"C-Clar—" I didn't finish what I wanted to say when he suddenly pulled me to the sofa. He sat there and pulled me in his direction to make me sit on his lap.
"You're alluring lately," he said while smiling.
"By the way, what's your name, miss?" he asked after sipping wine. He didn’t take his eyes off me while gulping an expensive kind of drink.
Does he not know me? Does he not know me anymore? Does he not recognize my face?
I asked myself in the back of my head.
Suddenly, something I had never done before sank into my mind.
My mask...
I immediately touched my face to make sure. And, I was right. My mask was still on my face. I forgot to take it off after I danced on stage.
"Hey?" he gently calls me. I shifted my gaze to him again.
There was only one thing I could say now. He was so handsome. He looked more gorgeous than the last time I saw him way back seven years ago.
Wait! What was this man doing here? How did he end up in such a filthy place? Was he look like the other men who were willing to pay just to devour a body of a prostitute like me?
Why are you here, Clark?
"Hey... Are you okay, huh? Is there something wrong?" There was a hint of concern drawn on his masculine face. He withdrew me from his lap and let me sit nicely next to him.
"Tell me, miss. Are you okay?" he asked once again.
I absentmindedly nodded to him. Up until now, I still couldn't believe what I was seeing.
"Are you sure? I can give you medicine if you want." he offered and stood up from the sofa. I immediately held his broad arm to stop him.
"I'm okay!" I said a little bit louder. I immediately released my grip on his arm and bow shyly.
"I'm fine, don't you worry," I humbly said. Giving him assurance about what I feel.
"O-okay." His response seemed unconvincing.
"So, where are we? May I know your name, miss?" he asked one more time and held my waist using his right arm. He pulled me closer to him which earned me a gasp in shock.
"Ah— M-Magda," I stuttered. I felt nervous and excited at the same time. He slowly moved his face onto mine and then suddenly, he laughed softly.
"It's your name here in the entertainment club, right? I bet it's not your real name," he said and drank the wine again. I nodded shyly as if I agreed with what he had said.
He stared at me for a moment and sighed. He lowered the goblet containing an expensive wine that could be equivalent to one month's supply of our food at home.
"It's okay if you want to keep your identity. Your name here is Magda? It's cool anyway." he complimented.
"You know what, Magda, you have the vibe of a person I've been searching for for so long." he shared. I gulped after hearing it.
Is he talking about the person he's been searching for for so long is... me?
I stopped thinking when he stared at me for too long and here we go again. He was little by little approaching me. His broad arms snaked around my waist and became even tighter and my heart was beating too fast. My breathing became unsteady.
Sh*t, Clark...
I uttered at the back of my head because of nervousness and an exciting feeling that ate my entire system.
He began to caress my arms and slowly traveled to my shoulder.
I bit my lips hard at the strange sensation I was feeling.
Is that you, Clark?
No! Maybe, you just look like him.
My mind was battling while staring at his ocean eyes. Still think if the person in front of me was Clark, my childhood friend way back seven years ago. His face kept getting closer and closer to mine. I shut my eyes tightly and waited for his lips to take over my world but—suddenly his phone rang.
He released me gently and looked at his phone on the top of the glass table. He immediately picked it up and answered the call.
"Hello..."
"What?!" he suddenly shouted which startled me. I stared at him in surprise.
Who is he talking to?
I curiously asked myself.
"Why couldn't you find her?! Are you pretty sure that you're doing your job?!" he asked. His voice was filled with disappointment. He stood up from his seat and used his right hand to comb his hair because of the extreme frustration and disappointment he felt.
"If you couldn't find her, it's much better to hire a new competent private investigator than you!" he shouted at the phone and hung up the call. He let out a deep breath before glancing at me.
My attention was shifted to the door of the VIP room when someone entered.
"Sir Clark, Mr. Sy moved your meeting recently. You have thirty minutes to prepare." The man in a suit said. I think he was a bodyguard.
Wait! What?! Did he call this gorgeous man Clark?
"What the? Tonight?! Meeting?" he asked incredulously. The bodyguard nodded in response.
Clark turned his gaze back to me.
"I gotta go..." he said briefly and immediately kissed me on my cheek. He left the VIP room right after he kissed me. I was left dumbfounded in my seat. I felt like a fool holding my cheek.
