Chapter 1
FROYEE HANNABI'S POV
They say, the life that the Lord gives us is meaningful and His love for us is equal. But I don't understand Him.
Why He gave me all the bad luck in my life today. I don't see where His love is equal when there are many people who are suffering and I am one of those people.
Sometimes I no longer believe that He exists. I was losing confidence and I could only think of one thing at that time. Only we can find a way to get out of this sadness, pain and suffering.
And I was really right, but when I wanted to escape reality, my life that was full of pain and sadness was the first time I trusted Him again.
I ran away even though it was hard, I called Him and whispered to the wind, I prayed silently. I hope He will grant me now. That He would keep me away from the complicated life that I never expected to happen to me.
I was just a child when my mom left me. I was ten years old then and my father had just died.
"Froyo?"
"Why, Mom?" I asked and he suddenly made me sit on the bench. We are at the bus terminal. We are about to board the bus now and we are just waiting. He said we are leaving. We are going to his province to start a new life there.
"Are you hungry, son?" he asked me softly and I nodded in response.
"I'll buy it for you and you'll be here first to wait for the bus. I'll be right back, huh? I'll just buy you something to eat. Just don't leave here, will you, son?" I nodded and yawned more.
"Yes mom. I'm just here."
I waited for a long time until a bus stopped and all the people sitting next to me got on. I turned to the place where my mom passed and I haven't seen her yet. He still didn't come back.
I looked at the bus again because it had started and I wasn't sure if there was another bus that Mama and I could take, other than the first one. I hugged our luggage until I thought of looking for him but I never saw him again.
I cried in fear and I felt like I was going to get dizzy with the number of people walking but I failed to find my mother.
That's when Mama and I parted ways and only one thing stuck in my heart and mind that my Mama intentionally left me so she left. Supposedly he was going to buy me something to eat but he never came back to me.
I cried so much at first until I was taken to the orphanage. At my young age, I learned a lot about life.
I'm still looking for my Mom. Once I went out just to go to the bus terminal. I was lost but I was still in the orphanage until I accepted to myself that I no longer have a mother to take care of me and be with me. I am alone in my life.
I promised then that I would never look for him again and I would forget him. Because I thought he loved me because I was his daughter but he didn't. He still left me after Papa died.
It was painful to accept but I was able to let go of my mother. I used to think that I was lucky just because someone took me in as a couple. The man is Japanese, the woman is Filipina.
They were kind in the beginning, that's what they showed the head nun to trust them to adopt me. But later they still abused me. They made me a maid and to make matters worse they made me work at the bar. That's illegal because I see someone selling drugs. I just don't know where they get it from.
I didn't endure their power for years, because I couldn't leave because we lived in Japan. Until one night my mother almost sold me.
It was a fat afternoon and I was horrified by the way he looked at my body. My mother forced me to wear clothes that almost showed my soul.
I first entertained the man in the afternoon and danced him according to his wishes but when I got a chance I took an empty bottle and hit him hard on the head. All I saw of him was his bleeding head and then I ran away.
I was afraid that I might have killed him so I didn't pay any more attention. I am already 20 years old. I did leave the power of the couple who adopted me, but they still found me. That was the worst thing that happened to me.
"Your face is too thick to leave our power! Who are you to do that, huh?! We fed you! We dress you up! Given a good life!"
Is this the kind of life he gave me? I don't need any more. Only her because I can't stomach it.
I got hits, kicks, slaps and tweaks from him. But not once did I cry. My face still had no emotion and I still bravely met him.
He also locked me in my room for a week and did not feed me. I don't know if I can call their son lucky too. It's Haruki. He is almost my age.
"Froyee, eat if you want to leave our house so that you have strength. You're still so thin, just one flip of you and you're down. Oh," he said to me and put down a bowl. It's just soup but I know it's still delicious.
"If I try to run away, I know you will report me to your Mama. I know you," I promised with a hint of annoyance.
"Hey, I'm not kidding, ah. I'm helping you, you're still judgmental."
"Ouch! It hurts!" I complained because he still hit me. That has strength because he has a heavy hand.
"Froyee, aren't you going to the Philippines?"
"Why do you ask and why do you know?" I asked gruffly and ate some soup. I took one bite after another because I was really hungry.
"I know someone who can help you just in case."
"I don't have money to pay," I said without emotion and he hit me again. "What?!" I asked him annoyed.
