CHAPTER 06 : WORRIES
1637 Words
"Auntie?!" Julie called reaching the ward.
Shino's mother stood upon seeing her. Weariness is visible on her face and expression.
"You've come Julie," she said
"What happened Auntie?" she immediately ran towards the hospital upon seeing the message.
She received the message that Shino had an unexpected attack after an encounter with the CEO. It almost blew up her mind upon reading it, she was supposed to take care of his cousin but got himself in trouble without her knowing.
"Don't worry, it was only a mild attack. The CEO brought him safely here and maybe in a short while, he'll wake up," she said
But Julie's eyes widened mentioning the CEO, "Mr. Jack brought him here? But how come?"
"I don't know the details either but he said that they were only talking when Shino got an attack," she answered, saying the understanding she got from Daylan
Julie nodded, "I'm sorry Auntie that I was not there for Shino when this happened." she apologized sincerely
Rhian softened and smiled, "Don't be. This is something that can't be avoided now that he decided to face the world even though he is not yet fully healed."
Julie hangs her head low from the sensitive topic. "Is it even possible for him to overcome it Auntie?" she asked
Rhian sat beside the bed again and took Shino's hand, "We've taken a lot of psychiatric sessions and treatments but it was still coming back."
"And I am not even sure if he can look at people's eyes ever again," she said in a tone of grief.
Julie stared at Shino's tranquil face, he is more relaxed when sleeping.
"Maybe he'll overcome it someday," Julie said in all positivity
"... we'll just let him get adjusted to this line of work and maybe, the process will gradually cure his trauma right Auntie?" she asked but Rhian didn't respond, she's just staring at his son.
"That's not it Julie." she finally responded
"This is something that he shouldn't have done from the start," she uttered.
"Here we are, Sir." Mr. Kim finally parked the car in a restaurant near a cliffside.
The place was far from city noise and stood magnificently by the border, it was exposed to the great view of the ocean and the endless horizon ahead. The madam, Mrs. Jack favored this place the most because of its peacefulness and aesthetic.
"Hop we go," Daylan said as he got out of the car.
"Sir, you're not gonna fix your tie?" Mr. Kim called to him who was about to enter the restaurant in a carefree way.
Daylan turned to him and said, "It's just my mother Mr. Kim, not a date." he chuckled and entered the place.
"Well, I hope so Sir." Mr. Kim uttered then shrugged as if he already had an idea what this is about and just waited outside.
"Good day Mr. CEO." one of the presidents in a partnering company greeted as Daylan passed by.
"Got a new chick again Mr. Handsome." He responded to the person.
"Hi Daylan." two ladies greeted him
"Still pretty there Faye, Leah." he winked at them both which made the ladies giggle in delight.
After the long walk to the high-end restaurant, he finally saw the terrace where the exclusive table for his mother is settled.
But he frowned when he saw that his mother was with someone else at the table. It's not rare but Daylan thought that it was quick, she just introduced someone to him last week.
"Hi mom." he greeted when he reached the windy but soothing spot of the place. On the terrace, the ocean by the cliffside can be viewed in a close manner, hearing the great splash of the waves against the rock from below and the calming sea breeze that can be felt directly here.
"Oh son you're here." his mother stood to welcome him but she immediately spotted the loosened tie.
"How can you be so untidy on your age?" she fixed quickly and smiled.
"We have a visitor for today's tea," she said in excitement.
Daylan turned to the person opposite them.
"Ms. Evenclaw?!" he exclaimed seeing the fine young lady calmly sitting on the table.
She stood when he finally noticed her, "Good day again Sir." she curved a smile. If she's utterly sophisticated earlier by wearing her formal office attire, now she became more majestic on her casual dress and simple look right now.
"Wow, it's only been hours since we got separated but you transformed into a goddess, real quick." Daylan complimented
His mother giggled, "Isn't that right Ghaile? Looks like you two already made your first moment!" she happily hummed.
"And now let me join you. Come sit." she waved the two to sit.
Daylan joined them as they witness the dimming sky on the east side of the ocean. The place is undeniably relaxing when it's sunset or sunrise.
