CLEO’S POINT OF VIEW

The convivial atmosphere greeted me as soon as I stepped inside the bar. From the lazy spin of the fans to the sprawled light of eventide that will soon be starlit black, the place soaks in the ambiance of the exuberant night.

I wasted no time and hurriedly went inside the room designated for us staff and changed my clothes.

"Here's an order on table number eight, Cleo."

I nodded and grabbed the tray filled with liquor and chips from Erick, one of my co-workers.

"Here are your orders, Ma'am and Sir. Enjoy your stay." I smiled at the customers.

I've been a waitress at Obsidian, a resto bar, for almost seven months now. This has become my work ever since I decided to leave Arranmore, our province.

It was a tough decision. I didn't want to flee from the place where I bloomed and thrived. But I was left with no choice. I had to make sacrifices.

"Cleo, table number one."

I was pulled out of my reverie when Erick called my name. I heaved a deep sigh and continued working.

"Table six."

"There's an order on table fifteen."

"Follow up order on eight."

"Give this to table number ten."

I gulped down a glass of water and puffed out a heavy breath. I feel like I will pass out at any moment.

I almost fell over when a woman bumped into me. Instead of saying sorry, she even arched her brow and rolled her eyes at me.

"Stop getting in my way, bitch."

I pacified myself. If I retaliate, that will just worsen the situation.

Besides, this is not the first time that I have encountered an imprudent customer. With the nature of my work, I'm already used to dealing with her kind.

It's already ten in the evening, and people still keep on pouring in. That means our torture is unceasing.

I roamed my eyes around the bar, and my gaze eventually settled on a group of socialites laughing at their table. The expensive liquor served in front of them can vouch that their wallets are sparkling with lavish bills.

They look so carefree and laid-back, as if they don't have problems aside from how they will spend their money. And that honestly made me envious.

I wonder when I will have that kind of life. Where I don't need to go the extra mile just to survive this dismal and wretched world. Where I don't need to work my fingers to the bone just to make ends meet.

I saw my reflection at the stainless walls. My hair is unkempt, my white-colored shirt is crumpled and my face is covered in sweat. I look so freaking terrible.

"Cleo!"

I quickly wiped the tears that fell from my eyes and looked at Callie, our manager.

"Yes?"

"Leave those tables. I need you to serve our VIP customers."

My forehead creased. "Where are the others?"

"Erick's shift ended, he left already. The others are also busy."

I wanted to refuse because I look like an absolute shit, but she left before I could even utter a word.

I sighed. "I guess I have no choice."

I headed to the kitchen and returned the cleaning materials that I used. I washed my hands and abruptly fixed my appearance.

"Here. Bring this on VIP room number three." Callie handed me their orders.

There are five VIP rooms available in Obsidian. Those rooms are intended for people who want a more peaceful atmosphere while they are drinking.

Despite my reluctance, I got the trays containing an ice bucket and beers. There are also platters of chips on the side. I rolled my eyes when I saw that the drinks they ordered were the most expensive ones.

How could people spend so much on liquor?

I mentally slapped my face. I should really stop poking my nose on other people's business. That's their own money anyway.

I carried the trays towards the second floor where the VIP rooms are situated. I turned the knob of the door- that I instantly regretted.

Two motherfuckers are fucking their brains out on the couch. The woman is grinding on the man's lap while the latter is busy putting marks on her neck.

My poor eyes don't deserve to witness such a revolting scene. I feel so violated and harassed.

"Oh God, that feels so good."

My cheeks flushed when she moaned out of the sudden. I averted my gaze and muttered several expletives.

I'm not an innocent person, but for Pete's sake, I didn't wish to witness live porn!

I faked a cough because it seems like they still haven't noticed my presence. And it was effective because finally, they stopped.

"I'm sorry for the disturbance, but here are your orders."

The woman turned to me. I saw how she rolled her eyes and muttered something that I chose to ignore.

Without waiting for their words, I placed the trays on the table across them.

"Just press the buzzer if you need anything more. Have fun."

My eyes accidentally met the man's gaze, and my heart leapt when I saw his ice-cold expression. Those pairs of orbs are void of any emotions, like a bare hollow.

It was only a fleeting moment, but I was able to recognize the exulted aura of dominance that he exudes. His intimidating features stood boldly on his stoic face. His deep-set eyes, aristocratic nose, slightly-furrowed eyebrows, and prominent jawline scream power and nobility.

I looked away when I realized that I've been staring at him for quite a long time already. I don’t want to sow an erroneous assumption on him.

A great sense of relief filled my chest when I finally left the room.

"Cleo, are you okay?"

I threw Callie a quick glance. "I am. Why did you ask?"

"Your cheeks are so red."

