Chapter 2 Offer

• I grasped tightly on the chain sling of my bag as soon as my eyes landed on an old bearded man sitting at the very corner of this Italian restaurant. It's Mr. Smith, the gambler to whom my mom owes a lot of money. I walk towards his table and as soon as he noticed my presence, his eyes focused on me traveling them from my head to toe.
• “Have a seat, my dear Serene.” He gestured to the seat in front of him. I occupied it. “Still gorgeous as always, my dear,” he complimented but those words gave me nothing but itch.
• The way his eyes scanned me, I want to slap him. This maniac really deserves at least one.
• “What do you want?” I asked instead, annoyance is in my voice.
• Mr. Smith's gave me a sly grin, something I knew I couldn't trust. Well, he himself is an example of someone who can not be trusted. This deceitful and cunning old fat man, his aura screams odor.
• “Well, I just wanted to let you know my dear Serene that my offer is still open for you.” He stopped and leaned comfortably on his chair. “We both know that you and your mother can't pay me even though I'll be considerate and extend the due date, right?”
• “I can pay you,” I said in a hard tone.
• I can pay him, I know I can.
• “You can?” he laughed mockingly and then stopped, “I'm sorry, I can't control myself from laughing.”
• “I can pay you, Mr. Smith–”
• “Oh, really, dear?” he cut me off. “Let's be real here for once and for all, my dear Serene. You can not pay me. And you will not. What can you expect from your lowly work? A heard you're a tutor, right?” he once again laugh mockingly. “Are you expecting that you can pay me with the help of your work which only gives you a little amount? Wake up, dear–”
• “I can pay you,” I said in finality. “I can, and I will. Just give me a month or two, you will get your money back.” I was ready to leave him when he stood up, stopping me.
• “Just a month, my dear. If you're not able to pay me, you will take my offer whether you like it or not.”
• Now, it's me who laughed at what he said. I looked at him mockingly before letting out a grin. “Marrying an old fat rat isn't my dream, Mr. Smith, I'm so sorry for that.” And then I leave him with his bald head turning red.
• I would rather continue to live streaming every night than marrying someone who's thrice of my age. I could even call him Grandpa. Disgusting.
• ***
• * xxxTim sent you a message.
• I rose my eyebrow. This is the first time I saw him sending me a private message. I clicked opened his message last nineteen hours ago and upon reading it, I chuckled.
• So, he's still asking for a private session?
• I typed to reply.
• “I don't do private sessions, sweetie.” With a flirtatious emoticon attached to it. I was about to close my laptop when I saw him typing back.
• He's online?
• “Name your price, Midnight.”
• My mouth went ‘o’. He's really serious about this private session but sorry, I can't.
• “Just at least an hour or two? You'll get everything you ask for payment.”
• Rich daddy, I guess.
• “Will you give me a world if I grant your wish, Daddy?” I jokingly replied not knowing he will replied ‘yes’. That made me laugh and instead of replying again, I folded my laptop and went out of my room.
• At my student's house, I found Lizzy waiting on her usual spot, in the lanai while having her breakfast alone. I quietly sat next to her and when she notice my presence, she threw herself on me happily.
• “I miss you, Teacher,” she giggled while sitting on my lap.
• “Teacher misses you too, Lizzy,“ I replied, tapping her small nose. “Did you finish your assignment?” I asked afterward.
• She nodded. “My brother helps me out with my assignment, Teacher. I'm not good at mathematics and fortunately, he is,” she proudly said.
• “I didn't know you have a brother.”
• “He just came back from abroad and I never mentioned him to you before.” I just shrugged before helping her pack back her toys in her toy box.
• It was almost midnight when I came home as Lizzy's parents invited me to join their dinner. Who I am to refuse? As usual, I went home with my mother lying unconscious on the couch and instead of waking her up so she can get a better rest in her room, I just went straight to my room and lock it. I headed to the bathroom and prepared a warm bath for myself. After almost an hour, I was now facing my vanity mirror while putting on my makeup for my live stream tonight.
• Even I, can't help but praise myself for what I look like tonight. Red suits me better. Minutes from now, I know my audience will be feasting on me again. Beasty eyes will definitely feed on my body. And minutes from now, I must eat my pride again for the sake of money. I must sacrifice myself again and must bestow others' fantasies.
• “Hello, hotties. It's me again, your Midnight Siren!”