The Zetta Sonic
S3 - (Winter) Red Foliage

Alex doesn't usually tune songs like Willy's. The thing that reminds him that the holidays are coming soon is only a large spruce tree in the corner of the living room. Not a real fir tree, just an imitation. They are more practical and durable. It's almost three meters in size. Golden and red ribbons wrapped around each branch. Star ornaments, bells, balls of various colors, enliven the atmosphere. There are also empty boxes wrapped in wrapping paper piled underneath.

Preston set everything up in early December. He also prepared special meals, drinks, and snacks that were only provided this month. One of Alex's favorites is usually gingerbread or winter hot cocoa, whose recipe is always kept secret Preston.

Mrs. Bellsey is just the opposite. He did not participate in the holiday. When school holidays come, this woman always takes her annual leave. Usually he would return to his own home in the countryside under the foot of the mountain. Believe me, in winter like this, the city will feel much warmer than there.

Alex can breech casually at his house especially when there is no supervisor hanging around. Likewise with the absence of home duties. The holidays are always a holiday to look forward to. Especially with the promises he made with his friends. Just imagine, a Christmas Eve party. Alex had never thought of this idea before.

He doesn't remember exactly what he did on Christmas Eve. But, he knew exactly that the whereabouts of his parents on Christmas Eve was very rare. The bigger they are, the less they are at home. Alex brushed aside all the bad memories that were about to come to the surface. Not a good time to feel sad. He's got a party to take care of. Christmas Eve is a matter of days.

The first person he looked for in the house Preston explained. Not mom or dad. He asked my mother's permission when he was on his way home. Her mother gave her permission without any conditions. Temporary, dad? The network isn't even connected. Maybe his dad's in a signal mess.

Alex asked for Preston's whereabouts, but the waiters in front hadn't seen him since morning. Curious, Alex went into the kitchen.

Gone away is the bluebird

Here to stay is a new bird

Sings a love song

While we stroll along

Walking in a winter wonderland

As he approached the kitchen, Alex heard a similar song he heard at Willy's house. Preston doesn't usually play songs in the kitchen. Alex enters the kitchen through a curved column. Right next to it is a covered wall full of brown and black mosaics. In the middle of the room is a kitchen island. Alex did not realize that they had changed the marble cover to white. Behind the island, there is a kitchen set that is now also white. Match their gray closet.

The front kitchen is empty. No one's there. Not an ordinary thing. Alex passed another arch. He moved into the hallway which was also a terrace. To his left, there was an open ground with a fountain in the middle. The view was far compared to the inner garden in front of his room. This park is only for the rest of the servants.

On the left side where Alex is now there is a large room with twin doors. The door is painted black, while the handle itself is made of stainless steel. Alex doesn't like the design. But he doesn't have to protest. This might be the tenth time he's been there.

“Where is Preston?” alex asked, ignoring all the mess. There was a large red meat lying on the stainless table, sacks containing various food ingredients, as well as onions and cooking ingredients that he could not mention hanging upside down. Of course, the music here is much firmer than outside.

A waitress ran over the music player, hurriedly turning it off even though Alex said nothing.

While waiting for an answer, Alex tried as much as possible to hold his stomach voice. Lunch hours have passed. He enjoyed his lunch at Willy's house earlier and he had to agree that the Sims family hired an extraordinarily competent chef. Despite these facts, Alex always feels hungry when he smells the freshly baked gingerbread.

One of the floats, a large man wearing a brown apron, pointed to the inner kitchen with a large cutting knife in his hand. “He said he would prepare a snack and tea for you, Young Master.”

Another waiter chimed in, “Hey, I thought I heard Preston talking about flowers earlier.”

“Poinsettia?” guess Alex while imagining the wide red flowers typical of winter. “I'll find him in the living room. It's the only place he hasn't decorated.” Alex turned around. Before leaving the kitchen, Alex turned back to his servants. “Hey, turn on the song again. I like.”

 Alex left the kitchen without seeing how they reacted. As he left, the sound of the song returned.

Down the high hallways, Alex heads to the living room. The room is nothing more than a name. There was never really a family hanging out there. The big TV in the middle of the room only ever lights up in a matter of so. The sofa opposite him was indeed very inviting, even so Alex never enjoyed his time there. The coffee table in the middle of the room had also been repeatedly replaced without him noticing.

As Alex had guessed, he saw a wreath with Poinsettia flowers perched pretty on a coffee table. Unfortunately, there was no Preston there. Alex sighed while thinking of other places Preston might have visited. As he walked down the hallway to return to the room, Alex saw his figure.

Preston stands at the end of the terrace towards the inner garden. His standing position was perfectly covered by a thick, blue-white gradient curtain. Alex saw him calling. Curious, Alex approached. He had no intention of eavesdropping on the butler's conversation. Even so, Alex can know that the phone does not end well. Preston made a look he almost never saw.

Preston then hung up the phone. He tiptoed when he saw Alex standing not far from him with eyes fixed on him. “You're looking for me, Alex?” tanyanya, gently.

“What happened?” Alex asked back as he approached. He could see the anxious look yet to completely abandon his interlocutor.

“No.” Preston forced a fake smile through his thin lips. “What can I do for you, Alex?”

“I plan to make a Christmas Eve party here. Willy and Ivan are spreading the information right now. There will probably be two dozen people. I thought, you can start getting ready to set up menu.”

“I hope your friends like lamb. We just got good quality meat.” Preston stopped for a second. He seemed to want to ask something. Whatever it is, the question has changed so, “What about the drink? Do I still need to prepare soda other than warm chocolate?”

Alex took a short breath. “I'm much more expert at lying than you,” Alex said, honestly. “Who did you call earlier? What's the problem, Preston?”

Preston laughed. “This is about my daughter. It looks like she's about to give birth sooner than the doctors thought. Not a thing to worry about, Alex. I'd better worry about getting ready for your little party.”

Alex knew Preston was trying to look normal in front of him. However, he knew the look on the butler's face. A form of anxiety from parents towards children. Something he never got from his own parents.