Chapter 21

Maxine s POV
I am currently in the dressing room, facing a large rectangular mirror, with another woman. Facing a woman with long and wavy hair, lipstick on her face, and seemingly barely wearing because of the two tangled fabrics that serve as covering the reproductive parts of the body, I could no longer recognize myself. Seven years later, this is who I am now. A pole dancer at one of the most popular clubs in Manila. Mom and I moved around when we left the Alfonzos, so here we are. I was unable to continue college due to lack of supplies. I tried to work in companies according to the study but I was not accepted because I am an undergraduate. I also went to malls but I didn t last long. If my female colleagues didn't envy me, I would fall for the abusive and many bosses. The world is cruel, so I have to fight. Especially now that Mom is weak, I have to hold on to the knife for us to survive. And if dancing in front of men is going to serve as a response for our bloated stomachs to narrow -eyed I will. I have no choice.
"Nightmare ..! Be ready. You are the next. "
I smiled gayly in front of the mirror in response, it peeking out the door.
"All right, Mameta." I stood up and looked at the whole thing again. In more than a month of working here at 'HEAVEN , I am lucky to be able to participate in the auction tonight, where all the big and famous people will be watching. It is done every year and only a select few can participate and dance. I hope I can catch a big fish tonight.
"Good luck, girl." said my colleague. "Do your best."
"Thank you." I smiled at it and walked out of the dressing room.
"PLEASE WELCOME, NIGHTMARE." it echoed from the emcee s microphone in a separate audio room upstairs.
With courage and determination, I artfully kending to the center of the stage. I walked a little further down the concrete seeming aisle of the performance to the small circular stage where the pole was. I couldn t help but look at the faces of the man watching below the stage. I'm nervous. At the same time as a slow song, I grinned and began to show elegance on the pole. I didn t waste a week of training with Mameta on me.
The whole place erupted with applause when I finished. A sweet smile flashed on the lips when the screams and whistling of the spectators were heard.
"That was awesome performance, Miss Nightmare!" again um-ere the voice from the microphone. "Now let us see who's gonna win your night."
Someone raised the card in the front to the price of ? 20,000.00. I frowned, because my Grandfather was the owner of the card.
"20, 000. 00 for Mr. Gonzalvo. "
Someone also raised a card worth ? 50, 000. 00 on the back, it looks like it's still in its mid 30's and has a handsome man. Not that bad either.
"Higher than Mr. Chavez? "
Later, other patrons also increased until it increased to ? 350, 000.00.
"Higher than ? 350,000.00?"
It looks like nothing will be raised because no one has raised the card. ? 350, 000. 00 is not bad either. I will have a lot left over. Twenty percent of what is earned is in the club.
"Alright! I think Mr. Andrada won Miss Night --- Opps, someone chased. Woahhh! A million ?! "
I was even surprised at what the emcee announced. I looked in the direction of the man at the top of the card. It looks FIL-AM because of the tip of the nose and its smooth hair.
VARIOUS facial reactions from my colleagues greeted me upon entering the dressing room; there were admirers, seemingly envious, and raised eyebrows.
"Congrats Miss Nightmare! My hair is so long, I'm stepping on it. " Mameta's enthusiastic introduction to me.
"Is Mameta handsome?" groaned question of my colleague in a purple two piece with dazzling decoration.
I just smiled sparingly and then quietly went to my belongings.
"Too much!" Mameta answered. "My God, it looks like Mr. Ash-blond yata 'yong prize then bonus na lang' yong isang milyon! "
I know I should be happy because of the sheer amount of available, but my God, this is not the life I dreamed of.
"Cheer up! Just enjoy the night with Mr. Ash-blond. At first it was painful. "
I feel my hair stand on end against what is heard. I gasped and decided to get dressed. I chose a low-cut red sleeve-less dress that was above the knee in length.
IN A fancy car we drive along EDSA. I do not know where we are going. I wanted to ask but I was embarrassed. Why does he not want to speak? Doesn't he have a tongue? Or maybe ngo-ngo. Alas, the handsome still.
"You looked nervous." then its language although the eyes are focused on the road. He knows how to speak. I let my saliva get worse. "Don't worry, I won't bite you."
Son of the bloated. I was shocked by its smile. I made a series of exhalations. My hands are cold, God willing, is this what I'm doing right?
"W-where are we goin ? " I asked.
He smiled at me again. "You ll know. Why not take a nap? I ll wake you up once we get there. "
I automatically followed it. One more thing, I also want to relax.
