Over the night sky, luminaries of nature mirrored the city lights of Auckland city. The city was alive with a flurry of nightlife among the inhabitants.
Somewhere in a neighborhood occupied by the affluent, a young woman was getting ready to join the flurry of activities in the city. Andra Anderson, in her cozy bedroom, admired her looks before the large mirror as she prepared for her Friday night out. Lively music blared from the speakers inside the bedroom. She danced to the music in high spirits as she went about her preparations.
High-end boyish sneakers encased her feet. Her slim body was clad in blue baggy jeans and an oversized t-shirt. Her long center-parted hair was graced with a white face cap worn backward. Her attractive oval-shaped face was lightly made up with dark eyeshadow, giving her a smokey-eyed look.
As Andra danced in anticipation of the fun she was hoping to have, the door opened as another young woman walked inside. She was wearing a pair of pajamas with a sleeping satin bonnet covering her hair. Her gaze on Andra was of displeasure.
“Hi, Molly.” Andra excitedly greeted the solemn-looking girl. “Did someone die, cousin?”
“Stop playing with me.” Molly chided. “You know very well that I am not happy about this outing of yours tonight.”
Andra rolled her eyes. “Oh, please.” She said.
“Andra, can’t you let this night be? Please?” Molly’s voice had changed to an imploring tone.
Andra stopped dancing. “You do not need to mother me.” She said gaily. “I am not you, miss indoor queen. So why not go to bed and relax like you always choose to do, instead of enjoying your life?” She pointed at the large bed to emphasize her point.
“Stubborn tomboy,” Molly mumbled as she ambled over to the bed, exhausted by Andra’s stubbornness.
“I heard that, Molly,” Andra said with hands akimbo as Molly flopped down on the bed and stared up at her. “I’m standing right here, so I heard you.”
“I know you heard that. You were meant to.”
Andra scoffed. “So why murmur?”
“To ascertain your level of consciousness.”
Andra was taken aback in an amused way. So chucked lightly. “I’m not drunk.” She clarified.
“Not yet, I know, judging by your seemingly intelligent argument.”
“Hey, stop with the big words, I’m the lawyer here.”
Molly let out a mocking laugh. “Lawyer on paper. A lawyer who will not go to law school and become certified.”
Andra laughed mockingly. “Keep talking. You’ll soon get tired.” She frowned, suddenly letting go of the laughter. “Anyway, your jibes can be sometimes annoying. But, seeing as the night is young and I am in a good mood, I won’t get bothered.”
“I know, right? But you do need my jibes sometimes.”
Andra rolled her eyes to indicate her indifference.
“Look, on a more serious note, the last time you went out, you know how angry your father was when he found out. And you promised that it won’t happen again. You even promised to stop with the tomboy outfits, didn’t you?”
“I did. So what?”
“Andra, there is no better time to stop than now.”
Andra laughed at her concern. “Oh, wow. Did you take my word for it? I cannot believe this.”
Molly stared at her incredulously and Andra shook her head in mock disappointment.
“Oh, Molly. You’ve known me long enough to see that I cannot do without a night of clubbing, partying, and drinking. Especially on Friday nights.”
Andra picked up the remote and stopped the music. She wanted to drive her point home and needed all the silence she could get in the air right now. “In as much as you were dumb enough to believe my words to my father, I’ll still educate you, Molly. You see, promises are meant to be broken. And as for my dress sense, this is how I have chosen to dress. My father cannot stop me. No one can.”
“Hmm. You will be getting into trouble, Andra. And you know it. Your father sounded like he would take drastic action if you mess up again.”
“All my father would do is yell and threaten to disown me as usual. There is nothing new.”
Andra chuckled and Molly shrugged a shoulder resignedly. “Do as you wish as always.” She said.
“Thank you,” Andra replied, unfazed. “Now, please try and be nice. Why not tell me how I look?”
