Dispose
No matter what you think that kiss meant, it didn't amount to anything. Indeed, I had prepared myself for something worst. He always keeps me a little on edge, but it could simply be because I'm frightened by him and my reactions are slow due of the bad experiences I've had with him in the past.
”Are you going now?” I asked when he stood up after eating the breakfast that I prepared.
He looked down on me and it seems like the amusement on his face will be forever embedded when he’s talking to me.
”Yes. I have an early meeting.”
”Uh, alright.” I pursed my lips.
Likewise, I got to my feet and began putting away the dishes. I'm happy on the inside. My anticipation of his departure has reached a crescendo. When I turned around, he was standing behind me, but, as usual, I didn't notice and continued washing the dishes.
”You don’t always have to wash the plates. I can make my house help do that.”
My mind hitch. What fuckery is he talking about? Last time, we were just arguing about this and now a sudden change of words? And house help? I didn’t know he had one, I thought it was me all along! I can’t help but to get sarcastic inside my head, but I remained calm and unaffected.
”It’s fine. I can just do all this.” I uttered silently.
He sighed. I felt his palm glide into my waist and he kissed my shoulders.
”Thank you.”
I am surprised that my head turned to the side making me feel his warm breath. I just smiled raw at him.
”Go now. You’ll be late.”
”Hmm, don’t forget to message me when you need anything, hmmkay?”
I nodded. That phone could be more useful, Aciel. I hope you know.
Thereafter, he departed. I washed the dishes, but before calling Lulu, I took a shower to buy myself some time and ensure he wouldn't return. This led me to spend some time sitting on my bed while I dialed her number.
It took two tries before she picked up. “Hello?”
”Lulu,”
”Jesus Christ! Alia!” she called wearily. That she is concerned is something I am aware of.
”I’m glad you called! How are you? Are you safe? Are you well? I haven’t seen you in a while, I’m so worried that your father might have beaten you because of the last time you sneaked out.” her long sentiments.
”Wait, Lulu. I’ll explain things to you.”
”Yes please. I’m so worried about you, Alia.”
I sighed. “My father caught me last time.” I started. I hear her gasp.
”But I really wish that’s the only thing that had happened."
”When I came back, the man that I’m with when you saw me at the mall paid my father and bought me.”
”What?”
The line went silent for seconds.
”You mean, he paid your father like the usual. ‘Client’ bullshitness right?”
I sighed again. Of course, Emma. She’ll understand it that way.
”I think… I wouldn’t be seeing you for now Lulu.”
”What? What do you mean?”
”My father sold me to him in exchange for millions.”
”Millions!?” she said in a horrific tone.
”Yes. Fifty million.”
The line went silent. I gave her time to process what I just said.
“W-wait, wait.”
I heard noises from her line and soon became silent again.
”Fifty million? For a fuck buddy? Who the hell would do that!?”
I almost rolled my eyes, I hope not for the ‘fuck buddy’ part.
“Apparently, he will.”
”What the hell? Who is that man? And your father, where is he? He’s a damn millionaire now while you’re out there suffering!?”
I pursed my lips. Now that she mentioned it, I remember my father.
”Did you perhaps see my father?” I uttered under my breath.
”Don’t tell me you’re still concerned about him, Emma.” she warned.
”He’s my father, Lulu.”
”And when did he even become a father to you?”
I sighed.
”He exploited you ever since god knows when! He did nothing but to abuse you, beat you and use you in any way that he’ll benefit. Yes, he’s your father but Emma…” she explained frustrated.
I know. I understand her. But I hope she knows where I’m coming from.
”I know your kind and you respect your father so much. But in this life, you must choose those people who deserve your kindness and respect.” she explained softly.
”I just want to know, Lulu. Maybe he’s now looking for my mother. He has enough bucks to do that now.” I chuckled lightly.
”While you still have enough strength in you to even chuckle , Emma.”
I chuckled for the second time. She uttered more words, some I didn’t understand.
”Can you help me, Lulu?” finally I’ve said it.
”Of course, Alia. Whatever it is that I can do for you.” she said passionately.
I smiled. I can feel a warm hand holding my heart. This is the reason why even though the world had turned it’s back to me I still believe there’s still a chance for this world to change. Because out of a million reasons to give up, Lulu is one of those few reasons to fight. There’s still kindness, there’s still hope.
”I need you to look for my dad. I want to hear from him.”
She sighed. Seems like she’s suddenly doubtful.
”And then what? You’ll forgive him and hope that he’ll change?”
I shook my head. “I need to know his whereabouts.”
”Oh well, he’s probably sleeping in his millions now.” she said bitterly.
”I need to find out if he’s with my mother.”
”And if he’s not with her?”
”I need to know any information about my mother.”
”Hmm. And your dad.”
”Better dispose him.” My tone is dripping with coldness.
”D-dispose?” she almost sounds like choking.
My lips are in thin line while looking at the wide and busy city outside.
”You said I choose who’s deserving of my respect right?”
She did not answer me.
”For now, that’s all I ask from you, Lulu. For the rest, I have plans laid out.”
”A-alright. I’ll do that.”
”Thank you.” I whispered.
My phone vibrated. I got a bit startled when I saw Elijah’s name plastered on the screen. He sent a message.
”I’ll call you as soon as I can, Lulu. I have to end this now.”
She sighed. “Are you sure you’ll be fine? Is the man abusing you?”
I became silent for a few seconds. Is he even doing anything to me? That, I’m not sure of.
”Don’t worry about me, Lulu. Please help yourself. I’m okay, I promise.” I assured her.
Soon, we ended the call. I immediately opened Aciel’s message to me.
Aciel:
Don’t get too preoccupied. I’ll send your lunch later.
My forehead furrowed. What does he mean?
I stood and kicked the pillow in irritation. Damn it. If there’s such a thing as irritation and annoyance abuse, he would pass that. Ugh!
