CHAPTER 2: Sold For Debt

"D-dad, please g-give me those back to me…please?" I tried my best not to cry, my voice and knees were trembling. 

"D-dad…" He turned around and smirked at me. He smirked while holding the money I saved, for my studies.

"I-it's for my studies…Dad please?" I begged. I just gave him my whole salary last week for his alcohol, gambling, personal wants and I don't want that money to be wasted on his addiction too. I am saving that for me, to continue my studies for college. Am I being selfish if I don't want to lose the money I saved for myself?

"Studies? Didn't I told you that you will not go to a fucking school anymore! You are mine, your hard work is mine, so is your money! So never tell me that you are saving for your shitty ambitions because I won't let you bitch!" He shouted at me along with a hard slap. I can't take it anymore and burst out in tears. My heart was aching as I couldn't breathe properly. My knees were trembling. I tried to hold on but it gradually fell on the floor, I just can't have the courage to stand up for myself if it's my father. I tried to reach for his feet but he moved away. 

"Dad…please, I don't know where I can get money now, please give those back to me." I begged my father, but he seemed deaf to my pleas. He walks out of the room while I am still here kneeling down, tears can't stop falling. My heart feels smashed and shot by a million needles that it's making it hard for me to breathe. I bit my lips as I tried to calm myself. I stood up and looked for my dad inside the house but he was nowhere to be found. I ran behind the doors until I reached the gate, that's when I saw him getting inside the car until he ran away from me. I am just there, staring at the spot where he was earlier. 

I felt my dreams were not meant to be for me.

I walked back inside to my room. The tears I already managed to stop started falling down again when I saw the box where I put my money. I sat in front of it, hugging my knees. My trembling hand tried to reach for the empty box. In my two years of working, I have started saving since then, those I tightly keep from my salaries, for my father not to find it. I know he will take it away from me, but now it's already gone, also my work.

"What's happening to you, Ariadne?" I whispered to myself. My sobs got louder until it turned out like a child's cry, I can't hide my emotions. There is no one seeing me right now so I think it's just okay, I will be okay. I hope so, especially that I don't have anything now but myself.

After a few minutes when I thought I was okay, I went to the kitchen to cook. I took the knife and started slicing the onions. The knife sliced through the onion with far too much force. Maybe I pushed the handle a little too far. My index finger bled, staining the chopping board. The sting intensified as more blood drained from my brain, forcing me to take a step back. I heard that even a small amount of blood gushing out could make me sick. I look through the cabinets for the medical kit, but it appears that I hid it far too well.

"You are too weak." I whispered again to myself, I can't speak to anyone but myself. I didn't have any strength left. My gaze diverted to the clock and saw that it was already 10pm in the evening. I knew my father wouldn't go home tonight. I am so lonely and drained but no one will ever notice it. 

The next day has come, yet dad still isn't here. I am already worried, he used to go home early in the morning but until now he isn't still here as it's already afternoon. I went outside the whole day to find a job but it seems no one needs a part-timer. I also went to the cemetery to visit mom, I miss her, I always do. I tried to go home early for a special occasion. Did he forget it again? My heart aches, but no, I need to be strong. I know he will arrive before this day ends. Just one greeting from him, I will be very happy. 

I took my phone and texted him to ask where he was. It took an hour for him to reply, saying that I need to go to the restaurant where we used to celebrate birthdays. My heart jumped in excitement, and ran towards my room to pick my most beautiful dress. I knew it, dad had a surprise for me. He still remembers my special day, I love him and it's making me forget what he did yesterday. I think this can be the start of my new journey, with my dad. 

Using some of my remaining money, I take a taxi so that dad won't be disappointed in me. It didn't take 30 minutes and I reached the restaurant. It was still the same, big, elegant and super beautiful place. I walked inside while wearing my big smile. 

"How can we help you madame?" One of the staff asked me. I gulped and bit my lips to suppress my bright and happy smile.

"Hi, where is my dad? Mr. Gabriel's reservation." I told her, she checked the book she's holding and smiled after. 

"This way please," she guided me until we reached a VIP room. Is dad here? I guess, I am wondering if he has a surprise for me? To find it out, I knocked on the door first before opening it. I smiled when I saw dad, but there was an old man beside him. He smiles sweetly at me, but there is something more that I can't understand. Maybe I am just being too judgmental. He looks so fine and well-off from the way he dresses. 

I got shy because he keeps on looking at me, sometimes from head to toe and I am not comfortable with it anymore as my dress is a bit short since mom bought it years ago, before she died but it's still my favorite because it's from her. And I love everything about her, my mom.

"She's your daughter? Very beautiful." He asked my dad. I gulped, saliva gushing down while my hands started trembling. I am not used to seeing my dad's friend.

I held my right hand tightly, but my nervousness faded when dad nodded at him. He messed my hair a bit, I missed him doing that. "Yes, she's already 22 years old. You know, she's really beautiful right? She didn't have any boyfriend since birth, a fresh woman we can call. Very intelligent and she's hard working." I don't know how to react because of what my father just said. I am just happy about it, for the first time I heard him praising me. I can't explain what I am feeling, my heart was flattered. Hearing him praise me in front of his friend is another level of happiness. 

"Hmm, I like her."

I smiled, a sweet one. This is the best gift I can receive if this is true. I am grateful to be here, I think dad is making up to me. But he didn't really need to do this as I love him so much no matter what. He is the only family I have.

"Dad, I will just go to the comfort room." I told him after some minutes, they were talking about something I can't understand though, he looked at me meaningfully, his eyes were narrowed but he didn't let the old man notice it so I just nodded my head at him.

"Okay, come back faster." Once I heard that from him, I turned to the old man and smiled, bowing my head a bit. I hurried myself to the comfort room. 

"Mr. Pelaez is here, it's been a while since I saw that man. Is he trying to take some women again? Gosh, I think I need to go home early today. I don't like seeing him, I am getting goosebumps." I heard a girl talking while I was in one of the cubicles. 

"Yes, I think. You see the girl earlier? I think she's the one." Once I was finished, I quickly went outside. Using the mirror they stare at me. I just smiled at them both, they are beautiful and feminine. I think they are staff in this restaurant. Their expressions changed when they saw me. Why? Am I somehow looking like a ghost? I chuckled because of that thought and went back to the room. I held the door knob and was about to get in when I heard their conversation. 

"I will give you another 5 million, she was more than enough for your debt. I am glad that you have such a beautiful daughter, just make sure she will not leave my side Mr. Gabriel, you know me. I will hunt whoever tries to be my enemies," that was an old man's voice. Are they, a-are they talking about me? If yes, what is the meaning of it? 5 million? Debt?

I don't like the feeling I was experiencing at this moment. 

I take a step backwards. "Remember that I can kill you once she doesn't satisfy me. You owe me 50 million, you are still lucky I will give you 5 more because I like the fact that she's fresh from anything. It was a big score. My car was already waiting outside, she will go with me tonight for a honeymoon. From now on, your daughter is mine." 

W-what does it mean? Dad sold me to that man for the sake of his debt?

Is this his birthday gift to me? 

I want to get out of here but my feet feel like they have been glued to my current position. I can't move. 

"Ma'am? Is there any problem?" One of the waiters asked me. "Do you want to get inside?" 

I quickly shook my head, no. Even my father wants to sell me, why?

"I-I want to go out of here. Please, help m-me." I begged. He looks so confused. My hand started shaking when I heard the door knob opening, using my remaining strength I tried my best to run. Dad saw me and tried to catch me. The waiter keeps on calling us but no, I will never look back. 

"Ariadne, shitty you, come back here!"