Chapter 35: New Beginnings

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the cityscape as Zain drove through the streets, his thoughts heavy with the weight of the conversation to come. Beside him, Edith sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the passing buildings. Her parents had insisted that Zain pick her up, a silent request that he found both touching and slightly unnerving. They were close, but this felt different.

Pulling up to the familiar building, Zain parked the car and turned off the engine. He glanced over at Edith, a mix of nerves and determination in his eyes. "Well, here we are," he said, breaking the silence.

Edith nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yeah," she replied softly. "Let's do this."

They stepped out of the car and made their way into the building, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the empty lobby. Zain led the way to their shared office, a small but comfortable space that had become their sanctuary over the years.

Zain sighed as he sat in one of the chairs his head in his hands, “Edith, I want out.”

The weight of Zain's words hung heavy in the air as Edith absorbed them, her mind racing with possibilities. "I know," she replied softly, her tone filled with determination. "We'll get you out."

Zain sighed, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "I'm not sure if I want to leave or if I want to escape my father," he admitted, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "What we do gives me purpose, but when it's at the order of my father, it makes me hate it."

Edith nodded, understanding dawning on her face. She sat on the edge of the desk, her brows furrowed in thought. "Now that we've merged, it'll be hard to avoid him," she mused, "but if we play our cards right, we can arrange for us to still be partners." She looked up at Zain. "If you want that, of course. And if your father comes up, I can handle the meetings. If not, then your relationship will be just business. If that's what you want."

Zain's gaze met hers, a mix of gratitude and relief in his eyes. "Thank you, Edith," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I appreciate it more than you know."

They continued to discuss their options, mapping out a plan that would allow Zain to step away from his father's influence while still remaining in the agency. After much deliberation, Zain turned to Edith with a determined expression. "Let's go propose this idea to Cameron and Julius," he said, a newfound sense of purpose in his voice.

A look of uncertainty flashed across Zain’s face, “Actually, can I go see my family first? They’re here, and I want to deliver the news to him personally.” Edith nodded and stood up opening the glass door, “Let’s go.”

As Zain entered his father's office, he was immediately enveloped in warmth by his sister Violet and his mother Monica. Tears welled up in his eyes at the sight of them, and he pulled them both into a tight embrace.

"Zain, oh my goodness, it's really you," Violet exclaimed, her voice choked with emotion.

Monica's eyes shimmered with tears as she hugged her son tightly. "We've missed you so much," she whispered.

Emotions ran high as they caught up, sharing stories and expressing their relief at his return. Zain couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort wash over him in their presence, a reminder of the love and support he had always longed for.

However, the moment was soon interrupted by the arrival of Zain's father. Tension filled the room as he entered, his expression cold and unwelcoming.

"Zain," he said curtly, his tone dismissive.

Zain felt a surge of anger rise within him at the sight of his father. "Dad," he replied, his voice tinged with bitterness.

As Zain stood in his father's office, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the confrontation that was about to unfold. "Dad," he began, his voice steady but firm, "I'm leaving the agency."

His father's expression darkened, anger flashing in his eyes. "Leaving?" he exclaimed incredulously. "This is my legacy, Zain. You can't just walk away from it."

Zain met his father's gaze, unflinching. "Did your legacy include hitting your sons?" he retorted, his voice filled with quiet rage.

Monica gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in shock, while Violet shook her head in anger at her father. "You did what?" she yelled, stalking up to her father.

Zain's father's face turned red with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. "That was a long time ago," he snapped, his voice laced with defensiveness.

"Maybe for you, but in my books a month is not very long." Zain shot back, his voice rising. "But not for me. Not for us." He turned to his mother, his eyes pleading. "Mom, please believe me."

Monica's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her son, torn between her loyalty to her husband and her love for her children.

Violet's fists were balled at her sides, her jaw clenched in anger. She opened her mouth to speak but then shook her head, her disappointment palpable. Without a word, she turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Zain to face his father alone.

Zain took a step closer to his father, his voice trembling with emotion. "All my life, Dad, I've tried to live up to your expectations," he said, his voice breaking. "But it was never enough. You were never proud of me."

His father's expression softened for a moment, a flicker of regret crossing his features. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by stubborn defiance.

