I'M NOT A LADY OF THE NIGHT

Part: 1

***

No matter how far I walk, I still feel empty every second.

The world sneered at me as an illegitimate child. Until one evening, my mother died after hearing the curses of her siblings.

"Your illness is a punishment," said my aunt.

"As long as the illegitimate child is in this house, so long will our lives be unlucky," my uncle continued.

Mum was breathing harder and harder. The old face that already looked so frail instantly became tense. Her body shook violently and convulsed.

"Mum," I whispered, leaning closer to hug her.

It didn't take long for Mum's eyes to close as she took her last painful breath.

"Mum!" I shouted hysterically.

Uncle and Aunty were not sad at all. Both of them hated my mum. Not without reason.

.

As time passed, the funeral of Mum's body was over.

I was pensive on the terrace of my aunt's house. Since I was a child, I've been here.

My mum didn't have a home of her own. None of her family wanted to take her in, except Aunty Ratna.

Even though Aunty berated Mum with harsh words every day, she was the only one who was willing to give her a place to stay.

-

-

A month after Ibu's departure. One of the labour distributors came to our village.

Mr Handoko was his name. He offered Aunty Ratna a job in the city.

"How is it? I'll give you an advance payment of three months' wages. Do you agree?" asked Mr Handoko.

I, sitting next to Aunty, heard the whole conversation.

Mr Handoko wanted me to work at his cafe.

Aunty Ratna and Uncle Toni's eyes lit up at the offer of so much money.

"I agree, sir. My nephew can do a good job. Take him to the city!" said Bik Ratna enthusiastically.

"I'm scared, Aunty. Please let me stay here. I'll work harder in the fields, Aunty. I don't want to go to the city," I said.

"Honey, you have to go to the city. There is no future for you here, son." Aunty said gently, but behind it one hand pinched my back.

It hurt.

The piece of paper containing the cooperation contract was signed by Aunty and Uncle. Both of them agreed without knowing what was on the paper. Bibik and Uncle couldn't read. The signatures were just perfunctory.

-

-

I arrived in the city by car that day.

My two shabby bags accompanied my trembling steps.

Mr Handoko took me to a place.

It wasn't like the cafe he had described to Uncle and Bibik. This place was noisy and crowded.

Lots of drink bottles, and colourful lights. I'm dizzy from the lights that go off and on over and over again.

"Mi, I brought a young girl who is still very innocent," Mr Handoko said, leading me to a middle-aged woman who had dressed up.

"Very dishevelled. Where did you find her?" she asked.

"In the village, Mi. She just needs a little grooming, and she'll shine."

"You're right. If you look at this girl's beauty, it's amazing. Reminds me of a prima donna in the village in the old days."

Mr Handoko and the woman laughed. After that, I was left alone with the woman whose name I did not know.

"Just call me Mami Mery! Come with me! In the blink of an eye, I'll turn you into a beauty," she said.

I followed her hesitantly.

We arrived at a room that was quite large and luxurious. There were 5 women in it. They were all wearing sexy clothes and dressed up very pretty.

"New kid, Mi?" asked one of them.

"Yes, quickly dress her up as pretty as possible!" ordered Mami Mery, then she went out.

I sat on the cushioned chair facing the glass.

"Excuse me, what exactly is my job here? Washing dishes, or just delivering food and drinks?" I asked curiously.

Everyone in the room laughed at my question.

"Your job here is to serve wholeheartedly. You have to do everything," said the woman who did my hair.

I didn't understand, but I started to feel scared. This place didn't seem safe.

.

An hour later. I spun round in front of a large mirror. My appearance had changed completely. My long hair became shoulder-length. My face shone with a little polish.

"You're perfect," praised Mummy Mery.

"Wh-what should I do after this?" I asked timidly.

"Sit quietly, dear. You are special, and will be the highest price tonight," Mummy Mery said.

"Ma-meaning Mummy? I don't understand."

Actually, I was already feeling very uncomfortable in the sleeveless dress I was wearing. I never wear clothes that are too revealing.

