The Zetta Sonic
S5 - (Winter) Best Gift

Alex has drowned in front of his computer. All three screens are on. The screen on the left plays the song exactly as he heard in the kitchen, while on the right is downloading the latest game that has just been released. While the largest middle screen shows diagrams and tables. The silhouette emblem of the yellow bee flickered at the bottom.

He doesn't have to ask Preston the details, he can figure it out for himself. Preston has a daughter who now lives abroad with her husband. This is her second pregnancy and has entered her third trimester. Alex has found out where the hospital is now complete with doctors who handle and of course the cause Preston is worried.

In hospital reports, the cause is Placenta Previa. A pregnancy condition that can lead to bleeding even more fatal. Alex leaned himself on the chair, closing his eyes. He put himself in Preston's condition. The anxiety of his servant head was very reasonable.

Alex remembers when Preston canceled asking him. He also began to guess. Could that question be permission-related? Remember, Preston almost never left this manor. His wife is gone, his daughter is abroad. He stayed home during the holidays. Could it be that when Alex told him about the party, Preston was going to ask him for permission?

Preston himself told me not to worry about it. So, why is he worried?

Alex threw his gaze into the inner garden which was now dominated by the white of snow. Then, his gaze surrounded the room to the Rover who was sleeping soundly near his feet. Following which, his gaze landed on the small frame. He could see his smaller self smiling widely in front of his father and mother.

Unknowingly, he took a long breath. Christmas Eve was supposed to be spent with the family, that's what she heard so often. Preston had repeatedly spent those nights in the manor. Not infrequently he was even more busy because many other servants took a vacation.

Actually, it's a good time for Preston to take time off. He has a good reason. Alex thinks maybe Preston found the holidays selfish. As a butler, he thought of surviving in the manor even though his daughter's condition was worrisome. Preston might feel sorry for him, too. He didn't want to leave his employer alone without his parents.

Alex doesn't like that thought. He doesn't like to be pitied. More than that, he doesn't like being the reason for the family separation. Alex started calling. He knew that Willy would probably like this idea. He canceled the Christmas Eve party he had wanted from the beginning. In this way, Preston could go see his daughter.

Maybe Willy would argue to order food from the outside. Without Preston there, Alex doesn't want any deliveryman to get into the manor. The figure of this butler was even stronger than the figure of his own parents. Instead of forcing a party at home, Alex chose to cancel the party. While still hoping Willy has another idea for his Christmas night.

After several calls with a duration that is not small, Alex was out of the room. He found Preston still in the living room. The old man was not busy with the bouquet, but was busy with the fireplace. To be honest, the fireplace is nothing more than a decoration. The manor uses heat from the center, not from the fire. Even so, the fireplace remains for the aesthetic side.

“Preston.”

“Requires something, Alex?” Preston got up slowly. His hands were covered in gloves that were now blackened by dirt.

“You should have had another waitress do that.”

“I can do it. Why should I send another?” Preston is still waiting for Alex's orders. “By the way, the gingerbread is done baking. I'll send tea and cake to your room.”

Alex shakes. “No need. I have a gift for you.”

“Gift? What is it?”

Alex is approaching Preston. His hand held out a thin envelope to her.

Preston asked the same question. “What is this?”

Alex did not answer. He let Preston open it himself. The butler took off the gloves before receiving the white envelope. When the envelope opens, a thin sheet is drawn inside. Two tickets. One to go, one to go home. His eyes are wrinkled. His gaze moved from the contents of the envelope on the master.

Alex could not believe he was smiling at the time. “I've heard that Christmas Eve should be spent with family.”

Preston flinched, clearly remembering that he never told Alex that. But he remembers saying that to Alex's father, Mark Hill, and his mother, Alicia. It happened a few times. Alex must have accidentally stolen their conversation.

Preston. “Doctor says he's fine.”

“Maybe. But, you're not. You worry about him and it's very normal.”

“Alex, there is a party that will-”

“The party is off. Willy and the others were busy with their respective events. So, we decided to cancel it.” Alex lied easily, as always. “Maybe we will do something else. Does not involve many people, various foods, and cleaning.”

“Evenings playing games?”

“Most possibilities.”

Preston. “But, I haven't said anything to your mother and-”

“I've.” Alex was honest this time. “You think I'll buy a ticket before I call mom? I told you Preston needed a vacation. Mom gave me a two-week period. So, I bought that ticket. Don't worry, we can always change the date if you need extra time.”

Preston. His eyes stared at the ticket in his hand.

Alex continued. “The plane leaves tonight. You better get ready from now on.”

“I still have a little time to delegate tasks.”

Alex chuckled at Preston's words that sounded very like him. “Forget about the task this time. Quickly pack there!”

Preston nodded. He spread his arms wide and pulled the master in his arms. “Maybe I'm a little dirty. But, I just want you to know how valuable this ticket is for me.”

Alex doesn't feel awkward with Preston. The man was like his own grandfather. “Let's just say it's a Christmas present,” whispered Alex. “Or, task. Whichever makes you feel good.”

“Best christmas gifts.”

Preston's words made Alex bite his lip. His eyes suddenly got wet. He held back that nothing fell on his cheek. Maybe Preston was the same because he felt how Preston's body shook in his arms. Both of them lasted for a while until they felt better.

After letting go of his embrace, Preston spoke straight away, “I'll make it one week. That should be more than enough.”

Alex replied with a wry smile. “Do.”

“Why? You have no intention of doing something that will threaten this manor, ‘kan, Alex? I must warn you, young man. I can punish you worse than Mrs. Bellsey.”

“Do not worry. There are other more pleasant places to scramble.”