"Avery? Could you please turn it down a bit?" I shouted at my daughter who is watching tv in max volume. It's so freaking loud and I think I just heard someone knocking on the door. I am not confused who might be outside my home because it's been two days since that person keeps on visiting us in the morning.

I was actually making breakfast, still wearing an apron because I'm making homemade pancakes which is very messy to make for a terrible cooker like me. I placed the whisk down then wiped my flour coated hand on my apron before heading towards the door to open.

And there he stood, wearing that genuine smile of his.

"Hey." I greeted and opened the door wider for him to enter.

"Hi, pretty." He walked in, placing swift kiss on my forehead then entered my place. "You're cooking pancakes." Zephyr noticed my messy kitchen.

I chuckled weakly, rubbing my head. Oh wait, I bet my hair looks like a bird's net right now. "I forgot to arrange myself."

Zephyr laughed at me and stopped me from walking out because I was going to check if I look fine, he was glancing at me intently with those burning gaze of his. "Don't look at me like that especially when I look like this."

"You look naturally beautiful, Eleina." He slowly run his finger through the side of my face then held me, with his hand under my ear. "Damn, no makeup, messy hair, a flour on her face...gosh, I haven't seen any other woman as gorgeous as you."

Oh, goosebumps. My heart beat is increasing and I don't think that this is even normal. "You really see me in ways that I haven't seen myself."

"Well, of course." He chuckled, stepping back a bit and placing his hand inside his pockets. "You need someone to keep on reminding you about that."

I scoffed and rolled my eyes, playfully punching his broad chest.

"Zephyr?" We turned where we heard Avery's voice in a few meters away. She was holding one teddy bear in hand.

"Hey little one!" Zephyr grinned at my daughter and in my surprise. Avery ran to him, excitedly with a huge smile on her delicate face and squealing.

Zephyr crouched down a bit as he welcomed Avery in his arms and raised her up in the air before my daughter gave him a huge hug. And I must say, I didn't expect that scene. It somehow looks like a happy daughter running to his father and I don't know but it's like a warm hand gripped my heart as I watch them like this.

Avery is getting attached to Zephyr more and more each day.

"You seem excited." Zephyr stated, while carrying Avery. Her legs around his stomach area and one arm around his neck and he had his arm wrapped below her butt.

"I know you were coming, Zephyr. Are you going to play with me again?" Avery asked, excitedly while giggling in so much delight.

He grinned and pinched her nose, like he always do to me. "Yes, little one. But you have to eat first before we play."

"Okay!" She started wiggling out of his hold then ran back to the living room where her children mat is with her dolls surrounded by her.

I can't help the satisfying smile to appear in my face because of what I saw. Zephyr is showing his concern and care for me to my daughter as well. He didn't seem to be bothered and I'm so happy for it.

"Let me help you with that." Zephyr insisted as we both prepare for the pancake.

It didn't take us that long to be done, within just an house, we are already having our breakfast together. I don't want to bother Avery and Zephyr's conversation so I just watch them and I'm actually having fun just listening to what they are talking about.

I stare at my daughter and I can see the excitement in her sparkling eyes as she shared stories to Zephyr. She was just telling him a story about the things that she was doing in school and I'm glad to see that Zephyr is listening to every detail she tells.

They even barely touch their pancake because they are so busy chatting.

"Momma is always busy at work but every time there is a family event in school, she is always present!" Avery chattered. "And I remember the last time I won at the spelling bee contest, Momma was shouting and cheering for me every word I spell."

I laughed at her and Zephyr seems to be really amused to know that. Well, he is amused at all the thing Avery shared to her. Well, if it's Avery you are talking too, a day is not enough for all her stories. She always have something to tell.

"You have an amazing Mom, little one. You're Momma loves you very much that she works so hard for you." Zephyr softly spoke at her causing me to smile, sheepishly.

"Yeah, she is. Even when she is sick, she will still come to work at night." She chirped, "You are her boss, right?"

Zephyr's eyebrow arched at her questions. "Yes."

"Then can you please give my Momma a little break from work? She is missing many things." Avery casually plead as she used those puppy dog eyes to lure him.

"Avery, I just missed a night at work. Having a break is too much to ask." I butted in their conversation.

