Stephanie, the Mafia Queen

After finishing her cigarette, Stephanie went to the balcony to get some fresh air. There were many stars in the dark sky, indicating that it wouldn't rain tonight.

Stephanie took another puff of her cigarette before discarding it in the ashtray. She glanced again at the man lying on the bed, with whom she had shared an intense moment just a while ago.

His eyes were open, lifeless, staring into nothingness. His arm hung limply on the side of the bed, where his own blood dripped.

Stephanie didn't bother to cover the man's naked body; she didn't want to further soil her clothes. Instead, she retrieved her cellphone from her pocket and dialed a number.

"Mission done," she said. "I need someone to clean this up."

"Cleaner's on its way," replied Froilan.

"Any more missions for me today?"

"Nah. You're good. But you might want to clean yourself. Cleaning up a mafia mess isn't part of a cleaner's job description."

"Maybe he has extra clothes for changing, right?"

Froilan chuckled softly. "Like I said, that's not part of their job. If he has any, you'll have to pay for the extra service."

Stephanie clicked her tongue. "Next time, I'll hire my own cleaner. This is such a hassle."

"You should. You can afford it."

After ending the call, Stephanie headed to the bathroom and began scrubbing off the splattered blood from her clothes. She was grateful that she wasn't wearing white, a lesson she had learned in her nearly twenty-four years as a mafia member.

She turned off the rushing water in the sink when someone knocked. She grabbed a silk robe hanging nearby and put it on before cautiously approaching the door. Using the peephole, she saw a male housekeeper standing outside with cleaning supplies. Stephanie couldn't see his face because of the hat he wore. Before opening the door, she asked what he needed.

"Housekeeping," the housekeeper said.

"I didn't call for one," Stephanie replied.

The housekeeper checked the room number attached to the door. "Room 403. Miss Seraphine called for housekeeping."

Upon hearing her mafia code name, Stephanie opened the door. The cleaner entered swiftly, and Stephanie closed the door behind him. Without exchanging words, the cleaner started his work.

"Hey," Stephanie called out in the middle of his task.

He turned to her with a serious look.

"Do you happen to have extra clothes there? I can't get this stain out of my outfit."

The cleaner stood up briefly from his crouched position, removed his cleaning gloves, and rummaged through his cart. He handed Stephanie a black shirt, and she took it gratefully.

"Nice. Thanks. Anything you want in return?"

The man just shrugged before returning to his work. Stephanie chuckled and changed her clothes. She had never talked to a cleaner in all her years, and she thought it might be part of their job.

After changing, she left the man to his work. Free for the night, Stephanie had one thing on her mind – a visit to the Impero Bar.

Upon arrival, Enteng, the bartender, immediately handed her a shot of Tequila. Stephanie sat at a stool, watching the dance floor.

"Done for the night, Ma'am Stephanie?" Enteng asked.

"Yeah. At last."

"Looks like you finished early tonight."

"That's good, right? I have more time to drink."

Enteng chuckled. "You're right. I'll keep the shots coming, then."

"Thank you, Enteng."

Stephanie focused her gaze on the dance floor while sipping her drink. She noticed some familiar faces, people who, like her, seemed to be done for the day. Some ordinary folks could enter the bar, but entry was strict and challenging.

Some of those inside were relatives of mafia members, children of governors, and other influential figures in the country. Many of them were aware of Stephanie's work, but a few remained oblivious.

She grinned to herself, unable to believe that there were people here who had no idea that their lives could be in danger at any moment.

Having consumed several glasses, Stephanie felt the call of nature. While washing her hands, she heard someone vomiting in one of the cubicles. It was a common sight in bars, but she noticed the woman was also crying.

Stephanie approached as the woman emerged from the cubicle. She looked disheveled, with vomit on the side of her mouth. Stephanie, accustomed to gruesome scenes in her line of work, still winced at the sight of vomit.

"Are you okay?" Stephanie asked.

The woman, unfamiliar to her, turned to her, seemingly unfocused. Stephanie confirmed that she was drunk as the woman smiled and raised her hand.

"I'm okay," Stephanie nodded when the woman continued. "My boyfriend just cheated, but it's okay. The world will keep turning. Don't worry."

Stephanie's mouth agape, she was left holding the faucet handle. She couldn't believe what the woman was saying – as if cheating was a casual matter and she was completely fine with it.

The woman washed her face and seemed to have sobered up a bit. Stephanie decided to leave, having nothing to do with the woman's problems.

