Six Years Later

Six years Later

The door flung wide open, making Michelle shriek in fear. She left the kitchen and walked to Francis. He sat down on the old couch with his hand over his head.

She didn’t need anyone to tell her what happened. She just sat close to him.

“Babe, you don’t have to be sad. We are in this together” she said.

He raised his head and glared at her.

“I just lost my fourth job in two months. What can I do with just two thousand dollars? It can’t help. The kids school fees, the light bills, the water bills, everything!” He was pained.

Michelle sighed and folded her lips. She was also working in different part time jobs to make sure she supports him.

“You should eat something and then, calm down. I need to go to work” she sprung up and head to the kitchen to bring him some food. His voice stopped her.

“Why can’t you just ask your parents for help? It’s not too hard. Hey mom, send me some money, I’m starving” he said.

“You know I can’t do that Francis. We’re independent. I left them for good and...they also left me. They are no longer my family” Michelle said.

Francis scoffed. He stood up from the old couch.

“You’re acting like a fool. But, what can I say...” He said and walked into the room. Michelle wanted to go after him but, she checked her watch.

“I’m leaving. Make sure to pick the kids at school “ she said and left.

.

It was Michelle’s fourth job for the day. She was determined to help her family and support Francis, even if he’s so bad at finding good job.

She got to the restaurant few minutes late, breathing hard.

“Three bucks has been withdrawn from your salary” the manager said. She nodded in agreement. She was three minutes late, she ran from the bus station just to prevent that. Her fourth job was to serve food as a waiter. Her other jobs was to walk dogs in the morning, a part time cleaner at a company, hand fliers during the afternoon and finally get back home to cook lunch for the family. She then comes to this restaurant to serve food. The only time she has was the evening where she can spend time with her family.

.

“Thanks for coming, come again” she greeted the last customer for the day. She exhaled deeply and sat down to catch her breath.

“Hey, Michelle. You really work hard today. I know you have a lot of tips “ her colleagues said, winking at her.

Michelle smiled weirdly. She can’t be friends with all of her colleagues. She was trying to hide her identity of being the abandoned daughter of the Wills family and also the fact that she has two children.

“Can I have my salary now? I have to go home” she said.

“Of course, let me see the manager” the other lady said and went back door.

As Michelle changed her cloth and grabbed her old leather bag, her phone vibrated. She brought it out and saw she had several missed calls from unknown numbers.

“Who are these people?” She asked herself.

“Here! The manager was kind enough not to take the three bucks off your salary” she said. Mirabelle smiled.

“Thank you. Bye!” She waved and immediately left. She ran to the bus stop so she won’t miss her bus.

Then her phone rang, it was another unknown number. She decided to answer the call.

“Hello” she said.

“Ah, your voice sounds more lovely than your looks. I’m calling to rent you tomorrow. Are you willing to accept?”

“I’m sorry, this is a wrong number” she said and disconnected the call.

“Pervert” Michelle rolled her eyes. The bus finally came and she got in. The phone rang again, this time, another number.

“Hello?” She said, as anger build up in her tone.

“You must be Rose. I’m Dave by name, are you up for rent tomorrow?”

“It’s a fucking wrong number!” She yelled. People in the bus turned to her and faced her. Some glared at her because she used the f word while kids were in the bus.

“I’m sorry” she mouthed and hid her phone. It kept on vibrating and ringing but what could she do, she ignored it.

.

.

After some minutes, Michelle got home. Chloe and Kelly ran to hug her. She squatted to their level.

“How was school today?”

“It was fun. A girl brought her teddy to school today. The teacher took it from her and she started to cry” Chloe gossiped. Michelle acted like she was surprised.

Kelly on the other hand was the quiet child.

“How was school today Kelly?” Michelle asked specially.

“Fine “ she replied, playing with her finger. Michelle’s lips curved into a huge smiled.

