'Til I Found You

The cold breeze is creeping through her skin as she gazes up at the night sky. It's sparkling with a million stars and moonlight up above. Just like her past, it's cold and dark. lonesome years of spending it without somebody to run to, but she got used to it anyway. She is no longer that same innocent and ambitious girl living in the street when her parents died in a plane crash. That day was devastating, and she would never want to recall it. It was like a dream to her that, once upon a time, she had a wonderful family. Lavish things were just close at hand, but it all changed in a snap. Everything got lost along the way, including her innocence and dignity. Since she set foot in that sinful place, she has changed. It is a high-end club known mostly by wealthy people. She satisfied her clients' lust in exchange for a big-ticket check. For a few years, it became her life, but she wants a restart. She wants to take back what was gone and create a better future. And tonight is her last show. "F-ck! Uuuh! You're good," she moans. The man slumped on her side, gasping. A CEO of a wine company is her last client in this sinful job. He booked a hotel suite that was cozy and luxurious. Thin smoke scattered into the air as he blew his cigar. She gets up to wear her robe, but an arm pulls her back to bed. "We're not yet done, gorgeous," he said, biting her lower lip. She gave him a naughty smile and said, "Additional twenty percent, sir." He scoffs and takes his check book from the side table. "Fifty percent. Stay until morning." He handed her the check. She took it. "Sure. I'll satisfy you even more." He tossed the cigarette butt in an ashtray and pulled her head to kiss her. "You're undeniably beautiful, love." "I know," she said, sucking the tip of her lip. "Can you be mine?" His kisses went down her chest. She chuckled. "You're the 100th man who asked me that, but I gave the same answer all the time. It's 'no'." "Why? I'll give you anything." "I have anything I want, so thanks, but no thanks," she smiled. His back slumped into the bed, and he pulled her closer to his chest. "You're different from those women I..." She cut him off. "F-cked?" His laugh flutters her heart. "Like, Madeleine. You're different from those women I like." "Bolero. I've heard that a million times, so that won't work on me." "Have you been in a relationship?" "Yeah. Many times. More than your fingers can count on." He looks at her intently and says, "Tell me your story." "My what? Story?" she chuckled. "Oh, come on! Trust me. There's nothing special about me. Do not waste your time." "Why does it sound to me like a sad past?" "Gary, you're a CEO, not some sort of psychiatrist. Let's just enjoy the night before I leave this industry. You're the lucky man tonight." "Leave? You mean for good?" "Yes. I'm leaving this job. The entire city, to be exact," she says, putting her head on his chest. "Wow. That sounds like a fresh start." "Indeed. That's precisely my point of leaving." "Are you going back home?" Silence sets in as the memories dredge up. Home—that's a blur to her. She forgot how it felt to be back home. In fact, she no longer has it after so many years. It has been only her in the lonely house she lives in. No one waits for her to come back. Nobody to turn to when things turn so downhill. She only has herself to rely on. "Let's not go there." "My fault. Sorry. I can tell you're a good person. You deserve better than this. You ..." "Thank you. Can we drop the topic now?" She kissed his lips, pouring her emotions into it. Indulged in this very last sinful night before leaving it all behind. It was a painful memory of her past that she no longer wants to recall. Those are all forgotten now. ○ ○ ○ The sun set when she woke up next to a naked and handsome man. It was an awesome night with her last client. She found a friend in him, even for a short period of time. They talked a lot about life; he didn't treat her as just a f-ck buddy, a w***e. She felt respect for the first time in ages. "Hey, you're leaving now?" He woke up with a floral scent spreading in the air. She turns, wearing a plain maroon dress that really got him. "Not yet. I'd like to prepare your breakfast," sparks a sweet smile at him. "What do you want?" she asked while pacing the floor. "You," he said, getting up to follow her. She chuckled. "Sorry to inform you, I don't render service first thing in the morning." "Then let's do it after breakfast." Gary grabbed her waist and tried to kiss her, but she dodged. "Ops! Let me inform you that preparing your breakfast is way beyond what you paid for. This is an extra service, sir. Don't abuse my kindness," she jested. He laughed, "Well, I want your other extra service." "No longer available," she said, unwrapping his arm around her waist. The air got filled with sincerity between them as he leaned against the counter top. His arms crossed while looking at her intently. "About last night, Mad. I'm not joking around." "So am I. There are plenty of fish in the sea. Look around, and you'll find what you deserve," she said, flipping the other side of the bread. "But all I see is you," he smiled. She chuckled and said, "Sure you do, dude." "You know I have all the means to track you down, right?" he said, taking the freshly grilled sandwich. "Then see you around wherever my feet would lead me," she said, handing him a cup of coffee. He reached for it, smiling. "Thanks. Can I just at least drop you off at the airport?" She took a sip of her hot coffee and asked, "Why me?" "Well, I don't know someone else leaving the city today besides you." "That's not what I meant, silly. I meant to say, Why me? Look at me; I'm not clean. I'm no virgin. I'm a w***e. And you? You're way beyond the man who deserves me, if there's any. You're too much for me, and... we just met last night for Pete's sake!" she facepalmed. "The question is, 'Why not you?'. Madeleine, not all men are the same. No matter how bad the past is behind you, you still deserve to be loved. Just... stay. Let's try to work things out. I like you, Mady. I wanna know more of you". That's what she's been wanting to hear for so long, but she got tired of waiting. The past few years had been so cruel to her that she ended up believing nobody was made for her. But she learned to be fine with that. Maybe if he arrived a little bit earlier, it could be possible. It's too late for that now. She stopped believing in the notion of love. That ain't for her, she thought. "Gary, just forget about me. I'm leaving for good. Nothing could stop me. Thank you for being so different from all those men I met. You're awesome. Gentleman. But like I said, you're too much for me." He nodded, crestfallen. "I understand. Let's have a deal instead." "Deal? What is it?" "If we ever meet again and both of us are not yet committed to anyone, Let's get married." She laughed out loud, "Married?! Are you serious? You'll marry me?" "Why not? So, are you in?" "I don't know," she tears up, laughing. "I'm serious. Do I look like not?" "You're nuts!" She's shaking her head, giggling. "Well, uhm, okay. Fine. I guess we can give it a shot by then." "Deal?" he says, extending his arm for a handshake. She nods, smiling, and accepts his hand. "Whatever!" It was a great morning she had with him. They talked and laughed about stuff in life. He is the most unforgettable person she has ever met. Gary is a good guy, she thinks. If the time comes that fate will bring them down the same road and things aren't complicated, maybe he is truly made for her. "Welcome, Ms. Maria Leanne Salazar," the old lady greeted her. She just arrived from the airport. Good thing her friend, Wella, helped her find a place to stay. "Just call me Lea," she said, smiling at the previous home owner. This two-story house is hers now. All the memories from the past, as well as the heartaches they entail, are far from her now. She roams her eyes around the house. It feels like freedom. She finally broke the chain that bound her. This is it. A fresh start that she longs to achieve is happening right before her eyes.