"You don't have to pay him anything. I will take care of it and you just prepare yourself. Let's plan." He gently patted my head and I quickly shook it.
"Why are you helping me?" I will ask.
"I feel sorry for you, eh. My mom always fights with you. Then my dad plans to sell you in the rich afternoon. You are unfortunate when that happens."
"Because of my escape, I know your parents will be strict with me."
"Just dance my friend. I'll take care of it, as if you're willing to negotiate." I looked at him.
"Maybe later you're just fooling me!"
"Hey, no! When did I cheat? You know I'm a sensible person!" its defense.
Even though there was some hesitation, I agreed with him. His mom was even more happy when she saw what I was wearing.
"One of my friends has a birthday, Mama. What he wants is your stripper. That's Froyee Hannabi."
"Where's the payment?" He immediately held out his hand and Haruki gave him something. I don't know where he got so much money.
His friend was also Japanese and to make it believable I held onto his arm. We left without his mother suspecting us anymore.
"Oh, stop that. Enough," Haruki said, untying my hand from his friend's arm, then he pulled me away from it.
My car is a ship and I don't know if it is legal to travel. When we got there we saw a lot of cars and he was cheap because he knew the owner.
He took off his leather jacket and quickly wrapped it around my body.
"That's Mama and Papa with their staff! Go ahead, Froyee! Get out before they catch you! When that happens I won't be able to help you again!" he said to me and before he pushed me he even gave me his backpack.
"H-Hiruki, you might get hurt," I said worriedly.
"I'm a boy! I can handle Papa's punches and kicks. Than you. Go ahead! Get out!"
"See you later, Haruki. Thank you very much!" I even managed to hug him and he quickly hugged me back then he pushed me.
"I will still find you, Froyee! Take care of yourself and change your life there! Just find a man who will live with you so that I can be safe with you!" it shouted at me. The ship was set afloat but they still managed to board. I hid so they wouldn't see me.
I am very grateful to Hiruki. I will also look for him if I have money and I will still go to him here.
I just hope I still have the courage to face his parents without being afraid anymore and I hope He will guide both Haruki and me. He was really kind and even when we were kids, when he saw me not being fed, he would give me porridge. Sometimes she keeps food for me.
Of course, his mom sees that, so she scolds him. It's a good thing he didn't lay hands on him. Because his parents love him.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 2:
That is where my miserable life began and I also escaped from that place. I haven't been here in the Philippines for long yet another test came to me.
The ship we were on was caught and the trip was indeed illegal. They arrested all the passengers including me. I see some women.
I adjusted the leather jacket I was wearing by Hiruki and in fact I was nervous about my fate here. When they ask for my birth certificate and ID they will know where I'm from. I am still a foreigner in their eyes even though I come from this country.
Because the Hannabi couple adopted me legally. My real and full name is Froyee Hannabi Monteverde. But I'm also used to Froyee Hannabi Takazi. It was the Takazi couple who adopted me.
We were taken one by one to the headquarters of the coast guards and when he saw that I was fine, he removed the hat from the hood of my jacket.
Anxiety rumbled in my chest and he even grabbed my chin just to lift my face. I shook his hand hard. The policeman grinned at me and pulled my wrist. A few people there looked at us.
He sat me down and I hugged Haruki's backpack tightly. Sometimes my face is really bad, right?
I know that women envy my beautiful face but they don't know that it is also very harmful. I don't want to be fooled by people who lust after a beautiful face.
I looked coldly at the coast guards because they also gave me a look, a sticky look. Are they all like this? Thank you Fortunately, I had pants in my backpack and I think Haruki meant to put them there. Because I can't carry any kind of backpack.
I have long wavy hair and it is naturally light brown. I didn't tie my hair back to cover my face but I still failed to hide it.
With the speed of the man in the black hat, I could hardly catch up with him. He was also glancing at me from behind so he just ran faster.
I was not aware that there were many thieves here and it was still close to the headquarters. After all, we are still in port.
"Shit!" I'm very cheap. He went to the market so I went there too.
I couldn't chase him because there were so many people and he was throwing or stepping on all their goods. I've pushed people a few times. The floor is slippery because of the water that the vendors pour.
I'm out of breath and I'm sweating. But I don't want that thief to get away from me. He was actually somewhere when I caught up with him.
