Prince Cinderella

The night was chilly cold. As if the angel of death would ascend from the sky. The night sent chilly feel to human skin animals play hide and seek to escape its torturing presence. Thunder claps strikes through the air, making it feel like the other work fired at the Earth, a thunderbolt, but the sky protected it from touching the earth. I looked through my window hoping the rain would stop soon or probably, and help would come. Turning back to my sick, asthmatic mother. I watched how she struggled to live. All thanks to the inhaler I had pumped down her singing throat.

It sounded like the fading sound of a whistle. I just had to watch as sleep took over her heavy eyes. About to stand again, I felt a tightening in my guts. My head felt heavy, my eyes went shut and then blurry. As if everything reeled before me, I placed my hand to my head, trying to stand, at least.

I stood and the feel of bitterness twisted my tongue, like the taste of camphor; the sour spit that hunger released into my dry mouth drizzled around in an uncontrolled manner.

"Mum-" I called, but she had fallen asleep.

I'd spent three hours stilling by her bed, watching her sleep. And now I had to wake her because I was in so much pain.

"Mother!" I tapped her hand lightly.

Her red, swollen eye opened to mine as she turned her head to the other side. As if she wanted to say, don't disturb me. But instead of words, a spiteful hiss escaped her lips. I know she didn't hate me. My mother was the best in the world. She'd always told me that... I was a princess in my little world. And I believed her. That wasn't until I got pregnant with Mateo. My highschool boyfriend. Life could change in a split of seconds. You wouldn't know what happen until it hit you hard to your face and vanishes like a dream.

"Mother!" I called aloud this time.

"What's it Alexa? Aren't you asleep?" She asked me in her most lazy, yet motherly, voice.

"I think it's time. The baby is coming."

"What?!" She rushed to me, still in pain. Hand me the touch, let me find my purse.

"No, mother. You can't go out in this condition. Your breathing might just get worse. It's icy cold outside." I begged, but she paid deaf ears.

"Come on, lean on me, I'll help you out." She persuaded, finally finding her way up, to stand. Leaning my tired body against hers, I could still heart the noisy breath she had. My mother walked even though she wasn't very stagnant. I grabbed my purse too as we walked outside. Side by side.

"Ugh! It's hurting!" I cried.

"Take one step at a time, my dear. You'll be alright." She persuaded once more.

My stomach churned, and it felt as if they strangled my intestines, as though a snake had twirled around them and slit them with its sharp and jagged teeth, releasing a potent poison that irritated the surface of my innards. But despite it all, we made our way to the gate until mum held her head again.

"Please mum. Go inside... Don't worry about me. I'll find help outside." I begged.

The drizzling rain poured heavier. I could feel my mum shivering like a convulsing child.

"L...let's go...Allie." She held her chest and suddenly collapsed.

Lost on what to do. I helped her back inside. If felt as if I'm already having contractions and before the next, I'd want to reach the road to get a taxi, maybe.

My EDD should be next week but now, this. Walking out of the compound, my eyes blurred for what seemed eternity leading me to the subconscious of my mind. Staggering and dripping wet, I pulled myself to the pole stand. Looking down the street, everything was dark and silent. Like scenes of a horror movie. I made my way northwards, towards where the busiest area along the streets.

***

20 Minutes Later.

I saw a taxi and tried to stop it but it zoomed away, with water splashed on my body.

Looking down the road, I noticed all the shops were closed. I didn't need anyone walking along the street as usual, except black stay cats and mice squeaky sounds from the dustbins.

"Ugh!" I gritted my teeth to the pain engulfing my body.

Knowing I might probably not survive this, I moved to the corridor of a white-painted kiosk that stood along the road like a ghost or rather, a saviour.

With a painful grin, I sat on the cold, bare floor with nothing to hold myself on. A sudden shit of electricity strike at me. My eyes widened and as if something dropped from me. I looked down at my gown to see it was wet. It wasn't the wetness of the rain; it was something different. Probably my water just got broke. In fear that I might lose my life. I unzipped the small purse I had on me and brought out my phone to fail 911. Eager for a reply, but I got nothing. Only the electronic, robotic sound replied me.

