Four

Ximena tugged the sweatshirt she donned around her body tighter as the chilly night air penetrated her exposed skin.

She shivered and emitted a sigh when someone staggered into her.

“I'm sorry." He sputtered, then went on his way whilst stumbling into the trash can.

Ximena let out another sigh as she read the sign on the doorpost. “Choice bar.”

She glanced back at her phone, and read the requirement which had been pasted by the website to become a bartender.

“I hope I won't regret doing this," Mumbled Ximena as she slipped the glasses she had picked earlier from the thrift store on.

She tugged her hair into a messy bun before pulling out the beanie in her backpack.

There were not many people who had naturally white hair in the world. And for once she looked a lot like the famous model Jazmine Fernandez. The white hair and stormy grey eyes made it even hard to miss the semblance between them.

But now with the beanie on, she looked more like a nerd as she glimpsed at her reflection in a nearby mirror. Also, she grinned because she looked unrecognisable.

Ximena wouldn't even want someone to notice it was her seeking a bartending job since it could cause a lot of damage to her career as an upcoming model. She didn't want to see her face plastered on the news with ridiculous headlines.

Yet, she had no options and she wouldn't let her father's life slip away when she could still help.

Ximena wasn't the kind of person that takes rejection as the final answer because she keeps on trying until she gets to my designated goal.

She stepped into the rowdy pub and walked towards what looked like the reception. A small cubicle was situated at the corner and a large centre table was placed in the middle of three two-seaters.

“Hi, I'm looking for the manager," Ximena murmured, whilst staring at anywhere but the girl in front of her.

The girl gazed at Ximena intently as she tried to recall where she had seen her before.

For a second, Ximena thought she had recognised her when her face spread into a wide smile.

Moreover, she remembered how unlikely it was for her to be recognized since she was a small-time model.

“You look quite familiar." Said the girl. She had had a tag with the name Mel stuck to her breast pocket.

“I don't think so, I've never met you before." Ximena let out a nervous giggle, before adding. “I'm new in town."

She wrung the ring on her finger whilst praying silently for the girl to just direct her to the office of the manager without another question.

“Are you by chance related to Jazmine Fernandez? You look so much like her.” She asserted.

“I'm not," Ximena stated firmly, more to herself than to the girl.

“Oh, I'm sorry." She smiled, then pointed to a small corner close to where the cubicle was.

“Just go through that place, you'll see another door. That is his office."

“Thanks," Ximena muttered, then walked in the direction the girl had pointed to.

She tapped on the door thrice before she received a reply. She wrinkled her nose as she entered. The stench of alcohol and cigarette penetrated the air, and Ximena glanced at the man who was behind the huge desk.

“You must be Calista.”

"I am," Ximena nodded and made a mental note to use the name throughout her stay so as not to confuse people from the bar who might run into her in the street.

The bar manager's eyes lingered on hers more than it was necessary, he licked his lips and winked.

He hoisted himself from the seat and stepped towards her.

Ximena noticed the difference in their height as he moved closer. He was of average height.

“What would I get in return if I employ you?" A sick smile appeared on his pudgy face and his thick tongue peeked out once more to lick his fat lips.

“W-what?" Ximena stammered, her heart smacked wildly in her chest. “I don't understand."

“You see, you are a very fine piece of wine, and I wouldn't mind if you could offer me some pleasure right now." He winked as he tapped his zipper.

Ximena gagged as his hands caressed her face.

"How about you get down on your knees no…"

Ximena didn't let him finish because she shoved her leg into his member, and spat on his face.

“You are a piece of shit!" She yelled, then darted out.

The receptionist she had met earlier called her name but she didn't answer.

She kept on running until she was out of the pub.

She sprinted to the front of a moving car, her eyes engorged as the owner swerved to the other side to avoid knocking her down.

She heard a few swear words as the driver came scrambling towards her.

“Are you hurt? You should look where you are going next time!" He harangues.

The voice sounded harsh, yet familiar, and her gaze shot up to look at the man berating her.

Ximena gasped as her eyes latched on his own.

Startled, Jason paused. He blinked to know if he was seeing things because there was no way in hell the Ice queen would be in a place like this, thoughtless of having red-rimmed eyes which indicated she had been crying.

“What are you doing here? Are you nuts?!" He raved whilst picking her from the ground like a rag doll.

“I think I'm dreaming. This isn't you." Ximena mumbled, attempting to pinch herself.

“I should be the one saying that.” Said Jason dryly.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He inquired.

“If you were smart enough, you should know that this isn't the right place for you to be in.” Jason grimaced, glaring at her.

Ximena sniffled as she thought of what would have become of her if he hadn't controlled himself.

The tears slid down one after the other, then it became a full-blown wail.

“Wow, I didn't mean it that way. I'm sorry if I offend you," He pleaded.

Ximena shook my head as she continued to sob. The nonacceptance from her mother had finally registered in my mind.

More so, all the pains she had been going through resurfaced as well.

Jason let her cry for a while. He groaned as he continued watching her. He didn't know how to comfort crying women.

Ximena knew she looked like a mess, but she didn't care. She just wanted all the pain to go away.

“This looks awkward. I have never seen you cry before." Jason brought out his hanky and extended it to her.

He chuckled as she blew her snot on it loudly.

“Can I keep this?" Ximena mumbled, clutching the soggy material.

“Of course. You don't expect me to take it back after blowing your nose on it. Do you?"

“Jerk!"

“Now, that is the woman I know. But, what brings you here?" He said, with a serious expression.

Ximena hiccuped as he kept staring at her. She contemplated whether to tell him about her ordeal or not.

However, she settled with telling him. Not because she wanted him to help but because she was tired of keeping everything in.