Me? Did he kiss me on my cheek?
I felt my face heat up. I bet it was red like ripe tomatoes. I covered my face with both of my hands and screamed that time to release the joy and happiness I had felt.
* * * *
“WHAT?! You finally met him?! What–ouch! Angela!"
Bel tasted my sadistic hand once again. She had already said that line a few more times. I thought I was the only one who was overreacting to the situation after I met Clark but Bel was more overreacting than me. She could finally win the Oscars for being the best actress. Felt like Bel was the one who waited for Clark for a long time.
"Tone down your voice, Bel. The kids are asleep," I reminded and pinpoint the direction where my siblings were sleeping on the mat. She immediately covered her mouth.
"Sorry," she naughtily apologized. I did nothing but shake my head.
What a naughty Bel.
"But Angela, what happened after you met him? Did the two of you talk? Did he miss you, huh? Did he?" she asked with a shudder. She clapped her hands out of excitement.
"No. He didn't recognize me," I said and sighed deeply.
Bel's eyes widened and exaggeratedly shouted 'WHAT?' without a voice.
I had been dreaming of kicking this woman out of our house. She was more affected by what was happening than I was.
"I wore a mask. I forgot to remove it."
"Oh..." There was a melody of regret in her voice.
"You idiot, Ange—" She no longer completed what she wanted to say when I glared at her. She immediately shut her mouth.
"I better go home. Just give me an update if there's progress in your love story. Clarky Clarky!" She teased and laughed as she hugged me.
After a minute, she finally left the house.
"Take care!" I said as I watched her walking away. She nodded and waved her hand back at me as if she was saying goodbye.
"Big sister, I'm hungry..." Maymay said while sobbing. She sat on the floor while holding her aching stomach. I approached her gently and bent my knees in front of her to make eye contact. "Uhmm... Maymay, wait a minute. I'm waiting for your Auntie Bel's reply," I explained to her. I turned my attention back to my phone and fiddled with it. To Bel: Bel, can you lend me ten dollars? We just wanted to buy something to eat for tonight. I ran out of money. Sent! This was the third time I texted Bel, but there was no reply. What happened to that woman? I stood up and went back to the kitchen. I massage my temple out of frustration. My boss didn't give me my salary from the club for this month. This was how they work. They treated me like that. Just one complaint, someone will point a gun at your forehead and you will receive all kinds of insults but—I worked for that money. I worked for it but they didn't give it fully. "Big sister..." Maymay called while crying at the salas. "Ma
Almost a week ago was the last time I saw Clark here at the entertainment club. After that, he never showed up again. For those weeks, I couldn't believe myself to be getting excited. I was looking forward to the night. Just in case he came back. I sighed as I watched the reflection of my face in front of the vanity mirror. "Angela!" Our manager called. I looked in his direction. "Someone bought you today! Your sales are really great!" he exclaimed excitedly and caressed my hair. I smiled at him a little. "Go to the VIP. Enjoy..." There was an obscenity in his tone at the last word. I just shook my head before I excitedly went to the VIP room. Is that him? I hope so... I almost stumbled while heading to the said place. I wouldn't mind the height of my heels and the possibility of tripping over. I was excited to see him again. When I was at the front door, I immediately opened it and took a step forward. After a few minutes of scanning the place, the smile I wore on my face was
Overcrowded places, tight roads, and dirty surroundings came across as I was driving towards Angela's place. The people kept on staring at my car as I made my way. It was visible to their eyes the curiosity and wonder as to who was the driver of the expensive car. I stopped the car when I reached Angela's house. I found a little house made up of some hollow blocks and woods. It looks unfinished. It looked like I am already here. I immediately grab the brown envelope that John handed last yesterday and scanned the papers. After I saw the records of Angela printed on the paper, I was now one hundred percent sure that this is the house where she lives. I quickly removed my seatbelt and got out of the car. "Psst!" The drunk neighbors whistled at me. "Let's get drunk, sir. Give us money!" The drunk man greeted me in not a nice way. I ignored each one of them and just kept on walking. I had no business with them and I didn't like to waste my time. "Where's the doorbell?" I asked as I
