Now inside of this mansion she slips back into her shoes, she notices the low lighting and eerie music that only adds to the intimidating atmosphere. The woman jumps onto the couch that sits conveniently in the center of the entryway. Naira can't help but look at the paintings that decorate the walls, they convey a strong message of agony and distress. “Asha painted those. Almost every piece you see here was done by the lady herself,” the woman on the couch says, not looking up from her phone. “I’m Kiran. You're Credence's new girlfriend, right?”
“Yep! Pleasure to meet you. Are you and Credence acquaintances?” Naira asks, ready to learn more about her potential coworker.
Kiran gives her a glare that felt almost empty. “You can cut the professional shit kid. Asha’s real picky about who she decides to interview. Chances are if you've been called in for an interview, she's already seen your potential. So, in short, you've got the job.”
Naira smiles and relaxes, and returns her attention to the paintings. “Well, that's reassuring, but I do have a couple of questions. Maybe you could-”
Kiran cuts her off. “Save em for Asha, I’m just security.” The sound of heels clicking on black marble grabbed her attention. Emerging from the shadows, she sees Asha walking towards her.
“So, we meet again,” she drops an inquisitive smile, “I hope I didn't have you waiting too long, Naira,” she adds. Naira notices her eyes glow in different shades of brown and a deep red.
“Oh, not at all, your assistant Kiran was great company Ms. Asha,” Naira says while her heart beats faster than she thought it could.
“Asha is just fine,” she nods elegantly, “I have no last name, and my first name is of my own creation. Honorifics aren't needed. Follow me, and we can go over pay and responsibilities in my office. Afterwards, Kiran will give you a tour,” she responds, her voice is strong and steady, echoing throughout the whole mansion. Asha walks with such confidence and swagger it's infectious. Naira follows her and watches her locks swing from one side to the other.
Asha opens a large black door and gestures for Naira to walk in. The woman goes to sit down behind a large black marble desk, and gestures for Naira to sit in the chair directly in front of her. They both sit in silence for a while, until Naira clears her throat. “Would you like to see my resume?” she asks, unsure whether to look in Asha’s eyes. They are analyzing Naira and had she not known any better Naira could swear she could read her mind, these eyes are familiar, the way she stares brings forth an image of detective Bellstrum, they are cold and cunning. Looking directly into these eyes always summoned such strong feelings of dread, Naira feels like a gazelle that has only now spotted the tiger that's been lying in wait, it would be pointless to run and too late to try. Her breath quickens and every primal instinct in Naira’s brain is telling her to flee. Being with Randy gave her the false sense of security while with Bellstrum but now that she is alone with someone so immensely powerful she is once again reminded she is in a tiger's den and at her mercy. Her glowing red eyes slowly drift from Naira’s nervous gaze and land on the manilla folder she has outstretched to Asha.
The woman gently grabs the folder and reads over it. Ten minutes pass and she places the resume back in front of Naira.
“I didn't think people still printed things anymore. I wonder how long it took you to pull that off with such short notice. You're an interesting girl, Ms. Ayad. And you have interesting friends, all of whom have interesting talents,” Asha says, her hands folded in front of her face as she grins, “I happen to like hiring interesting people.”
“Thank you my roommate loves vintage tech so she happened to have one lying around! I've actually always tried surrounding myself with people from different backgrounds. I try to separate myself from those who are too focused on fitting in. I'm very caring and understanding, especially in the workplace,” Naira answers, smiling and sweating slightly.
Asha squints her eyes and lets out an indecipherable chuckle. “It’s always a plus to have an empath on your team, and it seems like you have a surplus of that.” Before Naira can respond, she continues. “I believe you’ll be a great addition to the team. There are only a few rules and regulations I have to make clear.”
Naira smiles from ear to ear at the news and listens intently.
