Chapter IV: The Girl Under Rainy Night

It was already dusk when I went to the Blue Apple. And after I finished my first session, I was jumbled when every worker in the pub seems like they’re in panic. They were walking fast across the hall and they’re even mouthing to each other.

“What’s happening?” I cluelessly asked Jen, a co-worker of mine. Before I could get an answer, I heard Celine’s voice from behind.

“Sir Atlas has been furiously looking for you, Gia. What did you do?” Celine worriedly asked me as she walks towards my direction.

My brows bowed. Instead of asking her anything, I just went straight to Sir Atlas’ office and there, I saw all the employees bowing their head, seems like they’re scolded.

As soon as I stood inside his chamber, a pile of folder flew over my direction, but I luckily dodged it. Sir Atlas threw it and his face says how he feel.

“Didn’t I tell you to not break my rules?!” Sir Atlas howled and everyone in the room was utterly terrified, but since I was ill-informed, I remained staring at him. “What’s all these, you as*hole?!”

Due to curiosity, I slowly sauntered towards the table he’s looking at, and there I saw a dagger and a packet of cocaine. Sir Atlas, with his clenched jaws, walked towards me.

“What’s happening---”

I was bunged when he struck my face with his palm, I even heard the ladies scream in shock. While holding my burning cheek, I faced him.

“Are you accusing me of using these?!” I can’t help but raise my voice.

“What other reason can you give, huh? Your colleagues have already reported you, Gia. Because of this, I have to suspend you for a month. And I don’t want to see your face, or else I’ll indict you,” he groused.

I still don’t know what’s happening now. Everyone’s bent over, avoiding his blazing eyes in wrath.

“Get out!” At last, I walked out his office when he shouted.

As soon as I went out the pub, I saw Toby sitting beside the road. When he saw me, he even waved his hand and scampered towards me.

Still not getting over what happened, I just stood in front of him while he was asking me if I was okay. I, myself, can’t put into words what actually feel at this moment. I want to scream. I want to gush out. I want to break down. I want to disappear.

With a blank mien, I started ambling. He just followed me, as usual. But I just realized we stopped in a convenience store.

“Wait here,” Toby said. I said nothing. It was not long when he went out of the store, holding two ice creams on his hands. He gave me the other one while smiling. “Your favorite.”

I just looked at him emptily; took the ice cream and ate it. We continued walking along the blank streets as he tries to talk to me, even though I am not grasping anything he says now.

“I was suspended.” The only words that left my lips.

He gazed at me. “What?” he confusedly asked. “Why?”

“I don’t know, too. A dagger and a packet of cocaine inside my locker. But I don’t know where it’s from…” I was out of my consciousness while I am blurting these words out.

“Of course, Gia. How dare them accuse you---” He didn’t finish his words. He tried to drag me back, saying, “Come on, let’s go back there. You have to explain yourself to---”

“No, Toby…” I replied, monotonous, and held his arm tightly. I continued walking as if it was my feet controlling my whole body.

Silence bitten the street even more as we pass through it. I am sure Toby will be more worried than I am now.

“Why don’t you just leave that place, Gia?” Toby crossly asked. “I mean, I can refer you to other work I know.”

“I can’t,” I swiftly answered. “I don’t want to.”

I really don’t want to.

It’s been ten years since it all happened. In the middle of the pouring rain, my eyes gushed an ocean as I tried to find a place where I could earn money for my mother’s therapy and medication.

I know, a 15-year-old girl didn’t have to worry those kinds of matter, but I couldn’t help whenever I saw my mother struggled… and part of it, was because of me.

And amidst my feeling of being gone astray that time, Sir Atlas came as if he was a superhero saving the night. He first gave me the money for my Mom and promised me to give me a job where I could earn well. And he didn’t disappoint me.

Sir Atlas was true to his promises. He helped me a lot and even though I despise men, I can’t just leave him and his pub. He’s been my savior. He saved my younger self.

Toby once caught my attention when he spoke and I realized we’re already here in our street. “For now, I’ll introduce you to my friend who owns a store. I heard he’s looking for a staff there---”

“Okay, I’ll meet you tomorrow.”

I bid my farewell to him and I entered our house.

And just like what Toby said, he really introduced me to his colleague, reason why I’ve been working here for some days already as a cashier in a convenience store. I can’t say this job satisfies me, but I don’t have a choice but do it anyway.

My work in the pub still gives me more money than plenty of days here.

I came back to my senses when I realized that someone’s standing before the counter. He’s holding tons of bottled liquors in his arms and some were even tucked in his armpit. My forehead creased when I smelt him reeking of alcohol.

“The total cost is---”

“H-Hey?!”

I immediately looked up when I heard his familiar voice and I wasn’t wrong. It’s him again, Damon. And he’s drunk.

“Is this the place where you’re working?” he asked while roaming his sight around the convenience store where we’re at. “What a coincidence, right?” He laughed as if he’s insane.

I shook my head in disbelief. “I don’t have time to talk to you. Just pay for these.”

He chuckled again and paid for his items while still looking at me. He’s a creep. I didn’t want him to stay here even longer so I rushed my task and handed him the bag.

“Maybe we could have a drink tonight---”

“Just go. You’re already drunk, idiot,” I disgustingly said and tried to push him towards the doorway. But since he couldn’t stop blabbering nonsense, I had no choice but to call the guard and he was escorted out the store.

“See you tomorrow!” he even shouted for the last time before going out.

I just sat down and heaved a deep sigh. He’s a pain to my head. I have to make sure that he won’t see me here anymore.