Beep-beep-beep

I dialed it repeatedly. Just then, the rain increased. And I was the only one there, fighting for survival.

Well, It wasn't my fault I got drugged and raped by someone I trusted. I'm just in 10th grade and I'm a 15-year-old. My dad left my mum ever since I was a baby. I have little or no memory about him... Except the stories mum told me whenever she misses him.

Me being in this condition today is disappointing. I'd put her through a lot when we face Drake, but he rejected being responsible for any of it. His dad is the sheriff, and wouldn't listen until we have an evidence at least.

Lost in the thought about these, my phone vibrate as I jerked to the sound. It was a call from 911. I picked immediately. Thought my immediately right this moment wasn't anything close to fast. I felt so weak and tired, but I managed.

"I need help... Please." I begged, but my voice sounded so low and cracky.

"You said what?! I can't hear you!" A baritone voice yelled over the phone.

"My water just broke.. there's no one here." I tried to explain but another sharp pain pulled through me. "Uhhh!"

"Don't worry, we'll be right there!" He answered and ended the call. Looking down between my legs streamed more water. It felt warmer. I tried to endure the pain, but it was difficult. Everything was. Looking again, my eyes caught a pool of blood. My mind flipped every moment as a different assumption displaced every new thought.

Crying turned to weeping and the yelling. For help, that never came. I lost my voice. "My breath. My... Baby."

A soft moan whooshed out of me.

I don't want to lose my baby. Any other girl in my position would want to abort a bastard child, but I want to keep this. I deserve to suffer and probably die for my mistake, but not this child. It's innocent. Clean and sinless, unlike me.

Controlling my breath all by myself. I fought through the pain and weakness. I breathe... Yes; I need to breathe. That was the world I kept telling myself until I felt something flop out of me. As if half of me was taken always. The burden, the pain.

'Waaaah Waaaaaah Waaaaaaah'

Too weak to move, I heard the baby cry. A smile formed on my face as I knew, somehow, I'm not a mother. My hand stretched afar, to reach for my purse, which mistakenly dropped from my hand. I zipped it, my fingers shivering at the weakness, but I pulled through. I deepened my fingers and brought out a nail scissors. Hoping it was sharp enough. I used it to cut the edge of my silky gown and tied it, making a knot on the umbilical cord. Leaving enough space between the tight and the cord, I made a cut on the umbilical cord.

It's a boy. I held him close to my chest, feeling the warmness of his body. Tears lingered in my eyes as I kissed his forehead. Taking out my sweater to give him comfy, unwrapped it over his tiny body. Waiting for the police, or probably, an ambulance that never came. I don't know what happened but... I passed out.

Still not sure how long it was, I heard a faint beep of siren wails. 'That must be help. That must be it.'

I suddenly opened my eyes, realising that they were closed; simultaneously, I opened by eyes to the blurry sky. It was still far. It was still night. My eyes turned to where the sound was coming. I noticed the neon lights of blue and red from two vehicles.

With this, a cold and slimy substance oozed its way up to my view as my eyes fell on my baby. He looked silent. I knew he cried just a while ago.

'What had happened?'

My hand crawled to him as I held him up. Still breathing, but bleeding. It drenched both of us in water from raindrops, tears, sweat, and also blood.

Two police officers packed beside the road and walked towards where I was. I raised my head with a loud groan, but the police officers looked at themselves in total shock. And instead of them to offer me help, they told me something. Something I would never forget for the rest of my life.

"You're under arrest for murdering your baby, miss! You killed him!"

I couldn't even stand or speak. The next thing I noticed was that I got handcuffs chained to my wrists as they dragged me like a bag of trash, away from my baby. Leaving him there, in the rain. Bleeding to death.

25 Years Later

I stood transfixed at the pane of my office window. The harsh sun, hidden behind the fluffy clouds, radiated its luminescence onto the towering skyscrapers. The sunlight bounced off the pristine glass of the commercial official building, blinding onlookers. Hordes of people walked past in a flurry, like a time-lapse. The noise gradually amplifying as faded within my thoughts.

