Velia immediately rushed at Mecca. Hugged Mecca tightly. Ignoring how disheveled she looks.
Mecca invites Velia to move on the side of the empty toilet. Using the low walls of the mini garden divider inside there, they sat there.
Velia told what happened to Mecca. From dismissal to indecent acts committed by Ricardo on her.
“Bastard, old man,” growled Mecca. “He should be ashamed of his age and that old face!”
Velia sipped while Mecca tidied herself up.
“So, what now, Ve? What’s your plan?”
Velia shook her head. “I don’t know where to find a job. You know how hard it is to find a job these days.”
Mecca took a deep breath. Velia’s words were true. It is very difficult to search for work at a time like the present. Even if it could, salary problems also worse circumstances later.
The next minute, Velia calmed down. She wiped her tears and tried to put a smile. She wanted her friend not to too eager to think about it.
But Mecca was even more compassionate looking at Velia. She knew Velia’s been struggling. Velia was a strong woman up to can survive until now.
“I have to go home now,” Velia said softly then. “I’ll clean up my stuff in the room and back to the rented.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Now?” Velia took a deep breath. “I don’t know. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll ask the hired friends. If they knew there was a vacancy, a job I could get into.”
Mecca squeezed Velia’s hand tightly. And Velia smiled at it.
*
“Shit. You think finding a job these days is easy?”
Velia was silent when she found that sentence in answer to her question.
After Velia tidied up her equipment in the office, she immediately went to home. She actually met the house owner. A madam of lush stature with some roll of hair on her head.
Nia Jones was her name. A middle-aged woman who often slips a cigarette in the cleft lip. She snorted when Velia asked about the job opening. “Finding a job nowadays was hard, Ve! If it's easy, where can there be unemployment?” said Nia, pulling out the cigarette on her lips for a moment. “Wait!”
Something flashed through Nia's mind. She walked up to Velia and looked at the box she was carrying.
“Oh, my god! You’re fired, Ve?!”
Velia gulped her saliva. No answer to that question, but everyone could guess. Because there was no way Velia would have asked about the job if she still had a job.
“If you get fired,” continued Nia. “How are you going to pay your rent this month, huh?!”
That was one thing Velia thought about. How could she pay the rent this month and also her daily need?
Nia looked at her fiercely. “If you can’t pay your rent for this month, you better get out of here! There are many people who want to live in my house!”
Velia paled. As fast as lightning, she held both of Nia’s hands. “Please don’t kick me out. I’ll find a job soon.”
Nia nodded. “Are you going to get a new job quickly?! Finding a job is hard, Ve!”
Velia was shaking. Fear instantly enveloped her.
Why did I have to accept two expulsions this day, Lord?
“I’m going to find a job soon. Please. Give me time. I will definitely be able to pay the rent this month.”
Nia spat. “Yes, think with your brain that’s the way to find work,” she said to assess Velia. “You won’t be hard to find jobs.”
Velia’s eyes blinked. There was one wrinkle appearing on her forehead. “What do you mean?”
“You can use your beautiful face and slim body to earn money.”
The blood felt like it was rippling along Velia’s veins. And on this day, she must get the same thing as a way out of the problem he is facing.
“W-what?” Velia softly trembled in a voice. She shook her head stiffly. “I am not a whore.”
Nia twirled her eyeballs. Clucking with a lazy expression. “If you are not a prostitute, just find there one rich man to make you being his mistress.”
Velia’s face sank. Of course, an equally unacceptable option. It made no difference to her. The point was the same: both sell herself.
“What's the use of a pretty face if you don't take advantage of it?!” asked Nia grinning. “That’s the only job you can get easily. Be a mistress!”
Velia’s heart seemed to stop beating. Until then, Nia walked away as she smoked a cigarette between her lips. Leaving Velia increasingly torn apart her hopes.
With a feeble step, Velia entered her house. Now she even could not cry anymore. Feeling as if fate really wanted her to suffer to the lowest point.
Dug! Dug! Dug!
The sound of the door made Velia gasp. She looked at the source of the sound. Sure that not an ordinary knock that made such a big noise. Especially with the shocks that occur.
Because in fact, outside there was a foot that kicked the door.
“Velia! Open the door!”
It was familiar to Velia’s ears. She knew who was coming to her house.
