Chapter 1: Erin

“I told you to call your supervisor now!” a woman in her 40’s demanded.

“I’m terribly sorry Ms.Rivera but we’ve checked the cameras in the corridors and seen no one coming out of your room except you and your male companion,” I explained in a calm manner

“So, you’re telling me that my boyfriend stole my jewelry!?” She exclaimed, getting the attention of guests and staff in the lobby. 

Yes, it’s obvious! I held those words back for the sake of my career.

Dylan, our Desk Supervisor arrived in time to handle the situation “I’m Sorry, What seems to be the problem here?” Just when I was about to explain the situation to him, I was cut short by our enraged hotel guest.

“Your receptionist is accusing my boyfriend of stealing my Jewelry! I’m a valued guest here, I have stocks in this hotel and this is the service I get?!” My eyes widened at her accusations. 

I immediately tried to defend myself, “ But that’s not what I meant, I -” My Supervisor gave me a piercing look, signaling me to stop talking. 

“I’m sorry to hear that Ms.Rivera. But, I’m sure we can all get along and figure out this incident,  how about we-” 

“No! I cannot tolerate such accusations! It’s either you fire her or I pull out all my stocks from this hotel!” She demanded.

And just like that, I lost my job. On my way home, I received a message from Dylan, “Are you okay?” I laughed in exasperation before replying “You fired me. OF COURSE. I’m.okay.” 

I was no longer in the mood to reply so I blocked him and slid my phone in my bag.

I arrived home and Thank God, I was blessed with a roof under my head. My parents were generous enough to buy me a Loft type apartment. Which saved me a lot of money. Otherwise I would be living in the street right now.

I threw myself on the bed and stared at the ceiling, I felt the weight of the world against me. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, My phone rang.

*Dad Calling..* 

I immediately fixed myself up before answering,

“Hi, Dad!” I answered with a jolly tone.

“Hi Honey! How’s it going?” I felt an urge to tell him about my messed up day but I didn’t want to start an argument with them knowing they never agreed on my immigration in the first place.

“I’m good! Everything is going well for me ever since I moved here in the Phillippines.” I lied, nothing is going well for me.

“That’s good! Anyway, your mom’s here and-” My dad didn’t finish, I figured mom took the phone

“Erin? Erin, come back to America, there’s more opportunity here than there! You have no future there!”  There goes my future-obsessed mother again. 

“Mom, I said everything’s great here! I didn’t migrate here just to get dragged back and forced to live a life I wouldn’t enjoy!” I got frustrated and dropped the call. 

I stared out of my window overlooking the city lights, and memories of my life in America flashed back.

3 years ago…

I was seating by the couch when I heard my sister Veronica and mom arguing in the kitchen, I went to check in on them and saw my mom slap my sister.

I immediately held my sister on her shoulders, “ I’m sorry mom..” my sister begged

“You got pregnant by that good-for-nothing guy and now you’re sorry?! Leave him! And get married to William!” my dad held back our furious mom.

“I can’t be with someone I don't love and be okay with it-”

“So, you got yourself pregnant?! I didn’t raise you to be a rebel!” My sister ran upstairs and I followed. I comforted her all night

“Erin, Promise me. Leave this house and live your life the way you want to, regardless of how mom wants you to live it.”

*Phone Ringing* 

My thoughts were interrupted when my phone rang again, I checked who the caller and it was my best friend Nathalie 

I met her back at my 1st job as a model when I first arrived in the country and we immediately clicked. I heard a lot of background noise during the first 10 seconds of the call, it looks like she was at a party again. 

"Erin! Where are you right now?!" She was practically yelling. 

" Hey! There's no need to yell! I'm at home right now" I answered back.

"Great! Come and join me have fun?" She pleaded, I could tell she already had a few drinks.

“I’m not sure Nath. Where are you anyway?" 

"I'm here at XYLO. Do you know that awesome club that holds big parties? Join me and live a little will you? " 

This girl never gets tired of partying. And here I am the exact opposite. But then I realized why I’m here in the first place, to live. 

So, I’ve decided. "I'll be there in an hour. Wait for me outside?" I jumped out of bed to look for something to wear. 

"You go, girl! I'll be the sexy chick wearing a red skin-tight dress!" 

I dropped the call and took out my luggage from when I moved in. It's not like I wasn't ready for times like this anyway. I promised myself that I'd let loose and try everything once I arrive here. 

I took out a black shift dress and a pair of gladiator heels. 

I freshened up a bit, Wore my clothes, Applied make-up, and let loose my long and dark wavy hair. After I sprayed perfume all over I took my pouch bag with my phone, lipstick, and a little cash in case Nathalie sells me out. 

I looked at myself one last time in the mirror and headed out. 

I'm on my way to the club via Grabi Taxi. 

Nathalie called me again saying she was already outside waiting for me. The club is a 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk from my place. I'm not a bit worried If I get drunk upon reaching home. 

Upon arriving, there were a lot of people outside waiting to get inside the club. My eyes roamed to find Nathalie only to see her flirting with a tall and handsome Brazilian guy I think. 

I called her out waving, "Hey! Nath!" 

She went over as soon as she noticed. 

"Now that's club-worthy!" She made me turn around the instant she noticed my attire. I laughed at her reaction. 

"Yup! You should wear that more often if you want to get laid!" 

We laughed as we entered. The club was packed with people dancing to loud music and holding up their drinks, the bar swarmed by alcohol-thirsty people, and tables filled with groups of friends having fun. 

"C'mon I'll introduce you to some of my friends from work."

Nathalie invited me to her table and introduced me to her friends from work. One of them was a rugged-looking guy that gave me a disrespectful look from head to toe.

I somehow felt offended and nervous but decided to ignore it.

As soon as our group heard an awesome beat, we all went dancing. We were all a bit tipsy, having fun dancing at the center of the crowd. I gradually felt comfortable and began to enjoy myself when I suddenly felt a pair of hands holding my waist. I flinched and turned to face that guy grinning at me. 

What the heck?!

I felt angry and was about to slap him in the face, but considering he's my friend's colleague, I don't want to embarrass her so I just distanced myself from the crowd and made my way toward the bar to get a drink. 

"Can I get a glass of water, please? Thank you" I'm already aware that I'm drunk. So I plan on drinking a glass of water to sober up a bit before leaving.