As she walked out of the bathroom, the woman spoke again. "Is this how men are? After getting what they want, they move on to another woman? I always thought this only happened in shows. Apparently, it happens in real life too."

"People write what we see on TV," Stephanie replied without looking at the woman. "The scenes are either real events or inspired by real happenings. Take your pick."

Avaluan, as she introduced herself, was left dumbfounded. "My name's Avaluan. You are?"

Stephanie faced her fully. "Let's not get there. It's better if you don't know me."

"That's unfair. Now you know my name."

"Not my fault. I didn't ask for your name. You gave it voluntarily."

Stephanie chuckled and left the woman to her thoughts. She went back to the bar, where Enteng offered her another shot.

"Done for the night, Ma'am Stephanie?" he asked again.

"Yeah. Finally."

"You finished early tonight. Anything bothering you?"

Stephanie shrugged. "Just encountered a strange woman in the bathroom. She thinks cheating is no big deal."

Enteng raised an eyebrow. "Well, people have their own views. Some can handle it better than others."

Stephanie sighed. "I just need a break."

As Stephanie left the bar, Avaluan was still contemplating what had just happened.

"Wow! I've never met someone like her. There are really some rude people in the world. I thought they only existed in my dramas."

She paused, recalling Stephanie's words.

"People write what we see on TV. The scenes are either real events or inspired by real happenings. Take your pick."

Avaluan sighed. "She does have a point, but she's still annoying!"

Back at her house, Stephanie noticed a familiar car parked in her spot. She quickly moved her own car before entering.

Her parents, Stacy and Axril, were sitting on the sofa, engaged in a cheerful conversation. Upon hearing Stephanie's arrival, they greeted her.

"Welcome home, anak," Stacy, her stepmother, said.

"Thank you, 'ma. What are you doing here? It's so late," Stephanie kissed them on the cheek before joining the conversation. "And you didn't even call me. I could have come home earlier."

"We're on our way to the airport," Axril, her stepfather, explained. "We dropped by to say goodbye. We'll be away for a couple of months."

"We thought," Stacy added, "you might want to see us before we leave. It'll be a long time, possibly even a year."

She held Stephanie's hands and squeezed them gently.

Stephanie smiled. "Ma, Pa, I'll be okay. I'm twenty-four, and I can stand on my own. You don't have to worry about me. I can even take care of a man thrice my size."

Axril laughed. "That's not what we're worried about, anak. We know facing trained assassins is a piece of cake for you. What concerns us is being alone in this house for an extended period. You might feel lonely."

Stephanie smiled even wider. "Seriously, I'll be fine. If you're worried, I'll visit you if I have the time."

"That's great!" Stacy said before standing up. "We need to go, our flight's in an hour. And please, take a bath. You smell like alcohol."

"Okay. I'm sorry. Take care."

As her parents left, Stephanie changed into comfortable clothes. She went out for a jog in a tracksuit, playing music on her phone through earphones.

On her way back home, she dodged something thrown at her. Reacting quickly, she narrowly avoided the projectile, realizing it was a shoe. She removed her earphones to hear what the person had to say.

"I've been calling you, but you didn't hear anything," Avaluan said. "Were you deaf when I tried talking to you earlier?"

Stephanie showed her earphones, just removed, but didn't say anything.

Avaluan's mouth gaped. "Oh, I didn't notice. Sorry." She scratched the back of her head.

Stephanie sighed. "What more do you want from me?"

Avaluan averted her gaze out of embarrassment. "I just wanted to ask if you live here. But never mind, it's not really my business."

Another sigh escaped Stephanie's lips. "Did you throw your shoe at me just to ask if I live here?"

"But you couldn't hear me, so that's why I did it. I couldn't catch up because you were running so fast." Avaluan pouted like a child.

"What's it to you if I live here or not?"

"I'm new in this area, and you're the only person I know, so I was just trying to get to know you." She furrowed her brow. "And why are you so grumpy? Did I do something to you?"

"Nothing. If you want to get to know people around here, you're approaching the wrong person. And please, you don't even know my name, so basically, you don't know me. Try another neighbor."

After Stephanie left, Avaluan sighed. She tried to understand Stephanie's behavior, but no matter what she did, she couldn't believe it.

"Wow! I've never met someone like her. There really are rude people in the world. I thought they only existed in my dramas."

She paused, recalling Stephanie's words.

"People write what we see on TV. The scenes are either real events or inspired by real happenings. Take your pick."

