Chapter 04 - Scar

Must have been the wind - Chapter 04

Solene

"Is this what you're going to feed to us? Is this some sort of dog's food?!" My aunt was furious and was yelling at me.

Sardines stewed with garlic and onion are the only thing I can think of to cook and that is what is served on the table. There is no food stock here and I have no money left to go buy a grocery. They took all my money and just squandered it.

I looked at the food served on the table. It's also proper food, not a dog's food. I'm not that person they think of me to feed them such kind of meal. I was shocked when my aunt poured the food at me. I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried not to be affected by their words, but I couldn't help it. It felt like a knife stabbing me over and over again.

It hurts.

"You have no shame, you thick-faced woman!" Then Astria sprinkled me with rice. I simply stared at my feet, letting them do whatever they wanted to ease their anger.

"You and your mother, both of you are worthless!"

There is something I despise the most. It is insulting my mother, who passed away. She doesn't have any idea of how kind she was and she didn't know how hard she worked just to pay off her gambling debts. My mother didn't do anything wrong even when she was still alive. Her only sin is to live in this turbulent world.

She got stuck in the chaos of the world.

Tears welled up in my eyes and I couldn't help but talk back. They were crossing the line and everything they said is just too much.

"Don't involve my mother here. You have no right to make such a snide remark about her! You have no idea how difficult it was for her back then!" I could no longer control my emotions.

They are too much! I will still accept all the pain and insults they inflict on me, but to talk like that to my mother? No, I can't allow that. They knew nothing about the sacrifices she made. It was okay for her to get insulted, but she wouldn't let anyone hurt me, but that was before she was still alive. Now? She's gone. I'm just keeping the pain all by myself.

No one was there for me and this world is fed up with lies.

"And now you're talking back?" Astria suddenly pushed me. My back hit the stove and the pan fell on my arms. I screamed when I felt the tingling pain.

It hurts so much, but nothing hurts more than the way they treat me and the harsh insults they continue to hurl at me. That's the time when I realized that I was homeless and was barely hanging to live.

They left me alone in the kitchen, crying, silently crying. They let me suffer from a burn on the upper part of my arm. I will remember this day, I promise.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Suddenly, I was thrown back on my bed. The breathing I did was also consecutive. A nightmare haunted me again. Sweat dripped down to my forehead and neck. I glanced at the wall clock.

It's only three in the morning. I turned on the light and just found myself looking at the mirror. After a few moments, I closed the lights and sat next to the window. I was left dazed and confused. Only moonlight and a few street lights penetrated the window and served as a light in this dark room.

My mind flashed back to images of my mother.

"Let's eat?" I looked at her hand, waiting for me to reach it.

When we arrived at the small dining room table, I was overjoyed even though only simple food was served there. There's nothing that can make me happier than eating with her at the table every day.

"From the looks of it, it must have been fantastic!" When I stated those words, I was smiling.

"I'm sorry sweetie, that's all Mama can buy for now." I noticed the sadness in her eyes, so I got closer to her and hugged her tightly.

"Don't worry Mama, what's important is that we can still eat and I'm grateful for the food served on our table." She smiled bitterly then guided me to the chair. She put noodles on my waiting plate.

I did not realize the few drops of tears that ran down my cheeks. I just smiled bitterly and went back to bed. I wiped the tears from my cheeks and forced myself to sleep again, hoping to sleep peacefully and have no more nightmares for the time being.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

I typed a text message to Ethienne. It was last week when we last saw each other and I miss her. A few minutes passed, but still, no reply came from her. I decided to call her in the hopes that she'd answer. It took a couple more rings before she answered it.

["I'm really sorry, I'm in my hometown right now. I didn't text or call you anymore because the signal was a bit weak here, but now it's good." ] I heard her breathing heavily.

It seems that she's tired.

"What happened? why are you taking such deep breaths?" I asked out of worry. I just wanted to make sure that she was fine.

["It's nothing. I just got stressed because I got into a fight with someone." ] I shook my head in disbelief. I almost forgot that she doesn't like losing.

"Why? care to tell me what happened?" I was so sure that she was rolling her eyes right now. She does it every time she tells me about the things she despises.

