Chapter fourteen

Mary........

It was about time, my time off would be over. And I'd be right back where I was..... Being controlled by Luke. But if you ask me, I have thought of killing Luke...but I can't, I literally can't even if I got the chance to. And then again no matter how inhumane he may seem. He's still human, he's a living being. I'd be hunted with guilt. I probably shouldn't even be thinking about that.

I spent the rest of my days off indoors. I didn't eat for a few but then again I had to. I didn't return John's text messages, voice mails or calls, I really wanted to but... There was no point. I'd be back to where I was.

Monday morning, Luke sent one of his "boys" to help me pack a few stuff and move back. I couldn't risk wearing the necklace John got for me. So for that moment I took it off. When the coast is clear I'll put it back on. I thought to myself. If I get the chance to.

As we got to "The house" Marcus came in an Audi and told me that Luke wanted to see Me. I became worried as fear crept in, but I decided to calm myself down by thinking, it's probably just another job, he couldn't know.....could he? Nah...I hope.

Marcus waited for me to drop my stuffs. I got into the car and followed him as we headed for the club, well Luke's club.

It's been a while since I came here. I thought to myself. We got in and Luke motioned me to meet him at his table.

I tried not to winced as the smell of cocaine hit me, because he'd be offended and I was not ready for that.

"isn't t-that.... Too much? " you had to make things even worse huh. Stupid tongue.

"what?" Luke began laughing.

"Who are you to tell me what's too much or not? "

"I just thought, isn't it-"

"Shut up! I didn't call you here to school me." Luke said annoyed. You have to keep quiet, you're trying to avoid trouble remember? I scolded myself.

"I'm sorr-"

"whatever kid, here have some drink." he said pushing a glass of wine to my front.

"I'm good... Really."

"You're good...You hear that, she's good!" he said as he started laughing again. But louder this time. The few men around joined in.

I laughed nervously not understanding what was funny.

"You're good well then, suit yourself."

"Why did you send for me-" I started.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Remember that boy, what's he's name? The rich boy. Of about two weeks ago? What's his name?"

"Y-You mean John?" I asked praying it wasn't but I couldn't deny.

"Yeah, him. You know he came here a few days ago, he said he wanted another night."

"He did? He did"

"yeah he did, I told him we had other girls he said he wanted you, in particular. I don't know what you did but keep it up. He said I should name a price, I said $3,000, as a joke at first. I just wanted to know how bad he wanted you. He said how about a thousand, ding ding ding, sold! " he began laughing mischievously.

"A thousand?"

"Yes a thousand! Just so you know you're not getting a time off. We'll pick you up on Thursday. Be ready. Did you hear me!"

"yeah, yes.... "

"See you then kid"

A thousand? Look at Luke talking like I'm some kind of object.

And John, why would he do that.... a thousand for one night, I mean him giving me five is different. I know he just wants to see me but.....one thousand!. Even if he's rich money shouldn't be played around like that. But why would he? Did he really mean it when he said he loved me?

I'm obviously happy I get to see him again but, how long can I keep hiding the truth from him. I sighed as my thoughts kept springing up.

•~•~•~•

I anticipated for the day to come but I was also nervous. I hadn't called back, I didn't know how to explain it but, I had to try and keep cool. keep cool, don't say too much...... I told myself.

"Do your thing, we'll pick you up at eight tomorrow okay? "

"Yeah" I replied to Luke.

I watched as they drove off, I didn't know how to react or what to say to John who was standing behind me.

"Hey... " He started. His voice laced with nervousness.

I turned around to look at him.

"H-hi"

"do you want to.... Do you want to come in? "

"Sure."

I followed him in and said hi to Roland, Shannon and Alice.

But, something about Alice was unusual. She wasn't the excited carefree girl I met, she was happy but she seemed just happy, too subtle for her kind of Happy. She gave me a smile but looked at me a bit concerned.

I followed John to his room, he shut the door and began.

"We're invited for a Birthday party... Actually, Stella's Dad's Birthday party. A-and I figured I'd come with you."

"Why would you pay a thousand?" I said letting out a sigh.

"So I could see you that was the only way-"

"It's too much! you gave me five thousand already and-"

"He probably wouldn't even give you a quarter of it-"

"exactly, that money could've been used for something better, he's probably just going to waste it on drugs or something."

