Who is Helea?

Some people come to your life in such a way that they become closer than family in your life. Some friends come late in life and stay forever as the best friend.

The next day

The sun was just rising in the sky when there came a knock on the girls room. Megan peaked from her blanket. Alya rubbed her eyes she felt sleepy only difference was Helea came out of the bathroom all dressed, she opened the door to see Aiden. He informed the timing to get ready for the meeting and signing of the factory.

“ I hate waking up this early the sun is not up yet. “ yawned Megan

“ We will be joining for the breakfast too get up now.” Helea pulled the blanket from Megan and pushed her to the bathroom.

Alya chuckled at this “ And you how long are you going to stay there get up.” She pushed Alya off the bed. They quickly joined everyone in the breakfast table.

Breakfast contained bread, honey, different flavored butters, jams, and eggs. A sweet smell of milk tea came from the stove. Alya took a deep breath and smell the sweet flavor. When she opened her eyes, she saw Helea mimicking similar to her. “ You love tea Helea?”

Helea, “Yes it smells so good I just love tea. What about you? do you like it too? ”

“ I love coffee, but tea can be so refreshing in the morning and this smells so good.” Alya replied.

Pena served them milk tea. Helea took a sip “This tastes delicious Mrs. Pena.”

Alya took a bread and reached for the jam to spread on it. “ Mrs. Pena did you make this jam as well it taste so sweet.”

“ Yes, my dear this is my mixed berry jam. ” She passed the cup around the table and served them.

After a satisfying breakfast they started for the factory where they will meet Mr. Austin. The conference was a long and discussions went for long and hard. Alya stiffed her yawn for the 3rd time. She cannot wait for this to end while noting the meeting points in her laptop. Helea on the other hand had the floor on her hand she put out the points and presentation in an organized way. The clock hands moved slower than usual she thought.

Finally, which felt like after a really long time they were able to get out of the room. Mr. Austin and Brian walked out first shaking hands and talking. Alya breathed a sigh and got up from the table massaging her neck with her right hand. “ It feels like my neck got stiff”

“ Ouch my back as well” Megan stood up from her chair. Helea laughed she also twisted and walked a bit. “ That was a really long time. But a job well done everyone.” They walked towards the canteen for a bit of refreshment. Helea caught up to Alya and grabbed her hand leaned closer “ Walk with me.” They excused themselves from the main group and walked out to the side balcony Alya felt a bit awkward on what is happening. “Is everything alright?” she asked a soon as they reached the place and closed the glass door behind them. “I need your help Sarah.”

“Sure, thing what kind of help? “ she smiled.

“I was supposed to accompany Sir to the market inspection, but I have another engagement can you take over for me please. I will show you what to do just for today” she pleaded.

Alya was taken aback by the sudden request this was different for Helea the serious one. She also wanted to stay as far away from Brian. She suggested anyone else for the matter.

“ I am not sure if I am good enough for this. Why not ask Aiden or Liam for this? They even know the way to the market.”

“Liam will be busy with Megan in the factory. No no, it has to be you Sarah, Mr. Austin will be there too, please do this for me.” she pleaded.

Alya sighed and nodded yes. Helea ran out quickly in fear of Alya changing her mind again. ‘ Well this is a pain. This is going to be so hard. ’ Alya rubbed her head with a sigh.

10:00am ……

Alya joined Mr. Austin and Brian in the parking lot. She greeted them by bowing and got in the car on the back seat. Mr. Austin was sitting beside her he wore a flower printed shirt with dark brown trousers. He had a small reading glass on him and a brown hat on top. Brian was wearing casual as well light blue shirt and white trousers. Alya felt a bit out of place she wore an office going white shirt and a grey trouser with a grey coat. ‘I put on too formal clothes’ she thought shaking her head. She maintained her usual behavior in the car answering in a few words. It is best to talk less in this situation here.

They parked the car in the field beside the entrance. They walked to a flute playing in the plaza. The walkway was made up of stones and people walked from one stall to another. There were kids running around the streets. There were smell of crisp fruits and vegetables. Alya followed Mr. Austin and Brian to a stall in the middle. A man came out to greet them. He introduced himself as Ryan. Alya looked up and finally realized what they are doing here. Brian was looking a t local options for transport. Alya went forward and started talking notes on Brian’s indications. Brian did not treat her any different than Helea.

She took notes but she kept on becoming distracted to the goods selling all around they look so delicious and the fruity smell kept on attracting her. She picked up her ear to hear a call and noticed.

“ Fresh melons here get them” a lady called she was wearing a white apron and a green dress. Alya looked away with a smile mentally noting herself to try it as soon as she gets free.

But she looked up to see Brian looking at her and Mr. Austin smiling as her. She scratched her head and apologized for getting distracted.

“ It is alright Miss Greenfield. What do you think Brian? we can end it here for today”

Brian looked at her with that piercing gaze. She feels uncomfortable with that gaze makes her feel uncomfortable, she looked down quickly. Mr. Austin proposed to browse through the stalls together. Alya breathed out a bit at least she can walk through the stalls. They walked forward to the melon stand and ordered some watermelon drink.

“Do you wish for sour or sweet?” the lady asked picking up one of the fruit.

Alya, “ Can you put a little bit sour for me.” she looked all excited. They were served with chilled watermelon juice. It felt refreshing. Alya finished it really quick. She looked around while sipping the juice. She noticed the bright colored citrus fruits on the stall beside this one. She finished her juice quick and ran towards the stall. There were so many type of citrus fruits.

Alya handpicked a few here and there and put a bit pressure on the skin. She took only the one’s which felt a bit firm but let out a smell, to buy she wanted to bring some back for Mrs. Pena.

“ If you want to pick out lemon you have to go for the smell first.” Brian walked behind her holding a lime and handing it to her.

“ Is it not because they are firm like this?” Alya showed a yellow lemon and hold it in front of Brian.

“ Yes, both needs to be equally balanced. It cannot be so much firm then it means it has ripened too much it will give a light pungent smell.”

Alya looked at Brian explaining to her the about different ways to inspect fruits. She forgot the awkwardness between them again. They bought a bag of mixed lime lemon and orange. They moved forward to another stall looking at the products. Buying one here and there.

The sun came to the middle of the sky. They started to feel hungry. At the direction of Ryan, they decided to have lunch at the café. The café was decorated with wooden furniture. They settled and ordered some food and refreshments. Refreshments were served before the food and small palm size bread. Alya reach over her glass to take a sip. Her eyes noticed the couple two tables away from her which startled her, she somehow controlled herself with a light cough and apologized.

She dabbed herself with a napkin and looked down towards her napkin talking really fast to keep everyone’s attention away from that table.

‘What is Helea doing here with Aiden?’