Avaluan sighed again. "She does have a point, but she's still annoying!"

As Stephanie exited her red car, she headed straight into the headquarters. The guard at the entrance greeted her before she continued towards the elevator. The elevator was about to close when she heard someone shout her name.

"Steph, hold the door for me!"

Instead of stopping the door from closing, she just watched the man run towards it. Before it shut completely, he managed to block it with his arm, wincing in pain.

Rather than asking how he was, Stephanie just grinned at the situation. "Looks like you're slowing down, Wyeth. I'll need you at the gym later at 7 PM."

Wyeth's eyes widened as he stammered, "B-but..."

"From the entrance to the elevator, you should have reached approximately three seconds. But it took you five whole seconds instead. I guess I've been too lenient with you lately."

She forced a laugh. "You're getting too detailed, Steph."

"I'll send you a new set of regimen to finish every day. I'll monitor you while you do it as well."

"Come on, don't be so serious. I intentionally slowed down earlier, that's why it took me five seconds. I won't joke about it anymore. I promise!" He raised his right hand as if making an oath.

Stephanie looked at his right hand until the elevator door opened. Ignoring what he was saying, she walked out without acknowledging him.

"Have you had breakfast?" Wyeth asked.

"I did."

"Do you want some coffee?"

"Already had one."

Wyeth thought of other reasons while still following Stephanie to her office. "What about donuts? You love donuts! I'll buy you a box."

When they reached the front of the office, Stephanie stopped before facing him. "You know nothing will change my mind. And if you don't stop, I'll triple it."

A reluctant smile appeared on Wyeth's face. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry, your highness."

Rolling her eyes, Stephanie entered her office, closing the door behind her. Meanwhile, Salvatore entered after a while, laughing at the sight of his friend and boss.

"Stephanie again?"

"As usual," they both laughed. "Any new work for me?"

"Just a couple of new paperwork that needs your signature. But other than that, nothing. I'll remind the big boss about the report too." Salvatore placed some papers on the desk, which Wyeth didn't bother to look at.

"I'll deal with that later." Stephanie stood up and left with Salvatore. "I need to buy her majesty three boxes of donuts. I'll be back."

"Sure, bossing. Bring me a hot coffee too. I can't sleep yet; I have a lot of work."

"I wish you had our boss's work ethic."

Salvatore laughed. "I'd choose my sleepless work behind the computer over what Stephanie does any day."

They shrugged at each other. "Good point."

On the other hand, Stephanie started typing on her laptop to work on a report. She sighed each time she finished a page.

"Still hate paperwork?"

A deep voice interrupted her thoughts. Stephanie looked up at her right hand, her eyes almost sparkling. He held five boxes from her favorite donut shop. Instead of showing joy, she tried to keep a serious expression.

"I'll forgive you for taking so long since you bought five boxes."

Wyeth laughed at her statement. "Okay. Okay. I'm sorry, your highness."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "I'm serious, Wyeth. You need to work out."

He smiled. "I know. I'll do any regimen you ask me to."

Stephanie didn't say anything else and started devouring the donuts Wyeth brought. He just smiled before leaving the office, going to his own work.

He understood why his boss was strict about his workouts. Stephanie was his right hand, and it was only fitting that she stayed healthy and strong. No one knew when their strength would be needed.

Weeks passed, and Wyeth remained a support for Stephanie, as she wanted. Stephanie preferred to finish missions alone, and even though Wyeth was fine with it, they both knew it wouldn't last. The mafia lord would surely give them a new mission soon. They couldn't afford to be complacent.

As if the heavens heard Stephanie's fears, there was a sudden knock on her door.

"New mission from the big boss," Wyeth announced. "And this time, he wants to talk to you personally to discuss the mission."

Stephanie raised her right eyebrow. "The old hag wants to see me personally? Did I hear that right?"

"I had to ask that three times before coming here." They both laughed.

Taking a deep breath, Stephanie stood up. "I guess we'll go now. We don't want the angry lion to get mad for being late."

"Of course. She hates us as it is. I don't even want to think about what her reaction will be if we're late."

While walking out of the building, everyone they passed greeted them. The guard saluted them again before the valet parked Stephanie's car in front of the building. She handed the keys to Wyeth, who was going to drive.

"Take me to the bar," Stephanie ordered.

"Aye, aye, ma'am."

They went straight to the Impero Bar before Stephanie got out. "Take my car home. I'll just take a cab later."

"No. Message me. I'll pick you up later. I'll go back to headquarters."

