Too Little, Too Late

Epilogue

Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

Aomi, Atlantica.

"...On tech and business, it has been confirmed that The Hexad would be pulling out of Atlantica by December 31st. Speaking in a press briefing in the early hours of this morning, Acting President of the company, Isabella Valentino, stated that the company's move out of the country was for greater good. The Hexad has been in crises since late November following the series of lawsuits filed against the company and the remaining members of the squad by former president and squad member, Ibrahim Fahad."

Ayra parked properly and then killed the car's engine, automatically turning off the radio. She leaned back in the seat and shut her eyes, breathing in and out and repeating her new mantra in her head as recommended by her therapist; that she was beautiful, brave, strong, capable of overcoming every obstacle life threw their way, and worthy enough of everything good.

She was able to repeat the mantra twice before her watch beeped, informing her that it was time to go. She opened her eyes, pulled down the driver seat's mirror and ensured she looked presentable enough before she put it back up. As she reached for her bag and file which sat on the passenger seat, her phone vibrated and she spared a minute to read the new text from Ibtihaj.

Ibty: You can do it! If they don't pick you, then something is wrong with their heads. You are more than fit for the job and if they disagree, I will bathe them with acid! But on a more serious note, love, you can do it. I believe in you and so do my sisters, Mummy, and Daddy. When you come back, let's go shopping. And just so you know, Adil is arriving next tomorrow. I'm happy! Oya bye, bye. Do well o!

Smiling, Ayra put the phone to sleep, grabbed her stuff and headed out of the car. Atlantica as a whole was cold and although she wore a coat over her teal green two piece jilbab she'd purchased a near month earlier from the same brand she was about to be interviewed by, she still shivered a little at the slight chill.

She locked the doors and made her way into the Japanese restaurant. According to the email she'd received, Ayneese's new headquarters still had some finishes that needed to be done so every interview was held outside it; something she didn't mind one bit.

The restaurant's interior was warm and Ayra sighed in relief which amused the female receptionist who asked "It's very cold outside, right?"

Ayra nodded, blushing due to mild embarrassment. "It is."

"We'll be alright...Do you have a reservation?"

Ayra nodded. "Yes. I'm supposed to meet with someone from Ayneese."

The female made a few clicks on her system. "Ayra Abdulaziz?"

"Yes."

"Your companion is waiting for you at Table 12. Immediately you walk in, take the right. It's the last table for two by the windows."

Committing the directions to memory, Ayra nodded and smiled appreciatively. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Do have a nice time."

"I will."

Stepping beyond the reception area, Ayra entered the wide eating space. As directed, she turned right and headed down the path, straight to the last table by the wide windows that gave a lovely view of a part of the Eastside district. A male sat with his back turned towards the door so she walked past his seat, to the other side of the table.

"Assalam Alaykum..."

He raised his head and the rest of the greeting died on Ayra's tongue. Her heart did a little flip while her stomach dipped. Surprise and disbelief held her captive and all she could do was gape at the man seated at the table.

Warm ivory skin; full hair; full brows; lashes that framed hazel-green eyes; a straight nose; a full beard; a warm smile; and a name she'd always remember. Just like the first time they met, he was in a thobe but this time it was black in colour with embroidery done in grey thread. Although she couldn't see, underneath the table, he was in crocs and they had jibbitzs; sunflowers instead of Leilanis.

Ayra finally found her voice. "A-Ayman?"

Ayman Hakeem Bello smiled wider, his hands together on his laps. "Waalaykum Salam Warahmatullah Wabarakatuh. Hello, Ayra. It's really lovely to meet you again."

THE END