A faint shrug of my shoulders woke me up. I rolled my eyes and looked out the window. Where are we? Apart from the rest house in front .. the sea is behind it. It looks like the province was brought to me.
The man carefully supports me down. It preceded the house. I followed. The man turned on the light and opened before my eyes the cozy and elegant decoration inside. Amazing.
"Here is the key. First room upstairs. "
I must have accepted that. Where is it going?
"I m gonna prepare something to eat. I know you have not eaten yet. " its dag-dag that probably read my mind.
The man turned his back on me. I went upstairs and went to the first room. The open veranda door immediately caught my attention. Its curtains fly as if dancing in the wind. It is also nice to hear the gentle pounding of the sea waves. I no longer bothered to turn on the light and headed for the balcony. The surroundings are bright because of the light coming from the moon.
I suddenly looked inside because of the door opening. For a moment the light coming from the light inside was startled.
But it was as if I had been knocked to the ground when I saw the face of the man who had just entered. The trembling hands held me to the hem of the dress while not separating the eyes from the face of the approaching man. The man's face had caused emptiness for a long time. Again a familiar feeling, pain enveloped my heart.
"W-what are you doing here?" my questioning eyes heat up. I can't even pronounce it properly because of mixed emotions; longing and sullenness.
"Why?" but he asked in a low voice, although it was tinged with anger.
I looked down. I am ashamed of my outcome.
"Are you that poor and you even entered the body hanging ?!"
I was bitten the most. This was the first time Luke shouted at me. How does it know?
"Do you have no shame left for yourself ?! You re goin out with those f*cking bastards and sleep with them, huh ?!"
Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. I can tolerate other people's belittling and contempt for me but not for Lucas. It hurts to hear those words from him.
"How much comfort will you give me tonight ?!"
I violently wiped away the tears. This is too much. I don't think it looks that way to me. But can I blame him? In my situation now I have even defeated the whore.
"You can't ---."
It was suddenly stunned at what I did. Up and down his chest he looked at me again. It didn t seem to hurt at all even though it slightly marked what I did.
"W-you don't have the right to speak to me like that ..." I said hard, stabbing it in the chest, I sobbed. "I can tolerate all the hurtful words from other people but not yours. I thought you were different. I thought you could understand me .. "
I turned my back on Luke. But before I could get through it, it quickly grabbed my hand.
"And where do you think you are going?"
"None of your business..!"
To my annoyance, he smiled wryly. "I already bought you. If you don't want to and if you want to, you will stay by my side ..! "
Sh*t. I want to laugh. Why does this seem to have changed? Where is your old Luke? 'That Luke I loved.
Lucas s POV
TIIM the moles I let go of Maxine. How I want to hit myself seeing her with those tears. I did not intend to hurt her by my words .. I just could not accept what she was doin to her life. A big bullsh*t! I just think of it dancing in front of a lot of men, I m already irritated with jealousy.
"I don't know what you're saying ..!"
"A million." my direct answer stopped it, forehead furrowed. "The guy who brought you here is my bodyguard. He was Noa. "
Daddy allowed me to return to the Philippines but on the condition that I would give them an heir, and bring Noah to watch over me. A week before I flew here I sent Noah first. But as he found out, Maxine and her mother left Sta. Monica. And so I commanded him to hire a private detective to looked for them. Until Noa found out their whereabout. Maxine and her mother are said to be living in a small apartment somewhere in Tondo.
I can't help but feel sorry for Mother and daughter ... but I know in myself that there is more to it. But what bothers me more is the knowledge it works at a club. I can't imagine why it went that far. I'm hurting.
A quite sigh escaped from her lips. Depressed it sat on the side of the bed.
"What have you done to yourself?" I can't help but ask. "Look at you --- is that you?!."
"I don't have to explain ...!" it says hard. It was staring at the floor.
"Max ---."
"Stop." she interrupted me, looking at me in the eye. "Whatever you see in me now is my choice. You don't have to worry. "
Damn! Annoyed I combed my hands through the hair. Maxine changed a lot. From the simple face then that is now covered with lipsticks .. to the former that only fits in a t-shirt and jeans, now you can almost see the soul because the dress is too tight and short. It s so sad to accept but I lost my Princess.
"Fine." I uttered submissively. I will not win if I attack like this. I decided to leave the room. I'll let it rest first.
Maxine s POV
I THOUGHT of going down when I woke up for a while. I stretched my body before standing up. It's past eight in the morning. Last night I was not eating and my pets were already complaining about their stomachs. The handsome man said last night that he would bring food. It's just drawing.
