The One Night Stand

Roselle was at work, doing her evening shift, serving coffee to customers and when she look at the time, it was already late so she quickly rounds up her work and grabs her bag then she wave to her fellow colleagues and left there hurriedly.

She called a cab and entered inside, but she was getting worried already, her step mom doesn't like her coming home late or she'd be in trouble.

She was so restless, all through the ride until she reached her destination, and then she came out and paid the cab man, the left over money in her hands, and hurried inside the apartment.

Her step mom was already waiting for her at the door, in rage and her belongings are littered all over the floor.

"Good evening, mom" she greeted her but was replied with an unexpected slap instead, and she blinked back the tears that were threatening to spill her eyes.

"Keep your silly greetings to yourself, you whore. How many times have I told you not to call me mom because I'm not your mom, your mom is already rotting in hell where she rightfully belongs".

Her step mom yelled out loud at her face and she started crying.

"Mom please, I beg of you, the fact that I offended you doesn't mean you should bring my dead mother into this".

She replied her back in anger and her step mom two daughters, came out let's throw her out, where she rightfully belongs which is the street".

"Take all this thrash, and get out of this house, I don't ever want to set my eyes on you".

She dragged her out, and throw her luggage on the floor and Roselle pleaded with her, but she didn't listen to her, and that was when she realized that her step mom got all this planned out.

She knows her step mother, hated her but she didn't know, she will go to the extent of throwing her out in the cold night, without anywhere to go.

She banged the door continuously, but there was no response, so she accepted her fate and stood up from the cold ground to find refuge.

She walked in the lonely street, with her eyes already puffy from tears, and she was shivering due to the cold wind that was blowing around her.

***********

Barry was on his way home when stopped at a flower shop to buy a bouquet of flowers, for his wife and he drove home happily.

Today was supposed to be their wedding anniversary and he had planned something nice for them.

He droved into the compound and went inside but he was surprised as his wife wasn't there to welcome him as usual, and he head upstairs anyway going to check up on her.

He approached his room and was hearing strange sounds inside, and he opened the door and meet something so shocking.

His wife and his best friend were copulating on his matrimonial bed, moaning out loud. This was something he didn't see coming, it instantly froze his heart.

They didn't notice his presence until he throws the bouquet of flowers on a flower vase nearby and it broke into pieces and attracted their attention.

"it's not what you think Barry.. please forgive me," his wife said as she pushed his friend off her, and used the duvet to cover her body in shame and his friend stood up trying to get to Barry but was punch, right on his face and he staggered backward and spit out blood.

He left them without saying a word, to them and he was so furious, he has trusted them so blindly, how can the two people he trusted the most betray him and that also signify that they had been long time lovers.

They must have thought, he wasn't coming home early from work, and even have the modernity to make out on his matrimonial bed.

It was still like a dream to him, they must have taken him for a fool, and here he is all prepared for their wedding anniversary, and then it turns out wrongly.

He was so hurt, it was just like a needle pricked him, right in his heart, he need to think and get out of there that instant or he's going to end up doing what he'd regret later on.

He went out of the house, got into his car, and drove out of the compound in fury.

********

Roselle has already reached a far end when she spotted an old woman at the road side which seemed deserted.

And as she walked towards her direction, the old woman dressed in tight fitted clothes, and too much make up for her own age saw her and offered to buy her a meal, and she agreed reluctantly due to how tired, hungry, and exhausted she is, through the long walk and she thanks the old woman who went off to get the meal and after that took her to her small shabby apartment.

"Come on in dear" the old woman opened the creaking door and Roselle look around the house, there was nothing much inside, just a small bed and old faded couch and a small kitchen at the other end.

She knows that she shouldn't trust a stranger but she had no other choice, at all, this old woman was the only one who has offered to help her and she was grateful for that.

She went off to sit on the close by the couch, while the old woman went off to get a drink, so she can step it down with the food she has bought for her.

She waited for a while before the old woman brought her the drink and she thank her and started eating hungrily, and drank the drink unknown to her that the drink was spiked when she was done, she stood up to leave but started feeling blurry and sat down back.

The old woman saw that as an opportunity to put her, plan in motion, and she quickly undress her and wore her a red dress that brought out all her curves.

She was a woman trafficker, that makes girls become prostitutes, without their consent, Roselle wasn't only the one that has fallen into her trap, she had done that to so many other girls, she will pretend to help them, just to get something in return.

And she took her to a party, and if she's lucky, she will eventually meet a rich client, who will be willing to pay handsomely just to spend a night with her.

*******

Barry drove to the club and went to sit at the bar table chair, ordering for drinks after drink until to the extent he got drunk and couldn't think straight anymore.