"So Handoko didn't tell you?" asked Mami Mery while looking at me sharply.

"He said I'd be working in a café delivering food and drinks to customers," I replied casually.

Mami Mery and the others laughed again.

"Listen, Luka. You're here to work as a comfort woman."

My heartbeat seemed to stop when I heard Mami Mery's confession.

Comfort women ....

I often heard that term in the village. Neighbours and even family referred to my mother as a former comfort woman. No one knew who my father was.

My life was like hell, everyone berated me for my mother's past sins.

.

In a special room, I was placed. Inside was a man waiting for me.

I had no energy to rebel. From the very beginning after learning of this dirty work, I tried to escape and defy Mami Mery's orders. However, what power. I was exhausted and could do nothing.

Mami Mery's men were numerous. Two slaps had already landed on my right cheek and left cheek.

I resigned myself to the tears that were starting to run down my cheeks.

"What's your name?" asked the person who had paid me a very large sum to Mami Mery.

"My name is Luka."

The man moved closer to me, who was facing away from him.

"A rare name," he said.

I gasped.

"Show me your face! That greedy woman said you were very beautiful."

I was silent as I wiped away the tears that were still flowing down my face without daring to make a sound.

"Are you deaf?" he snapped as he turned my body to face him.

I sobbed. My face must have been a mess.

I didn't even dare to lift my head. I was bowed down in this endless agony.

Slowly, one forefinger of the man's hand lifted my chin. His sharp eyes combined with my eyes that deliberately strengthened my guts to look.

The man I interpreted was about 30 years old. A very handsome man. I couldn't believe that the one who dared to pay me so much was a young man who was so well-groomed and authoritative.

Who would have thought that he was a man who enjoyed the lust of helpless women.

"Why are you crying?" he asked flatly.

I shifted my gaze back down. "What else can I do but cry?"

He laughed.

"Did I pay you just to see you cry?"

"I don't know."

I was getting more and more naive in front of him.

"I think you should change your name!"

"It's my mum's given name."

"Your mum must be mentally ill," he sneered.

I cried even more bitterly.

"I'll ask that old woman to change your name immediately. If you continue to use Luka's name, then you will only be able to cry all your life," he explained.

I started to wipe away the tears. All this time, this man had only been talking without doing anything.

I was already scared to death.

"I'm willing to cry for a lifetime to be grateful if I can be free from this place. Do me a favour, sir. You can ask me to work in your house forever without pay as long as I can get out of this place. I'm afraid to be here." I pleaded with quick movements reaching for his legs.

The man flinched for a few seconds.

"Help me, sir."

He slowly lifted my shoulders. "I've paid a great price for you."

"Let me compensate you with my lifelong devotion. I'll do anything, except not this dirty work, sir."

Silence.

The man was silent in the corner of the bed. His face was so flat. I trembled even more as my fear deepened.

Continued.

Part 2

***

The sound of drizzling rain accompanied the quiet atmosphere of this room.

The handsome man with a flat expression was silent for a long time.

Until at some point he opened his voice again.

"I've been to this place quite often. However, before that I only ordered a drink. That old woman always offered me various beautiful women. I'm not interested, and neither are you. I wasn't interested in spending so much money for a lowly woman in the first place," he explained.

"I'm not that kind of woman, sir. I don't know about this place. I'm from the countryside, I never imagined entering such a despicable valley," I said with tears in my eyes.

"I don't believe it," he denied.

"It's up to you if you don't believe me. If you're not interested in me, then please let me go!"

"My money won't come back once it's in that greedy woman's hands."

I fell silent again. The amount this man had spent was indeed a lot.

500 million, how could I compensate him to let me go without touching me at all.

"Come with me!"

He pulled my hand roughly. I was dragged along as he quickly opened the exit door.

Without daring to ask many questions, the man and I reached Mami Mery.

"Mr Abraham, is there a problem?" Mami asked.

