Chapter 12
“WHY are you here, Demi?” Maria asked Demi and pulled her outside their house because her skimpy black dress and heavy makeup in broad daylight looked suspicious for Connor’s eyes. “What are you doing here?”
Demi smirked. “Chill, I’m just here to check if you’re still staying here,” she said and looked over her shoulders. “Is that one of your previous customers?”
Maria shook his head. “No… He’s Sara’s doctor.”
“Oh.” She nodded her head and grinned maliciously. “It looks like he likes you. Is he single and rich?”
Maria’s face turned red. She knew what Demi is trying to say. “No, of course not,” she glanced at Connor inside the house. The man was still standing from the doorway and watching them. “He’s here for Sara—”
“I wasn’t born yesterday, Maria,” Demi cut off and brushed her long and painted fingernails on her skin. “Is he the reason why you didn’t show up last night?”
Maria moved her hand away from her. “No, it’s because of Sara. Her situation is getting worse—”
“Darn,” she hissed and caught her arm. Her grip tightened when she spoke again. “Don’t make a fool out of me, Maria—”
“I’m telling the truth. Why would I use my daughter’s illness to cover my lies? I still have a conscience, Demi, unlike you,” she said and snatched back her arm.
Demi clenched her jaw. “You stupid tramp, if not for me you wouldn’t be on your position—”
“You’re right. You are the reason why I’m in that club,” she cut off. “But, I strived hard just to be the Magdalene.” Maria arched her brow. “And, as far as I can remember, we have agreed that I won’t go to the club on weekdays, right? Even Boss Doppy approved that. So, it means that I have all the right to refuse if you ask me to work on my day off.”
Demi’s lips pressed into a line. She raised a brow and looked at her deadly. “You knew how to play, eh?” She smirked. “When I saw you at the Quiapo Church three years ago, you looked like a filthy kitten asking for some coins to the people.”
Maria felt a lump in her throat. Those were the days when she didn’t know where to find enough money to support her child’s medications. Even Wendy’s job can’t support Sara’s needs, and she can’t just depend on her because she’s the mother—a useless mother. There she met Demi, who was with a stranger back then. Demi offered her a job that could give her a lot of money which she accepted right away, little did she know that the job was like that hell that she escaped from the place where her mother put her into.
“Do you remember now, scaredy-cat?” Demi cooed wickedly.
Maria swallowed hard. “I’ll see you at the club—”
“I will make sure that you’ll be punished, Maria.” She grabbed her hand again and gripped it tightly. “You can’t get away from us, Magdalene. Even that weak doctor can’t save you from hell—”
“Hey! Who told you that you can step your dirty feet on my territory?” Wendy swept Demi’s hand away from her. “Shoo! You’re not welcome here!”
Demi laughed at Wendy. “Look who’s talking? What do you think of yourself, Wendy? A saint? Let me remind you, girl. We’re both doing illegals here, don’t act as if you have been born again—”
“Is there something wrong here?” Connor touched her arm and looked at her warily. “Are you okay? Is this woman bothering you?”
Demi smirked. “I’m not bothering her,” she laughed. “She’s already bothered, Doc.”
“Go away,” Wendy shunned Demi again. “Or, do you want me to call my troops to drag you out of our area?”
Demi rolled her eyes heavenwards. “Maria, I’ll expect you tonight.”
When Demi left, Wendy ushered her back inside their house. And even Connor was puzzled of the reason why Demi suddenly barged in her home, he didn’t ask questions. He just remained silent while rubbing her back to calm her down.
“Thanks, I’m okay now,” she said and moved a little away from Connor.
The man noticed her distance, so he scoots closer to her. “Maria, if that girl bothers you again, tell me. We’ll file a restraining order to her.”
Wendy crinkled her nose. “I hope it’s that easy,” she commented, then looked at her knowingly. “I just went to Robert’s house to pick up our dinner. It took me almost fifteen minutes, and then, when I got back here, that bitch is already here.”
“Who’s that woman? Do you owe her something? Money? Tell me the amount, I’ll pay her, so she won’t go back here and bother you again,” Connor asked and took out his wallet.
But, Maria shook her head. “I don’t owe her an amount. She’s my recruiter from the new job that I applied to,” she lied and lowered her head. “She was just asking me why I didn’t show up in the interview yesterday.”
Wendy’s eyes were focused on Connor’s wallet. “But, if you’ll insist, Doc. You can pay for our rent here. We haven’t paid for this month. Maria’s salary isn’t enough—”
“Wendy,” Maria warned her friend and looked at Connor, who was about to get money from his wallet. “Connor, you don’t have to—” She paused when Connor gave her an ATM card. “Huh?”
“You can use it,” he said and gave him a piece of paper. “That’s the pin code.”
“What? Wait, are you sure?” Maria was surprised. This exceeded her expectations for him. She thought he’ll just give them a few bills.”
Connor nodded. “It’s not much, but I know it will help you reduce your expenses every day. I know how expensive Sara’s medicines and a minimum wage salary can’t support all your daily necessities.”
Wendy simply cupped her forehead. She raised from her seat and went to the fridge. “I’m dehydrating…” she said and snatched a bottle of chilled tea. “Doc, I think you need to drink more coffee.”
Connor knotted his forehead. “Why?”
“To clear your mind,” Wendy answered. “Caffeine can boost our brain, right? I think yours got a little clogged.”
Maria shook her head. “Wendy’s right, Connor,” she agreed and gave the ATM card back to him. “You don’t have to do this—”
“But, I want to, Maria,” Connor caught her hand, opened her palm, and placed the card in it. “If you don’t want to spend it for yourself, then spend it on Sara.”
Maria looked into his eyes. “Why are you doing this?”
Connor held her stare. “Isn’t it obvious? I like you.”
***