And his eyes caught a beautiful lady in a red dress and sexy curves, fitted at the other end of the bar and he took his drinks and went off to meet.

"Hey b... beauty" he greeted stuttering due to the effect of been drunk.

"Hey handsome" she replied back as a result of been tipsy and didn't know what she was doing, he offered her a drink, which she took up in a glimpse and gulped it all down on her throat.

And she was hiccuping repeatedly, he draws her close to him, and kissed her, and she responded wrapping her arms around his neck.

The old woman who was watching her close by, saw this and gave him a key to one of the rooms to the club, and he took her along with him and they went inside the room not breaking the kiss and he undressed her and pushed her down on the bed.

The morning light found Roselle eyes as she fluttered her eyes open, groaning due to the migraine, and then she tried to adjust to the light in the room, before her eyes finally scanned her surrounding, and then she realized, that she was in a room but couldn't grasp, how she got there.

And then she looked around the room but couldn't find anyone and immediately a guy came out of the bathroom, with a towel wrapped around his waist and then she gasped, unable to believe her eyes.

Let it not be what she was thinking, no she can't lose her virginity this way, not to a total stranger, all she could remember was when the old woman, gave her a meal and not more than that.

"What am I doing here?" she yelled out loud at his face as she tries to stand up and then she discovered that her thighs were sore and they are hurting her so badly.

She stared down at the bed sheets, and saw blood stain on them, and then she went numb staring blankly.

"Do you have to ask me, silly questions bitch, isn't this your job? and don't pretend to be a saint because you are not, huh"

He scoffed answering her, as he wore his clothes, and then he grabbed his purse and brought out ey at throwing it at the bed.

"Here's your pay, bitch" he told her and she got up hastily and took the money and she threw it at his face in tears.

"I'm not a prostitute, for your information so I don't need your money," she told him in tears and grabbed the duvet wore her clothes and ran out of the clubhouse.

Barry couldn't believe his eyes as he watch her leave, and then he stared down at the bed sheets and saw blood stain on them, and then he flinched.

"Oh no, could it be, she's telling the truth, what is she doing in the clubhouse if she isn't a slut" he muttered and made to leave the room and find her and he seems to have forgotten about his problems which he remembered immediately and he clenched his fists and walked out of the room.

Roselle was back on the streets, she was walking without a destination, without knowing where she was going to and tears were streaming down her eyes.

And she was lost in thought, thinking of how she was so unfortunate, and this has to happen to her in a day and she has no money, with her to buy a meal or get an apartment to stay in and her belongings were lost too, she seems to have kept it at that old woman apartment, and she felt so alone, as she walked down the busy streets in tears.

Damn! She was a virgin... No wonder he could recall her screams last night

Hello. What is it? He asked, with gritted teeth.

Where did you sleep last night, Barry? A woman's voice could be heard from the other line.

Stop yelling Ana, I'll be right there. Barry said as he hung up.

