A duel

Olivia was exhilarated by Shanazer's doubt, 'Yep, she made good compliments on you. It looks like you two will go a long way from her tone. She is a difficult person sometimes, but if you do what she wants, you get into her good graces.' Explained Olivia.

 'I see.' Stated Shanazer, who still wore a curious facial expression.

 'Did you have an opportunity to meet Xander?' Olivia asked, getting more enthusiastic as they chatted, her gaze completely focused on Shanazer.

 'Yes, sis, he is out of this world.' commented Shanazer as multiple scenes of their memories together flashed in her mind.

Olivia must be a big fan of his. Who wouldn't? He is so handsome and well refined. Thought Shanazer.

'I do admire him, I guess the person who will marry him will be lucky. He, too, does have a good heart like his mother.' Expressed her inner thoughts, Olivia.

'Is that right?' Inquired Shanazer, whose entire body and emotions had transformed after the talk about Xander was induced. She began to produce a unique horror, that of love, and it was felt throughout the entire room.

Olivia couldn't help it but notice the change in Shanazer, the way she became so attached to the conversation, and the energy she was releasing right now. It was obvious that there was some love fuming.

'Shanazer, don't even think about it?' Warned Olivia.

'Why?' flung back Shanazer.

'Stop dreaming about a romance with him, he is so close to his mother, and she is very protective of him.' Olivia said.

'How old is he?' Asked Shanazer, clearly not taking to heart what Olivia said.

At that moment, Olivia was busy looking at the ceiling, but she had heard Shanazer. Following Olivia's gaze, hoping to comprehend what had caught her attention, unfortunately Shanazer could not come up with anything in the end. After a series of seconds passed, Olivia opened her mouth to give her response, 'He must be eighteen years old this year, if my memory is right.'

 'A perfect match for me then,' Said Shanazer before erupting into hysterical laughter, for she was electrified, a thousand images of both her and Xander of how their lives would unfold, until they grew old together roamed in her mind. Olivia was dumb struck when she realized that Shanazer got nothing from her advice.

'This isn't fun girl! I have warned you. I want you to keep a long working relationship with Mrs Blake. That woman can make your life easy or difficult in Veena city.'

Shanazer couldn't help it but laugh even more crazily.

'Wow, don't worry sis, I know what I am doing, above all, it's important to have happy and merry moments.' Shanazer spoke after pausing from laughter while Olivia dressed herself with a puzzled face.

Shanazer stood up, made five steps forward toward the door, turned to face Olivia, momentarily lost in a thought, then grinned, 'Olivia, are you going to work tomorrow?'

'Yes, and what about you?' Threw back her question Olivia.

'I guess so. I will come and join you at the restaurant.' Answered Shanazer.

'It would be cool to work alongside you.' Commented Olivia, whose mood lit up.

Shanazer, however, was concerned about how they would move, not that it was going to be difficult for her, but for Olivia. For her, walking long distances had become the easiest thing she could do. She just didn't want to waste too much time on what could take her a few minutes to achieve.

'Olivia, Can we catch a bus to Sensation Blue Hotel?'

'Yes.'  Olivia responded.

'How much does it cost?' Shanazer followed up with another question. Olivia now understood where these series of questions were coming from.

'I think twenty coins. But don't worry, Vincent promised to drop us there. We just need to be ready on time.' Assured Olivia.

Shanazer nodded her head, which meant thanks for the new heads up, and went on to explain further, 'I need to understand the work hours and the shifts, I don't want the two jobs to collide. Remember I have to report to OxyamCorp as well. I want to balance them both.'

'Don't worry Shanazer, things will work out. Coming to the main reason why I came here, my family is inviting you for dinner this Saturday?' This new development shocked Shanazer. It was unexpected.

'Oli, I know Auntie Freya does not like me that much. What has changed?'

'Shanazer, we are humans. That means we are bound to make changes as our horizon broadens.  Anyway, there is no big deal, we just want to celebrate your accomplishment of being accepted at OxyamCorp. On the bright side, Auntie Freya is one of the smartest people I know. You might learn one or two things from her and, by the way, my brother was greeting you.'

Shanazer went silent for a few seconds, contemplating this unusual, strange invitation, then she came around, 'I hear you, I will come through. Pass my greetings to your brother, it has been a while since I last saw him.'

'Well, miss Athens four days in time, you will commence work at OxyamCorp. How are you feeling?' 

 'If I can be honest, Oli, I am looking forward to that. At the same instant, I am nervous and damn scared because I really don't know what to expect.' 

Late that evening, the news of Shanazer Athens and Cathy Williams had already traveled throughout the entire Horizon campus. It even went viral on TV stations and social medias such as Brinknet and freelance socialnet and ultimately the whole Veena city.

'Uncle Tairen, have you heard the news?' Asked Anna Exon.

'What news?' Asked Tairen Exon incredulously.

It's on all the social networks. I have been advising you to join one, but you are too stubborn to listen, you will be missing important things. It's Shanazer!'

'Anna - ! What has Shanazer done - ?'

'She will be fighting against the famous Cathy Williams in a duel this weekend. Can you imagine that - ?'

'Ha, stop kidd - ing, Anna! That is impossible.'

'I mean it, uncle. Why don't you believe me?'

'Ah - ! Anna, I am not in a mood for jokes.

Don't you have something important to do?'

Anna moved forward to Tairen Exon, 'Its true uncle, see for yourself!'

She handed over her phone to Tairen. After a few seconds of looking at the phone screen, he exploded.

'Oh - my - god! What the hell is happening to this girl?' Tairen Exon was surprised to the core, and went on, 'How is this possible?' Asked Tairen Exon in amazement.