We stared at each other in silence.

"I just wanted to see you, Mary. Clearly you don't so-"

"No, of course I do, of course I wanted to see you but not like this"

"it was the only way Mary, it was the only way. What did you expect me to do, you didn't return my calls, voice mails and text massages. I had a chance to do what I could so, yeah I paid a thousand dollars just to meet you. I meant it when I said that I loved you. I mean it"

"I-I"

"if you don't feel the same way just say it."

"I....I do. I feel the same way"

"Then why do you keep running away?" John said stepping close.

"I don't know.....I just."

"What? What are you not telling me?"

"I-it's nothing" I said stepping back and turning around. He grabbed my arm to stop me and pulled me gently towards him. We kept staring at eachother.

"Please don't run away again." He said in almost a whisper.

I could see the plead in his eyes as he looked into mine.

"Okay....I won't" I said to him. I mean I literally can't. I have to wait for Luke the next morning.

He kept looking into my eyes, then flickered to my lips. He began to lean in.

"Hey you guys have to...... Uh hehe sorry! I just, you just, we have to uh we have get ready!" Alice stuttered as she barged in.

"It's okay Ally." John said to her.

"look I'm sorry again. I probably should have knocked-"

"it's fine" I said assuring her.

"Well uh.....your dress is in my room so, we have to....yeah" She said to me awkwardly.

"Okay," I said as I followed her.

"Just, no announcements this time" I teased.

"you betchya."

Alice pulled out a long V neck champagne gold satin dress from her wardrobe. "Wow this, this is gorgeous" I said admiring the dress.

"Don't mention it." she said as she pulled out her dress. A long blue V neck satin dress.

"Twinning" She said grinning as she held up her dress.

"Well except for the colours" She continued

"it's gorgeous too"

"Thanks" she appreciated.

"Hey... You know" Alice began not sure if she should continue. I nodded my head to urge her on.

"Well....... John, told me, uh...how you met. The truth actually."

"Oh." I said thrown off. My heart began to race, not sure if it was a good thing or something I should be worried about. Of course I should be worried but, well maybe he trusts her, and it's not exactly the absolute truth, so.... I hope it doesn't change how she seems me though.

"Well, I just want you to know that, I don't see you differently. In fact I think you're a great person."

"Thank you, Alice. It means a lot."

"It's okay, just know that if you need anything, feel free to ask."

"Thanks. You're a great person too, Alice."

"You can call me Ally."

"It would be an absolute honour" I said in my best British accent.

"That was pretty good." Ally said as we started laughing.

The limo arrived to pick us up right on time.

"You two look beautiful" John said to Ally and I.

"Thank you" we both said.

"You look good too" I said to him.

"Yeah, you cleaned up pretty nicely bro."

"Thanks" he said as he adjusted his tie with a smile.

•~•~•~•

We arrived at a Mansion and just as the last Ball, people dressed in an expensive elegance kept trooping in and out.

"Wow, big house" I said

"what? " John asked.

"Oh nothing, it's just, it's a lovely house." I said and John nodded.

"Hey you guys, I'm gonna go look for Samuel so-" Alice started.

"Samuel? who's Samuel?" I asked curiously.

"Oh he's my boyfriend, you'll probably get to meet him. So see you guys later." Alice said walking off.

"So are Samuel's parents like friends too or.."

"Well a cousin of Stella's actually." John replied.

"Oh, okay"

"don't worry, he's nothing like her. Total opposite." John said scanning the crowd.

"Who are you looking for?" I asked.

"My Dad"

"your Dad? It seems unusual that your looking for him."

"And also my Mum too of course. And yeah, my Dad and I had some heart to heart talk. I thought about what you said and I decided to talk to him. And it was great. Thank God"

"Wow I'm really happy for you guys"

"Thanks. A lot of weight is lifted. I guess I'll look for him later. Seems like Mr Collins is about to make a toast."

"Um... Excuse me everyone" Mr Collins said calling the attention of the guest.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming, it means so much to me. It's been years of hard work and success and you all have been there to support me."

Well except me. I'm literally a stranger. I thought to myself.