"I did what I thought was best for you," his father insisted, his voice firm.

Zain shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "Maybe," he conceded, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it wasn't what I needed. And it's time for me to do what's best for me."

With that, Zain turned and walked out of the office, leaving behind a stunned silence in his wake. Edith was waiting for him outside the door, her eyes full of concern. As he stepped out, she immediately noticed the tension radiating off him. She opened her mouth to ask if he was okay, but he shook his head slightly, signaling that he wasn’t ready to talk about it just yet.

Instead, he took a deep breath and nodded toward the hallway. "Let's go," he said, his voice tight but determined. Edith fell into step beside him, casting a worried glance his way but respecting his need for silence.

They walked down the hall towards Cameron and Julius's office, the gravity of the upcoming conversation settling over them like a heavy fog. Zain's mind raced with thoughts of his family, the confrontation with his father still echoing in his ears. He needed to focus, to channel his emotions into something productive.

Reaching the office door, Edith gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before they entered. Inside, Cameron and Julius greeted them warmly, unaware of the emotional storm Zain had just weathered.

Zain and Edith made their way to Cameron and Julius's office, their footsteps echoing in the hallway as they approached the door. Zain couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mingled with nerves. This meeting would determine his future, his freedom from the shadows of his past.

As they entered the office, Cameron and Julius greeted them warmly, their faces lighting up at the sight of their trusted agents. Zain and Edith took their seats, the air thick with tension as they prepared to broach the delicate topic at hand.

"Thank you for meeting with us," Zain began, his voice steady despite the nervous fluttering in his stomach. "I want to discuss my terms of working moving forward."

Cameron and Julius listened intently as Zain outlined his conditions: mission partners with Edith and a guarantee of never encountering his father again. To his relief, they expressed understanding and gratitude for his years of dedicated service.

"We understand, Zain," Cameron said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Your well-being is our top priority. We'll do everything in our power to accommodate your requests."

As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Julius reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small envelope. He handed it to Zain with a smile.

"A gift," Julius explained. "We wanted to express our gratitude for all you've done for us."

Zain's heart swelled with emotion as he opened the envelope to reveal the deed to 10 acres of land in Springncanor and Oaksrner. He was moved by their generosity, promising to cherish the gift and stay in touch.

The focus then shifted to Edith, Cameron and Julius turning to her with questioning gazes. "And what about you, Edith?" Cameron asked. "Do you want to change your conditions as well?"

Edith hesitated for a moment, her mind racing with thoughts of the future. "I prefer to shift to smaller field and recon missions," she began, her voice steady. "And I've always had a desire to attend law school."

Cameron and Julius exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. "Consider it done," Cameron said with a smile. "If you get accepted, we'll cover your expenses."

Zain and Edith stood up, extending their hands in gratitude. “Thank you both so much,” Zain said, his voice warm with appreciation.

“It’s really no issue,” Julius replied, shaking Zain’s hand firmly. “You’ve both sacrificed so much to help us.”

“Why don’t you take the rest of the day off?” Cameron suggested with a kind smile.

Zain and Edith exchanged surprised glances. “Wow, thanks so much,” Edith said, her relief evident in her voice.

They left the office, feeling lighter than they had in a long time. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the city. As they drove back to Edith’s house, the car was filled with a comfortable silence. The soft hum of the engine was the only sound as they both processed the events of the day.

Edith stared out the window, her mind racing. The familiar streets of her neighborhood blurred together as she contemplated the enormous changes on the horizon. Her fingers absentmindedly traced patterns on the car door, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about the future. She knew what she wanted, but the path to get there was fraught with uncertainty.

Zain glanced over at her, noticing the furrow in her brow and the distant look in her eyes. He gently broke the silence, his voice filled with concern and curiosity. “Penny for your thoughts?”

Startled from her reverie, Edith turned to face him, offering a small, appreciative smile. “Just thinking about everything. It’s a lot to take in.”

“I know what you mean,” Zain replied, his grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. “Today was intense.”

Edith nodded, sighing softly. “I should be asking you if everything is okay. It got pretty heated back there with your dad.”

Zain sighed, a mixture of relief and residual tension evident in his expression. “It was... tough. But it lifted a big weight off my shoulders. Years of pent-up frustration and hurt finally out in the open.”

