A LOVE THAT IS FOREIGN

Back to Business

The cab pulled into the pavement just in front of TeleConcreté. Unlike the past days, today, Asia reached out the bill for the ride passively and waited for her change. Every cab rides, she always tend to give the lucky drivers her changes as a tip. But since she's in need of money, every centavo counts.

"Thank you," she said before hopping out and closing the car's door. She moved backwards and watch the cab rush away.

Her day just begun but she's feeling so exhausted already. Last night feels like the longest night in her entire life. The clock has been set around one in dawn when finally, she fell asleep. There is no single second that she's not thinking about her baby sister, Elisa. Is she in a lot of pain? Did she cried? Is she conscious, lively and eating? What about her mom? And her brothers? How Asia wish she was there, beside her family at this critical time. However, on the other side, she's picturing that if she was there, who will provide for Elisa's surgery? Her father is already a senior as well as her mom. Both are no longer capable of working. Her eldest brother, Armando, have his own family he's a sustaining. Francis, the second eldest, he's working to support their second youngest brother, Frank who is currently a graduating college student. Now, although it's hard and extreme torture, Asia look at their thousand miles distance as fortune. Because for someone like her who's working for a living, it's so much easier to earn money in New York compared to her fatherland. And she will bear that in mind to keep her s**t together.

She just took her first five steps when a familiar voice called her name.

"Asia!"

Halting, Asia swung her head. Only then, she realized that it was Arthur coming her way with a bright beam. Even tho she got no reason to smile, she still was able to curved her lips, just the slightest she could offer.

"Oh. Hi,"

"Lemme help you with the bag."

Arthur steal her huge bag of meals and carry it with his shoulder. "T-thank you... But you don't need to do that. I can manage." Asia mumbled shyly.

As they move forward, Arthur noticed something different. Asia was always been the brightest person he know and looking at her right now is just... So unusual.

"You look restless?" Finally, Arthur strike for what's going too look a "sensitive" conversation.

Because she have no time to blow dry her hair, Asia decided to leave them free and it's all messy now. She tucked few reddish strands at the back of her ear, glance to Arthur and smiled. "I had a sleepless long night."

"Am not gonna ask for what possible reason but I hope you're just fine."

"I am. Thank you, Art."

"Most certainly welcome," He replied with a sweet smile.

Arthur, being the gentleman that he is, open the door for Asia so she could get in first to the lobby of the building. They walk in silence and once in the elevator ride, Arthur announced his news.

"By the way, I just moved."

Asia turn her head to side, look up at him then asked, "where?"

"Into your neighbourhood. Just few streets away from you."

"Really? Why there?"

Arthur shrugged. "It's near from the office." Well, that's quite true. Asia chooses to rent in her house because of the same reason . "You know what, I can give you a ride. Every single morning. But of course, if you prefer a taxi, then--"

"I'd love that!" She cut him off. Even though she doesn't want to admit it, she will anyway because she really needed it. That way, she can save more.

"Okay. I'm glad you agreed."

The elevator dings and Asia have to go because it's already her floor. Arthur surrender the bag and once it was back to her care, Asia exited the elevator. She turn around to face him. Just before the elevator closes, she whispered a heartfelt "thank you."

While riding at the passenger's seat, Asia keep on staring at her phone. She wish she can take back the time to stop herself from writing those aweful message to Hussain. Yesterday, while in Fulton Market, Asia received a message from the man. He said he's looking forward to see her again. Annoyed and feeling egoistic, Asia told him that she's quitting. And now, she regretted it more than ever.

She no longer care about her history with Hussain. All she wanted now is to earn money, ensure her baby sister's safety and she believe that everything will follow. They has to follow.

Again, she found herself climbing out a car, entering a high class hotel, riding an elevator and now, standing in front of Mr. Hussain's house. Yes, she have a spare key of that house. She can just slide it into the keyhole and gets in but she can't just do that. She maybe in a desperate situation but she still have manners and ethics to follow. After breathing in and breathing out heavily and repeatedly, she decided to finally press the doorbell.

Asia buzz the penthouse three times but she heard no other noises or movements from inside. One last time, she buzz him up. If there won't be a response, she already made up her mind to just leave. After her fourth doorbell, she waited. One second turns 30, and 30 seconds turned into a whole minute or two. Sighing, she decided to turn her heels, drag herself back to the elevator. Asia is pressing the elevator button when she heard the penthouse unlocking.

Asia listen carefully to the movements and when a sound of a creaking door registered to her ears, without any second thought, she faces the door.

Shocked.

Surprised.

Embarrassed.

Uncomfortable.

That's what Hussain makes her feel by just seeing him like that. Topless. His center is covered with nothing but a pearl white towel. His chest, awesome, firm and bulky. And those broad shoulders, sexy abdomen, his delicious looking neck, they are soaked wet. His hair looking so messy but was combed by his delicate fingers. Water dripping on his body. He is such a sight to see. However, Asia have to remind herself that she have come to take back her words. Not to fantasise his body.

Mr. Hussain crossed his arms above his chest then lean on the right corner of the door.

"I don't remember having any business with you, miss." He stated plainly.

"I... I just... Would like to t-take back what I said. I'm not quitting. Please, spare me second chance. I really need this job... Please."

Rufus stare into her big black eyes. Those eyes were the most beautiful pairs he ever seen but why can he see sorrow and blue in it? Despite of looking dull, he still think that she's beautiful, interesting woman. And behind those simple denim pants, black and white stripe sleeve, a black doll shoe, she still look ravishing just like the first he saw her.

Hussain stand up straight, open his door widely and give Asia a way to get in.

"Then I guess should be greeting you a welcome back."

Asia almost feel like she wanted to cry out of nothing but pure happiness.

"Thank you. Thank you so much!" As Asian, she bow her head while expressing how grateful she is.

"Get in." Hussain ordered which she gladly obeyed.