“Open the door or I’ll break, damn it!”
It took Velia a while to gather her courage. She opened the door and found a bunch of tattooed, big-titted thugs looming in the front door of the door.
“Good. It would be nice if you would open the door.”
Holding back fear, Velia attempted to stare at them. “W-what’s up?”
They were whining. Looks at each other while grinning. Before on finally, one of the five thugs said.
“We just remind you not to forget to pay for your installments this month!”
Velia’s lips trembled, but there was nothing she could say. It’s just a nod.
The thug, known as Rambo, approached Velia. Hands raised and index finger pointed.
“Just watch out! If until the due date you do not pay installments,” said Rambo. “Don’t blame anyone if we drag you to the club.”
“W-what do you mean?”
A grin rises on their fierce faces. Rambo grabbed Velia’s chin until the girl grimaced at it.
“If you can’t pay the loan with money, you can pay it with your body. You can have sex with us.”
Velia’s body instantly relaxes. They laughed while leaving.
Velia frustrated with her circumstances. Felt it was as if it was squeezed from all sides. Until the ringing of her cell phone made her excited from daydreaming of her grief.
“Hello, Doctor? What’s up?”
The sadness was gone. But Velia actually got the next bad news. Her body stiffened as she listened to the explanation. Soon after, she was out of her home, go to the hospital.
*
Velia felt a slight relief when Harry's condition improved, but it did not last long. The reality was looming ahead. There were days she had to get through with very little money. And now she was unemployed? “You’ve been fired. And not by me, but directly from the boss. I can’t do anything.” Ricardo's voice echoed in Velia's mind. She pondered and ended up with one question. Could she regain her job by directly asking the company owner? There was a possibility. Despite feeling a bundle of doubts in her heart, that's what Velia would do. Could Velia meet Lucas? Was there still a face for her to meet someone she had just rejected yesterday? Velia had no other choice. Lucas was the only one who could help. It seemed she would have to set aside her pride for the sake of survival. “What?!” Mecca's exclamation echoed through their phone conversation. Velia had called her while inside the public minivan, on her way to the office. “Meeting the company's CEO?” Mecca asked again. Her voi
Lucas sat down; his gaze fixed on the door as it slowly opened. The scene revealed Velia entering hesitantly, looking troubled. Something was clearly bothering her. “Please, have a seat,” Lucas said, waiting for a moment until he felt Velia was comfortable. His gaze scanned her, concluding that something was indeed happening to her. “What's the matter?” Lucas asked directly, without any small talk. “Why did you suddenly want to meet me?” Lucas shifted his focus, this time towards Velia's hands, which were tightly clasped together. It seemed she needed to gather her courage before asking a question instead of answering. “Did you fire me?” she asked. Lucas was taken aback, genuinely surprised. “Fired you? Me?” On one hand, Lucas was surprised by the accusatory tone of the question. But on the other hand, he grinned. So, because of this, you came to see me, Ve? “M-Mr. Bell said I was fired directly by my superior,” Velia continued. Lucas scoffed. “I thought you came to see me be
Lucas let Velia hold his hand. Instead of resisting, he moved closer to her. Lucas's face looked down faintly. He tried to meet Velia's lifted and gazing eyes. For a moment, Lucas felt his mind go blank. Then something crossed his mind. “Come back to me, Ve. And I’ll give your job back.” As expected, Lucas's words startled Velia. Lucas held onto the pain that surged, squeezing his heart. Velia reacted as if she did not want to be close to him again. What have I done to make you hate me like this, Ve? Velia's lips turned pale, and she trembled. Her grip on Lucas's hand loosened. She stepped back, shaking her head. “It's impossible.” Lucas glanced briefly at Velia's hand that let go of his. It brought bitterness to his throat, and he swallowed it hard. “Maybe it is. You want your job back, and I want you back. We can use this to our advantage.” “I have truly forgotten about you, Luc. I don't love you anymore.” Lucas clenched his jaw tightly. “Did I say I wanted your love?” “W