“You look good in whatever you wear,” Molly answered reluctantly, but her voice was heavy with sincerity. “My cousin is a fine girl. The only thing is, I wish you’ll be getting the attention of genuine guys in there who will take you seriously, instead of fake guys who have seen an I-don’t-care girl they can just have fun with and disappear.”
“There are responsible men in the club, sis.” Andra refuted.
“Whatever. But let’s get one thing straight. I will not have your back this time if anything goes wrong.”
“Oh, come on. You always say that. But we both know that you always do.”
“You wish this time around.”
Andra’s smile was wide with self-assurance, indicating her disbelief. “Look, I have to go.” She said and carried her crossbody purse, hanging it over her shoulder. “You don’t know what you’re missing.” She teased Molly. “Music, dance, men of all kinds and me, drinking, dancing, having fun. Oh, Molly.”
Andra danced seductively before Molly who remained unimpressed.
“And all your motivation is what will get you in trouble with your father.” She remarked.
“Trouble does not end, my dear. And life is too short to live without fun. Make noise before you go down because let’s face it. Everyone will eventually go down.” She threw her head back and laughed.
“You are impossible,” Molly remarked, displeased.
“Thanks for the compliment,” Andra responded, flaunting some more dance moves.
Annoyed, Molly shooed her away. Laughing, Andra exited the room and shut the door behind her to embrace the night and whatever it held in store for her.
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Inside the bedroom of a couple in their early sixties, the woman was seated up on the bed beside her sleeping husband, her phone in her hands. She was watching a video that had surfaced online, with an exhausted expression on her face. “Not again.” She mumbled.” The video showed Andra dancing in her tomboy outfit at a stripper stand. The clubbists surrounded her, cheering her on as she entertained them. As she danced, she pulled off her oversized t-shirt to reveal her upper body clad in a sports bra, leaving her taut stomach exposed. The cheers from the people increased and the gleeful noisy sound forced the sleeping man to wake up. “Sorry dear,” Mrs. Duke apologized. “It’s just that, this video concerns us. Though I wish you would not have to see it. I mean, not again.” Mr. Duke sat up, rubbing his sleepy eyes. “Don’t tell me it’s Andra again.” He said as she brought the phone closer to him so that he would be able to easily view it. In the clip currently playing, an already int
Molly was on the bed sleeping when her phone started to ring. Upon checking, she saw a call from her uncle. Her heart skipped a beat because it was the wake of dawn and she could sense that something could be wrong. Her haunch told her it would have to do with Andra but she would not know until she received the call, hence, she picked the call. “Good morning uncle.” She greeted him upon taking the call. “There is nothing good about this morning.” He snapped. “Where is your sister? Where the hell is Andra?” “She…” Molly hesitated. She was going to speak the truth but could not bring herself to do so. “She’s fine.” “Fine, how?” Duke demanded. “So, this is how you’ve been supporting her errant ways, right?” “No, I’m not. That’s not true.” Molly sat up sharply on the bed, his anger driving home the seriousness of the situation. “Then, why are you lying to me?” he asked furiously. “Do you know what she has just done? Am I to believe that you’ve been in support of her stupid actions?