"Oh yeah? Where does your Momma would like to go?" Zephyr asked.

"She loves beaches."

"Beaches?" His eyes turned to me then smiled wickedly. "You have so many things you need to tell me about your Momma, little one."

Avery laughed and gave him a thumbs up. "You got it."

Oh jeez. This is terrible. That wicked smile in Zephyr's face seems like he is planning something about what I want.

Yes, I love beach.

Beaches makes me feel at ease.

After breakfast, we are all sitting in the living room. I was arranging Avery's hair into some pigtails while she is still talking endlessly with Zephyr. I can't pin point how they jump one topic to another.

"Avery, you just won't shut up, do you?" I pinched both of her cheeks and she frowned at me as I stood up and head to my room to get dressed into my diner uniform since it's almost 10. We need to leave.

I was putting on some slight makeup before I left my room and I notice that Avery is already wearing her small backpack and grabbing her packed snack on the dining table. Zephyr was sitting on the couch, waiting for me. He eyed me from head to toe before standing up and smirked at me.

"What's your problem?" I snorted, walking pass him as I turn off the tv and took my shoulder bag on the wooden desk I have behind my couch.

"Nothing." He shrugged then head towards my front door, Avery trailed behind him as he opened the door for her. "Careful on your way down." He told her.

I locked my front door as I leave and head down towards his car that was parked outside. He opened the door for us like a real gentleman.

When we got in, Zephyr and Avery is still not finished chatting. I didn't mind though so I just listen to them and sometimes talk to. Arriving st school, we did the usual. I walked her up to the gate before I heard back to the car.

"She's so smart." Zephyr muttered as we head towards the diner this time.

"She's the smartest in her class." I stated, smiling.

"I see. She's so curious and so aware of everything which is so surprising for a five year old girl." He praised and smiled. "I wonder if her mother is also like that."

I scoffed suddenly. "Excuse me, I'm also one of the smartest in my class."

"Oh really?" He teased and looks like he wasn't impressed.

I playfully pinched him on the side. "Then don't believe it. I'm not forcing you." I pouted and crossed my arms on my chest.

Zephyr laughed at me and took my hand in his as they intertwined. "Doesn't matter anyway. I am still serious about you even if you're a noob." He continued to tease.

I groaned and punched his chest this time, removing my hand from his. "I'm not a noob. For your information, I have tons of medals when I was young."

"Babe, don't be so hot headed. I believe you." Zephyr laughed so loud, grabbing my hand once again and locked our fingers together. "But where are your medals? You don't keep them?"

"I used to keep them but my Mom burned them." I stated, honestly causing no remarks from him. When I turned my head to him, he seems to be confused and shocked.

"You're mother?"

"Haven't I told you than I don't have a good relationship with my mother?" I murmured, turning my attention to the window.

"You haven't yet." He replied, his eyes clouded with some kind of sadness.

"Then that's it. I don't have a good relationship with my Mom. Period." I responded, biting my lower lip.

Zephyr didn't bother to ask for more questions. He seems to understand me already and respects it. Maybe, I'm not yet ready to talk about it yet. We talked about something else. Something happier and funnier.

"Your birthday is on Saturday, right?" I asked, when we stopped in front of the diner.

"Yep." He answered, turning his half body towards my direction.

"And I'm going to meet your parents already?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Isn't it a little awkward?

"Yes."

"And that's fine?"

"Of course. Actually, I already told them that you're coming with me."

My mouth agape. "What?!"

"Uh-huh." He murmured.

"Why did you told them?"

"Because I want them to know that I am introducing someone."

"With a child!" I want him to add.

"Eleina, could you please stop saying like you having a child is a disadvantage." He told me, seriousness in his tone. "It's not, okay?"

I sigh. "I just don't want Avery to be expose to others. I mean, what if you lose interest on me? What do you think will happen to Avery if you stop visiting?"

"Eleina." Zephyr spoke, grabbing both of my hand. "Mark my words, I'm not going to lose interest in you. Slice my head off if that happens." He stares at my intently. "I think the one who is longing the most is me to see Avery. I want to see her and hear her stories everyday and then I have to see you if you are fine."

I let out a deep breath and leaned my forehead on his shoulder. "Sorry. It's just so hard for me to trust and lean on to someone because it's always been me and Avery since then. It's use against the world."