"Yes. I don't like the room available here. You know who I am, don't you? I'm going to take Luka out to find a decent luxury hotel for me to stay in," he said.

"You can't, Mr Abraham. Luka is new here. He has been the target of my guests. Mr Abraham is lucky enough to have made the first booking. By the time you're done, the others will be ready to queue. So I cannot allow Luka to leave this area."

I took a deep breath. What a sadistic and horrifying statement from Mami Mery.

"I will pay another 500 million to increase my time with Luka. Surely Luka's price won't be that high after being separated from me, right? If you don't agree, then it's fine with me. Return all the money I gave you earlier. I leave Luka to you. Feel free to give him to someone else," said the man whose name turned out to be Abraham.

He was also cruel. I was getting scared now.

What if Mummy really returned the money, and gave me to another man?

All those present looked scary with their bulging bellies and scary faces. Unlike the handsome Mr Abraham. I felt a little safer with him, because he could still be talked to without directly touching me.

"Mr Abraham is in control when it comes to money. Please take Luka! Don't forget to return it. The time is only two days. If it's longer, the fee will increase. Remember, Mr Abraham, I have enough spies. Don't cheat!" threatened Mummy.

"Okay."

I finally breathed the free air outside.

.

In the car.

"Where are we going, sir?" I asked.

"To my apartment," he replied.

"I don't want to go back to that place, sir. Let me stay with you forever, sir."

"That's impossible. I'll go bankrupt if I pay that old woman so much every day."

"No need to pay anymore, sir. I'm free now. Let me make up the money by working for you for the rest of my life, sir."

Mr Abraham didn't budge.

Until the clock ticked down. Thirty minutes had passed.

Mr Abraham's car stopped at a luxurious building. I got out with trembling legs.

Could this man be trusted?

What if he did the deed once he was inside?

What's more, he had paid me a sum that in my lifetime would never reach that amount even if I continued to work in the fields.

Ah, I just surrendered everything to the almighty.

.

My name is Luka. Mum said I should never be afraid of the pain of being hurt again. Because I myself am Luka.

With my guts already shrunk, I stepped into the room of the luxurious apartment with amazing facilities that made me so amazed.

Brak!

I jumped in surprise when the door was closed so roughly by Mr Abraham.

My lips tasted as I swallowed bitter saliva.

"You're going to be the new problem in my life," Mr Abraham said flatly.

I stared at him for a long time. He didn't even seem interested in my beauty at all.

Thankfully, at least I was a little more relieved.

"Sorry, sir. I promise not to be troublesome, sir."

"Hah! You've even troubled me," he sneered.

I cleared my throat softly. I didn't know what else to do. Going back to the village wasn't a good solution. That damned Mr Handoko would surely find me back there.

The only safe haven was Mr Abraham. I really hoped for his generosity to be willing to shelter me even as his slave.

The ringing of Mr Abraham's mobile phone distracted me.

"Hello! What, not coming home again? That's outrageous!"

I don't know who the man was talking to. However, he looked angry and upset.

He immediately threw the mobile phone in his hand until it broke.

My eyes rounded at the sight of such an expensive object being damaged.

The next second Mr Abraham grabbed both my shoulders roughly. "Tell me what I'm lacking? Tell me!"

My eyes closed as the voice loudly shouted at a very close distance. My heart was beating fast.

My eyes met those piercing eyes, but there was a deep sadness in them.

What exactly was Mr Abraham going through?

"What's wrong, sir?" I asked bravely.

Slowly the man moved away from me and began to knead his own thick hair.

"I already have a wife," he said sadly.

"So?" I asked again.

"Her name is Jelita. A beautiful woman who was arranged by my parents. I fell in love with her at first sight. So did she. However, to this day Jelita still can't change her bad habits. Every night she still likes to go out and hang out until late. It's not uncommon for Jelita to come home drunk. That's why I visit that cursed place to forget my frustration, anger, sadness, and even disappointment," said Mr Abraham.

I was silent. Apparently his life problems were quite complicated. Plus meeting me, it was bound to get even more complicated.

