, and the children adore me. I take them to daycare in the morning, and in the afternoon, we spend our time playing because their mom is at work. Every moment spent with them is a precious gift. When they're not around, I finally have some time to dedicate to my research and use my powers to try and contact Antony.

"I remember there's a four-hour time difference, so you can't call me at 2 PM. It's 10 AM here, remember?" I tell him in an annoyed tone. "Yes, sorry. Anyway, how's it going with your research? Have you found anything?" he asks. I shake my head in disappointment, so he suggests that I go to the library and see if I can find something there.

After ending the conversation with Antony, someone knocks on my door and enters the room. "Tomorrow, you have the day off," Giannette tells me. "Why?" I ask, surprised, but she remains silent. On Saturdays, the kids don't go to school, but their mom is at work. Who will be with them? I should be, but she told me I have the day off. I don't understand. I thank her and then rush off to play with the children.

×~×~×

It's 7:30 in the morning; I get ready, and by 8:30, I'm prepared. "Leaving now?" Giannette asks me. "Yes, I checked on the Internet, the library opens now, and if I walk, it should take about 15 minutes," I reply. "Okay, then, have a good read," she wishes me. Mhmm...

"Excuse me," I ask her, "but if you start at nine, who's going to look after the kids?" But I'm immediately interrupted by Declan and Raily. "Mom, when does Fedrick arrive?" they ask. Fedrick, who is he? Their dad? But they told me he was traveling. So, who is this guy? Then, the kids explain to me that Fedrick is their neighbor, and he's their babysitter who comes on Saturday mornings to take care of them.

"Yes, usually, I only work in the morning," their mother justifies herself, "but these days, I've had some office work to do, and thankfully, you were there with the kids. Anyway, I didn't inform Fedrick, so you can go out and find answers to your questions." She adds that he'll stay with them for a few days because she had promised Raily and Declan. I don't know what to say, so I mutter a quiet "okay." It's time to go. I say goodbye to everyone and leave.

I close the door behind me and, after just two steps, someone crashes into me. Two unbalanced weights lose their balance, so I fall to the ground, crushed by at least another seventy pounds. "Hey, can you see where you're going? Do you know that you're not supposed to run?" I say, attacking him. A male voice asks if I'm okay.

I open my eyes, and in front of me stands a tall, athletic figure. He has an average, slender build with broad shoulders and muscular arms. He has fair, smooth skin with a few freckles on his neck and cheeks. He has short, brown hair, with a rebellious strand falling over his forehead.

He's just shaved, I can tell from the scent of shaving cream emanating from him. It gives him a mature and virile look. He has dark and deep eyes, but his gaze is always hazy and indistinct. He has a straight nose and full lips, with an enigmatic and seductive smile. His ears are really small.

He wears a gold watch on his left wrist, indicating the exact time in every part of the world. He has a silver chain around his neck with a star-shaped pendant. He's a fascinating and mysterious character, who catches everyone's eye with his style and personality.

"Excuse me, did you get hurt?" he asks, offering me a hand. "No, I don't forgive you. You squashed me like meat in a butcher's shop. Listen, tall one, put on your glasses and stop running," I reply, very angrily and arrogantly.