["I was strolling down the muddy road on my way to the market when a car went by." The road was muddied because it had rained the day before. I didn't realize I was already coated in freaking mud until it was too late!"]

["I was so annoyed that I threw one of my slippers at the car and when I arrived at the market, everyone was looking at me and was talking about what happened earlier to me. There were murmurs everywhere as I washed off the mud and gossips were all over the market. Well, What did I expect? news have wings, right?" ] I laughed because of what she said. She's crazy as heck.

"Aren't you happy with it? you're an instant celebrity now," I joked on her. Only if I could see her now, I'm sure she was probably rolling her eyes.

]"Duh, I know I'm pretty but no thanks, I'm not an attention seeker,"] She said laughing a little.

I could imagine that she was doing a hair flip right now. She was so full of herself sometimes and all I could do was to let her say whatever she wants. If that's what could make her happy, then be it.

"Who was the driver of the car?" I asked. If only I could see what happened, I'm sure she slapped whoever was in it out of annoyance.

["Just some dickhead. That knucklehead was blaming me. He kept insisting it was all my fault. He has no right to accuse me! He was the one who splattered mud on me because of his ugly car and he's angry? He's such a douchebag! He's so full of himself that he acts as if he's the king of this town! Okay, I admit he's attractive, but it made me want to smash his face with mud even more!"]

["He also called me monkey, like hello? excuse me. Look at my face. Does this face look like a monkey's? I could no longer hold back. I splashed his shirt with mud as revenge. It was late when I discovered that he was the son of the owner of the Hacienda de Creed, where my father works."]

I could also picture the guy's expression his blood was probably boiling because of Ethienne's doings. I think it's kinda funny because they would make a good couple.

"It's done, so worry less now. Anyway, how's your mother and father? Eithan? Theia?"

It's been a long time since I last visited their province and I miss the fresh air, the sound of birds chirping every morning, golden and mellow skies, the sound of the water flowing down the river, and everything else there, especially her siblings.

Their boss is kind so I'm complacent that he pays them well. Her salary was not enough for their daily needs. In addition to her two siblings who still go to school, but it was a good thing that Eithan was already in college.

"They're fine. By the way, I'm helping Mother to sell fish while I'm still here. I forgot to tell you that my boss left to attend a wedding in Greece. I heard he was going to attend his relative's wedding, and he told us that we didn't need to come to work and he wouldn't cut off our salary during his absence."

"Alright, I need to hang up. It looks like I've bothered you," I said.

["Shh. You never bothered me, so shut up. I'll call you soon as the good signal comes back. Bye, take care."]

"It's fine, you don't need to," I said then ended the call. I took a deep breath then smiled bitterly.

How does it feel to have a complete family? A father? a mother? I never got to despise or resent them simply just because they abandoned me. I know there's a reason and I fully respect that. I didn't complained.

"Solene, Sir Gaius was calling us." I nodded then joined the crowd.

Sir Gaius was in the lead. I felt embarrassed because it appeared that I was the only one they were waiting for.

"Happy birthday, Sir!" Everyone chorused and I gave them a confused look.

Is his birthday today? How come that I didn't know? I reached for Maerchie's arms, but she gave me a confused look.

"Is today Sir Gaius' birthday?" I asked and she nodded her head. I bit my lower lip. I was kinda embarrassed because I was the only one who did not greet him.

"Yes, why?" She added.

"It's nothing," I said shortly, then returned my gaze to the front of me.

"Thank you, everyone," he added, beaming broadly. When everyone greeted him, he was overjoyed.

"So, for the time being, I'm intending to hold the party in the private area. Only a few of you will be chosen to serve and accompany my guests later."

We all looked at each other's faces. Perhaps he means that he will select some of us to serve at his party, and those who he does not select will work at the bar.

"We will still open the bar tonight and for those people who did not mention shall proceed there. Are we clear?" We all agreed, then he began to count.

The third fractio has 50 crews in total, so he divided us. It's a good thing that we are balanced.

"Ayumi, Arche, Andred, Harra, Vien, Portern, Zerus, Alcy, Marrien, Indie, Moretta, Sixth,Yeoni, Lorrisse, Renee, Alvari."