A pleading look took over Andra’s face as she implored Molly. “Please, I cannot face him alone.” She begged. “You need to come with me, please.” “What!” Molly exclaimed, unbelieving. “How can you expect that of me?” “Molly Please.” “No.” Molly said vehemently, “I will not do it because I warned you. Plus, he is angry with me already. So, carry your cross.” “Molly, please.” Andra pleaded again. “You know that you have a way with words and he kind of listens to you and you know it. So, please come with me and do your magic to calm him down on my behalf, please.” “I won’t.” Molly adamantly refused and started dressing the bed, her actions a message to Andra that she had dismissed the subject and there was no way that she was going to change her mind. “Please.” Andra pleaded. “No,” Molly said resolutely and concentrated on her task. “Never.” She added for emphasis. “Okay, an authentic semi-acoustic guitar from Fender,” Andra promised. Molly simply waved her aside and continued wit
The day outside was crisp and clear. Sunlight struggled to pour through Andra’s bedroom window but the light curtains obscured its efforts, giving the room a rather cozy glow even though it was daytime. Andra lay in her bed, covered in a duvet. She lay curled up on her side as she rested. Molly walked inside the room and saw Andra relaxed as she rested on the bed. She marveled at Andra’s current disposition. Molly was in casual house wear while Andra was in a night dress, her hair covered with a sleeping bonnet. “To be honest, Andra, I am surprised at your calmness after your father’s threat. You seem to have gotten over it.” Molly sat on the bed, ready to talk to her cousin even though the girl’s body language was impervious. “Well, I finally got to realize that it is not important.” She replied drowsily without looking at Molly. She had slept for a while and was just having a rest. She didn’t feel like starting her day yet. All she wanted was more rest, hence her impermeable bod
Molly was anxious as Andra kept staring at her in disbelief. “Say something.” She urged. “You’re just gaping at me.” “Why won’t I gape at you?” Andra responded. “Can you hear the words coming out of your mouth? That I should get a man?” “You should and I mean it.” “Listen, I have no intention of doing that. I’m not one of those girls who desire to get married in my twenties. I want to enjoy my single life. I will consider settling down from the age of thirty. That means, my enjoyment is just beginning.” “Stubborn tomboy,” Molly mumbled. Somehow this jibe often gave her some comfort because Andra’s views most times, exasperated her. “I heard that,” Andra informed her. Andra was used to the jibe. She knew that Molly often used it on her whenever she was adamant about something. “I know you did. But I insist you get your own man and bring him home before your father beats you to it.” “I will do no such thing.” Andra refused firmly. The drowsy feeling had completely left her and
Duke and Carla were riding in the back seat of their SUV. The driver drove smoothly along the streets around their residential area as he navigated the vehicle toward one of the main city roads. They passed by a billboard that featured Duke’s campaign poster. Across the road was his opponent’s campaign poster. Duke eyed both posters and sighed. “She is going to ruin my career.” He bitterly lamented.“I am beginning to see things the way you do,” Carla confessed as their vehicle progressed further.“I’m glad to hear that, Sweetheart,” Duke replied. “Anyway, I have been wondering where I can quickly find a young man who can be able to handle Andra. I mean, from what profession? Perhaps a uniformed person? Because he needs to be strong.”“Certainly, he needs to be.” Carla agreed.“Exactly. Perhaps a military man, air force, navy, or a cop.”“I agree that’s where you can find tough and disciplined guys, because of their training but you will agree with me that toughness can also do with
“Fine,” Duke replied. “Thanks.” “You’re welcome, Sir.” For the first time, Duke noticed his polished accent. The driver did not sound like an averagely educated person. He sounded well-educated and Duke could perceive an air of confidence oozing out of the young man. Duke often found that impression to be true about persons who are well-traveled or perhaps schooled outside the country. And in Auckland, only the wealthy could afford to school abroad. The only other persons who were opportune to school abroad were those who happened to be favored with private or government scholarships. “I hardly find people who sound well educated doing the job that you do,” Duke commented observantly. “Why do you assume that I am well educated, Sir?” “You speak well. You have a poised demeanor that is barely found in the uh…streets so to speak.” “Oh, thank you.” The young man replied without commenting on Duke’s words. Duke saw this as intelligence. The man was not ready to yap about his life