I heard Zephyr inhaling my hair as he pressed a deep kiss there. "And you should start leaning to me from now one. I know it will be hard but baby steps." He whispered. "And I told you, I'm willing to wait and trust me even more."

I was able to smile. "I trust you, Zephyr."

"Trust me more." He cleared then pressed a sweet kiss on my forehead once more then I catch a glimpse of him looking outside the window. "Is that the boss who likes you?"

I quickly pulled away and turn my head. Ivan was standing outside the diner with a cigarette stick between his lips. He's smoking but he is eyeing this car.

"Can he see us?" I asked, as Zephyr's kiss turns to the side of my head then planted it down to my cheek.

"Nope. My car is tinted." He numbed through then kiss as he stayed on my cheek. "We can do everything we want inside my car if you want to."

I chuckled and shook my head. "Oh not gonna happen."

Zephyr kissed me on my lips this time and it's a passionate one. "I don't want that man getting near to you, Eleina. You hear me?"

I chuckled. "He's my boss, Zephyr. I walk to get near to him if he orders me."

"I'm your boss, I don't want you near him and that's my order." He stated with eyebrows frown.

I laughed. "You're not my boss yet." Then I unbuckled my belt to get out of the car. "Bye, Zephyr." I gave him a swift kiss on the lips before leaving the car and waving at me as he drive away.

Ivan throws his stick then approached me. "You're boyfriend?"

I inhaled deeply then turn to him. "Yes." I replied then skipped towards the diner. I don't want to have this conversation with him so it's better if I leave him alone.

Then when I got trough the door, everyone was there like they were watching the scene outside.

"Boyfriend?" Jeng gave me a teasing smirk.

I let out a chuckle as I walk pass then. "Not yet."

Brian raised an eyebrow. "Not yet? It took like 5 minutes before you get out of the car? Did you snuggle a bit?" He smiled wickedly while playfully bumping my arm.

"Shut up, guys. That was nothing." I avoided the topic as I place my bag at the back then started my tasks to do on mopping the floors and wiping some tables. I don't want to tell them about me and Zephyr for now. Don't want any rumours or anything.

----

Later that night, at two am in the morning, I was assigned at the VIP lounge with a couple of other waitresses and waiters. But since I am in this private area, Zephyr is also here and many more important customers. There are also famous actors in this floor. It's really impressive. I wish I will be assigned here often.

Although it's a little awkward because Zephyr is here so every move I make feels like being watched. Zephyr is actually sitting with a group of good looking me.  And I remembered one of them...it's Stephan Draco with his wife. They are sitting on one reserved and well arranged table that is especially for them only.

"Hey, excuse me?" Someone called not far from me.

I approached the group of Japanese businessmen gathered. "A bottle of Fireballs Whisky please." The man tried so hard to speak our language.

I nodded, "Is that all, sir?"

"Yes."

"Okay." I bowed down then head towards the bar and told the bartender about the whisky. It just took a few seconds before I returned to their table and served the bottle with wine glasses.

They were talking in Japanese but I have a sharp eyes to know that they are staring at my body especially at my butt when I turned around. Urg, Japanese perverts.

I turn my eyes around the area and once more, my eyes landed on Zephyr, who was currently drinking a champagne as his eyes were glancing at me. Jesus, if you see him with my eyes it's like he's drinking so sexily while seducing me. Oh this bastard.

Feeling myself blush, I turned away towards other direction and noticed these group of men coming up and they are all in business suit. Oh shit. I recognise one of them even if they are afar.

Vincent.

I clenched my jaw as I wait for other waitress or waiter to approach them but everyone is occupied at the moment. Oh jeez,  even I don't want to, I gather up my strength to walk towards them and forcing a smile on my face.

"Good evening, gentleman. Can I escort you to your seats?" My tone was very kind and sweet like I always make. Vincent seems to be surprised to see me then his face turns cold within a second.

Other guy was the one who accepted me offer as I take them to a vacant spot on the corner with a good view of the stage downstairs. They are just six men in this group and I can see how Vincent averted his eyes everyone to me. Tsk, stupid man. He's got a lot of nerves to show his up to me or set foot in this club.

"Do you wish anything from the bar?" I asked.