I couldn't hear who had been called among us any longer. My mind was racing and I thought it would explode thinking about how many people will attend the party later. I'm sure the guests were well-known and influential people, therefore we should make the private room as nice as possible.

I felt like someone had patted my shoulders. It was Andred, and she was calling my attention.

"And lastly, Solene."

"Uh yes?" She mouthed in front and I quickly shifted my gaze over there. Everyone was staring at me, which made me feel a little embarrassed.

"He picked you last, and I'm included too," Andred exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Really?" She nodded her head, then returned her gaze to the front.

"For those people, I didn't mention shall proceed to work at the bar later. So, I'm counting on you and that's all. You may now continue your work."

My co-workers have left, but I stayed to greet him.

"Happy birthday, Sir! Sorry, I didn't have any gifts with me," I uttered and gave and him a little smile, which was instantly returned.

"Thank you, it's fine. I'm not really fond of gifts, though." he chuckled. I handed over to him the shirt I borrowed yesterday.

I just need to take it back to him. It's not mine after all.

"Here's your tee. It helped me a lot, thanks," I said happily. He just looked at my hand, waiting for it to reach him.

"No need. You can keep it," he said, but I refused. Actually, it was kind of embarrassing if I kept his spare shirt.

"It's yours, isn't it?" I said while scratching the back of my neck. I heard him chuckled.

"Just keep it." I smiled and decided to keep the shirt for good.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Everyone was busy fixing things around because a grand celebration was about to start any minute now. I liked the design of the venue, and it was obvious that only wealthy people would occupy most of the chairs. I looked at the ceiling. The massive chandelier swinging there was worthy of attention.

Why? It was gorgeous as heck. I wonder how wealthy Sir Gaius is.

"Arche, make sure the flower vases are appropriately placed in the center of each table," I heard our manager said. I saw Arche immediately doing his thing.

"Zerus, can you please fix the curtains?" I watched as Zerus hung the drapes in a neutral color that complemented the entire setting.

"Sixth, kindly tell the chefs to prepare the food. The party will start at any time. " Sixth nodded then headed to the kitchen.

I was fixing the red carpet together with my co-workers when someone reached my arms. I turned around and saw Nein.

"Solene, can I interrupt you for a moment?" I looked at her in surprise. She seemed anxious and kept looking back and forth outside the private area. I wonder what she is up to.

"Why?" She grabbed my arms and dragged me to the bar.

"Sorry for dragging you here. Someone is looking for Perchiéne Colonus. Only a few of us know how to create that cocktail, but you're all in charge of Sir Gaius' celebration," She said while scratching the back of her head, a sign that she was embarrassed.

I looked back in worry that our manager might be looking for me. I sighed and decided to lend them a hand for a few minutes. I just hope that our manager won't notice my disappearance for a short time.

Perchiène Colonus was a drink composed of whisky, margarita, martini, and Manhattan. We serve them at the bar at night for heavy drinkers. It's the best seller here, and for those of us who know how to mix it, it is a must that we are always present during night shifts.

I remember that night when I accidentally mixed that drink, a regular customer accidentally drank it, and I was shocked when he liked it. That was in favor of Sir Gaius, so he put it on the drink list for the Third fraction. The pizza parlor is open from the morning until 8 PM in the evening, and from 9 PM to 2 AM, the bar is open. It's exclusive for rich customers, so it has become the most popular hideout for all those alcohol lovers.

"How many orders do we have right now?" I went to the counter and began mixing the drink. I and Nein were left at the counter while several of our coworkers began to serve the beverages.

I tried my best to make my moves as fast as I could. I'm guessing that the party is about to begin.

"Hmm I like the drink, another one please," another customer requested and I granted it. He's been looking at me for a minute now but I just ignored him.

After a few moments, no one ordered for Perchiène Colonus anymore. I looked outside. There were a lot of expensive cars, and I lost count of how many of them were parked outside. It seemed like the guests were not just wealthy, but some of them were famous celebrities and business tycoons. A lot of media were scattered outside because the security team didn't allow them outside for privacy, of course. Everything was not necessary to be shown in public.

Well, I guess my eyes were too overwhelmed tonight. Expensive things were all around me and it's just too bizarre. I was about to take my leave when a stranger approached me. I could tell that he was drunk based on his smell and his flushed face. 

