Chapter 2: 'I'm sorry! Don't do this!'

*Warning: This chapter contains material you may find distressing, including coarse language and depictions related to themes of abuse and violence. 

*****

ROSE

I can’t believe this is happening! This is my chance! Imagine working for Rum! I can carry his bag, tell him his schedule, talk to him… watch him as he crafts his music… as he eats and drinks… exercise… I wonder if he exercised. Oh! I can be backstage while he performs—I get to have an exclusive view of him!

“Assistant? Me?” The model laughed in a glorious chime. “I’m too good for that, don’t you think?” The bombshell swivelled back to the front and her finger stroked her phone screen once more as she continued mooning over Rum. 

“But I do like the idea,” she muttered absently. “Those electrifying blue eyes. Being near them 24-7… ooh! Just the thought of it makes my skin tingle! But why are they getting someone from the company staff? Rum's a superstar! Shouldn’t they hire a professional from the outside?” 

The stylist chuckled lightly. “Actually, they did. But he’s changing them too fast.” 

“Why?” 

“Beats me. They probably lack the stamina. You know how crazy his schedule is.” 

So Rum needs someone who can work long hours—that’s me! I’ve survived all those long nights cleaning all 20 studios and dressing rooms in the building by myself. I definitely have the stamina. I’m qualified! 

Oh my God! If I became his assistant, I could style him too! A kind and sweet guy like him would definitely give me a chance… and who knows, he may like my ideas and even make me his personal stylist!

Maybe… just maybe… we’ll fall in love… and get married… and have kids!

“Would you look at that?” A voice burst the bubble of my thoughts, and I froze inside.

Then, venomous laughter exploded next to me. 

But useless me had goosebumps of shame spread all over my back. Embarrassment scalded my cheeks, lowering my head below my neck. If there was a hole in the ground, I’d bury my head in it. 

“Rum truly is a charmer—everyone thinks she can love him, even though they aren’t qualified,” said the second voice, likely the model’s. “Hey, Dirty Rosey.” 

I stiffened at the nickname. 

I’m not dirty at all. I take a shower everyday and I…. Sigh. Why do I even bother? The more I tried to explain myself, the dirtier their pranks, the harsher their beatings and the wider their grins. Everyone else didn't care—they only saw me once covered in poop water and then I was ‘Dirty Rosey’, forever. 

A sharp sting shot from my scalp as I was ruthlessly yanked backwards by my ponytail. 

“Hey!” The stylist glowered at me. “Don’t you know it’s rude to ignore people when they call you? Are you deaf or something?” 

I grabbed her hand to reduce her strength. 

But her grip grew stronger. “Answer me!” 

“Ow!” I was sure she’d unrooted some strands. I panicked and hastily pressed my fingers on the aching spot. “I’m s-sorry. P-please… you’re hurting me. ” 

“Humph!” The nasty hand released its grip with a cold shove. 

And I fell to the floor as their giggles rang above me. 

“Let her be.” The stylist returned to her post. “She’s the baby of the team. So we’re getting her to toughen up. It’s a cruel world we live in.”

“It sure is.”

“Do you know how hard it is to train her? Ungrateful wench.” 

The model clicked her tongue in disapproval. “I heard… She kept harassing Annie to take her ideas. Crazy bitch. I’d have thrown her out a long time ago if I was Annie. I wonder why she put up with this arrogant shit….”

“She’s really a kind person at heart.” 

“Indeed.” 

And then there was a pause. And then Rum’s voice continued singing from her phone. 

“Take my comfort… I’m here… Here for you….” 

I quietly sniffed back my tears and slowly picked myself off the ground. My hands balled into fists of courage. I’m going to change my destiny. Wait for me, Rum. 

*****

Annie must have found out that I wanted to be Rum’s assistant. 

In the next hour, my chores tripled. I didn’t have time to send in my application for the job until I did all of them. Thankfully, my fingers didn’t fail me this time—I typed fast and accurately and managed to complete the online form in under two minutes and sent it out, five seconds before the hiring system closes.

When I finally left the building for the day, it was already 1 a.m.. The building was already empty and the streets had cleared. Though I was physically—and mentally—exhausted, I still remembered to make my usual left turn. 

It was a longer route back to my apartment building, but it was worth it—I could avoid my bullies, who might be lurking in any dark corners, waiting to pounce on me for wanting to exit the team and work for Rum. 

I rubbed my eyes and yawned sleepily. 

Damn, I better walk fast or I’ll zonk off here. I can’t be found sleeping on the pavement; I’ll be the laughing stock in B.A.D for the next century—. 

Mmm? Mmph! 

Something came over my face, covering my nose and mouth. And a strange smell clogged my airways. 

Shit! They found me! 

I tried to pull off the hand that was pressing the cloth to my face so I could breathe. But the muscles in my limbs were relaxing. 

No! Stop! 

I continued pushing the wrist… the arm… I tried slapping it repeatedly….

I’m sorry! Don’t do this! Someone help! Please! They’re knocking me out! They’re gonna do something! PLEASE! CAN SOMEONE HELP ME? HELP!!!

And blackness consumed me. 

Voices… I heard voices and heavy breathing. 

They’re moving me somewhere. I can’t let them take me. I need to run. Move, legs, move! 

“... here! In here!” 

Sounds like a man. Giles? No… it isn’t him. He uses perfume to cover the smell of weed. This guy doesn’t have that perfume on him. Who’s this? 

I tried to open my mouth and say something to stop this whole thing. “Mmm… Stop….” 

“Shit! She’s awake!” Another voice burst into the air. 

The air… it was getting cold and damp. And smelly. 

“She isn’t, you piece of shit! Get moving or someone’ll see us!” 

Oh no! They’re throwing me into the shit pool, aren’t they? In the middle of the night? Drugged? I won’t get out by morning! And if I didn’t punch in on time, I’d be fired! No one gives an intern a second chance! Especially when everyone thinks I don’t deserve it! 

I tried to move my arms… and then my legs. I need to run! Come on, feet!

“Grab her tight, man! What are you, a wuss! Where are your muscles!” The first voice scolded. 

“There’s so much clothes on her, and it’s dark!” 

“Stop with da excuses, ya dumb fuck! Put her down here!” 

Concrete collided with my back. I winced in pain. “Mmph…” 

Then, a hand removed something from my face. 

Stop… don’t… I need my specs….

“Sweet Jesus… this one’s pretty.”