"And I'd like to thank my special Friend, Adam. I remember growing up he didn't really like that name. He said he didn't want to be deceived just like Adam in the Bible." He continued, laughing with the guests.

"So he decided to stick with Downey Patterson. But he's a grown Man now so, calling him Adam is okay, I guess."

"it is!" Mr Patterson shouted. The room erupts with laughter again.

"Well then, Adam, thank you for always being there for me. Too bad our kids aren't going to get married but hey, it's all good."

Awkward......

"And one thing Adam has thought me is to always say, Thank God. So Thank God, for life, for success and blessings. Cheers"

"Cheers!" the guests responded as they started applauding.

The music began playing and everyone went back to eating, drinking and being Merry.

"Ah Son good to see you, Mary you look lovely." Mr Patterson said as he walked to us.

"Thank you, you look lovely too." I said.

"Oh hey Mr Patterson, John, Mary"

Stella said as she walked to us with a couple grinning. What's she up to.

"Ah Stella nice to see you, son I'd like you to meet Mr Lockwood another business friend of mine and his wife Emily." Mr Patterson said as he stood beside a Man who looked in his early forties with his wife who looked in her late twenties.

"It's nice to meet you." John said shaking his hand.

"Stella nice to see you too. And you look lovely too Miss." he said complimenting the woman.

"And this is Mary,"

"Hi" I said

"it's nice to meet you." Mr Lockwood said.

"So Mrs Lockwood and I were discussing and she couldn't help but notice Mary" I snapped my head towards Stella.

"Uh... Okay" I said thrown off.

"Come on Mrs Lockwood, you said she looks familiar" Stella said with a mischievous grin.

"Uh, I'm not sure we have met, I probably just look like someone you know."

I said nervously. I'm positive she doesn't. I mean I haven't really met a woman of high class, well except for John's Mother and sister.

"I don't think this is the right time for this Stella" Mrs Lockwood said to her.

"Well Emily here and Mary were co-workers at a strip club."

"Stella!" Emily exclaimed smacking her on her shoulder.

My heart dropped. Heat rushes all over my body and fear and shame stirred up. This can't be happening, not now not here!

I stood frozen.

"Stella, what are you talking about. You don't know anything about Mary" John said

"Go on Emily, spill" Stella said while giving John a death glare.

"That's enough Stella" Mr Lockwood snapped at Stella.

" I can't believe you. This was supposed to be something personal! I'm out of here. Let's go" Mrs Lockwood said to her husband who excused himself and followed his wife."

"Wait Mary, so you were a stripper?" Mr Patterson asked. I didn't know what to say. I was too afraid to say a word, afraid of slip ups. Not just that. What would he think of me now?

"Yes she was a stripper, was, that's a past tense, you have nothing to be worried about Dad-" John said.

"Nothing to be worried about! Do you have any idea what people will say if they found out?!"

"What are you talking about Dad, She changed and that's what matters!"

"I don't know John I thought you'd do better but a stripper?" Stella scoffed looking at me with disgust.

"Shut up Stella, haven't you done enough! You're no better yourself!" John yelled. At that point, a lot of eyes were already staring.

"Oh Please" Stella hissed as she walked away.

"Tell me son where did you two meet?" Mr Patterson asked furiously.

"Really Dad! You know just when I thought things were getting better, here you are judging someone else, you forget you had a dark past too huh? All you care about is your reputation! That's it!"

Mr Patterson stood still staring at his son, with a little shame across his face.

"Come on Mary lets-" John said grabbing my hand, but I yanked it away from his.

"No" I said with tears already streaming down.

"What? "

"I just need to be alone okay! Just don't follow me"

"Mary, I"

"Don't!"

I started walking away fast to only God knows where. This is a really big house. I kept walking along the hall way and saw two women and I quickly wiped my tears with my hands and decided to ask them where the bathroom was.

"You're almost there just keeping walking down the hall then the third door to your right." one of the women said.

"Young lady, are you alright?" the other asked.

"Oh yes, I'm fine" I said forcing a smile.

"O-okay," she said.

I followed the directions and found the bathroom. A good place to stay alone for a while. I Just hope a scene wasn't created and no one followed me. Obviously a scene was created. I thought to myself.

I sat on the toilet seat taking deep breaths, trying to calm myself down.

