Three Month Agreement (ENGLISH)

Chapter 4

"S-Stop crying... sis..."

When I heard Seya's voice I raised my head. I swallowed hard and then moved to touch her face.

"What are you feeling? Hmm?"

"I-I will feel good if you s-stop crying..." she said smiling.

I sobbed and nodded. "I-I won't cry anymore..."

We left the hospital after because Seya insisted for us to go home. I only have 200 pesos on my pocket at that time and I was ready to admit her but she got mad at me and told me she will just rest at home.

It's so hard. I don't know who to cry to, or who to lean on to share the problems and pain I'm carrying. Seya is such a happy child, hardworking and smart. Why does she have to suffer from such a disease?

When we got home, I explained her condition to Seya. I told her she needed to stop studying. Instead of being sad because it's our d-dream, she apologized to me. She thought she was a burden. She started crying, and I wanted to cry too, but I couldn't because I promised her. T-That I won't cry.

Not i-in front of her.

I couldn't show weakness because now, she needed to get strength from me.

"Thank you, sis... thank you for... alway taking care of me," she whispered.

Seya fell asleep while I was gently stroking her head. When I stood up to get the prescription for her medicines from my wallet, a card fell to the floor. I picked it up and read what was written on it.

Errol France Valderama.

I closed my eyes and took my cellphone. I have no c-choice. I would need a large amount for Seya's next treatment.

I called the number on the card, and it was answered on the first ring.

"Hello? Who is this?"

"E-Errol... it's Zerah."

And he was fast to answer.

"Zerah? Why? What happened? How are you and Seya?"

It had been a month, but he still remembered what happened between us. I told him about Seya's condition. Errol agreed to meet me at a popular restaurant to talk about it. I felt very shy, but he told me I didn't need to be embarrassed. He also said he admired my courage and had been waiting for my call.

"That's my friend's bar, Zehra. It's called Jio's Bar. They're hiring a waitress. It's a chill bar, so don't worry. I already informed him that you would apply. He'll accept you right away. The salary is good, the job is not that hard so you don't have to worry."

Feeling so happy that I would finally have a better job, I took Errol's hands.

"Thank you so much! T-This means a lot to me. T-Thank you so much, Errol!"

He seemed surprised by my gesture, so I quickly let go of his hands and apologized.

"I'm happy to help you, Zehra. Just tell me if there's anything else I can do."

Maybe he's a Godsend? I really didn't expect that after a month, he would still care and offer me help. He is truly kind and helpful, and I am so grateful for that.

The next day after we met, I went to the bar he mentioned. He was right that it was indeed a chill bar. Errol also told me that no one would dare to disrespect me because they would have to deal with him.

From that day on, Errol became my friend. He is a good person and is truly generous to those in need. We talked a lot, and he often asked me about Seya's condition.

Every time I shared updates, I could see the concern in his eyes. He would listen attentively, offering words of encouragement and support. It felt comforting to have someone who genuinely cared. Letty and Lea were also telling me that even though they couldn't help me financially, they were always there for me.

"Zehra, please take this mojito to the private room," Alice said to me, my co-waitress.

I walked over to the counter and quickly grabbed the mojito. The private room is very exclusive, reserved only for the owner's notable guests.

When I got upstairs, I went to table 5 for the mojito. And when I saw who was there, my smile faded. We were used to always smiling, but my smile automatically disappeared when I saw who it was.

Thauce...

I never thought I would see those icy stares again.

I took a deep breath and approached him.

"Here's your order, sir."

I set down his mojito and bent down and when I was about to turn away and leave, he speak.

"Long time no see. I heard that Errol is courting you?"

"What?" That made my eyebrows furrow. Where did he hear that?

I slowly faced him.

"That's not true, sir," I replied. "Errol is just a good friend."

He smirked, an arrogant smile spreading across his face as he shook his head, seeming not to believe what I said.

"He's the reason why you are working here, right? He helped you. Tell me, what else has he done for you?"

I felt irritated because his tone made me feel like he was insulting me.

"You two are close. So... close," he said meaningfully. A-And what does he mean by that? The way he said it felt like there was another meaning behind his words.

"I'm sorry, sir. But I have to--"

"Have you and Errol already had s*x?"

My words cut and my mouth dropped open at his next question. My face also burned. S-s*x? What was this guy thinking?! His attitude was nothing like Errol's!

"N-No!" I almost shouted. I even gulped and looked around then went to face this arrogant man again.

"E-Excuse me, sir, I'm not like what you think—"

"Ohh, aren't you getting close to him for his money? Didn't you offer your body to him?" His eyes moved over me, making me swallow hard. His stare felt like an unwanted invasion, as if he was trying to see right through me.

T-That's why I really didn't want to get involved with them before because of this of what he might think, but I didn't have any choice!

My grip on the serving tray tightened as I stood my ground against his sharp gaze.

"Tell me, Zehra Clarabelle, aren't you clinging to him for his money?" he asked again.

My chest tightened as anger built inside me, but I needed to protect my job, so I forced a smile at Thauce. Just endure him, Zehra!

"I'm not after anyone's money," I said firmly, glaring at him.

"I hope you enjoy your evening, sir."

I bowed slightly, and after saying that, I quickly turned away, eager to escape the weight of his words.

As I walked back to the bar, my heart raced. I was so pissed off! I couldn't believe I was insulted by that man! And s*x? Gosh! I would never use my body to make money!

What a h-horrible attitude. How could he say such things?