"Morning ..!" greetings from the man who brought me last night. It carried paper bags containing groceries.
I smiled and looked behind it.
"He's out." again is male language.
Ngiwing I continued to step down. I think this man is a mind reader.
"Uhm, where did he go?" I'm embarrassed to question.
"He's gonna go fitch someone up."
"Ah ...!"
Who is that? Why not even say goodbye?
Shake that I rebuked myself. What do I care?
"I'll make you a coffee." re language of the man. It went to the kitchen.
"N-no ...!" I was blown away. Did not reach. I went to the living room and sat on the couch. But that was shattered when I saw the clear ocean from the broken door at the back of the house. I stood up and opened it. Draw a smile on my lips at what I saw; a swing chair made of wood, while on the other side is a small mud .. bermuda surrounds the ground. And from the door medium -sized and wide trees were glued together that looked like an aisle in length until it reached the sea. Very beautiful.
"Are you sure he's here?"
I suddenly turned in the direction of the door in a muffled voice. Maybe not. I guess I'm just imagining it.
"The beauty here .."
My forehead furrowed. Gradually the voice became clear as it lasted. Until..
"Son? You are here ..! " my mouth cracked as I stared at Mom's happy face. What is it doing here? How did it know I was here?
"Wait, how did you get here,' Mom? " I was surprised by the question although smiling. I miss it because of this. I go home every week because the club I work for is far away.
"Kuh, your boyfriend picked me up. Did you say you want to see me? "
"B-boyfriend?"
Even before Mom could answer, Lucas was thrown out of the door, a little bit by bit.
"Morning love ..!" it greeted me when it saw me. He left what he was carrying and came over --- he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Did you sleep well?"
I shifted my gaze to Luke and Mom. What is happening?
"What show is this?" the voice I asked stopped. I made sure Mom wouldn't hear.
"I'm sorry about last night .. promise I won't repeat." its sincere language. And it was like my heart was touched because of that. Sh*t, here I am again. I couldn t even take my eyes off his eyes. Until I realized it was stretching and kissing my lips. "I love you .."
Is he just acting? Hays, I can't ride.
"I think you're still sleepy. I will leave you first. I'll just carry Mom's things. " it gently pinched my nose and turned to Mom afterwards. "All right,' Mom. "
"S-okay. Thank you, green. " it looks like Mom is still embarrassed. It's like I want to sink underground because of that. Right in front of Mom.
Lucas just smiled then returned the malita. Climb it to the top.
"Miss us, Son." Mom smiled when we were alone. I sneezed to dispel what some had felt lately. I also looked back at where Lucas had climbed and turned it over to Mom. "It feels good now that I'm going on vacation with you. Hey, seven years too. We left this place for seven years. "
I smiled at Mom --- a questioning smile.
"Sta. Is this Monica? " I didn't see what we were going through when we traveled with Lucas' bodyguard. I'm asleep. "And then vacation? Shall we? "
"We are in San Jose, covered by Sta. Monica. " Mom's response to my first question. "Because Lucas said we can stay here so I brought some clothes."
That 'arrogant guy didn t say anything.
"Here s your coffee --- oww ..!" from the kitchen Luke s bodyguard bit by bit a tray with only a cup of coffee. She smiled and looked at Mom and placed the item on the crystal table. "Uhm I'll make another one."
"Don't, Ijo." Mom also stopped smiling as the man stopped. Its face is confused. "Don't mix me up. I'm full."
The man smiled wryly and scratched his neck.
"I don t understand. "
"Oh my God. Why didn't you tell me, Son. " Mom whispered to me. I laughed.
"I know I'm there."
"Ah, I said no." Mom gestured with her hands waving and stroking her stomach. "I'm full."
The man seemed to understand what Mom said. It nodded and then turned away.
"Who is that?" then Mom asked.
"It works for Lucas."
"Kuh, handsome boy." Mother's praise. "Let s be different,' Nak. Now that Lucas is back .. will you stop dancing? "
"What has Lucas got to do with my dancing?" knit when I asked although smiling. I can t get to where it took that idea.
"I mean, you're still going to work there?" suddenly its face was sad.
I smiled and took Mom's hands.
"Once I get my commission, I will stop."
"Thank you,' Nak .. "
I hugged Mom tightly. I know how much it wants me to leave the club I work for. It has always objected but I have no choice .. than we die with our eyes wide open ?!