“We have personal chefs who prepare all of our meals. However, you will be allowed to eat outside food if you'd like. Just be sure to remember your break is only thirty minutes, and the walk from here to the gate alone is ten minutes, so I would keep that in mind if I were you.” Asha stands up and continues talking, she drags her long razor sharp stiletto nail across her desk as she steps around it. “It’s strictly prohibited to bring outside parties to the premises. There is a door beneath the main staircase, with a silver and gold padlock. You will leave it be at all costs, do not tamper with it whatsoever, and no questions about it,” she commands, nodding and lifting her eyebrows at Naira. “You may not take any photos of any of the art on this property, this is my private collection and I do intend to keep it private.” She taps her sharp crimson stiletto fingernail on her chin as she tries to remember something. “Oh, and you’ll be provided lodging here in one of the rooms upstairs. Your starting pay will be twenty-five dollars an hour. I do hope that the pay is suitable for you. Forgive me if that isn't a proper living wage I am a bit out of touch with the going ons of Pondbells economy. I can adjust it if I find if you bring an itemized rent receipt,” Asha says before opening her door.
In spite of every question that navigates her head, excitement takes over Naira. “No that's more than enough! Thank you so much, I won't let you down!” As Kiran waits on the other side of the door, Naira turns and smiles at her new boss before stepping out. She walks with her coworker and goes on at length about how this might be the best job she’s ever had, and how she plans to spend her money.
Naira barely pays attention to Kiran as she lazily gives her the tour.
“Oh hey, I never got a chance to ask what I'm going to be doing here and what days I'll be working,” she says while looking at Kiran.
“Eh… You'll be working Monday to Friday, just holding trays of wine for guests, bringing Asha’s food to her, sometimes giving an opinion on her work, should be easy enough for you. You'll also be keeping guests company until Asha's ready to see them. That job would have been mine, but I'm cool with this gig,” Kiran says as they continue walking.
“That sounds great. When do I start though?” Naira asks.
“Tomorrow,” Kiran says bluntly.
“Oh… that's quick. But yeah, I can do it.”
“Yeah, we just had to let the older employee go, she really wasn't cut out for the job,” Kiran explains, causing Naira to swallow nervously. They approach a slightly opened door and hear loud music coming from the other side. Something smells heavenly. Kiran pushes the door open and almost teleports toward the phone to pause the music. Naira is inevitably surprised by Kiran's speed, but she’d already assumed she was an Other. “Guys, this is the new girl. If you flirt, I’ll drain you,” she announces while sitting on the kitchen counter.
“Don't threaten me with a good time, Kiran,” the twin with mint green hair smirks at Kiran, who responds by rolling her eyes. The twin has a curly baby blue afro and smiles at Naira as he continues to stir the contents of his pot.
“Hey newbie, I think you’ll fit in without a hitch. I’m loving your style,” the twin with mint-green hair says, startling her. Before she can respond, he grabs her hand and guides her over to his brother, who looks over to her and places a spoon in front of her face as if he's feeding a baby. The mint green-haired twin bends down behind Naira and whispers in her ear. “I'd eat it if I were you, he worked very hard on it.” Naira feels a chill down her spine and places the spoon in her mouth. Everyone looks at her, they can't tell if she enjoys it or not.
“Orh mah gord esh delishush!” Naira tries to say with her mouth full. The blue-haired twin smiles. “I’m Dean, that’s my brother, Chae.”
“Who’s a pain in my ass!” Kiran exclaims while she holds him up by his shirt collar like he’s a puppy.
Chae smiled mischievously. “That I am.”
Naira giggles. “It’s great to meet you two,” she throws a smile at the pair.
Chae fixes his collar and starts cutting some vegetables. Dean looks away from his spot and speaks much more reserved than his brother “We cook for everyone, including Asha. If you ever need help taking her food to her room, just let us know.” After thank you’s and nice to meet you’s, Kiran and Naira excuse themselves and begin to walk toward an elevator.
They step off of the elevator onto a well-lit floor. There are doors lining the walls in the hallway, and at the end of the hall, a tall door sits cracked open. As Kiran and Naira get closer, they can hear soft melodic humming coming from the room. Before Kiran gets a chance to push the door open, a deep and smooth voice softly speaks. “Ah… It would seem Kiran brought our new employee to my lovely library.” Kiran glances over at Naira, grins slightly, and rolls her eyes before opening the door. Naira looks at all of the bookshelves, she sees that there are two levels. On the upper level, she sees a tall Native American man, who has two braids in the front and a top knot in the back. He places the book back on the shelf and leaps down from the balcony. He approaches her and extends his hand for a handshake.