"Have you talked to your wife? Maybe she'll listen," I said.

"It's useless. Jelita says she won't stop whatever she likes. I keep giving in, because to this day my feelings are still too deep for her."

In the middle of discussing his wife, the bell suddenly rang.

Mr Abraham seemed reluctant to open the door. I finally stood up to see who was coming.

I was stunned to see a tall, slender woman standing there with eyes ready to pounce.

Plak!

"Argh!" I screamed as a slap landed on my cheek.

"Jelita, stop it!" scolded Mr Abraham.

It turned out that the beautiful woman who slapped me was Mr Abraham's wife.

"Whore! How much do you get paid to satisfy my husband's lust?" shouted Mr Abraham's wife.

I cried as I held my stinging cheek.

"That's enough, Jelita! You misunderstood me."

"Did you misunderstand me? I realise that I can rarely serve you, Mas. But that doesn't mean you're free to fornicate outside!"

"Well, don't you hate being forbidden too, Jelita? I'm a normal man, so it's only natural that I look for other entertainment when you can't fulfil your obligations as a wife."

Madame Jelita gasped. Tears streamed down her pretty face.

"Go home, Jelita! I'll see you in the morning. Let me be with another woman tonight," said Mr Abraham.

Madame Jelita burst into tears. In the next second she hugged Mr Abraham tightly.

"No, sir. I'm not going home alone. You must come with me."

I was moved by the scene before me. Ibu Jelita seemed to love Mr Abraham very much. Yet, why did she still prefer to be out of the house rather than accompanying her husband at home?

Ah, I don't know.

Part 3

***

"I'll go home with you, but apologise to him first!" ordered Mr Abraham, pointing at me.

"What, Mas? I have to apologise to this cheap woman?"

"Luka is not that kind of woman, Jelita. It was the ferocity of life that brought her here. I will tell you everything at home."

Madame Jelita then examined me from head to toe.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

I smiled and nodded.

After that, Mr Abraham left with her. I was left alone in this large apartment.

I breathed a sigh of relief. I could finally sleep peacefully.

-

-

The call to dawn sounded, I woke up from my sleep. I got up and cleaned myself. After that, I fulfilled the routine obligations that my mother had taught me since I was a child.

"Don't bother praying every day! You're not going to heaven as a former night lady like you!" said Bik Ratna loudly.

"No problem, Rat. Heaven belongs to anyone who sincerely wants to reach it," my mother said gently.

Bik Ratna's lips twitched at Mum's answer. Meanwhile, I smiled in admiration.

Although people said Ibu was a despicable woman in the past, her attitude in front of my eyes was very wise.

I shed tears when I think back to my memories with my mum.

.

As noon approached, the sound of the bell rang and I quickly stood up to open the door.

"Luka," Mr Abraham whispered.

I smiled. Next to Mr Abraham was Mrs Jelita, who was snuggling in his arms.

"You're not going anywhere! Mas Abraham and I are going out of town today. All the supplies for you are in this suitcase," Mrs Jelita explained gently.

"Thank you, Madame. I owe you a great debt of gratitude," I said.

Madame Jelita hugged me before walking away with Mr Abraham.

I felt lucky to have met this married couple. I also prayed that their relationship would improve and be happy.

-

-

Time went by, the day went by.

The apartment bell rang again.

I eagerly opened the door. It must be Mr Abraham and Mrs Jelita.

However, when I opened the door ....

"Take him!" Mami Mery ordered two burly men.

I shouted for help. "Help!"

However, Mami Mery immediately threatened me with a tape.

"Look, Luka! Your uncle and aunt are in my custody. If you dare to rebel, then I will eliminate them both."

I flinched. The video clearly showed Auntie and Uncle's faces pleading for mercy to be released.

"Why are you holding them captive? Isn't my time here two days? I'll be back in the afternoon. Wait until Mr Abraham comes," I said with a tremble.

"Nonsense! I already know your plans with Mr Abraham. Now, come with me!"

I had to obey for my Uncle and Aunt.