Today makes it 25 years that I've last witnessed being part of a family. And that night, I didn't just lost a son. I also lot my mother. My sick mother that sacrificed her all for me. Going back to the neighborhood, all my efforts in reaching her failed. It ended up like the flames of vanishing smoke in the air. So were the ashes of my past. Washed away. Everything was washed always. And all I'm left with are just memories. Hunting memories that wouldn't give me rest or peace. And till this very day, I'm still in search of my sick mother, if she hasn't died of asthma. And my lost son.

'Buzz! Buzz!! Buzz!!!'

My phone vibrated on the marble table. I turned to it, picking up the call immediately.

"Hello love, what's it?" A smile spread across my lips. He's someone that gives me a belonging to a family. He makes me feel so loved and blessed over the years.

"I saw someone, mum. I just saved him, but they shot him! He's bleeding right now, mum! I'm so confused."

"Calm down, Xavi! Take him to the hospital. I'll meet you there, okay?"

"Okay mum." He replied before ending the call.

The beeping of my phone made me realize how touchy his voice just sounded. I grabbed my red jacket and handbag and walked out. Just by the door, two bodyguards followed me behind as I walked to the parking lot. My driver was ready in my shiny black armored car. The guards took another car, like mine, alongside as we rushed to the hospital.

Getting to the hospital, I dialed Xavi's contact to ask where he was, but he wasn't picking up. It made me more worried. My eyes searched around. All I saw were a couple of patients and guests.

I took a deep breath. And grabbed a seat at the reception. The feel of being in the hospital somehow scared me. The sound of baby crying brought shiver down my spine. I didn't know why, but I couldn't stop thinking about the incident from 25 years ago. It was a fresh wound that would never heal. But just like yesterday, it was still fresh in my memory. Yet, I kept it a secret. A secret from the entire world and a secret from myself. I still hate thinking about it, but some things aren't meant to be forgotten. No matter how long.

Just then, I heard 'mother!' It was Xavier's voice. I shrieked back to his gaze. His white shirt looked stained with blood. I rushed to him fearfully.

"Are you alright, Xavi? Are you hurt?" I had his hands that were still bloody.

"No, mum." He replied, looking down with sadness.

"What happened?" My eyes begged him for a reply. An immediate response.

"I was going to pay Brook a visit. It was in the countryside and I saved the guy from a bunch of thugs. He had cuts and bruises and gunshots... Luckily, I could scare them off before he passed out but, it's pretty poor mum." He pointed out, emotionally.

"Don't worry. I'm here now." I held him a comfy hug and prayed somehow that this mysterious guy doesn't lose his life.

My son, Xavier has always been a workaholic, as usual. He could be a little careless and also arrogant but, I'm glad he acted compassionate today. He helped a stranger which is so unlike him.

Gazing at the wall clock, it was already 7:00 p.m. A set of doctors walked out of the emergency room to where we were.

"Hello Mrs Torres." The doctor faced me. "The patient really lost a lot of blood. Your son probably saved his life."

"What? How is he now? Can we check on him?" My shivering voice trembled in concern.

"Yes ma'am. He's still asleep, but you can go in. Excuse me." He muttered with a smile before walking away.

"Come on mum, let's go." Xavi tapped my wrist.

I don't know why but... I haven't seen him so concerned about anyone. Not even Brooklynn, his girlfriend.

Getting to the room, a silent chill climbed my skin. The lights were on, since it's night. But everything around me felt dark. As if I was concerned about him, too. Xavi and I made our way to his sick-bed. There was a big bandage tied to his left leg and around his head. His hair was shiny black. As black as the back of stage beetles.