Duke continued presenting his desire to Dominic. To him, it was now or never. “I need you to fake an open proposal to her. This has to be done publicly.” “But what is your reason for this uh…unusual request?” Dominic was still shocked. “Because my daughter is out of control.” Duke didn’t see any point in mincing words. The guy had to know what was needed to know. “She is wild and badly behaved. And trust me, it is not because I have been a bad parent. It is just how she has turned out. And the sort of wayward behavior she constantly exhibits is a threat to my political goals. People no longer judge me by my personality. They are starting to judge me for her disgraceful behavior. If I don’t do something about it, I will lose my chances at becoming the mayor of Auckland just because I have an unruly daughter despite my good intentions and plans for this city.” Dominic folded his arms and continued listening to Duke. He was still shocked but gradually he was starting to understand the
Back in the house, Andra kept up with the friendship act for a few more days. During the start of the weekend, she could not take it anymore and fell into depression. Home alone, she didn't want to go out and cause any trouble. She didn't want to ask Dominic if she could go either. She just stayed in the living room sad. Dominic emerged from his room, dressed casually and looking sharp like he was about to enjoy a night out. She was watching the TV morosely without really paying attention to the movie playing on the screen. She wished she could go out. She was bored and alone. She looked at Dominic, her eyes melancholy. He folded his arms and smiled at her. "Andra." "Yes." she answered dully. "It's Friday night and you know what?" "What?" she asked, her mind curious, the dullness still paramount. "I'm taking you out." he said. "We are going partying." A smile brightened up her face. "Really?" she could not believe it. "Yes. Really." Andra leaped off the chair and rushed
Andra felt her body go cold with dissapointment. She knew she had fallen head over heels in love with Dominic, hence his words hurt her. So, he would be leaving? To him, it was a mere contract and it would soon be over, just like that. "What about the company?" she asked."I already have interested investors who want to buy it."Andra felt her heart breaking. But she tried to control her emotions."So, you will just leave and go back to your life?"He nodded. "I see no other choice."“And us?” she asked.He glanced at her. “Us was a contract, right? I am sure you cannot wait to be rid of my rules.”Andra believed he was wrong but she did not want to push it. She smiled wanly and the ride became silent. She felt like crying. Still, she pretended that everything was okay. But deep down, her heart was shattering to a thousand pieces.Later, the following day, she was sad as she walked beside Molly at the park they last hung out at."You can tell me what's wrong." Molly encouraged "I I c
"I should not have slapped you. I pushed you and I'm sorry. I'm also sorry for...for bringing a man to the house." Dominic turned away from her. "Just go," he said dismissively and to his surprise, she threw herself inside the room.As he turned to face her, she was standing right before him, contrite. "I'm sorry."His demeanor was unshaken."Are you really sorry or you're just fooling around because I don't have time for games.""I'm sorry, please.""How long was he here?""We barely just came in."Dominic's demeanor was starting to soften as he realized that the silent treatment, he gave her was for too long."Hmm. That's okay. And look I'm sorry too. I should not have left you alone like that. You were apologizing and I took too long to give you some attention. I realize that wasn't very nice, okay?"She nodded, relieved to hear that."Still, that doesn't give you the right to go man-hunting.""I know. I'm sorry.""I still feel angry. All this tells me is that once you can't get at
The couple heard Dominic's footsteps as he approached the door. And then he was knocking. "Andra, answer me, damn it. I know you're in there. And I want to see you now." Andra knew she could not hide anymore. She quickly advised her partner to seek refuge in her closet. Dominic would not enter the room, she assured him as she dove for a quick change of clothes, ditching the skimpy clothing for pajamas. "And why are you guys staying in separate rooms?" the guy whispered. "This is the guest room." she lied and he quickly disappeared into the walk-in closet. "Andra, I swear, if you don't open this door right now..." In a moment of courage, Andra opened the door and stepped outside to confront her fears. She shut the door behind her protectively and watched Dominic's hands gripping her partner's tie as his hazel eyes burned with fury. This was not how she had expected his return to be but she could not turn back the hands of time. Dominic perused her outfit. It didn't look like s
