saved to live, killed to love

f o u r

That was the longest night i've ever had.
My thoughts kept me up for hours until the sun is up, but with too much exhaustion, i fell asleep to be awaken by some noise coming from the kitchen; like pots falling or something.

With my head throbbing, I wake myself up and dragged my feet to see what is happening; and there he was, on his black slacks with his white polo on his hand as he struggle to turn the stove off.

I immediately walk towards him and look over his... burnt eggs. Nice. Not everything is really given to someone, I mean, I glanced at his body and heck— i shrugged my thoughts away as I fan myself, sure it's hot in front of the stove.

"How come even eggs—"
"Don't.." He uttered, ears were red before he walked away; scratching the back of his nape as he straighten the polo on his arm.

"Men and their pride." I sighed, glancing at the burnt eggs; I opened the fridge to see it fully stocked, thanked God I won't starve. I tried to prepare the usual, some toast, eggs, fruits and vegetables. I was placing the pitcher of orange juice and the box of fresh milk when he walked out of his room, fixing his tie.

"You know how to cook?" He asked, eyeing the table. I walked closer to him, about to fix his collar when took a step back; eyes were fixed on me with furrowed eyebrows and confusion written on his face.

"Oh, sorry. I used to fix my.." I shut my mouth, remembering how my father forced me to learn how to dress formally, and even fix ties. "Anyway, no. I don't cook, but I know how not to burn an egg." I almost whispered the last part, sitting on the other side of the table.

He poured some juice on his glass, took a sip and have a bite off of his toast before standing up; "Don't bother cooking for dinner, i'll bring some." My head shot up at him and his statement, he looked at me with nothing on his eyes; "Just to save my house from fire." He uttered, grabbing his keys on the kitchen counter before walking out of the house.

I deeply breathe, chugging down my glass of juice to cool myself. Just to save his house from fire, let's not put some meaning over that.

This day is different from my usual day, this time; I am on my own.

I fixed my ponytail, wearing my tight jeans and white long sleeves; I drove myself towards the town— looking at the streets as I tried to find that tower three, it was said to be having an open slot for job.

I parked my car on the nearest convenience store, taking deep breaths but something feels off. I looked at my back, and up to the towerthree they were saying; it was bright with its LED lights flashing.

"Excuse me, sir?" I tapped the back of a man wearing some suit, it looks like he works here with just seeing him converse with some men smoking on the side.

He looked at me, eyebrows were raised as he glanced from my feet up to my head; the side of his lips tug upwards with his creepy smirk. "Yes, miss?"

"Is this the tower three? I am here to apply for a job." I tried to sound casual, disregarding my doubts with the place, and worries with these men who keeps looking at me from head to toe.

"Ohh.." He looked at his men, before nodding; "It's on the second floor. Take the stairs at the end of this hallway." I nodded at him, mumbling thanks as I left them as fast as I could but as I took a couple of steps on the stairs; the music blaring seems suspicious. I haven't encountered a corporate office to be having this type of music.

I turned around, ready to run away but only to trip and bump into someone's chest; the scent of both cigarette and alcohol lingers on his shirt. I immediately took a step back, clutching on my chest as I felt my heart beat faster. What the heck did I do this time?

"I have to go, if you c-could just excuse me." I stuttered, but when I tried to walk past them, they wrapped their arms around me; carrying me upstairs only to be welcomed with women on stage.. dancing wearing little to nothing.. "Please let me go! I-I didn't mean to walk in here."

The scent of cigarette lingers on the air with the deafening music; I blinked a couple times, trying to fight my tears as I scanned the area where I can escape. The loud cheers of hungry men feasting on the barely clothed women swaying their hips for couple of bills, the pants and moans of old men desperately shoving their tongue to young ladies mouth; I can't digest what i've been seeing.

I felt a hand hit my bum, but before I could even turn around to look at whoever that person is; i felt a stinging pain as I was pulled on my bruised wrist.

"Get dressed! We are lacking of women tonight!" His high pitched voice hurt my ear, the metal on the hanger hit my face as he threw some lingerie on me; some with bright colors, and some were covered with sequins.

"I am not working here! Can you please tell me where's the exit?" I asked, raising my voice to let him hear me despite the blaring music outside but all I received was a laugh.

"You're funny! I like you, but go get dressed." He grabbed my white long sleeves, a button pops making my white bralette visible to his eyes; I immediately covered myself and walked past him. I dragged my feet as I bump from one person to another, seeing the door I walked into without the guys who shoved me here; I let out a deep breath. I felt multiple hands grabbed my white long sleeves, exposing my chest to the sight of group of bearded men— their hollers were deafening as they threw couple of bills in the air.

"I am not for sale! Let me go!" I yanked my wrist out, earning another scratch on my arm; but only to be pulled by my hair. I felt his hot breath on my neck, his scent disgusts me but everytime I tried to move away, he pulls my hair harder, until I felt it— a sharp thing against my sides.

"I hate bad girls, so either it's my knife digging on your skin, or you will let me dig my fucking dick in your tight—"

I heard nothing after that.

All I can remember is a loud sound near me before people went chaotic, my vision is all blury as I face unfamiliar people coming at me, shoving me to the side as they leave the place; and all I know is that I was terrified. My body feels numb, but their screams.. their screams were silent. I can't hear a single thing, until I saw him; his image weren't vivid but i knew it was him. I saw him looked at me, his dimple popping out of his cheek as he smiled at me, and as I gave him a smile of relief— I felt something hard hit my head, and the last thing I saw was him...

pointing his gun at me,
with a smile on his face...