"Miss, can I have a dance with you?" I looked at the stranger's face. His nose, like his exquisite jaw, was well carved. He had tanned skin that suited him, and a bushy, thick brow that could make any woman chase him.

"I'm sorry, Sir, but I need to get back to work."

He abruptly grabbed my wrist, which astonished me. My heart pounded as he stared at me, and his expression was filled with a variety of emotions.

"I have to work, Sir. Please let go of my wrist," I calmly said. When he didn't respond, I tried to take back my wrist, but he was just too strong. I looked around and people were busy. I couldn't shout because the music was booming in every corner of the bar, and even though I scream, no one could hear me.

"No, unless you dance with me, babe. Come on, let's have fun." I almost got pulled to the dance floor because of his strength. I begged him to let go of my wrist, but he didn't respond.

"Sir, please let me go!" He smirked. My eyes widened when he held my waist and then pulled me closer to him. It wasn't enough for him. He kissed my neck and I couldn't move at all. What on earth did he think he was doing?

I was about to bite his fingers when I heard a baritone voice coming from the back. His jaw tightened. I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. I keep blinking my eyes. Is he really here?

But, why is he here?

"Why are you interfering? " asked the man holding me. Sir Hyde's face darkened for no apparent reason.

"Who the hell are you? Do I have a business with you?" I looked at Sir Hyde. His face darkened for no apparent reason.

"Let her go, now," He said but this man still won't let me go. He suddenly loosened his grip on me. I took the opportunity to escape.

"Oops, not so fast babe." He caught me again and even tightened his grip on my wrist. I bit my lips when I saw the redness of my wrist. Who is he and why is he doing this to me? I don't even know him.

"Fuck, I told you to let her go!" I became stiff. He punched the drunkard man and fell, but he stood up again and subsequently punched Sir Hyde back with a blow. I saw him putting his tongue at the side of his mouth and wiped away the blood dripping from his lips.

I have to do something!

"That's enough. Please calm down!" I said, then stepped in between them. I was shoved and I fell on the floor.

Two bouncers came and stopped them both. The drunkard man's lip was full of dripping blood and his one eye was swollen while Sir Hyde sustained only a wound to his jaw. Andred approached me worried.

"What happened? Are you okay? What are you doing here? I thought you were assigned to the private area?" I only smiled.

"Yeah, it's nothing and, besides, I'm fine. Thanks for asking." I saw him throw a glance at me before he went out of the bar.

I quickly picked up the first aid kit and followed him. I found him sitting on the bench and his jaw tightened. His eyes were closed, and his hand was resting on his jaw. I'm the reason why he got that bruise.

"Sir, I'm really sorry." I walked closer to him. His forehead furrowed and he glared at me.

"What?" I shook my head and then smiled.

"You should have let it slide. You got a bruise on your jaw because of me."

"And So?" I looked up because of what he said.

"What are you doing here?" He continued. I bit my lower lip out of embarrassment. I'd like to return, but I need to clean up his bruises first.

"Let me clean that bruise as a thank you." I smiled, but he continued to furrow his brows. Does he hate me? He always furrows his brow or wears his emotionless face whenever we see each other.

"I don't need your help," He refused as I expected.

Guilt prevailed over shame, so even though I was embarrassed, I was still able to sit next to him. I took out the first aid kit and started putting betadine to the cotton wool, but he shoved my hands and grabbed my wrist before the cotton wool could even touch his skin. My eyes widened when my scar was revealed. It's too late to cover because he already saw it.

I stared at his gray eyes, which were fixed on my scar. He kept his attention on me, but he kept his grip on my wrist.

"I said I don't need your help, got it?" He let go of my hand and quickly went inside the bar. I was stunned and just stared at his back as he entered the bar.

He's sure hard as a rock. I don't know how his friends are able to withstand his foggy attitude. I couldn't tell if he was nice or bad, he's just too hard to read. Another thing I noticed is he doesn't like me. I mean not romantically then why did he help me from that drunkard man? 

When I got recovered from what happened, I placed back the things I used in the box then headed back inside. When I returned to the private area, I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard that our manager ordered my co-workers to stop working for a moment.

Well, sure this is my lucky day.

                                                            _ _ _

Must have been the wind

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