My eyes looked at Xavier. He stared at him with pity in his eyes, as if he was about to cry, but he held it back. Again, I've never seen Xavier cry over anything before. Even as a child, he never cried. Watching my son feeling this emotional about a stranger made me move closer. Inspecting his face. He felt so familiar, but I couldn't recall. With this, I swallowed hard. As if I'd just seen an angel of death... Whom almost took me twenty-five years ago. And maybe he wasn't. With the shiver icing down my spine, my hand mistakenly touched his, and I jerked off with a quick tremble. His skin felt ice cold. As if he was being affected by the frosty effect from that night. His skin was bleak and frozen.

A soft groan escaped his slim, yet perfect lips as his eyes opened to mine. In fright, I took a step away as his eyes opened to mine. They were chilly, like ice in a freezer. Just then, I remembered where we first met.

***

(Flashback)

A Week Ago...

At The Cinema

The rooms were plain dark. The red seats faced the mighty screen. About a hundred viewers and a thousand couples were there, seated, with their eyes glued to the screen, including mine. It was a romance movie I had to snuck out to watch. Once in a while, I dress ordinarily just to remind myself how I was. Sneaking doesn't mean I hide. It means I go alone without my bodyguards, suit or makeup.

It was a romance movie. An old romance movie that still held a lot of power. Many people had watched it timelessly, but I haven't. That was my first time watching it, and this is because I'm always too occupied. I wiped away the tears from my face with the edge of my cloth. Too bad I didn't take my hanky that day. The only thing in my hand was the movie ticket, squeezed into the sweat in my palms. Yet, I watched closely.

"I love you Jack."

"Don't you do that. Don't you say your goodbyes. Not yet, do you understand me?" Jake begged. His blonde hair, were icy frozen with snowflakes in the Atlantic ocean.

"I'm so cold." Rose shivered, watching his quivering lips.

"Listen, Rose. You gotta get outta here. Y..you gotta go on and you gotta make a lot of babies. And you gotta watch them grow. You gotta die an old lady, warm in her bed. Not here. Not tonight. Not like this, you understand me?"

Watching Jack say those words sent more tears to my eyes. The weight of those words was every woman's genuine wish in life. And for a guy to admit that to you, you must be a queen.

"Jack, feel my body."

"Only one ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me. It brought me to you. And I'm thankful for that, Rose. I'm thankful."

Watching the both of them trembling made tears washed down my eyes. Like dew on a heated pane of glass. I wiped it away silently, sniffled and watched on.

"You must..." He held her hands together. "You must do me this honour. You must promise me... That you'll survive. That you won't give up. No matter what happens. No matter how hopeless. Promise me now, rose... And never let go of that promise."

"I promise."

"Never let go."

"I'll never let go, Jack. I'll never let go." Jack planted a kiss on the back of her hand. Placing their forehead together to breathe.

Nibbling softly on my lower lips, it tasted salty of the mixed sweat and tears. I heard a couple sitting in front of me constantly sniffing as if they also were the tears. Uncontrollable, gut-wrenching sobs that tore them both. Their lips shivered in the sequence of the movie characters. I felt lost watching these two until I noticed the person sitting right next to me. He wore dark glasses and had a built body. I couldn't help but to get curious. It was as if everyone in the room were crying to the movie except him. He was just... Stagnant. Like an unpowered robot.

I looked away immediately, not wanting him to talk to me or know my identity. I never had friends or watch mates to cry with, but I had myself. Noticing the awkward smirk on his lips, I just looked forward.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" His baritone voice questioned.

I kept quiet without looking or replying to him.

"Ughh!" He let out a heavy breath and took off his shades. "All romance stories are boring, including this. You're quite a crybaby, don't you think?" He chuckled softly at me.

Offended, I just rolled my eyes at him.

"I'm Chase. What's your name?" He asked, looking at me.

I faced him and noticed the resemblance. I looked at his eyes, trying to recall its familiarity. It wasn't just a slight resemblance. He was his carbon copy. Mateo's carbon copy. If not because he looked younger, I'd have mistaken him for the same person.

"Alexa." I replied.

"No offense but, why aren't you here with your boyfriend?" He asked, concerned. He talked as if we were pals or guesstimates or something.