"It's no use" I whispered to myself as I started sobbing. Then I heard someone calling my name. Can't I just be alone. "Mary? I know your in here I, I obviously can't barge in, you might be handling your business if you know what I mean... "

The voice said tittering. Now's not the time to joke.

" look, I'm sorry.... it's me Emily. I'm really sorry  about Stella, I just shouldn't have opened my big mouth in the first place. I should have figured out she had history with John.

Look I'm really sorry. At least now I know what she thinks of me." She sighed taking a breath.

"I just want you to know that there's nothing to be ashamed of. I've moved on from my past and I've come to realize that not everyone one has really moved on from theirs. Some people still hold on to shame and.....I'm sorry, could you just say something...please I didn't mean to hurt you-"

"It's okay, you can come in." I said.

She opened the door and walked to me. She shut the door and leaned against it.

"listen.... I'm sorry, I-"

"it's okay" I said wiping my tears with toilet paper.

"I'm not sure if this is the right place to talk-" She stopped as someone knocked on the door.

"Occupied!" She yelled.

We heard footsteps fade at a distance. When Emily was sure the footsteps were gone she began.

"I don't think we should stay here...but"

"If you want to go you can go it's fine." I said to Emily.

"Listen, can I ask you a question?"

I sighed.

"Go ahead"

"Do you believe in God?" what is it and this question.

"yeah" I deadpanned.

"Well, if you do then you'd believe that you're a whole new person and that there's nothing to be ashamed of..... He loves you no matter what and I'm sure you know that"

"There's just, some things I can't run away from, there just some things I can't get out from." I said shaking my head. She doesn't know the half of it.

"Nothing is too big for God to handle. Cast your cares to him because he cares."

"I'm not, I'm not exactly pure-"

"No, don't say that. You think I didn't feel that way before letting Jesus into my life? I felt I wasn't clean, I felt why would God want me. But I grew knowing that he loves me and I should come as I am. He made me whole again. He washed away my sins, by sending he's only son. I was in a whole lot of things before letting God into my life. I was a drug addict. I almost committed suicide, but I realized that God had great plans for my life, and I wanted to live to achieve those plans, even when I felt far from it. And I  also learnt that the devil has already defeated. There's nothing God can't handle. If God is for you, no one can be against you. I want you to know that."

Tears kept rushing down, she knelt down and hugged me. I sniffed struggling to clean my tears as my hands shook.

"You know..." I started,

"I haven't really given my life to Christ, so... "

"Do you want to? Are you ready to?" She asked.

"I think, I mean yes, but is this place?-"

"what's important is that you're giving you're life to Christ." Emily said with a smile and I smiled back.

"Okay repeat after me. " she began. "Lord Jesus"

"Lord Jesus"

"Thank you for laying your life on the cross"

Thank you for laying your life on the cross"

"Thank you for forgiving me and washing away all my sins"

"Thank you for forgiving me and washing away all my sins"

"Thank you for the Holy Spirit"

"Thank you for the Holy Spirit"

"Thank you for I believe you have made me whole"

"Thank you for I believe you have made me whole"

"And I I'm a new creation"

"And I I'm a new creation"

"come into my heart"

"come into my heart"

"From this day on"

"From this day on"

"Till you come to take us Home,"

"Till you come to take us Home,"

"Amen"

"Amen"

Immediately, I felt and unusual peace rush in, almost as if a whole burden was lifted.

"You might not really feel anything, but what's important is that you're saved" Emily said.

"I did, I felt something." I said and she smiled at me.

"Thank you, Emily" I said gratefully.

"It's okay. Now I think someone's looking for you, well John, so let him know you're alright." She said.

"Okay. I just need a moment" I said.

"Alright and don't forget, nothing is too big for God to handle." she said and I nodded.

"Wait, no offence but, I didn't think there'd be a lot of Christians in this industry."

"You mean the business world? Well I wouldn't say there are a lot, but a good number and I didn't grow into it, I was married into it. But, sometimes we all went through the darkness before finding the light."

She gave me a smile

"Take your time." she said.

"I will." She smiled again and walked of the bathroom.

I stayed there for a while. Nothing too big for God to handle huh.

"God, I'm done with Luke, I need to get out. And I believe I will, Amen."

•~•~•

John.....

