CHAPTER SEVEN: THE TOP? FELINE ?

THE TOP? FELINE?

'The top? Aren't we at the top? I mean we decide all that we want to do and execute it out without anyone's opinion. So what do you mean we're working for someone?'

Nellie tries to say something to her brother one I can't make meaning of. It is less than audible but all of them seems to hear and understand. "So I am the only one in the dark ?"

'Will someone tell me, or should I make it out myself!' I don't know when I shouted.

'Siphoned.' Nellie tries to say. She seems the only one responsible here, then comes my father and then Noa. 'We do not just operate on our own. We can't carry out operations on our own without orders or there'd be chaos. Everything needs to be executed smoothly and calculated so we do not end up getting our hands dirty or getting sentences in prison.'

'But we kill isn't that already getting our hands dirty?'

'Yeah it is but since it's already been planned for there won't be consequences. I do not know if you get me but we're like a group of let's say assassins but in a more brutal manner. We take out what needs to be taken out and that's it, problem solved. We're the good guys.' She said.

'Well obviously.' I blurt making a smirk with my hands cross.

'Noa enlighten the young lady.' Nellie says as if handing over the baton.

'Okay. There's only one person at the top who oversees what we do. We're not the only ones who carry out these operations. It's like kind of a group thing. One that needs cooperation and trust. Let's call ourselves agents. It's sort of hard to put in words.' Noa concluded.

'She'd see for herself wouldn't she?' Nanette questions.

'Of course, if Nath is willing to break her out of her shell.' Natalie says.

Nellie says in response turning to face Natalie. 'She's not breaking out of any shell as you can see.' Pointing to Laylah. She's in a state of pity. Sadly, it's sympathy I can offer. I say in my mind writing sympathy all over my face.

Nellie continue but this time facing Nathaniel. 'If only he'd let her be.' I smile. 'Yes, you're right aunt. I'd be for the greater cause isn't that what we kill for?'

My father is still in opposition to all of this. 'Siphoned does this and this is it, no more!' He boldened. 'I do not want her entangled in all of this. You know how she is. You know how the Top can be when she finds one so competent. And I bet on this that Siphoned will make sure she makes no mistakes so she can get on her good side. But you know what happens. You know how the situation will turn out to be. Do you want it to repeat itself? Think about it, Nellie.'

'Nellie is quiet. Her sunny face dims. It turns hazy. Everyone seems to think over what my father had said. It looks that they'd be in support of him.

'I can take care of my self father. I promise you, dad.'

He just looks at me with a worried face. 'That's what I am sacred about little Siphoned. That's what I fear. But in all of this, we'd do what we always do. Laylah gets to be taken to the Top and we get our dailies. Time has been far spent, everyone. Get your arses up. Siphoned you're with me. Nellie and Noa too. The rest please find your way. We'd meet where we always do. It was nice meeting with you all again. He gets up to hug them all. They get up too to get in the hug.

I am lost in all of this and I stand two(2) meters apart to watch all of this drama. "I have to do this perfectly to get on the Top's good book," I say as I face Laylah on the floor. She manages to breathe. My attention is drawn when my father asks.

'Where's Feline?' I become confused about how he knows Feline. He knows the cats are from our neighbor but he has never been around to meet with her before so how does he know her? Maybe she's not the Feline I know.

'Hmm? Where's she? She says she is going to meet us or did she have a special mission.' My father asks waiting for one of his sisters to answer.

'Uhm. Well, I know she left for here last night. But her whereabouts I know nothing of.' Norma says.

Feline left for here though that's why I'm stuck with her lots. I say in my thoughts. "Where are they by the way?"

'Where are the cats Siphoned?' My father asks breaking me from my deep thoughts. I become confused. How does he know Feline and why?

'Oh, you mean the cats. They were...weren't they with you?'

My dad lets out a big scoff and shakes his head in response to my stupidity. I am not comprehending any of what is happening. First, we work for someone and now they know Feline?

My father is about to open the door of the living room when someone steps in. A silhouette of a figure before it dawns on me that it is someone I knew and recognized. Feline. What's she doing here? Yes we were to meet here but I can't make a sense of any of this. She walks in majestically in her usual white nightie with red lipstick on. Her hair too is blacker than it is the last time. She comes in with her lots. They walk majestically too. Vaughn bounces as he walks eyeing me. I am very sure he did.

'Meet Feline, Siphoned. You know her already so we'd skip the pleasantries. That's the first step to being a part of us. Meeting Feline whom you've already known for five(5) years. So shall we?' My father seems to be enjoying this. He pays no mind to the fact that I am shocked. The whole thing chokes me. My aunts all assemble to welcome her.

I knew something was off with this woman. I couldn't just pinpoint it. If the importance I wasn't given by all of them could be given to this woman, this miserable one, then she's someone important. Probably high up. 'Who'd explain what the hell is happening?' I say in a very high disturbing tone breaking all the joy that seems to be brewing.

I am confused. Laylah is on the floor. My dad is shaking his head as if he foresaw this. Nellie is enjoying all of this. While the rest of them seem to not have any emotion of any sort!

WHERE'S MY DAUGHTER?