Leanna by Miu

"Alright, you stand here, honey."

Z O'nier gestured for Zoe to stand on the white carpet in the center of the room. Zoe followed Z O'nier's instruction and stood motionless on that spot.

After seconds, a round object, hallowed at the center enough to fit a person, moved from the ceiling onto Zoe's body in careful motion. It was like a scanner. After the object finished scanning Zoe's entire body, it went up, leaving the ceiling smooth as before without any trace of the machine.

Wow! Technology these days!

"Alright, now it's your turn, my lovely model." Z O'nier rubbed his hands together, face overflowing with excitement.

"Oh, no. I'm not attending the debut," I said, and Zoe glanced at me funny. She was going to say something but held herself eventually.

Z O'nier grinned. "Even so, I want to use your 3D body as references to my designs."

Even from a distance, I felt his snickers beneath his façade. I knew how he felt since I also love to design. Even I lost myself if I saw something that could inspire me to draw. I obliged him and walked into the center of the room.

As soon as he finished scanning me, Z O'nier slumped on his couch and started to sketch like crazy.

"Mr. O'nier, is it also possible to make a swimsuit for Zoe?" I asked.

Z O'nier didn't raise his head as he dismissingly gestured his hand.

Zoe's face sunk. I sighed while Ana gave us an apologetic smile as she guided us out of the room. But before we could turn the handle, a voice stopped us from our tracks.

"This will be my first time designing a swimsuit, so you flowers go and don't disturb me anymore."

Zoe and I glanced at each other and grinned.

----

"By the way, how much should I pay?" Zoe asked as we made our way towards the reception.

Ana stared at us in bewilderment. "Your whole outfit has already been pa––"

"Zoe, why don't you let my Uncle negotiate? I promise that he can land you a great deal enough with your budget. After that, just give the money to me and I'll be the one to deposit it."

Zoe raised her eyebrow, shifting her gaze between Ana and me. After which she patted my shoulder.

"You are a good friend," she said with a serious face.

I avoided her gaze with a weak smile. Uncle Luke, I hope you're happy in making me lie too much for your sake.

Ana still had that confused expression. Nevertheless, she remained silent.

"Well then ladies, the complete package will be delivered to your house a month from now. If you have any more concerns, please contact us at this number." Ana beamed after we accepted the card. She said her goodbyes and walked inside Z O'nier's room.

----

"Uncle Luke, why don't you just meet Zoe and confess to her," I said, and mumbled, "saves us both the trouble."

After Zoe and I finished everything we came to do in New York, we made our way home. Then I contacted Uncle Luke and informed him of what happened.

"Give me some time," was all he said.

"Why?" I asked, refusing to back down without hearing a satisfactory answer.

. . .

. . .

"Leanna, Zoe looks so much like her grandmother. I can't . . . face her yet . . . ," he said, voice trembled ever so slightly.

I sighed.

So even the mighty Luke Jansen has something he fears.

Maybe because of too much guilt or regret that he couldn't face Zoe right now.

"Alright, I'll inform you if something came up."

I was about to end the call when his voice stopped me.

"Leanna . . ."

"Yes?"

". . . Thank you."

I was taken aback and couldn't reply right away.

. . .

. . .

"No worries. Zoe and I are friends."

I beamed and ended the call. I cuddled little Pluffy when he jumped to my feet.

Zoe, there is still someone who treats you like a family.