He ran across the other road and because I was desperate to catch him, I didn't even see the car that was about to hit me. But before it hit me I prepared myself.
Exactly when it got close to me I jumped. My body rolled on the hood and I also fell to the floor. I closed my eyes tightly when my back hit the hard floor. I felt like I was going to faint from the force of my fall. But I don't feel any pain in my legs.
I adjusted my hoodie hat because the owner of the car got out. Even though I was hurt, I still didn't show any emotion on my face.
"Are you okay, Miss?" it asked me. His voice was cold and deep causing me to panic. There seems to be something about him.
He managed to support me and when I saw his long fingers I frowned. I shook his hand and stood up. "I'll take you to the hospital, Miss."
"No need," I said firmly. When I remembered that thief, the annoyance rose in my chest and I confronted the man.
I extended my hand to him. It was late and I couldn't see his face clearly but all I knew was that he was tall.
"What?"
"My hip hurts, my back fell on the floor so pay me," I promised coldly.
"That's why, I insisted on taking you to the hospital, and I'm the one who pays your bills."
"Money, just give me money instead of taking me to the hospital. It's just the same, you still pay." He held my hand and I was shocked when he examined me.
"You don't have wounds, and you look fine. Maybe... this is your trick to make us pay for you because of the accident? You mastered it, did you? How did you do that?" My facial expression just hardened. I was even mistaken for a cheater. He is the one who bumped into me.
"You want to see my back?" I asked irritated.
"I'll take you to the police station instead of the hospital." Before he could touch me, my left foot was already in the air. He recoiled and grunted in pain from me kicking him.
"What..."
"Yes, I look like money. But I don't cheat. It's not my job to take people's money just to hurt me? Only a madman thought of such a thing. It doesn't matter," I said and approached him.
"What are you doing? Get off me, woman!" he shouted because I was fumbling with his pants pocket. Her perfume was strong and it hurt the nose. I grinned because I saw his wallet. "Shit!"
I opened it and I was not even surprised to see that he had many cards and also his money. I only took one thousand and gave it back to him.
"I only took one thousand dollars even though you did a lot of damage to me. I'm still kind in this situation because I'm not robbing you," I said and then I left him there.
I ran to leave and I don't know if the reason I ran was because my heart was beating fast or because of that man. I just shook my head.
I'm not familiar with this place and I have no idea where else to go. It gets so dark that I sleep on the street.
I bit my bottom lip hard and panic hit my chest. I sighed and looked at the one thousand I took from the man. I wish I had made five thousand, what? He has a lot of money.
When I saw a cafeteria, I went in because my stomach had been upset. Then I started walking slowly. My back hurts. I know it's swollen.
My mouth watered when I saw the dish. I missed eating Filipino dishes.
I have already ordered food. Two plates of rice, soft drink, marinated chicken liver, pumpkin vegetables and beef tapa. That's what I ordered and I poured it all over. I feel like I'm starving.
I was still crying when I finished all the food and the customers looked at me but I didn't pay attention to them. I approached the woman to pay for what I ate.
Five hundred was reduced immediately which shocked me. I even looked at the table just to check it and saw two plates each of my dishes. I closed my eyes tightly. Instead of saving money, I almost ran out of money.
I also went out after I paid. I just cross the road without emotion. I put both my hands in my pants pockets.
I'll just look for a place to sleep as long as it's not on the street. That's dangerous. Maybe the beggars will feast on me or the police will catch me. If there is rent-oh speaking of that. I have seen something. One night or three nights.
"Is there a vacancy, Manang? Even if I don't stay long at your inn?"
"Five hundred a night." I looked at my remaining money. I can't sacrifice this for the sake of where I'll sleep tonight.
"Alright, I'm leaving," I said goodbye and chose to sleep on the street. Psh.
I was still lucky because I found a park. I quickly went there and looked for a place to sleep.
There is still light but I prefer the dark. When I saw something, I went there but I stopped because I heard something.
"No, please... Don't do this to me..." a crying girl promised and begged him to let her go.
"Shut up, kid. If you don't want me to stick the knife in your throat. Just lie there and let me pleasure you. I know you'll still like it." I clenched my fist tightly.
"Ouch... Ahh!"
"Cover that mouth. It's too noisy and hurry up. There are many of us here who want to taste that child."
Because I'm used to the dark, I saw their shadow. Four... Four adults and one child they want to exploit?