They drove in silence for a few moments, the weight of Zain’s words hanging in the air. The streets grew quieter as they neared Edith’s neighborhood, the hustle and bustle of the city giving way to a more serene, suburban calm.

“What about you?” Zain asked, stealing another glance at her. “You seemed deep in thought. Penny for your thoughts?”

Edith took a deep breath, considering her words carefully. “I think I want to move out of my parents’ house,” she confessed. “It’s time I started living my own life, pursuing my dreams without the constant safety net.”

Zain raised an eyebrow, pulling into her driveway. “Okay, where are you thinking of going?”

“I’m not sure yet,” Edith admitted, the uncertainty evident in her voice. “I just know I need to take this step. It’s scary, but it’s necessary.”

They parked in front of her house, the porch light flickering on as they approached. Zain could see the apprehension in her eyes and reached out to squeeze her hand reassuringly. “Help me deliver the news?” Edith asked, her voice tinged with a mix of nerves and determination.

“Of course,” Zain replied with a reassuring smile.

They walked up to the front door, the familiar scent of home—freshly brewed coffee and the faint aroma of dinner being prepared—providing a comforting backdrop to the impending conversation. Edith’s parents were in the living room, their expressions shifting from curiosity to concern as they saw the serious looks on their faces.

“Mom, Dad, can we talk?” Edith said, trying to keep her tone casual but serious.

Her parents exchanged worried glances but nodded. “Sure, honey. What’s on your mind?” her father asked, setting aside his newspaper and giving her his full attention.

“I’ve been thinking about moving out,” Edith said, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her stomach. “I want to pursue law school and continue my work, but I think it’s time I had a place of my own.”

Her parents’ faces fell, a mixture of concern and pride. “We understand,” her mother said softly. “But we worry about your safety. We’d feel better if you had a roommate or someone to live with.”

Edith’s father leaned forward, his brow furrowed. “This is sudden, Edith. You’ve just been through so much. Are you sure you’re ready for such a big step?”

“I know it’s sudden,” Edith acknowledged, feeling the weight of their concern. “But I need this. I need to start living my own life and chasing my dreams.”

Zain stepped forward, offering a solution. “I have a guest room in my apartment. Edith and I could live together. It’s practical as I’m closer to our office.”

Edith’s parents considered this, still hesitant. “Living with a colleague might be okay,” her father said, “but how well do you really know each other? This is a big decision, and it’s not just about having a roof over your head. It’s about your well-being, your stability. You’ll both have to learn to co-exist around each other full-time.”

Edith’s mother nodded, her worry lines deepening. “And what about when you’re both on missions? Who will be there for you then? We just want to make sure you’re safe and supported.”

Zain met their worried gazes with a reassuring smile. “I understand your concerns, truly. Edith and I have been through a lot together. We know how to support each other, and we’ll have each other’s backs, both in and out of work.”

Edith’s parents exchanged another look, this time softer, filled with reluctant acceptance. “That does sound reasonable,” her father finally agreed. “As long as you’re not alone.”

“Thank you,” Edith said, relief washing over her. She turned to Zain, grateful. “Thank you Zain truly. I do have one question though, what do you plan to do with your 10 acres?”

Zain chuckled, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “Architecture has always interested me. Maybe building a house? The rest of it, I’m not sure yet.”

Edith smiled, the idea of a future filled with possibilities brightening her mood. “Well when you do that, I demand a room for each of our teams members.” She said sitting at the kitchen table.

“I would expect nothing less.” Zain laughed, sitting down next to her.

Together, they sat down with Edith’s parents, discussing the logistics of her move and their future plans. The conversation was filled with hope and anticipation for the new chapters in their lives. The room warmed with the shared vision of new beginnings, as Edith’s parents slowly embraced the idea of her moving out. They spoke about safety measures, weekly check-ins, and the importance of reaching out when she needed it.

Edith’s father leaned back in his chair, the tension in his shoulders easing. “I suppose it’s time for you to spread your wings,” he said, a small, proud smile tugging at his lips.

“Yes, but remember,” her mother added, her eyes misty, “our door is always open. You’ll always have a home here.”

“Thank you,” Edith said, her voice thick with emotion. “I’ll never forget that.”

