Forgotten Souls

Chapter 6: Along Comes Jenny

The next morning as we were having breakfast, I decided to ask her about her past. I needed to know why she chose to work for me, because I was left completely puzzled at what I had found yesterday when I had researched her.

“Zaylee, why did you choose to work for me? I asked casually, hoping that she won’t be freaked out when I tell her the reason I am asking this.

“What do you mean why did I choose to work for you? I was in a bad place in my life, I was staying with you and I wanted to contribute. I needed a job and you offered one. It’s as easy as that.”

Her answer did not make sense to me at all and I could see she was slightly uncomfortable with me asking this because her gaze constantly shifted away from me and she was scratching in her food as if it was the most interesting meal she had ever seen. “No I get that Zay, I was just wondering because yesterday after you left work I decided to just do some research about you.. I know I maybe shouldn’t have done that, but I did and I was shocked at what I found.”

“Well what did you find Bray?” She looked nervous almost? She seemed to suddenly become demure as she stared at me expectantly. “I found that you have a bachelor’s degree in Theology. I found that you have a Diploma in nursing as well as photography. I found that you have been pursuing writing since you were a little girl. I also found your sublime referral letters as a Personal Assistant. You can become so many things, why settle for being my P.A. Zay? That’s all I was wondering.”

She seemed to be stunned for just a fraction of a moment before recomposing herself and answering eloquently. “I lost interest in  being a nurse, my novels didn’t sell so I couldn’t pursue that as a career, my camera was destroyed by my brother’s... friends if you can call them that. As for my degree in Theology, I use that to teach people about the Bible and that left me with being a personal assistant. As you have already noted, I am incredible at doing that so.. I’m happy doing that for the time being.”

“Wow Zay, so it was all true what I found? Here I thought you were just another girl, desperate for any job she could find, but you surprised me girl.” She flushed a deep red before standing up to gather the dishes. This girl is so innocent. I love how she doesn’t let my compliments get to her head. Angelique was beautiful, but she also knew that and used it to her advantage. Not Zaylee though, she is probably the most beautiful girl I have ever laid my eyes on and yet, she is so modest about her beauty.

We were just about to watch a movie together when I got a phone call. I excused myself and answered it once I was in my room. “Hello. Braydon speaking. How can I help?”

“Hi Braydon. It’s Jenny, I’m so sorry for losing contact with you. We blamed you for Angie’s death and it was wrong of us. I was wondering if you would want to have a cup of coffee with me today? I miss you. You were my friend too.”

“Wow Jenny, I would say you’re about two years late for the whole apology thing, don’t you think?”

“I know Brady, but I do want to make it up to you, please?”

I kept quiet for a moment, one part of me was dying to see old friends again. Jenny and I had known each other before I knew Angelique. We were close, but we drifted apart when Jenny developed romantic feelings for me that I didn’t share. I knew it would be good for me to start moving on from Angelique’s death,  but did I really need Jenny for that? I already had my Zaylee. She was what I needed to cope. I was really looking forward to spending the day with Zaylee.

“I don’t know Jen. I’m kind of already busy today..”

“Please Brady, I won’t keep you all day. I just miss you so much. I’ll see you at Mugg & Bean in about an hour alright? Kay, love you. See you soon!” She hung up before I could even get a word in. I guess I had to ditch Zaylee. I felt agitated and irritated at the nickname. She knew I only allowed for Angelique to call me Brady so why was she now calling me this?