Velia’s body was still shaking badly when the girl got to her home. Each the words and actions that Lucas did to her just now made her tremble terribly. Cold sweat splashed on her forehead. Or even all over his body. Barely make the shirt she was wearing wet because of it. Velia quickly as possible went to the kitchen. Taking a glass of water and drink it with greed. Not enough with a glass, Velia then took second and third glasses. She needed to calm herself. Velia moved to her bed. Rubbing her wet face, she realized that her decision to see Lucas was the stupidest act she’s done it her whole life. She cursed herself who had thought that Lucas could solve the problem she was currently facing. But she was mistaken. Instead of helping, Lucas tried to take advantage of the situation to take advantage of herself. Velia squeezed her hand when she remembered Lucas’s words earlier. “Give me up on you, Luc?” Velia asked in an ironic tone. “No way.” A few moments later, Velia layed down
Lucas put on his suit quickly. After inserting one button neatly, he reached out. Grabbed his briefcase that was on the table, right when he felt a slight knock on his door and a moment later, he saw Vlora come in. “I was just about to go out, Vlo. How? The meeting place has not changed, right?” Lucas asked, handing the bag to Vlora. Vlora smiled faintly, greeted Lucas’s briefcase, and replied. “No, Sir. Mr. Rhodes had been at the hotel a few hours ago. The meeting will still be held at six p.m. at restaurant of the Fullman Batavia Park Hotel.” “Okay,” Lucas said as he looked at his watch showing five p.m. “I think we’ll go now.” “Um, Sir.” Lucas’s footsteps stopped. “What is it?” he asked as he found the look of doubt in the secretary’s face. Vlora seemed to weigh as she said. “Someone wants to see you, sir.” “I have to go now, Vlo.” Lucas took a deep breath. “After all, I don’t seem to have any appointments at the moment.” “The woman said something important and assured me yo
Ten minutes later, Velia and Lucas were in an oncoming car. Lucas set up barriers to create privacy for them. All their conversations will not be heard by Vlora. Even by the Mr. Baker—the driver. “So...” Lucas's voice sounded. He glanced and saw Velia was squeezing her hands. “... now you want to be a whore?” “I can’t even be called a whore if I just turn myself for you.” Lucas glanced. He knew exactly that Velia reversed his sentence some days ago. Quietly, he grinned. “How much do you want to be paid?” Velia looked up. “Why? You wouldn’t do it for free, would you?” asked Lucas. “Or is it enough just to get your job back?” “Of course.” Velia strengthened her heart. In her mind, she counted. “I want 2.500, Luc.” Lucas’s eyes were bulging. “2.500 for a newbie whore? Seriously!” Velia’s face turned red. It was obviously a real insult. “I just need to add a few and I can hire artists!” retorted Lucas. “What do you think you’re good at?” He nodded and shook his head. “No. Bette
Ignoring the embarrassment, Velia followed Vlora. They headed for a luxurious room at Fullman Batavia Park Hotel. Vlora was professional. Her expression was flat when she said. “Please rest while waiting for Mr. Hernandez and I will transfer the money immediately.” Velia nodded. Her face lowered and she waited for Vlora to leave first before entering the room. Velia closed the door, and the state of the room instantly stunned her. It was the most expensive type offered, with an area ranging from 172 square meters. Unbelievably, there was a grand piano being her first view. Complete and classy facilities. Fancy ornaments adorned some points. Expensive carpets covered the floor. Not only has one bed, that presidential room has two separate rooms. Also, it had a spacious living room, dining room, and even a private workspace. Ignoring the 65-inch flat-screen television, Velia was more interested in the large windows. She pushed aside the curtain and saw the sunset. Velia was stunn
Velia's heart seemed to stop beating. Lucas said that word so lightly. His facial expression was even. How could he say it so plainly? “Come on. I paid for tonight.” Velia took a sip of spit. She tought. I’ve exposed my breast, got the money, and I still had a shame? So slowly, Velia stood in front of Lucas. Pulling the knot of the robe, she let the two straps hang on the sides of her body. Lucas stared at the movement with his heart pounding even more. He did not blink when Velia’s hands moved. Slowly, she grabbed her robe and let it left her body. The robe fell around Velia’s feet. Leaving that naked body without a single the thread to covered it. Velia stood up nervously. Cold air from the air conditioning temperature in the room that makes her body was shivering. Especially with Lucas’s gaze that did not blink when looking at the body naked. She really felt like a bitch. But it was like that now. “Come here.” Lucas’s guttural voice awakened Velia. Trembling, she approached