"Jack Daniel's North American Whisky, any bottle of rum you have there, some spicy onion rings and sweet potato fries." One of them spoke and I nod my head and left their table to tell the bartered their order and to the chef at the back.

My eyes quickly got to Zephyr when he stood up from his table and head towards his office that is not too far away though. Where could he be going?

I served the drinks to Vincent's table and even the things they ordered in a few minutes. Although the men are so weird, I just don't care about them. I don't want to talk to Vincent. And I don't want Zephyr to meet him. That was be chaos.

Or what if he attacks me here and yell at me to give him my daughter because I swear if something like that happened, I can't control myself. I will fight him here.

Wait, you're thinking too much, Eleina. Calm down.

I have to go to the bathroom because I hyperventilated here.

When I stood in front of the mirror, I remained myself calm. When the time comes that Vincent will come to talk to me about Avery again, I should know that I have to say. It may be a long time since we last saw each other but I know him very well. He always gets what he wants and I used to be always there to obey all his commands.

Getting out of the restroom, just what I am expecting, Vincent was already there. He is standing there waiting for me. Good thing that this is a little private area so no one is here.

"What do you want?" I crossed my arms as I stood in front of him.

"I want to see my daughter, Eleina. At lease give me the chance to be a good father to him." His voice is strong yet I can feel the desperation in them.

I groaned and glared at him. "I already told you, you won't see my daughter again. You do not have any right because you pushed us away and you never gave us the chance as well." I hissed.

"That's why I am here, begging you to let me see her! She needs me and not from a poor woman like you!"

My blood started to boil and slapped him direct to his cheek with a loud smack sound. "Don't you dare insult me when all my life I did was for my daughter!"

"And I will give her everything that she needs when she comes with me!"

"And that will never happen because what she needs is me. Me alone and not you. You're dead to us." I spat, fighting but keeping my voice low so we want attract any attention.

Vincent's jaw clenched as he looked down on me while I stood there bravely and with confidence. "I will have my daughter soon, Eleina. She needs a perfect family that you will never give her. My fiancé will surely accept her as our daughter."

"She will never be a part of your horrible family, Vincent. She will stay with me no matter what. You are the one who should stay away from us because we are already happy without you!" I slammed his chest with my fist and tried to walk away but he gripped my arm back and forced me to look at me, shoving me harshly on the wall causing me to almost cry in pain.

"Listen here, you slut. I can give her a better life than you. Because you're horrible and miserable. She needs me and my fiancé, which is going to be her new Mom. She needs a perfect family that she will never ever experience from you because you're broken inside and out." He was nearly smashing my face with his hands then shove me away before he walked out. "We will see each other again."

That asshole.

I touched the part of my arm that he gripped really hard. It's painful and I feel like it might swell.

I must be really careful now. Avery will not be happy and safe in Vincent's care. He might hurt her like he does to me and I never wanted her t experience such harshness.

I swallowed deeply and arranged my hair, combing it wit my fingers when I heard a smoothing voice behind me.

"Hey, pretty."

"Zephyr." I breathe out then my arms just automatically wraps around his torso and I buttoned my face at his chest. I am too scared and knowing him that he is just here with me, I can finally calm.

Zephyr seems to be a little surprise at my sudden reaction. "Did something happened?" He sounded so unaware.

I shook my head and calmed myself down while he hugs me. "Nothing. I'm just tired and wanted to hug you."

I felt him chuckle huskily because his chest vibrated. "You can hug me anytime you want, Eleina. You can go home and get some rest now. You don't have to worry about the money that will waste. I will take care of them."

"No! I'm fine" I sigh and pulled away. "Let's get out. It's hot in here."

"Okay." Zephyr took my hand ad kissed him then whispered to my ear. "I know something is bothering you, baby. And please, tell me when you're ready."

I gulped and looked down. He is feeling the tension. Instead of answering, I pulled her out of the restroom area and went back to the VIP lounge area. Vincent is already out of sight so he must have springed away. And that's better. At least, I won't feel bad and awkward anymore.

I don't want to see his face again. Just the nerve of him. I swear to him, he doesn't have any chance to meet Avery. Never.

To be continued.

My birthday party was a success! Hahaa I'm finally 18! The start of my womanhood. Yahoo!