Even though she knew Others had abilities that almost seemed like superpowers to her human self, she still faces disbelief every time she comes across an occurrence like this. After seeing him taking a leap from a height that would kill if not gravely injure most, Naira still stands in shock, unable to get words out. “Uh… Hi,” she clears her throat. “My name's Naira, I’ll be starting tomorrow,” she says before shaking his hand.
“That's a beautiful name, I'm Wayra. I manage all of the books here, as well as provide philosophical insight from time to time. Feel free to come to me whenever you'd like to borrow a book. Do you have any preferences?” he asks.
“Thanks, your name’s really nice too, and not really. I do love true crime, and I read romance every now and then… This is a huge collection!” she exclaims, still astonished by the sight. She can’t help herself from running off to look at the books on the shelves. “These seem a bit too sophisticated for me though,'' she adds while flipping through the pages of a book with a nervous expression.
“You can just say boring, he won't be offended, most of these are Asha's anyway,” Kiran says in a disinterested tone while sitting on one of the large tables in the center of the library.
Wayra chuckles softly. “Most of the interesting ones are on the upper level. We can take a quick walk around. I'll help you get to know the place a bit better.” He begins walking to a set of spiral staircases, and Naira jogs behind him. When they make it to the top, she sees Kiran is already ahead of them.
“My favorites are ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Go ask Alice’. They may seem like kiddy books, but they hit hard,” Kiran confesses while sitting on the railing above the bottom level.
“Oh yeah, I remember reading those! I never got to finish ‘Go ask Alice’, though. It seemed a bit bleak… or ‘pride and prejudice’ it’s way too wordy,” Naira says while browsing over all of the books; her voice echoing from the back of the library.
“Bleak is the exact word for it, it does a great job reflecting some of the harsher realities that many people with mental illnesses and drug addictions have to face on a daily basis. It's gritty and raw, especially for a children's book,” Wayra continues while dusting off one of the shelves with a black cloth.
“Amen,” Kiran replies while scrolling through her phone and leaning against one of the bookshelves.
“Yep yep,” Naira shouts from the back of the library. The group talks more about their likes and dislikes while cracking jokes occasionally. Naira begins to lower her guard and in turn, she can see that they have as well.
“You all seem to be getting along well,” Asha’s voice cuts through the group's laughter, startling Naira, and making her drop the book she had in hand.
“Oh, sorry Asha. I lost track of time,” Kiran excuses herself before leaping down, appearing to be uncharacteristically flustered. Naira picks up the book and puts it back on the shelf.
“It's perfectly fine, I just wanted to ask Naira if she’d like a ride home. She might want to get some sleep so she isn't too tired tomorrow. Oh, and Dean insisted I give you this container of soup he packed for you. It'll be here on the table,” she finishes and walks away, the sound of her heels fading into the distance.
“Wow, that's so nice of him! I can't wait to start working,” Naira says while walking toward Kiran.
“I assure you the feeling’s mutual, Naira. It's been a pleasure,” Wayra softly adds while smiling very warmly.
“Come on, I'll take you home,” Kiran says while walking with Naira down the spiral staircase.
Naira makes sure to grab the soup before leaving. They get on an elevator that takes them to a garage. As her view is cleared, she sees multiple expensive-looking black sports cars lined in perfect order. While in awe, she gets into the passenger seat of one of the cars Kiran unlocked.
Kiran passes Naira her phone. “Put your address in,” she orders. “You're on AUX. If it's lame, I’ll kick your ass out onto the highway,” Naira laughs nervously, unsure if she's joking or not. She plays MarnyFreekz and prays Kiran enjoys it, which luckily, she does. Naira smiles and begins singing, to which Kiran responds by catching onto the chorus, and they both sing along loudly. A car pulls alongside them at the stoplight and the occupants look into Kiran’s car in bewilderment. She flips them off and continues singing before pulling off, which makes Naira cackle.
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