Before Stephanie could protest, Wyeth quickly said his goodbye. She watched him leave before entering the bar. She went straight to the counter and took an empty stool when Enteng approached.

"Good afternoon, ma'am. It's early, isn't it?"

Stephanie chuckled, finding it early to drink. But suddenly, she felt thirsty, so she decided to stay. "Just one shot. I just need to think."

"Right away, ma'am."

Lost in deep thoughts, Stephanie suddenly saw someone she didn't expect to meet at the bar at this hour.

"Hi, neighbor!" Avaluan cheerfully greeted.

Avaluan couldn't help but smile when Stephanie scoffed at her. She anticipated the girl's reaction before even approaching her. For some unknown reason, she enjoyed watching the changes in Stephanie's expression every time she saw her.

"You again?" Stephanie asked.

"Wow, really?" She took a seat on the stool beside Stephanie. "You're so rude."

Stephanie remained silent, simply sipping her drink.

Avaluan turned to the bartender. "A shot of tequila, please. One for me, and one for my neighbor here."

Enteng, the bartender, looked at Stephanie before responding, "Right away, ma'am."

Avaluan faced Stephanie again. "Are we early today? Boy problems?"

"I can say the same thing to you. And no, I don't have any boy problems. I am every guy's problem." As the tequila shots arrived, Stephanie quickly took hers. "Thanks for that."

Stephanie was about to leave when Avaluan stopped her. Stephanie glanced at the hand on her arm, which Avaluan quickly withdrew.

"Sorry," Avaluan said, attempting a smile. "I just really want someone to talk to right now. And maybe some advice, if you're up for it."

"I can't give people advice."

"You can just sit with me and listen," Avaluan said, hopeful that she could persuade her to stay. "You don't have to give advice if you don't want to. Drinks are on me too!" She raised her glass, showing it to Stephanie.

Stephanie looked at her glass before raising an eyebrow. "Do I look like someone who can't afford my drinks?"

Avaluan's mouth hung open, and she lowered her glass, watching Stephanie walk out of the bar. She sighed before sitting on the stool, staring into space.

"Another drink, ma'am?" Enteng asked.

Avaluan nodded. "Thank you, Enteng."

"I'd like to hear your problem, but I need to work."

She smiled. "You always listen to me. I feel bad for my repeated rants, but thank you."

"No problem. Who else will help each other here, right?" He handed her a glass. "Here's your drink. There's no better friend than a shot of tequila."

As more people arrived, Avaluan found it challenging to talk to Enteng. Nevertheless, she was grateful that the guy cared about her and what was happening.

She had many cousins close to her, whom she could confide in. But whenever she told them, they wouldn't keep quiet. Every time something happened to her or her dad, her cousins would go wild. And she didn't want that to happen.

She'd rather deal with the problem herself. She didn't want to make the situation worse. After a few shots, she decided it was time to go home. Despite not wanting to leave yet, dizziness overcame her, leaving her with no other option.

However, she nearly cursed when she saw her cousin giving her a serious look. Based on his stance and expression, he wasn't pleased with what he saw.

Avaluan forced a smile. "Hi, Peter. Good afternoon?" she greeted because she didn't know the time; all she knew was that the sun was scorching.

"Good? There's nothing good about my afternoon, Ava."

She averted her gaze. "Did Jennica do something again?" she asked, referring to the guy's sister. She knew it wasn't a good idea to involve her cousin in the conversation, but she failed.

"I know you know why I react this way. Ava-" He sighed before continuing. "-it's f*ck!ng twelve in the afternoon, and you're already drunk. What the h3ll are you up to?"

Ava didn't reply.

Peter's frown lessened when he realized something. "Ah... it's your f*ck!ng father, isn't it?"

"Peter, he's still my dad. Don't talk to him like that."

"Your f*ck!ng father is an ab.u.ser, Ava. Whether it's your dad, brother, mom, or whoever, my opinion won't change. If not for you, I might be the one who brought him to prison."

Avaluan took a deep breath. It seemed like the alcohol's effect had diminished because of her cousin. "I'm going home if that's all you're going to say."

"I'm taking you home."

"No, thanks. I'm taking a cab." She started to walk towards the waiting shed.

"Don't be stubborn, Ava. I'll take you."

"I said no!" Avaluan retorted. "I'm not going with you and getting in your car to hear a few minutes of your bad-mouthing my dad."

