CHASING HER AFTER THE CONTRACT

COSMO CLUB

Inside the taxi, a lot of sad thoughts ran through my mind about Mama. Was she going to be conscious?. What was going to happen, if we don't get the money sooner?. I sighed so loud, the driver stared at me through the gear view. However, Steve hasn't reached out to me yet, after blowing his phone with countless messages and calls. He was definitely the black sheep of the family. Ever since, he had settled in Chicago, he always seems inaccessible to reach. He totally forget his family still exist. He never send home money. The last time we spoke about Mama's situation, he had a lot of flimsy excuse to give. “That's bullshit” I mumbled out while giving the driver money as I arrived to my destination. He gave this weird snare but I didn't mean to say it to him. I got down from the car, and somehow lost balance and regain my posture clinging to a man's chest. His perfume was so strong and alluring. He was wearing a leather jacket. When I looked down at his shoe. I could tell how expensive it must have cost. He was a goddess in a human form. Starely deeply into his eyes. He snapped me out as he pulled me away. “Watch your step, Young lady”. Suddenly, I could stand on my own. Before I could utter a word, he vanished like a flash. Who the hell was that?. These are things that happens at Cosmo Club. There's are lot of crazy people outside the club, smoking weed, laughing hard. Maybe Ethan was right, I shouldn't be in this kind of place . But where else can I be ?. As I stepped into the loud club, I quickly sight Ana. She seems frustrated, and also scanning through the club to find me, I guess. When our eyes meet, she gave me that funny look that somehow lit my dark world . She walked too fast towards me. “What's up , Tess” She hits me on my shoulder and hugged me. I really need the hug. That long hug from her, today has been so messy for me. “How's she now?” Ana broke the contact. “Ana , she's still unconscious, We need a lot of cash, I mean a lot to get her in shape”. I said. “How much is a lot?. Tess”. Ana mumbled quietly. “We need about 5 million dollars to start her treatment right away” I said. “That's a lot , Tess” . Ana hold my hands gently. “I know, that's why I'm not there with her. I was thinking if I could explain the situation to Ashford”. I mumbled quietly. “No Tess, you can't” Ana gave me this weird look. “Ana, if I don't get the money soon, I'm going to lose Mama.” I said. “I know but you know you still owe him . Plus he won't give you that money just like that. You should understand what I mean” Ana almost whisper. “Urghhh, I still need to ask. There's no other options left “ I said. “By the way, he has been looking for you. You missed three days, Tess. I tried to explain to him about your situation. But he keeps on yelling for your presence. That's why I called earlier “ Ana said. “Thanks babe, I'll see him now “ I said. Ana hugged me and kept on assuring me everything will be fine. And she left my side to attend to an Old man who kept yelling for his order to be served. I took a deep breath out as I walked to the Ashford office. He had two armed guards at the entrance of the office. Holding a pistol for a security, I clearly don't quite understand. He needs no security, he's dangerous to face on his own. Not sure of what I was about to face, I walked gently to them. One of the gunned men alight as he refused to let me in. I showed him my Access card and they both smirked at one another and open the door.

The office was dark, I could barely see anything. Aside from the titchy window bringing a dim light to Ashford face. “Tess, You're late to work and you haven't showed up these days” Ashford husked out. I could feel the tension in the room. The atmosphere become more hot with the AC on. “Myyyyy” I stuttered. “My mam is sick, she needed me’. I said while gasping for air. He put on the light . Raised his weird mustache up and smirked at me. “Sir”. He said while reviewing some papers in on his desk I with a cigarette on his other hand. He carefully cleae out the ashed from the paper, dusted them out. I sat adjusting my uniform gowm which was so short could be longer to cover my knees. “Tess, You have been working for months now, It's still not enough to cover what you owe me” He said without looking at me, still immersed with the papers on the table.

“That’s why I'm working for you sir” I managed to say. “But I'm paying you, Telsa. Even if it's half of the pay. I'm still paying “ He said , this time around staring deeply into my eyes. “ Hmmm, I don't have any cash to pay. I'm also in need of cash for my mom” I muttered. I shouldn't have said that yet. I f****d up. “ You want to borrow again” Ashford laughed out loud. He was almost in tears while laughing. His laughter erupted in the room . It became unpleasant and irritating to my ears. Did I say anything funny. I thought to myself. “ Sir, I will pay you back everything soon” I said with no assurance of how that would be possible. I'm literally owing him 3000 dollars. “It's okay, Telsa , only if you accept this deal, I have for you”. He said as he hands me one of the papers he has been reviewing.