I took a deep breath and got closer to where I was. Someone noticed my walk.
"There is someone."
"But I'm just getting started!"
"There is someone!"
"I want to play with you too," I promised firmly and without emotion. With the help of the moon I saw their faces. If I'm not mistaken they are in their 40s and above.
"Well, we're going to be the jackpot, man! A woman came to us voluntarily!"
"Looks like we were heard." Foolish laughter echoed around. I wanted to smile at them but when I saw the look of the child I felt like I could only see red.
"Hello, miss. What kind of game do you like? We can definitely give you that," said the big-bellied man with a grin.
"Give me the child first and then I'll tell you what kind of game I want," I said and they all looked at each other. I know they won't let me. "What now?" I took off my hoodie and left only my black strap shirt. "Do you know the threesome? That's what we're going to do."
Again, they murmured and looked at each other then they pushed the girl close to me. I think it's still in high school.
Just before it fell, I quickly caught it. His body trembled with fear and my jaw dropped at the sight. His uniform is torn and his hair is a mess because maybe he managed to tweak it. Both of his cheeks are also red.
"Are you okay?" I will ask. He slowly nodded with a sob.
I put the hoodie I took off on him then I carried him behind me.
"Sister..."
"You're right there behind me," I said. My fingers stroked my long hair and all four whistled. One of them even licked the side of his lips. "Who will be first?" I asked and they pushed. The two began to approach me.
"Here we are, miss." I signaled the boy to move away and he obeyed even though there was some hesitation on his part.
To Be Continued...
Chapter 3
I stopped in a corner and felt them. Supposedly I was about to take off my shirt and the man behind me came closer. Before he could touch me, I hit the back of my head on his face. I know it hit his nose and he groaned in pain. I wasn't done yet, I elbowed him with too much force and paid attention to the other who almost backed away.
I jumped in the air and when my body turned upside down my shoe hit his chest. I stood up quickly. He made a noise when he fell. There are old tables and other things.
"Ahhh
"You're so slow. You should hurry... Ahh..." I said seductively and I could hear loud laughter from the two waiting. They thought something was happening to us.
"My nose hurts! Punyeta!" shouted the one I pushed.
"Apologies. It's delicious because everywhere my head turns."
"Father! Hurry up! We can't wait any longer!" I glanced at them. I am sure that the child's place is far away.
The second man I kicked in the chest stood up. He was holding a piece of wood.
"Whores! This girl is a tiger!"
"Really? That's exciting!" The corners of my lips rose. It was still understood differently.
"Hiya!" It was a loud cry that made me laugh and I waited for him to come closer. Before he hit me with the wood, I quickly turned my body and avoided it at the same time as I elbowed his neck. I knew he was going to lose consciousness because I hit his vital organ. He will not die immediately.
I got out of there because one of them was stunned. But I don't think those who are waiting care anymore. I saw that they were standing and they got the child again. It can't scream because its big palm is covered.
"It's a tiger. Alright... Let the child die," he said with a smile. I didn't fight back but it shocked me when one of them punched me. That was twice only to make me throw up blood.
I'm holding my deflated stomach. It hurt so much that my eyes immediately rolled. Until I fell on the grass. Even when they were laughing, I didn't hear anything else. I think I'm going deaf and dizzy.
The only thing that brought me back to my senses was the loud cry of the girl and I saw that one of them was being stripped.
Something covered my mouth and my eyes widened because the man was on top of me. I looked at the knife in his hand that he ran through my chest just to cut it open.
He was about to tear it off when I quickly grabbed his wrist. I held it tightly and turned it around. His eyes widened as he slowly rose.
I elbowed him several times in the face and the knife he was holding reached his throat. I kicked his pet. He let out a low growl then I pushed him with all my force.
I picked up an old chair and slammed it into the back of the old man who had run over the boy. I don't use my hands and I just keep kicking. I turned several times and my shoe repeatedly hit his face. He is vomiting blood. I poured out my anger on him.
I was out of breath. I even wiped the sweat from my forehead. I approached the child. He was not able to undress.
"I hope I got you out of here," I said and helped him stand up. "I'm sorry. You alright?"
"Yes. Because of me...you were hurt, Sister." I fixed her hair in a ponytail and wiped her tears.
"It's OK. What matters is that you are safe. I just don't have that disease." Because I'm used to getting hurt.
