Chapter Four: Colby's Past

I tried to sit straight and readied myself for what is yet to come. For that ten years, all I could think about was Colby was taken because I was not there to protect him. But seeing him now, all grown up and in a better condition than I am? I’m feeling guilty to say that what happened was a good thing.

“Alright. The man that bought me, sold me again.” He started. I froze.

“There’s this family that’s hiring kids to train for their underground transactions.” He continued to eat like what we are talking about is no big deal.

“Underground? Like D-R-U-G?” I spelled it in case someone hears us. He laughed at this.

“No, not that. But in the same league. Black market, imported items that are banned in the country, firearms, collector items. Those kinds of things. So I was sent there. They took care of me actually. We slept in very nice bunk beds with the other kids. We have girls and boys, of all ages up to twelve. “ Colby stopped the story and ordered wine.

“Red wine okay?” He asked me.

“I don’t know wine. Go ahead.” I said and motioned my hand for him to proceed with anything. He ordered a glass of red wine for him and a glass of rose for me,

“So what was your first mission then? You sounded like spies.” I said half-jokingly.

“My first mission is just a small-scale job, but it was very cool. I needed to deliver documents to a government employee. It was classified files so I need to hand it over personally.” He said.

“Can you tell me what is it? I promise I won’t tell.” I dared him.

He looked at me for a second, as if contemplating whether to tell me or not. Then he motioned for me to come closed and he whispered to my ear.

“It’s an organ transplant contract. His son needed a specific kind of heart and he contracted human traffickers to find it for him.” I quickly retreated due to my shock.

“Oh my gosh. That’s horrible.” Colby just shrugged.

“So I pretended to be a lost kid of one of the employees. I got through security using the car park entrance and then made my way to the room of the client. That started it. I got adopted into their family soon.” I sighed. 

I guess it was a lot to take in for one night. But I need to know the details of our parents as well.

“A lot huh?” He asked me. “Need another glass?”  He just finished his and he is about to call for another.

“I guess I’ll have that red wine.” He laughed a little and ordered red wine for us. The night is still young.

“So where did you meet Mom and Dad? How did they end up here with you?” I asked.

“Oh, you know that stupid father of ours. He heard that I got adopted and he dragged Mom here as a hostage telling me that I need to give him money or he will kill Mom.” My blood started to boil.

“Dad, the one who adopted me, was there that moment. He said that he will give him a job. He agreed.” He said.

“What job?” I asked. It must not be good.

“He leads the collection team now. He collects payment from those to who we lend money. It’s perfect for him. He doesn’t have a soul.”

“But why is Mom with him? Not with you?” 

“She’s with me at first. But father told me that he has changed and that he would like to be with Mom again. I gave him a month for a chance. But he hits her again and then Mom escaped and found you. I already know that she is staying with you for that three months. I am actually hesitating if I should approach you or not. But that jerk decided to kidnap her to lure you. And here we are.” He took the final sip of his wine.

I caressed my temples. Information overload.

“We are so messed up,” I said defeatedly.

“Tell me about it. But hey, about my offer. You should definitely stay with us. You can have Mom.”

Damn. That offer is so hard to refuse. Should I take it? I can take care of Mom and I got to be with Colby. 

“Would I see Father often?” I think that is the only concern I have. 

I don’t necessarily have a life that I can hold on to. All my time has been spent trying to survive every day.

“Actually no. He frequents the Black Hearts, that bar we just came from. But aside from that, he doesn’t live in the hotel so you won’t see him often.” He casually said.

“You live in a hotel?” I said unconvinced. He looked at me like I just said something so weird.

“Yeah. Here. I own this place. This hotel and everything on it is under my name.” He said proudly while pulling his coat down with a smug look.

“You are just eighteen!” I really can’t believe it.

“Correction, I will be nineteen next month. And I am of legal age. I don’t run it. I just own it. Don’t make it seem like I’m a bad owner, Sis.” His face grew defensive.

I laughed. He laughed. I suddenly felt like a very heavy burden has been lifted on my shoulders. All those years of guilt and wonder disappeared. 

“I’ll take it, Colby. I’ll stay with you.” I said like I was defeated in a huge bargain.

Colby stood up and pulled his arms from the air with a big yes. He suddenly got excited.

“Let’s go to your room!” He dragged me out of the restaurant like a child forcing his parents towards a toy he likes.

“I already have a room? Won’t we need to pay? Colby!” I mouthed thank you to the server and promised myself to give them a tip next time.

We took the elevator and went off three floors down. There are four rooms on this floor, two on each end.

“That room is mine. The other one is for my brother when he likes to stay here.” He pointed to the rooms on the left then pointed to the other side.

“That is Mom’s room. And in front is yours. Come on.” He pulled me to the door on the left wall.

He opened it and inside is a big room with glass walls. My mouth is in o shape. It seems like you can fit the bar here.

“It’s a penthouse. I have had it prepared since the day I found out Mom is staying with you. I know you can’t resist me.” I looked at him and he winked.

I feel like floating in a dream. My life is about to change big time. But at the same time, I know how the world works. There are no free things in life. It must mean that this fairytale event will be asking for something in return.