"Don't talk to me. Someone might think we are friends." I gushed at him. For some reasons, his presence made me uncomfortable. He's so Mateo's even his voice.

"Sorry bu-"

"Ssshhh!" I shushed him at once. Noticing his moon-luminance eyes staring into mine.

"I need to know if you're single or engaged, so I won't cross the line. I mean... As good looking as you are, I'm single and also single. Don't you think we'd make a really cute couple?" He asked interestedly, but I didn't reply.

"Would you go on a date with me?"

"A date?" I turned to him in disgust. "Sorry, but I have to go home and laugh about the idea."

"No... I'm serious." He admitted with seriousness in his eyes.

"Sounds nice but I'm not available, okay?! I'll never be!" I hissed at him vividly, grabbed my handbag, and walked out. Almost running without turning back, but he followed. I don't just hate him because he's the exact photocopy of the guy who ruined me, but because he spoilt my chances of getting little joy after so much I've been through lately.

"Alexa! Come on... Don't go like this, please!" He ran after me but I fastened my footsteps.

"Don't call my name!" I warned him off.

"Oh, sorry... I was just joking, really. You'll miss this because of me. I don't feel good. I can not watch this boring film alone, I need your company!" He begged and prowled after me.

"I stopped with a heavy sigh and turned to him. "Best of luck, dumbass!"

I walked away, leaving him in the puzzlement. But... I never knew we would meet like this. Or today. Or ever. But... Maybe this wasn't a coincidence. Was it?

He closed his eyes immediately. As if he would suddenly pass out again. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as I watched him, still stunned.

"How did you meet him again?" I asked Xavi.

They were about ten hearty broad-chested guys beating him blue black. He was pleading. I wasn't able to ask him questions, mum. I hope he wakes up soon." Xavi hissed, worrisomely.

"Aww! That's terrible. But how sure are you sure that he's not one of them? I mean, he could also be a member of that gang. Who knows? You should be careful with whomever you help. Not everyone has a good heart, okay?"

"M..mum!" his voice cracked. "Like seriously? I thought you of all people would praise me and say, well done, son."

"Whatever, Xavi. I'm sleepy and starving. I need to go home immediately. " I lied in a lazy yawn. "I'll take care of his bills. Just make sure you don't get too involved with him, okay?" I warned.

"And why shouldn't I?" I heard him asked, but I took my handbag and held it in my hand.

"You're so impossible, mum!" He scoffed.

"Don't stay too late, Xavi. See you at home. I painted a soft perk on his cheek and walked out.

I couldn't spend one more second in that room with that mysterious boy. Whoever he is, he needs to get out of our lives as soon as possible. I climbed into my car as my driver and bodyguards took me home. Throughout the drive, I was thinking about him. There's something strange about him. I don't know what it is exactly, but I don't like it. I don't like him. He will leave our lives when he gets well. Forever.

Getting into my castle like mansion. I walked into my room to take Kate off the black skirt suit I was wearing. Wearing this could tire, despite the years of work and a. I should be used to this by now. An whooshed out a tired breath and took off my clothes. With a snowy towel wrapped up my chest, I walked into the bathroom to Kate a nice warm shower. It felt really relaxing. I put on a simple gown and walked downstairs for dinner. Just then, Xavi walked in.

"Wow! You came just in time, son. Join me." My voice sounded excited.

Xavi walked towards me looking all worked up.

"No mum. I'm famished." He sighed heavily and wanted to walk upstairs, but he turned to me.

"And about Chase, the guy in the hospital... He woke up." He a small smile lightened up his face before he turned away. Walking upstairs into his room.

Vertical wrinkles may appear between my thin eyebrows as another sigh escaped my lips.

'Ugh! I can't wait for him to get well so he'd disappear from our lives.' Thinking about him, I remembered clearly, he introduced himself as Chase the last time we met. Chase or whatever. I'm not interested in knowing him. I gulped down a glass of water and walked upstairs, into my room.

