CHAPTER III - Okay With Shooting People

It was Andrew's turn to wave a hand at my frozen face. When I didn't respond, he sprayed water at me from one of the garden spray bottles littered in the place.

"What the hell, 'Drew?" I spluttered.

"Just be glad I didn't slap you. So, who was it?"

I can feel an oncoming headache on top of the stress of meeting with Vincentio Longoria. I put my fingers on my both my temple.

"Loan shark."

His eyes bugged out. "Your parents managed to borrow half a million dollars from them?"

Addicts are the favorite clients of loan sharks. Drug addicts, sex addicts, gambling addicts, or any kind of addicts for that matter. They all have one thing in common: they'd do anything to get off. Considering my parent's track record, it was impressive they were able to get that amount of money. 

My silence was enough to answer his question.

"Wow. I don't know if I should be disgusted or impressed."

"They are disgustingly fascinating," I agreed.

"So, what are you going to do?" Andrew murmured, worry written all over his face.

This time, I let out a sigh of defeat. "I don't know."

~~~

"Humor me on this, why don't you accept Longoria's offer? You could negotiate it to half a million. No one would judge you for it. You're in a tight spot."

We're lying in the backyard, on the freshly trimmed grass I mowed this morning, enjoying the view of the moonlight reflecting against the crystal river. 

I smiled bitterly at the thought of it. Growing up, we moved a lot even before Viola was born. This was the only place that felt like home. Ma, or what I used to call my grandma since she has been more of a mom than my own mother, had made sure that I have good memories of my childhood. 

"Remember the first time we met?" I asked, suddenly feeling sentimental.

"You walked in on me having sex with an investor in his bathroom. How could I forget?"

"It was the lowest point of my life. Cleaning up the messes of rich snobs. You'd be surprised by the things they leave after a night of partying. For them not to care that I see such depraved things, I felt so small and insignificant."

Being a maid, you have to rely heavily on luck. Would I end up with an abusive family? Or a generous one? Of course, you'd be lucky if you got the latter. But the universe has an agenda against me. I got neither and ended up with a spoiled demeaning owner. 

"I consider myself proud, you know that. So when I threw my pride away, I thought what does that make me then? Ma told me I was still the same girl. Pride doesn't just mean holding your head high. Pride is not losing sight of your goals and principles. She said my pride was my sister and that for me to do anything so I can provide for her is brave in itself so I should be proud of myself."

It's times like these that my heart ached the most for her. To feel her embrace once more so I could feel safe. Being a breadwinner at an early age, I have to be decisive. Right now, I just felt so… lost. I just wanted to be a kid again with just the worry of sneaking out of nap time.

Andrew didn't say anything and just listened intently. I turned to him.

"And you, you made every obstacle in my life bearable. So, thank you for existing and that made me stop from throwing myself in the river."

He sniffled. "You're going to make me cry. Come here."

I went willingly in his embrace. It wasn't the same as my grandma's but that's alright. At least I don't feel that alone in the world anymore.

"At least one of us is crying," I teased. I gave him one last squeeze before standing up. A new resolve has swelled within me. Just like they said, there's no use crying over spilled milk.

~~~

I dropped my sister off at my aunt's. Even though I was in no mood to deal with her judging eyes, it is the safest place for Viola in the meantime. 

"How much does a hitman make, do you think?" I asked Andrew while I stirr my coffee mindlessly.

We’re at a cafe, searching for another job after I had just been rejected from two interviews this morning. With only an associate’s degree on my resume, it has been a struggle to catch the attention of any HR. I knew I was selling yet again a part of my dignity to corporate life but I had no choice. My racket jobs were not enough to generate me a hundred thousand in three months. 

I know office jobs were not enough as well but I needed a steady cash flow. Plus, who knows, maybe I’d meet and catch a wealthy CEO’s attention and he’ll pay off my parent’s debt out of love.

Hey, a girl could dream, right?

"Can you even hold a gun properly? Much less lift a sniper?"

"I've played call of duty before."

Andrew ignored me and his eyes squinted at his laptop’s screen. "What are your thoughts on assisting rich men with their recreation by presenting them with assets?"

My brain buffered for a moment before I realized what he’s trying to say.

"I'm not going to be a stripper!"

"Oh, so you're okay with shooting people but being a stripper is suddenly beneath you. Do you know how much they earn in a day?"

"I can't even walk in heels, much less wag my ass in them."

"I'm sure they conduct training for their employees."

"Do they?"

He raised his perfectly shaped eyebrows conspiratorially. "Let's find out, shall we?"

My phone rang, saving me from falling into the arms of debauchery.

It was an unknown number. 

"Hello?" I answered warily.

"Miss Silvera? You applied to Hamlet Development Corporation earlier.”

The same pleasant voice that rejected me earlier spoke on the other line. I furrowed my eyebrows. Did she forget that she already broke the news to me?

"Yes, but you already informed me that I didn't make the cut."

"Another position opened up and we're in dire need to have it filled up immediately. Would you be interested in applying for an administrative assistant?"

"O-of course, I am interested. What time shall I be there for the interview?"

"Tomorrow, 9 am sharp. I'll send the details in your email. Thank you for accepting our company’s offer, Miss Silvera."

"My pleasure. Thank you again!"

~~~

I took a deep breath. In and out. Nice and easy. 

'I chose this and I’m going to be great at it so I can be happy.'

I repeated my mantra over and over again inside my head before going through the glass doors.

“Good morning, welcome to Hamlet Development Corporation. How can I help you?”

I flashed the receptionist a confident smile. “My name’s Lucy Silvera and I’m here for the interview.”