"So Daylan, I presumed that you already know Ghaile?" his mother turned to him
"Of course, we met earlier right Ms. Evenclaw?" he turned to her
Ghaile nodded, "We toured the building earlier Auntie." she replied in a soft voice
Daylan's mother laughed, "Great! The pair had already met."
"And by the way, Ghaile sweetheart, just call Daylan by his first name when you're outside, it would make you two look more gorgeous on a first-name basis." she said
Ghaile turned to Daylan and the man, who had a hint of what his mother was trying to do can only nod at her in permission.
"It's no problem for me," he said
"My son isn't that strict and scary Ghaile you can call him whatever you want." his mother added
Ghaile nodded, "I will do my best to get adjusted to it, Auntie."
"Right! And you too Daylan, do the same for Ghaile." she turned to him.
Mrs. Jack didn't conceal her fondness towards the lady as she mention all her good qualities on Daylan.
"Ghaile here has been my favorite among the Primo Artist! I bet you have heard one of her songs." his mother started
Daylan delightfully nodded and turned to the lady, "I love your rendition on the Bell song by Lakmé. It's on my playlist."
Ghaile's eyes sparkled hearing his statement, "Really? It is also one of my favorite among the songs I sang. And I'm glad you like it Da...Daylan." she managed to utter the word
Daylan smiled on her awkwardness, "You're more prettier this way Ghaile." he said
His mother quietly smiled at their interaction as if she achieved something great.
"Our Ghaile here will soon take over his Father's company due to the absence of his brother. So take care of her Daylan, let her grow as she reaches another feat on her new career." his mother said as she lift the cup of her favorite tea.
"When she is fully prepared, she will immediately be transferred to their own company. But isn't your father quite strict, letting you work for another company? she asked.
"Yes, he wanted me to become competitive when I worked on our own company that's why I need to gain experiences outside as soon as possible," she replied
"But isn't it tough? Leaving your singing career?" Daylan asked
Ghaile smiled, "It was at first, but I am now focused on the bright future ahead." she said and turned to Daylan's mother.
Daylan's mother curved a smile. Intentions buried deep.
"Ghaile's right, people your age had already families and children while working," she said, finally expressing his sentiment.
"Her bright future doesn't necessarily mean that way mother," Daylan responded giving a hint that he already understand what she was thinking in introducing Ghaile to him.
His mother scoffed, "People will get married in the end, have children, grandchildren...and what do you call that? It's the future!"
Daylan exhaled, his mother can't contain her expression and intention that's why it's easy to read her.
He stared at the last light stretching towards the eastern sky, the sun has already set. He took a glance at his watch and clicked his tongue. He consumed two hours after he left the hospital, two hours combined from the road and sitting here pleasing the ladies.
"Mom I remembered that I have something to do," he said, interrupting their talk.
The two ladies turned their heads together toward him.
"What? But it's already past work hours and besides, you're the CEO you can handle it by tomorrow." his mother said
"But it's kinda urgent. I need to go," he said, fixing his coat and standing,
"See you tomorrow Ms. Evenclaw," he said
He heard his mother grunt, "It's Ghaile Daylan!" she called when he already turned his back to them.
"Okay!" he replied and walked away.
Mrs. Jack sighed, "My son has always been like this, I apologize." she said to Ghaile
"It's no problem Auntie but is it true? That Daylan can't keep a relationship?" she asked
Mrs. Jack sighed again as she heard that kind of question over and over from the girls she kept introducing to his son.
"Unfortunately yes. My son is kind and caring but way too carefree that he treats everyone fairly, no biased."
Ghaile wondered, "I think that's already a good quality for a good partner Auntie."
Mrs. Jack sighed more frustratingly, "That's the thing Ghaile! He treats everyone fairly he doesn't make exceptions. He doesn't give extra time to his partners, he usually takes them on a date once in a month, doesn't reply or even take their calls, and treats them like an employee just in need of care."
"That's what they said to me," she added, sobbing.
"Oh." Ghaile slowly nodded
"I just wanted him to get married already." his mother cried blowing the handkerchief on her nose.
....
- Writer