Peter bit his lower lip to stop himself from saying something. He wanted to tell her that it wasn't bad-mouthing; he was just stating the truth. But he knew that if he said that, Ava would refuse even more. His cousin had been drinking, and it wasn't safe for women to go home alone.

"I won't say anything," Peter said. "Promise. Just come with me, and I'll take you home."

Avaluan sighed before heading to the parking area and getting into Peter's car. As Peter promised, the ride was silent. Even Ava didn't speak until they reached her house.

Upon arrival, Peter walked her inside to the terrace. Ryan, Ava's dad, was sitting there, a bottle of alcohol in front of him and a few empty ones scattered on the floor.

Upon seeing Peter and Ava approaching, he quickly stood up unsteadily. "Where have you been, kid? I've been looking for you!"

Avaluan didn't answer, so Peter did. "Why are you looking for her? You don't even have money to buy your own booze, right?"

"Peter," Avaluan scolded her cousin in a hushed tone.

"Oh-! What are you staring at there? Go buy some. Hurry up!"

Avaluan sighed before turning away. Before she could leave, though, she heard her father's voice again. "Wait! What did I hear?" He stood up and approached Avaluan. "Did you talk back to me? Are you complaining now?"

"No, I'm not complaining. I'm just tired, so-"

She didn't get to finish her sentence because she received a strong slap from him. She gasped, holding her numb lip.

"You really have no gratitude, huh? Hey! I let you stay in my house. In my house! What right do you have to talk back to me? Why? Have you proven anything? Can you live on your own now? Then go! If you can live on your own, go!"

"No," she whispered.

"Not really. So why the complaining?"

Avaluan bowed her head, accepting his words. She didn't speak and simply agreed with him until he calmed down. When Ryan returned to his seat, she left without saying goodbye.

Instead of buying alcohol as she initially planned, she went to the field owned by Kise's family, one of her cousins. From a distance, she saw workers enduring the blazing sun.

She was about to head straight to Kise's house when she noticed the familiar figure with the workers. She knew that this person often helped on their farm, but she didn't expect to see her working in the middle of the scorching day.

Before calling her cousin's name, one of the workers pointed at her. She approached, and Kise left her work to come to her. Avaluan pointedly looked at her bleeding lip, which she hadn't noticed before. "Do you have a wound?"

"I don't."

Kise began to treat Avaluan's lip. Only then did she realize that she had a cut that stung. She didn't respond and let Kise handle her lip.

Once Kise was done, Avaluan noticed that her cousin wasn't in the mood. "Are you okay?" she asked Kise.

Kise sighed. "I'm not okay."

"Is it something with Keisha?"

Kise looked at her. "This isn't about Keisha and me. It's about you." Her voice raised. "It's been years, Ate Ava. Why are you still putting up with that man?"

Kise blew out air before continuing. "I know you might get angry because I don't respect Ryan. But you know I can't respect him for what he's doing to you and to Auntie. Since Uncle Patrick passed away and Auntie introduced that man, nothing good has happened to you."

"But he's the one giving us a place to stay."

"We can provide you a place to stay without asking for anything in return. That's what family is for. But it seems like he doesn't see you as family. He hurts you!" Kise took a deep breath to calm herself.

"But we can't leave him." Avaluan almost whispered. "We're the only ones he has, and Mama loves him."

"Love..." Kise chuckled softly. "Sometimes I really can't understand Auntie's love for that man."

They fell silent after that. They sat on the terrace, looking out into Kise's vast farmland. For the rest of the afternoon, Kise didn't leave Avaluan's side. Even though they didn't talk, they were just there. Avaluan didn't leave Kise to help in the field, as she wanted. But Kise insisted.

"Don't go home yet, she might still be awake. Let her sleep first so she won't hurt you again. Stay inside for now and do whatever you want. I'll just fetch Paulle and Keisha."

Avaluan nodded before going inside. She sat in the living room, turning on the television while waiting for them. But her attention wasn't there. She thought about how lucky and unlucky she was in her family.

They were unlucky because her father was gone too soon. They were unlucky because her mother's new love was the one hurting them. But they were also lucky in a way because they had a large family on the father's side, and they were all very close.

Avaluan sighed. Despite everything that had happened and worried her, she found herself laughing at the thought of the girl she met at the bar.

It wasn't new to her to feel this way. She was attracted to girls since a long time ago. She didn't pay attention to it before, but lately, every time she saw the girl at the bar, her heart raced. She got excited at the thought of seeing her again.

But the pain from that rejection still stung, and she remembered it as she drank in the bar.