Before going to bed, I changed into a pink transparent nightgown and put on a lip balm on my full chapped lips. After that, I brushed my hair with a big-toothed comb. I took out my diary from the drawer of my table mirror and also a pen. Well, you know not everyone keeps a journal but, when I write, I plan things ahead and I'm able to take off some things off my mind. Something like Chase.

Staring at the blank lines of my diary, I thought of what word to start with. Before entering, it felt as if I had tons of things to write about, but right now; I feel empty. Blank. Just like the page in front of me.

09th September.

Today felt sour. Work was good but, I met Chase again. I hope I wouldn't have to meet him now that he's gained consciousness.

I closed the diary and placed it back in my drawer. Welling to my soft, master-sized bed was the best feeling ever. It was the best part of my day. I turned on a classical music on my phone as I let the thought cloud in my head. It was hectic, really. Although I didn't really do much but I hope tomorrow would be a better. Thinking about tomorrow, ugh! I'll be going to Cecelia's place for therapy.

***

The early risers chirped to the morning sun beams peeking through the clouds. Colourful birds performed their rituals, making the cool breeze blow through the white curtains. The light of dawn seeped into the beautiful mansion. With brightness covering the natural and man-made creations, the first rays of sun beamed through the window.

A smile formed on my lips as I gently opened my eyes. Stretching out of bed like a lazy cat, I went into my gym room to exercise my body. After an hour, I took my bath and prepared for the day.

The laundry maid brought a variety of suit, from which I picked a deep orange-coloured suit and a white laced inner wear to complement the colours. As it is, I love light and dark colours equally and I love mixing them both whenever I dress. With white stilettos and grabbed my white Michael Kors, medium satchel handbag and walked out.

A couple of maids lined up bowed in respect as they greeted good morning, but I walked downstairs, hoping Xavi haven't left already. As it is, he wakes earlier and leaves without checking on me, which I find depressing, but not today.

"Good morning mum!" Xavi greeted from the dining table. He was breakfast, which was bacon, egg, cheese, and tea.

"Good morning, son." A smile find its was to my lips as I joined the table.

"I thought you'd gone already. I acknowledged, watching the server serving me.

"I slept late last night and perhaps I was so tired. I don't like going without seeing you too." He admitted with a smile on his face.

It was so beautiful knowing my son cared about me as well. I joined in the smile, taking a handsome bite.

Xavi took a sip from his cup and looked at time on his Rolex wristwatch.

"Aww! I'm fucking late mum! I need to go now!" He stood up vividly and placed a kiss on my cheek.

"See you later son, take care."

"Okay mum. Umm... I would pay Chase a visit after work to see how he's faring. I might come late, okay? Don't bother waiting for me today... I'll call you!" He muttered as he walked out. I wanted to say something, but I felt lost in it.

I couldn't eat much, knowing I had a busy day ahead too. I grabbed my bag and stepped out. My bodyguards were awaiting, and the cars were prepared. I got on as the driver turned on the wheels. I checked my phone, answering some important messages and emails, mostly from other company owners.

Just then, a message popped up on my phone screen. It was from Arielle Smith. Doctor Arielle Smith, actually. She's a close friend of mine and also a psychiatrist at Huntington Memorial hospital. She's my best friend and therapist. Arielle advised I come for therapy with her every 11:00am to 12:00 pm every Friday's. Well, it's been five years since we started this therapy and there's no improvement. I mean, it's just a waste of time, don't you think...

Dropping at my special VIP packing lot, I walked into the building, which was a 70 story building. All in shiny marbles and transparent glasses. I looked at the tall building with 'UNITY COOPERATION' boldly written on it, before walking in, knowing my office was at the 70th storey building.

My manager, Evelyn, followed me with a file hugged to her chest.

"Good morning ma'am." She greeted and joined me, along with my guards. We wanted to take the lift so the people buy it stepped out willingly and respectfully. I thanked them with a small smile.

"But why?" I heard the man whispered to a lady in a purple gown.

"Are you blind? Can't you see she's the boss? She owns this cooperation!" The woman replied.

Walking out of the elevator, I got into a conference room where a meeting had already started.