The nerve of her!!

~~~~~~~

His car drove into the garage, and he stepped out.

Good morning, Boss. The securities greeted but as usual, got no response.

His head was filled with images of Ana cheating on him with another man.

How could she do that to him??

Then scream, moans... And slapping of bodies came this time.

Shake it off, Barry.

Ana is to be blamed.

Barry, where were you all through the night? Ana's voice echoed in the whole building.

None of your business. He answered coldly, as proceeded upstairs.. leaving Ana speechless.

•••••••

The sun had come out already, shining brightly as trees waved their huge leaves whenever the cool breeze passes by.

Roselle sat under a huge tree, her eyes swollen with tears.

Her legs were still sore and they ached.

Where would she go now? She wondered.

She had no one.

No one to talk to.. no one to turn to.

She had only herself.

She stood up and carried her bag.

The home was the only thing on her mind.

She had to go back home.

Even if she knew begging her Step Mother and Sisters was never going to work.

She had to try.

Walking down the busy road, with her bags.

She had no money, so trekking was the only thing she could do.

********

I bet she's with one of her boyfriend's. Vanessa hissed.

Who cares? She can lounge in different rooms if she wants. Laureen said, crossing her legs.

Someone's knocking, Vanessa.

You're near the door... So get it. Laureen mumbled, and Vanessa shot her a glare.

Who the fuck are...

What are you doing here? Vanessa scoffed, staring at the girl outside.

I wished I never opened this door.

Who is it? Laureen asked, walking to check the intruder.

Ohh... it's your lovely curvy step sister. Vanessa answered, and feigned a smile.

I... I have nowhere to go, Vanessa.

Please let me in. I beg of you. Roselle's weak voice pleaded.

Beg? I don't see you kneeling. Vanessa said, with a scoff.

You're not needed here, Roselle.

Leave or I'll call security. Laureen muttered coldly, glaring at the girl.

You won't let me in? Roselle queried, looking around.

Get out of her Roselle.

Trust me when I say... I won't say it again.

Wiping her tears away... She walked out of the building.

She kept walking in the sun.

Her head felt heavy.

After walking a long distance... She stood on the roadside.

Why was life being so unfair to her?

Are you applying for the job? She heard a voice asked.

Huh? What job? She asked, the lady in a blue apron.

Ohh.. that job. Sorry, I thought you were applying. The girl said, pointing at the small signboard in front of the coffee shop.

"Sales Clerk"? Is this position still available? Roselle asked.

Yeah, it is. Do you wanna apply? The girl asked, with a smile.

Yes, I want to. she answered without hesitation.

Okay... Then come in. I'm Lily by the way. She said.

Am Roselle.

Okay, Roselle...can you make coffee? Lily asked.

Yeah, I've worked in a coffee shop before.

MCB's Coffee shop. Roselle replied.

Really? I did work there too. Lily giggled.

Roselle looked around and there was no customer around yet.

Can i... Uhm, take a bath here? Roselle questioned feeling embarrassed.

Look what poverty has caused her. She thought, waiting for a response.

Ohh. You can. Come see the bathroom. Lily said, and Roselle followed her.

I know I just started the job but then... Can I get my pay today?

I promise to work for it.

I don't have where to sleep right now. Roselle pleaded.

She knew she was being shameless right there but she didn't mind.

It's okay Roselle, you can crash with me.

My apartment is not far from the shop. Lily answered, with a smile.

Huh? You'll help me? She asked, surprised.

Yeah, I will, so take a bath and rush downstairs.

The shop will be open soon. Lily said, before leaving.

Seriously? Was life throwing pillows this time? Or was it just another joke? She wondered as the water washed her body.

********

Days flew by and Roselle was happy with her new life, her new job, and her new friend.

She sold coffee with smiles plastered on her face.

Rose.....we need coffee. A lady at the other side of the table yelled.

Coming, Mrs. Falcone. Roselle half yelled.

They all love you. Lily said, giggling.

That's the catch, Hunny. Roselle winked, running away with the coffee.

Where's Roselle? A man walked in, staring around.

Sir.. she's attending to Mrs. Falcone. Lily answered.

Tell her to attend to Mr. Greenfield when he arrives.

He's coming over with his wife.

Yes, Sir, I'll relay the message. Lily nodded.

Roselle. She called.

Am on my way. Roselle replied.

What's wrong Lily? She asked.

Mr. Greenfield will be here soon and you're asked to attend to him.

Do a good job and you'll be paid a huge sum of money.

They are filthy rich. Lily squealed.

Wow... Am on it.

Who's attending to us? A feminine voice asked, causing both Roselle and Lily's heads to snap up.

We're... Really.. sorry Ma'am. Roselle stuttered, as her eyes met another cold one.

His eyes couldn't move from hers and she gulped.

Why Can't life just go smoothly for once? She wondered as she walked over with shaky hands.

He was married? Did she sleep with a married man?

Oh my!! She gasped, like a cup of coffee slipped out of her tray... Staining the lady's dress.

Are you Crazy? Can't you watch where you're going?

Is this how you work here?

Mrs. Ana... We're very...

Shut up! Where's the management? Ana growled.

Roselle's eyes welled up.

She didn't know why but the tears came running down.

I'm really sorry Ma'am, I didn't... It was unintentional. She pleaded.

What's wrong, Mrs. Greenfield? Roselle's Boss, Mr. Charles came out from his office.

Your worker stained my dress. Do something about this. She said, coldly.

OMG! You're gonna get fired. Lily whispered, almost crying too.

Roselle's eyes were fixed on the floor, ready to receive her judgment.

Everywhere became silent... When a voice spoke.

"Enough Anavida".

T. B. C

'Enough Anavida'.

The voice came like thunder, causing everyone to keep shut at that moment.

Roselle looked up as if a bucket of good water was poured on her slender body.

What? Am not done here, Barry.

She has to pay for the damages she caused.

This dress cost millions of dollars.

Let's go, Ana.

Stop causing a scene here. Barry said, his voice ice and cold.

Damn No! Mr. Charles fire her or else I'll destroy this place with just a flick of my fingers. Ana half yelled, glaring at Roselle... Who stood like a robot, not moving or saying a thing.

Go back to work. Barry said to Roselle, as he rubbed his temple.

Huh? Thank you, Sir. Roselle mumbled as Lily dragged her away.

Do you think I'll let it go just like that, Barry?

She ruined my dress and she'll pay for that. Ana hissed, as she walked out of the coffee shop.

It's just a dress, Ana.

What if it was your face?

I bet you would've cried to death. Barry said, mockingly as he followed her to their car that was parked outside the shop.

Mr. Greenfield, please wait a minute. Charles ran out, of the coffee shop to meet up with him.

Am so sorry, Mr. Greenfield. She's a great worker, I don't know what got wrong today.

That has never happened before. She's the best.

Please help me talk to Mrs. Ana. Charles said, and Barry nodded.

He knew... That she must've freaked out when she saw him.

Who wouldn't??

It's Okay.

Hey babe. He heard a voice call.

He turned and his eyes met a guy that was walking to Ana.

She wasn't even looking in the guy's direction.

The guy to Barry's surprise hugged Ana from behind and kissed her hair.

How is my baby doing today? He asked as he turned her around.

Ana's eyes blogged out.

Justin?? She mumbled, trying to look at Barry.

Barry was looking directly at her, his eyes dimmed with anger.

Thank you, Justin.

Thank you for adding to the already quenching fire. Ana thought in her head, as she tried to pull away but couldn't.

Damn it! He saw the whole thing. Ana cussed.

It's okay, Mr. Charles. No one is getting fired. Barry assured, his eyes still on Ana and the stranger.

Thank you, Sir. Charles replied as Barry walked away.

Get. Away. From. My. Wife. He warned, gritting his teeth.

His voice was calm but felt like thunder ready to strike anyone at that moment.

What?? You didn't tell me, your husband was around. The guy whispered, as he slowly let go of Ana.

Her eyes were fixed on Barry's. She could see anger in his eyes.

He was pissed.

Get. In. The. Car. He hissed, as he entered the car.

She got in and put on her seatbelt.

He's just a friend, Barry. She said, trying to calm him down.

Just a friend? He scoffed, speeding the car.

Believe me, he's just...

Shut up, Ana. Not another word. He said again, and she clamped her mouth shut in fury.

How could she deny something he just witnessed.

Twice!! It was Happening for the second time now.

How many times has she cheated on him in the past?

Friends? Friends don't touch places they're not supposed to touch.

That guy was pressing her b**bs, and she did nothing. Damn!!

