DISTANT

Chapter 32

"Camila, get back here and finish your food!" Said Zayna as she watched the child run around Burger King.

Mateo was busy sitting on Ashton's lap as he played with his fries.

"Leave her alone, Zayna. Let her do as she wants." Said Ashton as he took a sip from his drink.

Ignoring him, she got up from her seat and marched to where the young girl was. Camila was busy talking to an elderly couple but before she could finish her sentence, Zayna snatched her and carried her back to their table but not without apologising to the glaring couple.

Camila happily sat on her lap and took a large bite from her burger leaving her mouth covered in tomato sauce.

"It's almost time for them to go." Said Zayna as she glanced at her watch.

"Don't worry about it. I'll drop you guys off at your place." He said, giving her a smile.

"No Ashton it's alright. You already did this for them."

"Don't argue with me. Besides they seem tired and you can't carry two kids buy yourself."

"Fine, thank you."

They locked eyes and neither of them broke contact until Ashton felt something hit his nose.
On his lap he saw a fry and Camila laughing at him.

"I think we should go." Said Zayna while stiffling her laughter.

"Good idea."

Together, Ashton picked up Mateo as Zayna had Camila sitting on her hip as they walked out of the restaurant. Once they reached his red Audi A3, Ashton placed Mateo at the back as well as Camila.
Once in the car, Zayna instructed the children to put on their seat belt.

As he started the car the song Come Together by Bar ft. Roxy played. The children began jumping in their seats and dancing on the beat of the music. Zayna and Ashton looked at each other before laughing. In the end all four of them were singing and bouncing to the music.

********

"Ashton, careful you'll wake up Mateo." Hissed Zayna as he sent her an apologetic smile.

"What floor?" Asked Ashton once they were in the elevator.

"Sixth." She whispered.

Zayna gently brushed away Camila's hair from her face as we changed her position into a more comfortable one.

They heard the ding and walked until they arrived at apartment 738.

"Just be careful when you walk in. I forgot to pick up their toys."

Laughing, Ashton stood against the wall until the door was unlocked.

"SURPRISE!!!!!!"

Shocked, she scanned her living room that was now surround by friends and family.

"What the hell?!" Yelled Zayna smiling.

Camila and Mateo began to cry, but thankfully Emily and Drew took them into the guest bedroom to calm their children.

"You guys this is so sweet." Said Zayna as she hugged her mom.

"Anything for my step-daughter." Said Ricardo when she hugged him.

"It's your birthday?" Asked Ashton, shocked.

"Uh duh." Said Davina. She ran over and gave her best friend a hug.

"Well damn." Sighed Ashton, not knowing what to do. He quickly thought of something to give her. "Happy birthday." He gave her a lingering soft kiss on her cheek catching her as well as her family off guard.

"Thank you?" She replied as she blushed.

Awkwardly, Charlie cleared his throat and announced, "Go and get ready you guys. We're going clubbing!"

"Wait, what about Camila and Mateo?" She asked as Zenobia was already dragging her to her room.

"Mom and Ricardo are watching them so - -"

Before he could finish, Zenobia slammed the door shut.
Throwing her in her desk chair, Zayna rolled back until she hit the wall.

"Time to fix your face!" Exclaimed Zenobia as Davina grabbed Zayna's cosmetic bag while Emily had the hairspray.

********

"Oh damn." Said Zayna shocked as she stared into the mirror.

"You look hot." Shrieked Zenobia as she checked her out

"Oh damn." She repeated

She just couldn't believe that this was the same girl from a few hours ago.

She had dark smokey eyes with a bit of concelar and bright red, glassy lips. Her long hair was straightened to perfection.
After school she traded her red streeks for copper which complimented her dark brown hair beautifully.

She wore black skinny jeans with red stilettos and a black crop top, that looked more like a bra, paired with her black leather jacket.
She glanced down at her stomach as she saw scars, from a few years ago, that ran in all different directions. She pulled the jacket around her as she tried to hide them.

"Zenobia, you are stupid. I can't go out wearing this!" She said as she tried I walk to her bed.

"Yes you are because we're leaving now now."

Zenobia wore a tight fitting black sleeveless dress with black heels and had curled her hair.

"Check it, Ashton is going to drool once he sees you." Emily said as she did her make up.

"I don't want him to be another Clayton, man. I don't like him like that."

"Okay Zayna," she said fed up. She turned around and faced her friend, "You need to let loose tonight. For hell's sake it's your birthday! Quit being so stiff! This is your day make the best of it!"

Without thinking, Zayna threw a pillow at Zenobia, hitting her smack in the face.

"Let's go."