I nibbled my lower lip. I'm blushing because I still remember that hideous scene I found when I entered that damn VIP room.

I feigned a smile. "I'm good. Don't worry about me."

She shrugged her shoulders. "If you say so."

I'm glad that she didn't push the topic further. I don't want to slip on my own tongue and tell her that I almost saw some bastards having sex.

I shook my head and drove those thoughts away.

After my shift ended, I went to the apartment where I'm currently living, which is only a few blocks from the resto bar where I work.

I greeted Mrs. Evelyn, the landlady of the apartment, before I went upstairs. She's already used to me going home late because of my job. Luckily, we have no curfew.

I keyed the door and turned the lights on inside my room. I lazily tossed my bag and let myself fall onto the bed.

My phone inside the pocket of my jeans rang all of a sudden. I fished it out, and a smile ran across my lips when I saw my brother's name.

"It's almost eleven in the evening and you're still awake." I shammed a strict voice.

Archeus chuckled on the other line. "Stop it, Cleo. Being strict doesn't suit you at all."

I scoffed. "Whatever. But you haven't answered my question yet. Why are you still awake?"

"I'm studying. We have an exam on Physics tomorrow."

"That's good to hear. Ace your test, Arch."

"I will."

I suddenly miss them. It's been almost a year, but I'm still not used to this melancholic feeling.

Archeus is my younger brother. He's currently a grade nine student, and I'm proud to say that he's one of the achievers in his class. The blood, sweat, and tears that I'm bringing into play are worth it.

"How are you, Cleo?"

My brother's question snapped me out of my trance.

"I'm doing good. I actually just arrived from work when you called."

"Don't push yourself too much. You would hear an earful from mama if she learned that you're stressed because of your work."

I laughed. "You don't need to lecture me. Where is she anyway?"

"She's sleeping right now."

"Did she drink her medications already?"

"Yes.... Actually, that's one of the reasons why I called."

"I knew it."

"Hey! Why do you sound like I only call you when I need something?"

I burst out laughing. "Stop being so thin-skinned. Come on, spill it."

There was a brief moment of silence between the two of us. I can hear the sounds of crickets on the other line, and it's giving me a sense of nostalgia. I miss the silent and tranquilizing night in our province. The sounds of crickets. The whisper of the wind.

I rarely feel that kind of serendipity here on Merrion. The city is filled with traces of cosmopolitan life, colossal buildings and establishments, traffic and street clamor.

"Arch, I'm waiting."

I heard him sigh.

"Mama's medication is running out, and I need to buy her new tablets next week."

I closed my eyes and kneaded my head which suddenly throbbed.

Aside from supporting Archeus' study, this is one of the major reasons why I have decided to fly to the city- even though I didn't really want to.

My mother was diagnosed with stage three chronic kidney disease

CKD

more than a year ago, only a few months after my father's death.

It was a huge setback in our lives. We were buried in debt and underwent financial suffering. The income that we earned from the portion of land that we leased is scarcely enough for our daily necessities.

That's what forced me to find a job outside our province- to earn money for her treatment. CKD can't be cured, but a patient who has been diagnosed with this disease might have a longer life expectancy through dialysis, which costs an arm and a leg.

And being the breadwinner of our family, I was left with no choice but to take a risk.

I didn't want to... but I had to.

"Cleo? Are you still there?"

I took a deep breath. "Y-Yeah. Sorry for spacing out. Anyway, aside from her medication, what else do you need?"

"Uh, nothing. That's all."

I rolled my eyes. "Come on, Arch. I know you too well from every strand of your hair to the smell of your fart. And I know that you're lying to me right now."

"You're so disgusting!”

I can already imagine his crumpled face.

"Whatever. Just answer my question."

"I said nothing-"

"Archeus Saphiro Remington."

He hissed, but didn't dare to retaliate. He knows that I'm dead serious the moment I call him by his full name.

"Fine. We have a science congress this coming month, and I kind of want to attend, but it requires money so maybe I'll pass-“

"Join that event." I cut his words with conviction. "I will send you the money as soon as tomorrow. Goodnight, bro. Sleep as soon as you finish your assignments."

I didn't wait for his response and pressed the end button. I knew that he would convince me not to do that, and we'd end up having an argument.

While staring at the ceiling, I reflected on my current situation. The suffering that I endured for the past few years compelled me to confront life in a different way.

I know how cruel this world can be. Hence, I learned how to be tough in this ferocious jungle called life where only the red-blooded can survive.

I heaved out a deep sigh and pulled the blanket over my body. I need to stop letting those gloomy thoughts plug into my mind, or else I will crumble down.

The last thing that I saw before I closed my eyes was the jagged streak of light that passed through my window.