It's been five (5) years since that event had happened. Ziva's memories of "that" day were crystal clear. She wanted to forget, but the world said otherwise. Whenever Ziva ventured outdoors, billboards with a larger-than-life picture of Tahir seemed to haunt her. Even at work in the local convenience store, she couldn't escape Tahir's presence; cardboard cutouts of him adorned the store, promoting the new soda called "refreshed," with his face plastered on the cans and bottles. And if that wasn't enough, he appeared on every television channel due to his new series, "Do you?" Ziva juggles 5 different jobs, and you might wonder, "Wasn't Ziva born with a silver spoon in her mouth?" Yes, she did live a wealthy life. "So why does she even bother to work?"
FLACKBACK
Scarlett was furious to discover that Ziva had been interacting with her guests. She clenched her fists and exclaimed, "I specifically told you not to engage with anyone at the event, and yet you not only disobeyed me but also spoke to the guest of honour, Tahir?!" As Scarlett moved closer to Ziva, Ziva backed away until her back hit the wall. "I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't mean to, but he kept engaging me in conversation even though--" Ziva was abruptly interrupted by Scarlett, who declared, "Don't you dare call me 'mother.' I'm not your mother. You've defied me twice today. Your disobedience deserves a harsher punishment than being sent to the darkroom!" With that being said, she grabbed Ziva by her wrist and pulled her outside. She then shoved her onto the floor and yelled, "Never set foot in this house until you've learned a thing or two. You're just like your father!" With that, she slammed the door shut. Ziva sat there, feeling lost and unsure of what to do. At just fourteen, there was only so much she could handle on her own. She lay down on the chilly grass, trying her best to drift off to sleep. She made a conscious decision to set aside her worries and troubles for another day.
As the moon descended and the sun ascended, Ziva stirred from her slumber. The chill of the damp, grassy ground had left her with a cold. It was a stark reminder of her stepmother's unwavering severity. Never before had her stepmother's words been empty, but the extent of her mercilessness was expected.
I was feeling stuck and frustrated. Scarlett's not budging, and I can't even apply for a job yet. Does this mean I have to turn to him? Never imagined I'd be in this position, but it looks like I have to swallow my pride and reach out for help. It's been 8 years since I last spoke to Father. Can you believe it? After he left, he didn't even try to reach out to me. I've been stuck with my stepmother and had to tolerate her "queen" behavior all this time. My father made her the person she is today by leaving her billions of dollars to ensure she never contacts him again. He is one of the richest men in multiple countries and is very well known. "Your father is so accomplished, why would he leave you behind?" Despite being a successful man, he was determined to have a son to inherit his business, and I wasn't the right gender. In his eyes, I was deemed worthless simply because I was a girl. His words to me before he left were,
"I'm gonna find someone who can take over my business. You're useless; since you're a female, I'll have to feed you and your future kids. There's nothing you could do to make me money unless you become a housewife but that'll be bad for my reputation. So, I'm leaving you with Scarlett. I don't care what she does to you nor what you do to her just don't ever contact me."
With that being said, he left. How self-centred, but I need his help, at least until I'm 17.
BACK TO THE PRESENT.
You may be wondering what happened after I reached out to my father. Well, here's what went down:
"Hello?"
"Who is this and what do you want?" That didn't sound like Father... he's usually more assertive... could this be an assistant?
"I'm a client of Mr. Robinson. I'd like to discuss business matters."
"Are you here to discuss the collaboration with X headquarters?"
"Uh, yes. I'm calling from X headquarters."
"Please hold. We'll connect you with Mr. Robinson."
"Okay."
"...go ahead."
"Hello, Father."
"I told you not to reach out to me."
"I had no other choice."
"Get to the point. I'm busy."
"I was hoping you could mentor me until I can start working. I'll leave as soon as I'm legally able to."
"This is not my concern."
"It actually is. You're the reason Mother committed suicide. If you hadn't cheated on her, I wouldn't have to be speaking with you at the moment."
"Are you attempting to blackmail me? If so, I must inform you that it will not be effective, Ziva."
"Haha... You are quite amusing, father. I made a statement, which implies that it is factual. Are you admitting guilt?"
"You are quite insolent, my child. Very well, I will take you under my wing, but do not anticipate being provided for."
"Do not concern yourself; I never anticipated any such generosity from an individual such as yourself."
"Haha. It seems you are just like your mother. I will send you the address. Follow the guards upon your arrival."
"Hm," I uttered as I disconnected the call.
Back to the Present
Since then, I've been residing in my father's affluent household with his wife and kids. There's a stepsister my age, and she's a lot like Scarlett. I'm currently 17, soon to be 18, in October, I'm already working, but I plan to stay until my father asks me to leave. By then, I'll have saved enough money to rent an apartment.
Ziva lay on her bed, determined to finish her story for submission to her boss for consideration as a potential movie. Suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Who could it be? Was it time for her to move out? This was unusual - they never talked to her or knocked on her door. The mystery of the unexpected visitor left her wondering what they could possibly want.
To be continued...
(Hello, I'd like to apologize for the delay. My iPad charger broke so writing the chapter on my phone was a bit harder than I thought. Because the iPad is bigger and has helpful features it was quicker for me to upload as for the phone the wifi is really weak on the phone and it keeps lagging. Thank you for understanding and waiting.)