"Thank you, Sister." I turned in one direction because I heard the siren of the police car.
"I-I called my older brother and he's coming, Sister." Trembling enveloped me. They might ask me more and I don't have any information to tell them about my personality. I was about to leave when he stopped me. "Let's wait for my brother, Sister." I don't want to leave the child because he is afraid.
Whatever.
"Adesys?! Are you okay, baby girl?!" worried question of-his older brother? Eh, it looks like...he's gay, ah.
"Brother Asiz!"
"Oh, my God, baby girl! I'm too worried about you! Where did you go at this hour?!" she asked tearfully. The police arrested the four men.
"Brother, it's a good thing sister came. He helped me." He pointed at me and his brother came to me while still hugging him.
I thought he was going to touch my face so I slapped his hand. "Oh, sis. That hurts!" he complained.
"You don't have to touch me," I firmly promised him.
"Wow, you are brave. Anyway, come with us first." It was late at night so I just went with them.
The boy also returned my hoodie to me because his older brother had lent him his pink coat. I'm not judgmental towards people like him but I still really don't like being touched.
"Then you single-handedly fought off the men who almost took advantage of my brother?" he asked in surprise. My face still had no expression. Almost?
"Almost? They have taken advantage of your brother and I hope you will do everything to make those bastards rot in jail," I said coldly and his lips parted. It was as if someone was surprised by what I said in his reaction.
"It's like your voice was dug in a grave. As cold as ice, sis. By the way, don't worry. The chief said that those four of mine are on the wanted list. They are addicts. That's why I thank you, Miss- Take off that hoodie of yours. I can't see your beautiful face." I just frowned. I'll tell you more, we don't know each other.
"Tsk. I'm just going to leave after all you're here. Next time, be strict with your brother. She's still a woman and you don't seem to be aware of what's going on here." I was about to stand up when he pulled my arm.
"Just a moment, sis. Let's talk first. I owe you a lot. Adesys is my only sibling. So...just tell me what you want. That I can give you. Like money or something," he said and his suggestion made me think. But is that even necessary?
"I helped your brother not because I wanted to get something from you. I'm not like that." Even though I have nothing now. I'm willing to help and I can't just let something happen to the child.
Can my conscience do that? Push.
"But let's go. Tell me what I can give you," he insisted and I sighed.
"Home. That's what I don't have," I said directly.
"Why don't you have a home? Did you run away?" he asked.
"That's right. I did run away from us. Then I was robbed," I said and did not tell the full details.
"Oh. You know. You're beautiful. What is your talent?" he asked again and stared intently at my face.
"Dance," I answered simply.
"You know... maybe... You want to be a stripper at a famous clubhouse? Our customers give tips and...I can get you in there."
"I'm not a prostitute," I denied and stood up again.
"I'll give you a house to stay in! Promise you'll just dance and I won't let any man touch you."
I faced him and when I hit him with a bad look. In his fear, he sat down again.
"After I helped your brother with those judas, you can still give me a job like that? Are you serious?" He swallowed violently.
"You're just going to dance. There is no malice in that. I will only take you out for important events. You agree. You don't need to show your face." It's close to the blade. I really have nothing now and I don't even know where else to go.
I took a deep breath. "All right. But I won't sign any contract first. I'll check first when you're telling the truth." To his delight, he stood up again. He was about to hold my hand again when I dodged.
"Okay, okay. You will now come with us!" he happily exclaimed.
I looked at their condo. The interior is beautiful and their furnishings are obviously loved.
"Sister, drink some coffee first." He put down the tray with the coffee mug. It's smoking because it's still hot.
I looked at him and he seems to be okay. "Thank you. See a doctor. You might have a trauma," I suggested. He sat on the sofa across from me. He nodded one after the other.
"Kuya told me that too. Thank you very much, Sister. You didn't hesitate to help me." His eyes were red and he looked like he was going to cry again.
"What are you doing there? Why are you still out at such an hour?" I asked curiously.
"There's just a way there, Sister. I was late at night and then I saw those men. A-Actually, they meant to wait for me because they are really hanging around," he said and his hands shook.
"Nevermind. You will forget that anyway. Just focus on your studies," I said and he nodded.
His older brother has come back to get clothes that I can change into. But until now I have not taken off the hat of my jacket.
To Be Continued...