~BOOK SEVEN~

~BOOK SEVEN~
(28/2 12.58am)

Lavender.

     "So Zoe, for this party, you will be bringing two songs. The ones that Mr Hoffman wrote for you. At least singing the songs he wrote to you for his birthday party would delight him," Miss Zara said with the pointy pencil ticking on the clipboard.

She was staring hard at the pile of papers stacked on it. And at each time she flipped down and then back to the first and then to the back and back to the first again. It was the schedule and other preparations for the party for Mr Hoffman, the multi talented song writer, producer and director. Miss Zara was Zoe's manager. She had a keen sense of fashion. She has this thing for pencil skirts and flare blouses with matching stilettos. Her red spectacles are pointed at the end. Her hair always in a bun. She does at times look like a discipline teacher in kindergartens. But here she is managing one of the country's most wanted pop princesses. 

Zoe was not keen of listening to whatever her manager was saying. She only either shook or nod her head, resembling no and yes. She just sat on the chair and looked outside at the lake. They were at a garden cafe nearby Zoe's residence. She was a little disturbed and Miss Zara noticed it. 

     "Zoe? Are you alright?"

     "Zoe...?"

     "Zo!"

Zoe startled, burst out in words.

     "Erm yes I will sing it. No, I prefer 'Me and You' for the opening. I want tea, erm with a few tarts. But I don't feel like eating....and er...you know..." 

"Sshhh-sshh-sshh...." Miss Zara, who calls herself as Mama said, calming down the little girl.

"What's wrong dear? Is something bothering you? Lately, you seldom talked and all of a sudden, you blurt out all your responses. It's freaky you know. Mama's scared. Are you alright?" Miss Zara asked.

She poured a cup of tea and handed it to Zoe. Zoe took it and sipped it. Her eyes told the thing thats been bothering her, but her mouth articulated something different.

"Er, Mama, lately I have not been sleeping well. I can't focus. I keep losing my concentration. I guess its lack of sleep and rest. I'm sorry Mama, I think I have to go now. Just prepare my schedule and twinkle me if there's anything. I need to get some rest..." Zoe put the tea cup down and stood up getting her purse. 

     "So, its the sleep that you're not getting enough off huh? Let Mama do the trick for you,"

Miss Zara took out a small bottle of dried lavender petals. She passed it to Zoe.

"A pinch of it in your tea before bedtime will send you to dreamland, that's what I do when I think too much and lose my sleeping hours," Miss Zara told with a smile.

Zoe took it, She thanked her manager. She put it in her purse and left.

Miss Zara knew something was wrong. The bottle contained merely a flower petal for tea fragrance. And not for sleeping disorders. Yet, Miss Zara knew that time will expose all that Zoe is keeping form her.

She drank her cup of tea. Left a tip on the table and left.