Chapter 1

Melanies’s Point Of View

I woke up due to the noises coming from the outside as well as the hot air around. I remember turning on the electric fan before I went to bed. I irritatedly scratched the back of my neck and went towards the window to open it for some air. This is not new to me. Everytime I went back from my night shift, people are starting to wake up and do their businesses. Well, I can’t complain. I’m just renting in an apartment which I can say, is located on squaters area.

Instead of going back to bed, I just went straight to the bathroom and prepared myself for my another work. I only slept for three hours, what a healthy sleeping routine.

“Melanie, it’s still early for your next job.” I turned my gaze to Manang Rosing when she greeted me while climbing down stairs. I just finished preparing myself.

“I can’t sleep, Manang. Maybe I’ll just walk around somewhere to kill time,” I politely answered. She smiled at me and bid her goodbye.

Manang Rosing is an old widow woman. She runs an apartment business, obviously. All of her children migrated abroad and declined to go with them when her children asked her to.

I stopped from walking when I reached the waiting shed. I lowered down my bull cap and slightly pulled out my phone from my ragged jeans when I felt it vibrated.

“Melanie!” someone shouted from the other line.

“Jeez, tone down your voice.” Her voice can kill an elephant.

“You came home early last night!” she said, like, blaming me.

“I told you I still have work until five,” I reasoned out. I heard her out and exaggerated sigh.

“Duh? You just missed your chance, lady! I also told you that many bachelors will come last night! The bar were so full and wild exactly when you left!” 

I rolled my eyes. This girl just can’t stop finding men.

“Enough with that, Ketish. I told you a hundred times that I don’t want a guy!” I hissed.

“You don’t want, but you need it. You’re getting old, Melanie. You should start building your family that can take care of you.”

“I can take care of myself,” I boringly said.

This conversation is pointless. How many times do I need to explain that I am contented with my life?

I heard her sighed once more. I know she won’t stop so I decided to hang up and turned my phone off. Nonsense topic.

When the bus came, I immediately climb up and find a seat. There were so many people inside, the seats were all occupied except at the back. I moved my feet and sat beside a woman. 

My body’s so tired but still my mind was wide awake. I tried to sleep on the chair when a sudden cry disturbed me. Oh, the woman beside me was carrying her infant.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized. I nodded.

“You’re child?” I asked.

“Yes,” she proudly answered.

“I’m sorry, but I just think you’re still young.” She laughed a little.

“Yes, I am, I think. But I never regretted having this angel of mine. She gave me comfort and love.” I looked at the baby who’s sleeping. She’s an angel.

“But, I’m already twenty three,” she added. I once again nodded.

It took some minutes before I arrived at the coffee shop. Today is not a busy day, actually, only weekends. I pushed the door and the scented aroma welcomed my nose. This is my favorite job among the three.

“Melanie! Good you’re early,” said by Jazon. He was serving at the table near the entrance.

“Why?” He smiled widely.

“Nothing. I just knew that you want to stare at my handsome face,” he joked.

I rolled my eyes at him. The people who heard him laughed. Jazon is so full of himself. I went to the locker area to dress up for work. While I was opening my locker’s door, I heard strange noises from somewhere.

I refrained myself from doing anything and carefully listened to it.

“I-I’m coming,” someone moaned.

“Me too,” a man moaned after.

I shook my head in disbelief. Really? This early? This guy is such an addict.

I continued what I am doing and didn't mind what miracle was happening in the storage room. Let me guess who’s doing some shits over there. It’s Levi, the playboy owner of this shop. I doubt he built this because he wanted to have this kind of business. I think, this is just his hideout on where he can play his dirty game with his women without getting caught be his grandfather.

“Melanie! You’re here!” I turned my attention to the man who called. Wow, they’re done already?

Levi’s polo were already tucked in and his hair was not messy. Tss, such a real monster. On his back is a blonde girl with her lipstick scattered around her lips. Her mini fitted dress were also rolled up, that’s why I can see her lacey black underwear. Such a mess.

“Yeah,” I replied. I left my gaze from them, I just couldn't stand it.

I felt their presence coming towards my direction.

“I told you Mel, it’s fun to have an active social life.”

He went beside me and leaned his back on the wall. He’s watching the girl went out the room.

“Don’t need fun,” I said. He laughed crazily.

“Wanna try it?”

“Want a punch?” I questioned back. I forcefully closed my locker and went out.

People around me were so crazy and concerned about my age. For Pete’s sake, I’m only twenty eight! They’re treating like I’m on menopause already.

I tried to be relax while working even though I felt Levi’s and Jazon’s teasing looks on me. These two is such a bastard.

“Finally!” Everyone's attention shifted to the person standing on the entrance. Who wouldn’t? She’s too loud.

“Oh, don’t stare too much, people. I know I’m such a beauty,” she proudly said and flipped her hair.

I almost vomited hearing her words.

“Melanie—”

“Don’t dare start that topic,” I warned. I busied myself cleaning the counter.

She pouted. “Oh, come on! I got something to tell you!”

“Anything but not related to any men.” 

She stomped her feet like a child.

“I saw a man last night. He’s so freaking hot and gorgeous! And oh— he’s a doctor!” Ketish giggled.

I annoyingly sighed.

“So what if he’s a doctor? If I wanted to have a guy, I will willingly find it myself.”

“I thought you like doctors? You like surgical stuffs, right?”

“Just because I like something related to that stuffs, I already like doctors? Are you high?” I turned around and hand the order slip to the kitchen.

“Fine! Then how about adoption?”

“No, I want mine.”

“Alright. Surrogate?” I stopped and faced her who was looking at me with her mischievous smile.

“You don't need a man. You just need a sperm,” she said.

Is that even possible? I walked towards her place and seriously looked at her. Her smile was getting bigger.

“You’ll be carrying your own flesh. No need the natural way of creating a baby. Just a sperm from someone and then boom! A baby will be born— ouch!” 

She held her forehead after I tapped it hard. 

“You’re thinking nonsense again.”

“I thought I caught your interest already! Surrogacy is the best option you have now!” she exclaimed, still aching for her red forehead.

A sperm? Really? I will never be that desperate to inject a sperm inside me just to have a baby. Never.

--