~~~~~~

The car screeched to a halt and Barry stepped out, leaving her in the car.

She stepped out too and walked faster to meet his pace.

Barry's phone rang and he picked it up.

Hello. Sir, the investors for Avral Care will be here soon.

Are you coming? His secretary queried, on the phone.

Cancel the meeting Lana and postpone it to next week, I'm busy. Barry ordered as he hung up.

Aren't we talking about what happened at the coffee shop, Barry? Ana asked.

You defended that girl like you knew her, Barry. I saw every eye contact. She blabbed.

Barry walked into the guest room me slammed the door shut.

Was she for real??

He was thinking about that strange guy and she was talking about the coffee girl?

He sighed and slept on the bed.

He recalled her crying face.

Why was she even crying, it was just a dress. He thought and shook his head.

******

Minutes later...

The coffee shop was filled again. The music was going soft as ever.

Are you okay, Rosey? A man asked.

Yes, Mr. Allen. Am doing great. She mumbled as she packed the empty mugs... From the table.

You don't look good, Roselle. An old man walked into the coffee shop with his small dog.

Am Okay, Old Pa Franky. I just need rest. Roselle replied as she smiled.

Okay, go rest then.

Her head was filled with images of the man. The man that took her dignity away.

She didn't blame him though. They were both heavily drunk.

But why did he save her? She wondered

Hey, are you okay? She heard Lily asked.

Yeah, my head is just spinning. She answered, sitting down.

Uh-hmm, concerning about what happened earlier.

You shouldn't be worried about that, Mrs. Ana we are just being crazy.

She does that a lot to our workers here, but it seems she wanted you to get fired. Lily said.

Why? I don't understand Lily... I didn't do anything to her. Roselle replied, clenching her fist.

Maybe she just did that, because of them, because of the eye contact between you and Mr. Greenfield. Lily said again.

Eye contact? I don't understand Lily. What Eye contact? Roselle queried, with knitted brows

You know hmm, when you spilled the coffee on Mrs. Ana... Your eyes were fixed on Mr. Greenfield.

You two never broke eye contact, maybe she noticed that.

Why?? I mean, I was shocked. Roselle defended.

Shocked? Why?

Do you know him? I mean hmm,Mr. Greenfield.

Do you know him? Lily asked with raised brows.

No, I don't. She replied.

You're lucky, that was the first time he stood up for someone like that. Lily said.

Roselle smiled; "My Luck then".

T. B. C