After the three hours meeting, I went to Huntington Memorial hospital for my appointment with Elle. With my bodyguards, of course. They flow me almost everywhere except inside my house, office, and other places. They just stand behind and make sure no harm befalls me. I don't actually need them, but to a point, they're useful.

Getting to Elle's office, the guards walked in a line from behind as I walked in.

"Hey!" I started.

"Hello!" We greeted ourselves with a welcoming hug.

"Nice you're able to make it this week." Elle smiled at me.

She had dark eyes and brunette, brown hair that fitted her fair skin so well. Elle is just a month older than me and she has three grown up kids and a crippled marriage that feels like hell.

Well, marriage is not a do or die affair, as I tell her but, she prefers being a married woman and enduring all the pains than being a single mum like I am. Whatever...

Toying with the flowers on her table, Elle watched me with her black, delicate eyes, watching me in a glare. Her cylindrical reading glasses made her down look even scarier, but I don't care. I just admired the flowers without looking at her.

Another issue came up again, isn't it? From your expressions , you look troubled." Her voice sounded like a patent scolding a child. I still didn't look at her. Instead, I tucked my black, shiny hair to the back, avoiding her haughty glare.

"Whether it's a patient, a guardian, counselor or just a client, as long as you're alive, you also deserve happiness, just like everyone else." She pressed.

"Yeah, I know." I nodded playfully in agreement with her last word. "I had a painful past and I still blame myself that my mum and son are probably dead by now. I understand I need to forget about the past and move on with life, and that is what I'm doing, Elle. Because I don't go on arranged dates and hookups with men doesn't mean I'm not happy. Ugh!"

A soft sigh escaped my lips as my eyes scrolled through the four corners of her office in disgust.

"Don't you find this conversation really boring? Let's talk about our sons instead, uh?" I suggested with a little smile.

"How about we talk about what happened when you were 15 years old? I tugged my hair from my ears again, with a confused look. The story you told me when you came in for counseling five years ago. It's already twenty-five years now. Don't you think it's time to get married at least? You're almost 40, Ally. And still single. Should I hook you up with someone?" Elle looked at me closely with seriousness in her eyes.

A smile spread across my lips, watching how concerned she is about me.

"My son saved someone's life today. I've never seen Xavi care for anyone like that before. Isn't that strange?" I asked with a sincere smile. I went to see the guy. "We even spent three hours waiting for the doctors. He had bullets and bruises. Somehow, I'm not comfortable around this guy. I just have Thais awkward feeling, you know?"

"Let's just talk about you right now." She begged.

I softly nibbled on my lower lips, as my eyes watched the tiny table clock before me.

Tick-tock-tick-tock...

And it strikes 12:00 p.m

"Time's up!" I notified with a satisfying smirk. Let's have another meaningless meeting like this next week. I smiled at her face and stood up from the chair with my handbag on my arm. I walked out of her office.

"Bye, sweetie!" She waved at me, but I didn't give any reply. How annoying? I walked out of the hospital and went to my car. I couldn't help but to think about the annoying hook-ups she'd fixed me on. The men turned out to be totally opposite of who I wanted.

Leonard Castillo, the first guy she hooked me up with, was a gangster. I accepted him, knowing fully well that he was into illegal drugs and all. On our wedding, while taking the vows, Leo told me he can't marry me because I wasn't his type. He ended up giving the wedding ring to a guest's finger. That was the most humiliated day of my life. Yes, the blonde was his perfect match because she had tattoos like him.

Next was Andrew Declan, a television producer. He was decent, handsome, and interesting to be with. I thought he was the one until one night; he burst his bubble of secret. That he's married to two women and already has five baby mamas who are also into the entertainment industry. And that his wives warned that he breakup with me else, they'll divorce him.

I cried do much that night. A relationship of 18 months ended up like that. I almost committed suicide from that heartbreak. The third one asked me to quit my job and become a full stay-at-home parent. Ugh! Thank God he told me that on our first date. I do hate relationships. I just want to be alone for now. With Xavi by my side, I know I would be a proud mum and there's nothing better than that.