And now that I'm lucky enough to earn a lot, Mom and I can start again. I don t want to go back to that place.
I RISE upstairs to take a bath. I left Mom in the mouth. He said he wanted to rest in the mud. It is old so it loves to breathe fresh air.
Eyes narrowed, as the body soaked in the bubbles of the bathtub I first let myself relax. It's tiring. I think too much of that is a problem. House bills, electricity, water, food ... add Mom's check-up whenever she feels sick.
I was slightly taken aback by a series of knocks on the door.
"Maxine ..? Maxine are you inside ?! "
Luke is on the outside. Ngiwing woke me up. How long have I been asleep and my neck hurts?
"I'm gonna open the door ..!"
"Don't!" sh*t, my neck is forced. It hurts. What does he need? I stood up and put on the bathrobe. "What do you need?" I have a question left. I barely left the door open and poked my head.
"What are you doing inside?" trace on its face the concern.
"Bathing. What do you think?"
"In three hours?" I don t know if it s funny or disgusting. The wind blew it away before speaking again. "Get dressed. We have something to talk about. "
Luke turned his back on me. He went straight to the veranda and looked out at the sea. I immediately went to its walk-in-closet, looking for a dress that would fit me.
Ismid that I rummaged through the clothes that were hanging, they were in order and obviously taken care of. It s funny, but I m gnawed by jealousy at the women s clothes I see. How much has he brought here and how much is too much?
"WHAT are we going to talk about?" I immediately opened up to Luke.
From the sea it shifted its gaze to me. He kicked me from head to toe.
"It looks good on you ..." he commented on the purple dress I was wearing.
"I'm sorry .. I tampered with your clothes."
"It s fine. Use them all if you want. "
For a moment silence prevailed between the two of us.
"It's better for you without make-up." it cracks when it recovers.
"So what are we going to talk about ...?" my casual question. I didn t pay attention to what it said
Luke clasped his hands and leaned against the railing.
"Let's make a deal .. again."
For a moment I was speechless. My brain seemed shocked to understand that.
"I made a promise to' Mom and 'Dad .. and I need to fulfill it as soon as I go back to Czech."
That said, eh. You just came out earlier.
"And what do I have to do with that?" I want to act normal even though the truth is I am still affected by him.
"I want a Son."
What?
"What did you say? A-son? " I couldn't believe looking into his eyes.
"I want your Son." its again. "Don't worry you'll see, eh." it's even more so that it seems so easy to make.
"It's not that easy, you say." I have mastered the language here. I couldn t hide the annoyance in the voice. It used to be pretty okay, now Mother will be her Son? There are more important things to prioritize than wasting time.
"Why not? You need money don't you ..? That s why you work in that place because of the money .. "
I secretly bit the lower lip to draw air. How long will it make me look like that?
"I can not do it." usal ko. "And then .. maybe h-he won't allow me .."
I don t know if it s the right thing to do but I need to save my pride.
"..Maybe Hevo won't let me." I lied.
Suddenly Luke's face became serious. The expression in his eyes darkened for a moment, although it was only for a moment.
"You re lying .." its unconvincing language.
"I won't get anything if I do that."
Draw a disgusted smile on Luke's lips before speaking again.
"Come on, love. You were supposed to confess your feelings seven years ago, remember? We were just ahead. You see, the feeling was mutual. "
Yeah. The feeling 'WAS mutual. Then his feelings changed. Sh*t .. it seems my heart is pounding at that knowledge. I'm the only one who can't move on.
For seven years I waited. Although there is no certainty I waited .. but he did not come, nor did I hear anything from him. Until I got tired of hoping. The amount I went through. Because of poverty I fell into this situation. My life was ruined. Then now he will suddenly come, when I have nothing to look forward to, when I need nothing to be proud of.
"Yeah. The feeling WAS mutual. That s over. Everything is changing ... even your feelings are the same. " I lied again. I also need to show him that I have moved on. "The time you lost .. can you blame me if I turn my gaze to Hevo?"
I won. I seem to have believed it. It averted its gaze but returned it immediately. Nor did the rising chin of its adams apple escape me.
"Then how could that bastard let you ruin your life ..?!" its jaws growl. "How could he let you go out with those bastards gave them pleasure, huh ?! Is he that stupid ?! "
My knees softened as I looked down. I didn't want to see Luke's glaring eyes. It's like I want to regret what was said.
Eventually I felt it approach me.
"Then prepare yourself because I will charge you tonight ...!"
To be continued....