“Come on, you two go meet your dad. I’ll go cook dinner” she uttered and watched them run to their father who was busy on his laptop.

She walked to the kitchen and her phone rang again. She sighed tiredly and answered the call.

“Hello! I’m not up for rent and I’m not meeting up with you. Don’t ever call this number!” She yelled and placed her phone on the counter.

Francis gave her confused look.

“Who was that?” He asked.

“I’ve been getting a lot of calls from guys wanting to meet up. They’ve got the wrong number” Michelle said and was heading to the kitchen.

“Hold on... It’s not a wrong number. Whenever the next number calls, answer it” he said.

“Why? They are strangers. They are asking me to hang out with them. I’m with you and I have two children” Michelle reminded him.

Francis moved closer to her.

“I signed you up on an app, called ‘let's meet’. You get to hang out with strangers and get money in return”

“What?” Michelle asked.

“That’s the least you could do for me, for us. You can make a lot of money from this and quit your petty part time job” Francis said.

“Francis, what the hell are you saying? You want your own wife to go out with other men, just because of money? That’s stupid!”

“You have a choice Michelle. Get help from your parents or do this. I don’t have a fucking job, this family life is in your hands. Don’t miss it” he said.

Her phone started ringing again.

She stared at it and sniffed in, trying not to cry. She can’t believe she turned from a princess to this. A person that’s up for rent.

“Answer it” he ordered her. She answered the call and placed the phone on her ear.

Francis grabbed it from her and put it on loud speaker. He wants to hear the price that she’ll get on her first time.

“Hello” she said in a shaky voice.

“Rose, huh? I have an offer for you”

Francis gave her a go ahead.

“Sure, let’s hear it” she said, controlling herself.

“I have an event tonight and I’d like a date. Can I pick you up?”

“Uh...” She stuttered and gazed at Francis.

“The price” he whispered.

“How much are we talking about here?” She asked.

“A hundred thousand for every hour we spend together” he said.

Francis gasped loudly, even Michelle. She can’t believe that he would pay so much money for such event. Francis couldn’t help but feel excited. He gave her a signal to accept it.

“I’ll... I’ll wait for you” she stuttered and lowered her gaze, hiding her tears.

“I’ll send a car over. Get ready” he said and disconnected the call.

“Yes baby! You see what I’m talking about Michelle. So much money just in one night. Make sure you spend about five hours with him, that will be a lot of cash!” he said.

“Don’t you feel any shame at all? You’re letting me go out with someone I haven’t met in my entire life and you accepted this all because of money”

“Michelle, you have ten minutes to get ready. I’ll take care of the kids. Hurry and bring some money home” he said and walked away. Michelle grabbed her hair and groaned loudly.

She started to regret opposing her father six years ago. She wished she’d just agree to abort this pregnancy. Her phone dinged and a message entered.

‘On a date with username 003’

She rolled her eyes and head into the room. She hurried get dressed, wearing the dress she hasn’t worn in six years. They were all short and skimpy. She did her make up and styled her hair.

Another message entered her phone.

‘Your pick up has arrived’

She exhaled deeply and took her purse. She walked to the door, followed by Francis.

“Good luck sweetheart” he said and kissed her forehead.

She turned and left the house. She saw the beautiful jeep outside her house, waiting for her.

She hasn’t rode in such car in years. She’s use to taking buses now.

She entered the backseat and saw her date.

“Good evening sweetheart”

Michelle turned her head and stared at his face. Even if the car was dark, she can recognise that face that’s always on TV.

“I’m Trevor Stonefield, you’re Rose, right?” He asked.

Michelle shot her mouth wide open. She was with the son of the 3rd richest man in the country. Her father already rose to being the 4th. He was so hot, with his charming eyes and cute smile. Everything about Trevor is perfect, especially as he’s a business man.

Francis already told her to use a fake name. Just Rose.

“Hi Trevor, I’m Rose” she replied in a small voice.