Angela's POV "Big sister!!!" Maymay greeted me excitedly when I entered the house. I gladly hugged her tightly. After a second, she let go of the hug and helped me with the bags of food that I was carrying. "Where's your brother Kokoy?" I asked and roamed my eyes around. "Brother is in his room, sleeping," she politely replied. From what I heard, I nodded and we walked together toward the kitchen. She placed the bags on the kitchen table and excitedly picked up the cooking utensils that were going to be used. I also started to take care of the ingredients. "Big sister, someone came here lately. He's looking for you," Maymay said while she was busy with what she was doing. "Who is it? But hey... Remember what I've been always reminding you and your brother, huh? Don't talk to someone you don't know. Maymay, it's dangerous," there was a melody of concern in my voice as I sliced the vegetables. "But big sister... He knows you well and he said you also know him—" I rose my right
Clark’s POV "H-hi..." she stammered while looking at my face. Looked like she was surprised by my sudden appearance, right here in front of her after seven years ago without seeing each other. "C-Come—come in..." she added and shyly bowed as I entered their humble home. "Sir Clark!!!" Maymay suddenly showed up like a mushroom and jumped up to hug my waist. I laughed a little and smiled while looking at her innocent face. I glanced in Angela's direction who was now confused by the scene. "Sir Clark..." Kokoy called me from the kitchen and greeted me. I just nodded and smiled back in response. After a minute, Maymay finally let go of the hug and play her toys on the salas. "How?" my gaze shifted to Angela. "I came here yesterday," I explained and smiled sweetly at her. She was surprised by what I said. "Since when you came back?" she asked in confusion while her forehead furrowed. "It's not important anyway. What matter is now," I answered and smiled for the nth time. "You woul
"Take care of yourself, huh? Be careful there.""Of course Angela, I'll be careful as you wish.""Uhmm...""Hey? Are you crying? What's the matter?""No! I'm not crying. It's just... I'm just going to miss you.""Aw... How sweet of you, Angela. Come here, I will hug you.""Wait, Angela! Before I forgot! Here, take this. Promise me you'll always wear it.""A ring?""Yep!""I bring a gift to you too.""A picture of you?""Yes. So you won't be able to forget me.""Haha! Of course! I'll never forget you.""Uhmmm... Clark?""Yes, Angela?""Hey, Clark sweetie! Come on! We're leaving!""Come on, spill it! Mom's calling me.""What are we?""Haha! Of course, we are---""Clark!!! How many times do I have to call your name for you to come over?! We're late for the flight!""Mom's getting angry. I gotta go Angela.""Uhmm... All right. Be careful there, huh? Take care of yourself, always.""I will. Come here, I'll kiss your forehead. Mwah! There you go..." (Giggled)"You're making me miss you even
Clark's POV"I'm happy to see you again, Angela," I uttered lovingly and held her right hand. I placed it on the top of my chest where she could freely feel my heart beating with love and joy.I'm longing for this moment to happen. I am happy that I'm already here in our homeland. I am ready now. I know. "You don't have any idea how much I miss you... I am always thinking of you every single day." I added and smiled at her sweetly. Being there in the States without a glimpse of her is freaking difficult. There is always sadness here inside my chest. I always look up at the sky. Watching the moon, hoping she's looking at the moon too. And waiting for the stars to fall to make a wish to fast forward the time. When it comes to her, my heart really softens. Fortunately, Angela and I were having a moment alone this time because her best friend was outside of the house. Talking to someone over the phone. I don't know what's up with her best friend. It seems she's jealous. But why? We w
“I'm prosti-" Ting! Her words were cut off when my phone rang. Indicating I received a message. We both shifted our gaze to the table where the phone would be found. I chose to ignore the text message and didn't bother to check it. I looked back at the woman I love and put a smile on my face. "What is it again, Angela?" I asked and tuck her some baby hair at the back of her right ear. She breathes deeply and slowly releases it. Looks like she's nervous. After that, she spoke. "I am a pros-" Ting! Ting! Ting! Ting! The text message's tone alert ruined our conversation for the second time around. I gasped, shut my eyes, and later sighed in annoyance. "Uhmm... Check your phone, Clark. It seems important," she uttered and caressed my shoulder. I slowly opened my eyes and looked at her deeply. I don't want to ruin our moment but my phone keeps on ringing with a message tone alert. The hell? She just caressed my cheek then after a second, I sigh for the nth time and nodded as I