As the conversation wrapped up, Edith and Zain headed back to the car, a backpack slung over Ediths shoulder. Zain glanced over at her as he started the engine. “That went better than I expected.”

Edith laughed softly. “Yeah, me too. Thanks for helping me with that.”

“Anytime,” Zain replied, pulling out of the driveway. “So, when do we start packing?”

Edith looked out the window, a smile playing on her lips. “Soon. Very soon.”

As they drove to Zain's apartment, the city lights flickered by, casting a warm glow inside the car. The conversation between Edith and Zain became lighter, filled with shared hopes and anticipation for their new living arrangement. The closer they got, the more Edith felt a blend of excitement and nervousness. 

When they finally arrived at Zain’s apartment building, Zain parked the car and they both headed inside. As soon as they walked through the door, they were greeted by a blast of cold air. Zain quickly moved to turn up the heat, rubbing his arms for warmth.

"Sorry about that," he said, adjusting the thermostat. "The building’s heating system can be a bit temperamental."

"No worries," Edith replied, her breath visible in the chilly air.

Zain led her down a short hallway to her new room. It was a simple space, with white walls and a small window that overlooked the street below. A bed sat in one corner, and an empty closet took up another. There were no decorations, making the room feel stark and impersonal.

“I know it’s not much,” Zain said, scratching the back of his head, “but you can make it your own.”

Edith smiled, placing her backpack on the bed. “I brought a few things to liven it up.” She unzipped the bag and pulled out a small stack of photographs, a couple posters, bullets threaded on a string and a potted plant. They were fake bullets of course, with small holes drilled in the base, with twine threaded through it in a garland type style, she hung it on her headboard, and put the plant (a small cactus) on the windowsill.

After a few minutes, Zain knocked on the doorframe. “Looks better already,” he said with a smile. 

"Thanks," Edith said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "I think this will do for now. But... what do you say we call the team and see if they want to come over and celebrate?"

Zain rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You never stop, do you? Alright, let's do it. But first, we need to make a trip to the corner store. My cabinets are pretty bare."

Edith laughed. "Let me guess, a can of corn and some old soup?"

"Pretty much," Zain admitted with a chuckle.

Zain rolled his eyes playfully. “Fine, but we’ll need to hit the corner store first. My cabinets are pretty much empty.”

Curious, Edith followed him to the kitchen, where he opened a cabinet door to reveal a solitary can of corn. She burst out laughing. “Yeah, I think a store run is definitely in order.”

They bundled up and headed to the corner store. The chilly night air bit at their faces as they walked, but the atmosphere between them was warm and full of camaraderie. Inside the store, they grabbed snacks, drinks, and a few essentials for the impromptu gathering.

"This should do it," Edith said, holding up a bag of chips.

Zain nodded, loading up the cart with some more party supplies. "And maybe we should get some real food too. How about pizza ingredients? And maybe a few things for breakfast tomorrow."

"Perfect," Edith agreed, grabbing some cheese and sauce. She added a box of cereal and a carton of milk. As they moved through the aisles, their conversation flowed easily, discussing their plans for the future and reminiscing about past missions.

They checked out and drove back to the apartment, their spirits lifted by the anticipation of a fun evening. Once they had everything they needed, they headed back to the apartment. The drive was filled with laughter and light-hearted teasing, making the journey feel much shorter. 

Back at Zain's place, they quickly put away the groceries and set up the living room for their guests. The living room, like the rest of the apartment, was sparsely furnished, but they made it work. Edith hung some LED lights around the room, adding a touch of personality. Edith sent out a group message, inviting everyone over for a celebration.

As soon as everything was ready, Edith called the team. Within the hour, the apartment was buzzing with activity. Cian and Kasey arrived first, bringing Sarah along. They were beaming with excitement and announced their upcoming wedding. Montana showed up with Dakota, who immediately made herself at home, and Markus arrived shortly after, contributing to the lively atmosphere.

The team gathered around, filling the small apartment with laughter and conversation. They shared stories of their recent successes and discussed their future plans. Each member had something to contribute, reflecting on their journey and what lay ahead.

Kasey gathered the guys in a room, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and anticipation. As they settled in, he took a deep breath and smiled at each of them.

