His Rejected Surrogate

CHAPTER 4: Stranger

I was brought back to my senses when Ginger barked. My fluffy companion barks at every person that she meets, and they stoop down to caress her head.

“What a cute dog you have, Maria.”

“She’s so cute.”

"Thanks!"

I uttered. There is another group of neighbors who came near and pet Ginger.

“Maria, do you feed your dog with dog food? That kind that costs fortunes? How much do you spend on her? You know, I think you should just spend it to buy a sack of rice.” My ugly neighbor who depends on her foreigner spoke.

“Yes, it hella handful caring for a dog with this breed. I think it's a Shih Tzu?" The other one who carries a baby with her joined in.

"Oh, I bet the dog is so expensive. How could Maria buy something like that?" Here we go again, the next intruder came in, who is undoubtedly the ugliest of them all.

"Phew! You know, she works in a bar, and she can earn money by you, you know."

I rolled my eyes as I've heard different comments from our neighbors as we passed by them. These people really don't know how to mind their own business, always sticking their noses in my life. I want to plug in my earphones and listen to music so I looked for my phone inside my pocket, but then I realized that I sold my android phone last week, so I only have my keypad for communication purposes. D*mn, I'm so broke.

“It’s okay, let’s just jog away, Ging.”

I fasten my pace in walking and Ginger followed my steps. Walking past the houses that are closely packed to each other, we ran from one household to another. I can smell from here a mixture of tuba or coconut wine and smelly drainage around the area. Since I know I will not be able to breathe in some fresh air here, I decided to go farther, to the mini-park.

When we got to the nature park, I decided to rest for a while on one of the wooden benches. On the other side of the bench is another wooden bench with three persons sitting on it, I assumed that they are a complete family. I suddenly remembered my soon-to-be job. For a little while that I've been thinking about whether to accept the offer or not, I still decided to pursue it.

"Hi! What's your name?"

I turned around to look at the person who spoke. He wore a white T-shirt drenched in sweat and his black jogging pants fit perfectly on his firm muscle thighs.

His body scent jumped off my nose, bringing an evocative Americano coffee-like smell. Ughhh I'm craving coffee!

"You're so cute."

I went back to my senses when he bend down and pet Ginger's head. Ginger, as if wanting his touch, grabbed his hand with her paw, letting him pet her more.

Oh, this girl has good taste!

"She's Ginger," I spoke afterward. His dark chocolate brown eyes stared into mine. His alluring lips got me, as it widens from ear to ear. His dimples also appeared on both of his cheeks, which made him more attractive.

"Hi, Ginger. I'm Nathan. Mind if I know that beautiful lady who's holding you? And if we can grab something dark and sweet today. You know."

He asked, never taking his eyes off of me. My eyebrows squished together in an accusatory frown. How could he be so straightforward? In this broad daylight?

"You're seriously asking for s*x? Wow! Let's go, Ginger. Perverts are indeed spreading everywhere."

I stood up and quickly walked away. He might be handsome and so d*mn attractive but how dare he make a move on me when we are still strangers?! I admit, the nature of my job might be a little off, and entertaining guys is my utmost priority, but still, I value myself and my dignity. I can now attest that chivalry is dead. If there is someone to whom I'm willing to give in myself, it would only be Lance.

"Wait miss, I'm not a prevert! I was just asking you for coffee!"

I heard him scream. I turned around and raised my middle finger at him.

"F*ck you."

I mouthed and continue to walk away from the park. I get it. He's a hot mess that you want to mess with, but never mind. I know the likes of him. It won't end up well.

When I reached our home, my little sister is already preparing breakfast for us. I placed Ginger in her mini house and went over to the table.

"Sis, our exams are coming. We need to pay on time. Promissory notes are not allowed anymore. We can pay on time, right?"

I took my seat and get a slice of bread.

"Yes, I'll give you the money later."

I said, taking a bite of the sandwich bread.

"How about my new phone, sis? I've heard iPhone X is out now! My phone is very outdated. That's why when I'm with my friends, I can't display it outside because their phones are all iPhones. When will you buy one for me?"

I massaged my temples and faced my sister.

"Which one do you like most? Your new cellphone or paying for your exam?"

"Can I take both? Please please."

I sigh harshly and stood up.

"Amari, remember that your tuition fee is 30,000 per semester. And you're still in your first year. How about that iPhone? How much is that? I don't even wanna know about it."

"But you promised!"

"I didn't promise! Don't you know I'm working my a*s off just to provide for this family? I told you that if I got a bigger income, I might buy the phone that you like. But not now."

"Liar! If I know, you only enjoy yourself being touched by your customers!" She stomped away.

"Amari! What did you say?! Come back here!" I screamed but she pretended not to hear me and went out and slammed the door. This little brat!

"Why are you fighting with Amari again, you sl*t! It's all your fault! I told you to find a decent job! Do you think your sister would be proud of you when she knew about your job? Why are you sticking with working with that as*-licking gay in that bar just to let yourself be f*cked up every night by different customers! Where's your dignity?! I can't believe you are my daughter! You're such a disgrace in this family!"

My mom stormed in as soon as Amari was out. I bit my lower lip, trying to hold back my tears. I didn't choose to be there. But it's the only choice that I have. For three d*mn years, I've worked my a*s off, swallowing all my pride and dignity, singing in front of my customers just to entertain them. I know sometimes, they come to the bar and wished to see me naked, but I never do that. I intended to keep this is as a secret to my family, but news drift quickly in this kind of place that we're living. You can never control the tongue of these people.

''Mom, I told you. I'm an exclusive singer at that bar. I don't allow myself to be tabled by a guy on any occasion. You know that very well. I'm your daughter, you need to believe me."

It was true that I don't agree with being tabled. The only guy that I trusted was Sir Lance.

"Why would I believe you? You m*therf*cker! I should have aborted you that day! Without you, I will still have the nerve to face our neighbors. I'm disgusted with you!"

"Mom... I-"

I stopped when I heard my phone ring. It was from Roxanne. I picked it up and went outside.

"Honey! Are you ready? Your meeting will be at 10 am today."

"Roxy, I..."

I bit my lower lip to suppress my sobs.

"Honey, why are you crying?"

I took a deep breath and sniff.

"I'm alright. I'll get ready now."

"Are ya sure? If my sweetie is still hesitating, just think of the benefits you'll get in this job. In that way, you can let your mom be operated on her tumor. That's your ultimate goal, right?"

Beads of tears fell off my eyes as I failed to stop them from falling. My mother may hate me more for this job if she'll know about it, but I'll take the risk. As long as she survives. As long as we can spend a longer time with her.

"Okay, thank you, Roxy. I felt better now. Bye."

I dropped the call and took a deep breath. I need to do this. I must do this.

I went inside and took my shower, trying to wash off all the insults I got this morning.