Seeing Andra’s devastation, Molly decided to be supportive. "Don't worry, he will talk to you once he is calm enough." "Thank you." Andra decided to try and control herself before she started looking like a love sick puppy. It wasn't as if she was in a relationship with a guy and they were having problems. Strengthening herself she looked at Molly, remembering her pressing need. "Molly, I need some cash. He left me with no upkeep. I guess because he is angry." At her request, Molly became infuriated. She rose with indignation. "I see why you're worried about not reaching him. The money is all you need. I knew you will never change." Andra stared at Molly, shocked. "Is that how low you think of me?" she slowly rose, pained by Molly's assertion. "Forget I asked," she said and started heading for the bedroom in frustration. Molly realized she was wrong to quickly judge her. "Wait, I'm sorry." Andra disappeared inside the room and slammed the door shut, leaving Molly alone, perple
Dominic folded his arms and glared at her. He was somewhat relieved by her surrender. He didn't want to have to physically hurt her. He didn't like hurting anyone, especially if he could avoid it, but she was driving him up the wall. His eyes swept over her like a scanner. "You left this house in different clothes, and now you're here with different ones. That alone is a giveaway. I knew you were up to something. But I decided to give you the benefit of the doubt. Still, you just could not disappoint me." Andra wobbled a bit, which pissed him off further."Look at you. You can't even stand properly. You're drunk. You should be ashamed of yourself." "I am not drunk, I swear. I'm just... yes, I drank, but I did it responsibly. I stopped as soon as I reached my limit. I swear, there was no scene. I assure you, there will be no news." "There had better be no news about your stupid outing," he barked, unable to control his anger. "You left this house yesterday with a pack of lies, an
The sky was dark and only illuminated by sparse and distant stars. Dominic was out on the front porch of the house, gazing at the night sky.His eyes traveled to the spot where Andra’s car was supposed to be parked. It was not there.Dominic recalled her backpack. He remembered asking her what was in there because he was uncomfortable with it. She said it was for the laundry. Now, he could almost swear that her disappearance had to do with that backpack. She carried clothes. Now if something happened to her wherever she was, he would be blamed. After all, she was his wife. That was the portrayal. Dominic was trying to control his anger. If she agreed to the deal, the least she could do was follow the rules. He was pissed off as he checked his wristwatch. It was already past 12:00 pm. Where could she be? The first place he could check was any club, but he already knew that was a lost cause with all the clubs in town.If she dared showed up any moment from now, he would not be able to
Dominic stood there for a few seconds, listening to her cry. As usual, she was affected.“I can’t wait for this deal to be over.” She cried regretfully.He drew close to the door and gave it a gentle knock. In response, she shouted, telling him to just go away and leave her alone in her misery. He didn’t relent and knocked on the door again. This time, she said nothing but was sniffling tearfully. He could tell that she was listening.“Andra, I am disappointed in you, but I’m willing to accompany you. That’s the only thing I can do for you right now.”In response to his scolding and offer, she once again told him to go away and leave her alone. Then she added that she was not interested in his offer. “I must go alone or nothing.” She declared.He shrugged, resolutely sticking with his decision.“Well, do not say that I didn’t try.” He said and walked away, leaving her crying inside.Andra heard his footsteps leaving and made a desperate attempt to persuade him to let her go. She rush
“Back to sender,” Dominic responded.“God forbid that.” She retorted and was surprised at his amused chuckle.“He was that bad?” he asked and she found she was no longer as offended as she had been a few moments ago.“He was a gigolo.” She said solemnly.Dominic looked at her, still amused but at her sad countenance, his expression lost its light look and closely mirrored hers.“I am so sorry about that.” He said.Andra was surprised at his show of concern.“I wasn’t expecting you to be sympathetic.” She admitted.Dominic was surprised at her response. He asked what her expectation was and she responded that she thought he was going to mock or tease her.“Well, as you can see, I am not that bad.” He remarked.She agreed with a nod. “Yeah, you’re alright.”“I will be traveling for days tomorrow.” He informed her. “It’s for business. I want to meet with some investors.”Andra admired his tenacity in following his dreams.“Okay. That’s cool.” She said. “It’s very cool that you’re pursuin