Buena Mano Book 1 (Unedited/Unrevised)

I'm O-Ok... Chapter 5.6 The Tainted Flower

At day break I went to the Twilight Station. But to my dismay, it was closed. It was my first time being near a place like that. I wondered how it looked like inside.

The building looks decent enough on the outside. A modest sign in the front hanging atop the front entrance was covered in neon and what seemed as Christmas lights. At its bottom lies a booth, specifically a guard post, where the guard on duty was fast asleep with a tabloid magazine covering his face. It seems he has drunk his body's weight of alcoholic beverages as explained by the bottles of whiskey inside his booth.

I looked around and saw no other entrance visible. The place was quiet from the outside as I snoop around to see if there is someone capable to answer my queries. To the left was a small alley, small enough to fit one person at a time. Its dark and filthy atmosphere made me think twice about going inside.

The dark tinted windows from left to right made it almost impossible to see whether or not there were people inside. Only a sign made from typewriting paper was noticeable. It read: "Wanted: Waitress, Inquire inside for details."

The front patio was decorated by small plants which double as an air purifier for smoking customers.

I turned my attention to the guard in front of the entrance. He began to mumble. It seems he was gaining back his senses.

I poked him in the back with my finger until he grumbled. He sat upright. Even if his eyes were still shut he was very receptive.

He shoved me away saying: "This isn't a place for minors. Let alone such a young and wonderful lady like you."

I was flustered. Well, any woman would blush upon hearing words like that. Especially, when those words are said with dignity and respect. Even if his breath yielded a smell of alcohol.

I pleaded with him, saying that I only wanted to get information on the whereabouts of my friend.

He opened his eyes and gazed at me. From the look on his face, I figured he knew who I was talking about.

"Are you really sure about finding her?" he said.

"Well, yes. Wait! Do you know who I'm talking about?" I said in surprise.

"Yeah, she was a peach. A genuine angel if you ask me. Well, if I had a penny for every time she bailed me out..." His voice was trailing off towards dream world, seemingly dreaming of my lost friend.

"Do you know where she is?" I said in a loud tone, preventing him to doze off.

"Huh?! What? Oh, I'm sorry. But the only thing I knew about her is her sweet kindness... and stupid decisions. Mind you, this wasn't a place for any lady."

"I see... Thank you..." My voice trailed off in dismay.

"Wait..." He called out. "It might be a long shot, but if anyone would know anything more about her... That person would be Mama Sheena."

"Mama Sheena?"

"Yes. She handles most of the girls here. Including the one you are looking for. Though, she only talks to employees and customers. Hey!"

I rushed home to prepare myself for the night ahead. Thinking this was the opening I needed to get close to my goal.

"Rachel..." I said as I was washing up.

As I was drying myself, someone knocked on the door.

It was my father and mother. I forgot that it was a special night for us. We were supposed to migrate to another country due to my mother's new job. This night was our scheduled flight. But now, it was just my mother who will be boarding the plane.