"Alright, guys, I've got some important roles to hand out for the wedding," Kasey began, his voice full of enthusiasm. "Cian, you're going to be my best man."

Cian's eyes widened with surprise and joy. "Seriously? Wow, Kasey, I'm honored."

Kasey nodded. "Absolutely. You’ve been with me through thick and thin. Zain, I want you to be one of my groomsmen."

Zain smiled warmly. "It would be my pleasure, Kasey."

"Markus, you’re also going to be a groomsman," Kasey continued.

Markus grinned and clapped Kasey on the back. "Count me in, buddy."

"And Montana," Kasey said, turning to the big man who was practically beaming, "you’re going to be the ring bearer."

Montana laughed, a deep, hearty sound. "Ring bearer, huh? I guess I can handle that."

They all laughed and started discussing the upcoming wedding, sharing stories and ideas, their excitement palpable. 

Zain raised a glass, looking around at his friends. "To Kasey and Sarah. May your love continue to grow and thrive."

"Hear, hear," Markus added, clinking his glass against Zain's.

Montana leaned back, grinning. "You know, I always thought I'd be the first one to get hitched. Looks like you beat me to it, Kasey."

Kasey laughed. "Well, you never know, Montana. Maybe you're next."

The conversation flowed easily, the room filled with camaraderie and the warmth of friendship. Meanwhile, in the living room, Edith and Sarah sat on the couch with Dakota at their feet.

Sarah leaned over, nudging Edith playfully. "So, what’s the deal with you and Zain? You guys seem really close."

Edith looked around the room, then laughed softly. "Alright, come on, let's talk in my room."

Once inside, Edith closed the door and leaned against it, her smile fading into a more serious expression. "Well, we've had sex and done some lovey-dovey stuff, but our mission has always been our priority. Now we’ve moved in under the guise of colleagues and friends. I would love it to be something more, but I’m not sure how to approach that."

Sarah raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Really? I had no idea it was like that between you two."

Edith sighed, sinking onto the edge of the bed. "Yeah, it's complicated. Zain is... he's my rock. We've been through so much together, but it's always been about the mission first. Now that things are settling down, I don't know how to transition from colleagues to something more. I'm scared of ruining what we have."

Sarah sat beside her, placing a comforting hand on Edith's shoulder. "You know, sometimes the best relationships start out as friendships. It sounds like you two already have a strong foundation. Maybe it's just a matter of taking that next step."

Edith nodded, deep in thought. "But what if it doesn't work out? What if it makes things awkward between us? We're living together now. That could make things really complicated."

Sarah smiled gently. "Or it could make things wonderful. You won't know unless you try, Edith. And from what I've seen, Zain cares about you a lot. He might be feeling the same way."

Edith took a deep breath. "You're right. Maybe I just need to talk to him about it, see where he stands."

Their conversation was abruptly cut short when Kasey burst into the room, a huge grin on his face. "Sorry, ladies, but I’m stealing my fiancée back."

Edith laughed, shaking her head. "Alright, alright, go on then."

Kasey grabbed Sarah's hand, pulling her back into the living room. Edith followed, a smile on her face as she watched the happy couple. The room was filled with laughter and celebration, the excitement of the upcoming wedding blending seamlessly with the camaraderie of the group.

“I can’t believe we’ve come this far,” Cian said, raising a glass (of orange juice). “Here’s to many more victories.”

Kasey chimed in, “And to the bonds we’ve formed along the way. We wouldn’t be here without each other.”

Edith and Zain shared their new living arrangement and future goals, including Edith's plans for law school and Zain’s dream of building a house on his newly acquired land.

“To new beginnings,” Zain said, clinking his glass with Edith’s.

The team toasted to their achievements and to the bright futures ahead. They spent the evening reminiscing about past missions, sharing laughs, and celebrating their unbreakable bonds. As the night wore on, the festive atmosphere only grew stronger, a testament to the deep camaraderie they had built over the years.

In the midst of the celebration, Dakota wandered over to each team member, sniffing them curiously and adding to the sense of family and togetherness. The apartment, once cold and empty, now felt warm and alive, filled with the presence of friends who had become family.

As the party wound down, they all knew that, despite the challenges and changes ahead, they would face them together, united by their shared experiences and the unwavering support they had for one another.

K.M Strunk