"Okay I have had enough with you two!" My Mum said walking to my Dad and I.

"This is a celebration and you're both causing a scene, about a week ago you two seem to get along fine now what is it? What is it?"

"Maybe you should ask Dad" I said staring at my Father.

"Is everything okay?" Mr Collins asked concerned as he walked to us.

"No, everything's fine really" my Mom said nervously.

"We'll be right back Mr Collins." She said grabbing our arms.

"It's okay Abraham" My Dad said to him.

"You two outside now" My Mom said dragging us out.

"What is with you two?"

"Mom what's going on?" Alice asked as she followed us out with Samuel.

"It's okay sweetie, nothing to worry about." My Dad said to her.

"Is there anything I can do?" Samuel asked nervously.

"It's nothing Sam" I said to him.

"Where's Mary? " Alice asked drawing her eyebrows together.

"Honey it's fine, okay, we'll talk to you later" My Mum said to Alice. Alice looked at us worried.

"Okay...let's go" She said grabbing Sam's hand.

"Start talking now, Because I have had it"

Mum said pissed. A few people walked passed us looking concerned, but Mum didn't seem bothered.

"She was a stripper Elizabeth." My Dad sighed.

"Was, that's a past tense!" I said glaring at my father.

"Who? Mary? "

"Yes Mom Mary" I replied.

"Even if she was, that was her past. That can't be the reason for this." My Mom said.

"Well it is a big deal for your darling ex-husband here, because he cares a lot about he's reputation, I'm not even sure he cares about mine!"

"What's that supposed to mean? Adam?"

"I..."

"You know what Dad, I don't care what you think about her, She sees me more than you ever will!" I said furiously and walked away.

I wasn't sure where to go to, Mary didn't want to see me, of course I did.  I saw Emily and asked if she Saw Mary, but she said she couldn't find her either.

I left the building and began walking down the street. I sat on a bench, staring at the stars. Maybe I overreacted with my Dad, but how could he say that, we gave him a chance to change, and just when I thought things would get better he makes that comment about his "reputation" what got into him! I took a deep breath and closed my eyes and leaned against the bench, then an unwanted voice called.

"Son?"

"What do you want" I said, my eyes still closed.

The figure came and sat beside me.

"Son, I"

I opened my eyes seeing my Dad. I looked at him then averted my eyes to the street.

"Son, I'm....I'm sorry"

"you're always sorry."

"I know I just....I don't know what to say"

"you don't know what to say..."

"I just don't want you to get hurt"

"is that really what this is about?"

I ask turning to look at him.

"You said it, it's about your reputation, don't tell me anything about you not wanting me to get hurt." I continued.

"Look John......I admit it, for a second there I lost myself. I'm not going to lie to you, but I regret it, and I, I'm really sorry son, that was selfish of me. I didn't realize how you really like this girl."

"Like? I don't like her, I love her Dad, there's a difference."

"I know, I didn't realize you love her. I just got my son back, I don't want to mess that up again, well I did mess it up, but... Believe me son I'm really sorry."

I looked at my Dad, he looked like he was hurting and tired. Tired of trying to make me love him.

I took a deep breath and let it out.

"I believe you, it's just you hurt me and-"

"and I know I did, and I'm sorry, please forgive me."

"I forgive you Dad. I do and....and I." I took a deep breath.

"I love you. I really do" I said finally and my Father's face lit up as if being brought to life.

"I love you too son." We hugged and he patted me on my back as we separated.

"Now let's head back, your Mom is worried. Speaking of your Mother, We're getting back together."

"What!?, wow that's, I knew it, but wow that's good!" I said not sure of the right words to put together, then I hugged my Dad."

"Indeed it is....it is, she's the only woman I need, I can't believe I let her go. Now that I have her back I'll hold on, I'm not letting go this time"

"I really hope you won't"

"Oh yeah?"

"Or you'll have Alice and I and a couple of friends to deal with" I said jokingly raising a fist at him.

"I won't" he said assuringly.

"Seriously Dad, don't" I said firmly.

He smiled.

"I won't"

"Wow well, Alice is gonna flip."

We started walking back to the party, All I could think of was Thank God.... And also Mary too. I have to find her.

Mary's dress.

Alice's dress.

You can imagine it however😊