Tears fell again when my footsteps had to go to that cursed place again.

After this, will anyone save me again?

Me, Luka. I shouldn't be afraid of anything, right?

.

I arrived at the old warehouse where Auntie and Uncle were kept.

"You're finally back, Luka. Obey all of Mummy Mery's orders! Just accept your fate that you have to inherit the fate of your mother, Purnama." Bik Ratna spoke casually.

There was no fear or sadness in their eyes. They were even smiling happily.

"Take this! You can both go! Thank you for your wonderful co-operation," Mami Mery said, handing Uncle a brown envelope.

My eyes widened at that statement. How could Auntie and Uncle sell me for money?

"Don't leave me, Bik... Uncle. I don't want to be a woman of the night," I said with tears falling.

Bibik and Uncle didn't care about my wailing. They just left after getting paid.

"Take this girl to our entertainment hut in the city centre! Keep an eye on her movements and who will pay her! Don't let Mr Abraham find Luka again!"

"Ready, Mummy."

I was forcibly dragged into the car. Mummy Mery was really cunning and cruel. I don't know where her men took me.

Mr Abraham and Madame Jelita must be looking for me in confusion.

Dear God, don't let me be humiliated by the hands of this devil. Help me. Save me.

.

5 hours had passed, I arrived at a place that was just as scary as the first place I was dropped off.

"Mami Asni, this is the girl named, Luka. Mummy Mery has left Luka here completely. She's still a virgin," Mami Mery's men said so proudly.

"Perfect. Luka, you will be my favourite prima donna here."

I didn't answer anything. My strength was gone, I couldn't even speak.

I've given up now.

Right now I want to see Your role, O Lord. If You don't save me, then all the things people said to me in the past, I will take as true.

That I am an illegitimate child, and I will follow in the footsteps of the illegitimate.

I'm really waiting for Your intervention this time.

"Take Luka to rest in the room I prepared earlier! For tonight, leave him alone," said Mami Asni.

I walked slowly, guided by the two women she sent. They were older than me.

"My name is Riana. Go to sleep, and wipe your tears! There is no justice or mercy in this place, Luka. I was once in your shoes. I rebelled, I wanted to run. But I finally gave up. Now I'm enjoying all this, Luka. Life is cruel, so we must not be weak," said Riana.

I remained unmoved. I repeat once again, right now I am still waiting for His help. If, no. Then I will accept this situation.

-

-

The next night, I was perfectly made up. There was no rebellion from me, no words spoken.

I was silent before the mirror that reflected my image. This beauty was disastrous.

Had I been born ugly, surely this trash can would not have accepted me and wanted me so enthusiastically.

"Luka, are you ready? There are many guests waiting for us outside. They will choose for themselves. And I'm sure you'll be the belle of the ball tonight," Riana said.

I didn't respond. Only my footsteps accompanied her.

.

Now, I was among the others. Sitting there with a smile on my face to entice the men. I really can't do it yet.

Let alone smiling like the other women here, I had no intention of making a sound.

"Mummy, I want this girl." One of the pot-bellied men pointed at me.

"I choose her too," said another.

"Just give it to me! I'm ready to pay more than them."

Instantly the already noisy room became even noisier with the arguments of the crocodile men.

Mami Asni smiled proudly. She cheered up with offer after offer that was so big.

As for me?

I was still waiting for His help.

I believed that my Rabb would not let me be tainted in this dirty place.

"The highest price will get you, Luka. You should know, Luka is still all original. The price should not be underestimated," said Mami Asni while twisting her curly hair.

.

There is no help for me. Hope was dashed by the situation.

I was already in the room with a man who had managed to pay more than the others.

A middle-aged man with a thick moustache, pot belly, big eyes, and slightly long teeth.

Can you imagine how creepy this man looked?

However, I was no longer afraid. My request to God had not been granted. That meant I had to surrender to the situation.

My name is Luka. Now, I am a woman who has given up hope and must be willing to give up the crown for the greed of His creatures.