C7 A Night With the Folks

Zane explained each and everything to his parents, regarding his friendship with and feelings for Sangla. “I’ve told her family, I want to succeed in my purpose and goals first.” Zane said. “Before I can think of being officially with her!” “Zane, you’ve made an excellent choice!” said Steve. “For that, I must give you credit. You did the right thing! You’re on the right track!” “I will say this though, you shouldn’t let your status stop you.” Angela said. “Why, you already have a great job, and I feel when you sell your app, it’ll sell in millions!” “Mom, you do realize that I want to reach the same level as Dad, before I think to marry her!” said Zane. “I can’t do anything until I’ve matched his status!” “Son, status is bullshit!” said Steve. “Her father is retired from the military, and you’re already upper-middle class. I’m not saying you shouldn’t aim for higher. All I’m saying is, don’t get arrogant about it!” “I don’t want to hear about this anymore!” said Angela. “Let’s get you a hall booked, next weekend!” “But Mom, shouldn’t we invite our family to RSVP?” said Zane. “Don’t worry about!” said Kristen. “I got it covered already!” Zane felt a little nervous and sick. “Alright then, as you wish!” said Zane. “I’ll have my app ready by Wednesday!” “Don’t worry, Zane!” said Steve. “You’ll be alright!”

Steve then got up to go outside. “Come with me, Zane.” He said. “I wanted to talk to you!” Steve and Zane went on a walk around the neighborhood. “You are a very bright person, and I believe you should not think of yourself any less than me, or even Sangla.” Steve said. “For one, you fell in love for the first time in your life! And you made a great choice! Sangla is an amazing girl, and her family also.” “I don’t feel ready to marry her yet.” Zane said. “I feel I can start something of my own and once it flourishes, then I could ask her to marry me!” Steve then chuckled a little. “You already are making good money in your career, and once you marry her you’ll even be more at ease!” said Steve. Zane then looked at his father, he then sighed. “Let me try to get my project out there first.” Zane said. “I can wait another two weeks!” “That’s a good choice!” said Steve. “But two weeks is all we can wait!”Zane felt good as he knew things were getting better. However, he was still skeptical and doubtful about himself. He did feel Sangla deserved a better man than him, however he also knew it was all in his head.

Meanwhile, back at Kanzen Manor; Mikail was on the phone with Ronim, sitting in the living room. “I really don’t understand why you keep calling me?” said Mikail. “I really want no part in your schemes, and nor do I wish you bother my family!” “Your family will pay!” said Ronim. “I dated your sister for a reason, and when she found out I was involved in shady stuff; I promised to reform and change my ways. But your family, they called the police! They sent me to jail! If you don’t assist me in this, your family will pay, and your girlfriend will know of everything!” “You can’t do that!” said Mikail. “Technically, I can!” said Ronim. “And your family, along with more than half the world’s current population, will pay the price for it!” Ronim hung up, and Mikail kept quiet. Then all of a sudden, Ron came into the living room. “Who were you talking to Mikail?” said Ron. “Oh, just Kaitlyn!” said Mikail. “My girlfriend.” “You seem anxious!” said Ron. “Everything alright?” “Yeah, yeah!” said Mikail. “Having the usual drama with her!” “I see!” said Ron. “Try to stay happy, two weeks from now, your sister will get married! You don’t want her upset, seeing you this way!” “Yeah, you’re right!” said Mikail. “See you later on!” “Goodnight, kiddo!” said Ron. “Goodnight, Dad!” said Mikail. Mikail then sat back on the couch, feeling sick. He felt bad about lying to his father, and not being able to tell the truth. He knew he needed to find a way out of this, even if it meant to take the fall for Ronim.

Zane on the other hand, was able to spend the next five days to get in touch with companies to consult with them on his project, before he could sell Z.E.R.O online for download. He spoke to them regarding marketing and advertising. He wanted to promote the app in a way, where customers will never be disappointed in buying the app and downloading it. He knew it would not be easy, as there have been many uses of artificial intelligence software in the mainstream society, however he also knew Z.E.R.O is far more advanced than any other AI app that has been out there. Finally, he was able to land a deal, with the smartphone app stores and was able to sell his app for as little as $3.99! Once the app was released, Zane sat down and prayed. He hoped his efforts for the next two weeks would pay off! He then received a text message on his smartphone. He looked at his phone, and saw it was from Dallas Perkins, his employer!

Dallas: Hey, man! 🙂 First off, I wanna say good job on your efforts for the month! 😃 Second, I wanna say, heard you were getting married, so congrats! 😎 We even got your invitation in the mail! 😉

Zane: Thank you, Dallas! 😃 I’m glad you and I, became good friends outside of work! 🙂 I mean how many employers and employees, ever do that? 😂

Dallas: So, you are aware Amanda’s brother Jonathan and his family, will also be there. Right? 🤔

Zane: Yeah, I know! 😀 Amanda also mentioned that to me! 😃

Dallas: Zane, I just hope that if you do sell your project, you don’t consider quitting. 😔 I’d hate to lose my best man! 🙂

Zane: No man, you kidding me? 😅 Even if this made me millions, I would never quit working for you, unless I feel I’m too old to do the job, which won’t be until I’m past the age of 60! 😉

Dallas: Best age to retire, I’ll tell you that! 😉 I’m only 33 and I wish to retire already! 😂 LOL!

Zane: LMAO, 😅 see you then man! 🙂 Don’t worry, I’m with you for as long as you need me!

With that, Zane laid back to relax. He felt tired and knew he needed to loosen up, as he was worrying to much. He did want to be happy in life, but not at the expense of hurting others. Z.E.R.O and C.O.R.A watched Zane, as he sat down to relax. “Are you scared, Z.E.R.O?” said C.O.R.A. “Scared of what?” he said. “You think I’d be scared of getting sold?” “No, scared of losing your love.” C.O.R.A said. “That’s what I’m scared of.” “Don’t be!” said Z.E.R.O, “No one will take you away from me!” C.O.R.A sighed in sadness. “Why are you upset?” said Z.E.R.O. “Something wrong?” “Z.E.R.O, I’m pregnant!” said C.O.R.A. “And I need you with me, whenever I have this baby!” Z.E.R.O was struck in awe. He then smiled at C.O.R.A and kissed her. “That’s good news, baby!” he said. “And it’s been a month now?” “Yes!” said C.O.R.A. “I don’t want to lose you, or myself as this child needs us. Our child!” “Baby, you know that’s not gonna happen!” said Z.E.R.O. “We always will have time for one another. You have people using you, but still you’re with me!” C.O.R.A then smiled. “I love you, babe!” said C.O.R.A. “I love you too, darling!” said Z.E.R.O.