Part 21
I recalled a charity event organized by one of the grassroot committee members who happened to be also a member of the church. He had been soliciting for participants and donations in vain for 2 weeks. I could tell from the cold response from the mainly upper middle class members within the church. The younger members bound by traditions to submit to the higher management as it is a virtue to ‘yield to authorities’ in the Christian sense so much that it was taken literally without sense. This was because of the extensive involvement of labour when doing the actual distribution and also the recipients were mainly from the poorer layers in the society. Having the younger generations participating it will reflect badly on the management. No networking or glory worth for such, therefore an uphill task to get help in the church. Immediately, I picked up my mobile phone and called Timothy, the grassroot member. I promised a modest donation and offered my labour. He was delighted to receive my offer and made plans to arrange for a meeting with me after I return.
The church spoke about life against debauchery and abstinence. Leading a quality spiritual lifestyle. But they became the evil they loathed. What was the difference between a man who abstains from sex outside marriage and one who refuse aid to those who need. Except one who openly acknowledges that he is a sinner while the other dons a layer of pretense and play the high and mighty benchmark we all rely on.
Greatly enlightened, I felt a load off my chest, I went back to bed and fell into deep slumber. So deep and pleasant as though I have not slept for days.
Part 22
Geoffrey woke me up in the late afternoon by calling. I struggled to get up still feeling lethargic. He arranged for me to meet him at the lobby before we will go for dinner with Benjamin at a nearby mall.
“I hope you had a good nap because tonight will be your last night here. We should make the best out of it.” Geoffrey said.
I smiled and without my initial pretense, I said, ”Where do you want to go tonight?” I thought for a short while and asked if he wants to go to Mystique again.
Geoffrey was very open to the idea but he thought if I should change my location by trying something different. “Haha.. you are my teacher in this, I will just go wherever you suggest.”
Utterly flattered, Geoffrey roared in laughter, “Good! Let’s go for some clubbing tonight!” He was very clearly pleased that I have totally shed off the shyness he thought I had. But in fact, it was the hypocrisy nurtured by Christianity since I was a child.
The second seminar was of a smaller scale catered only to less than 15 people. But these 15 people come mostly from the upper most layer in the Phlippino elite class. The criticality of this event surpasses the one yesterday greatly. Naturally Marco was seated as one of the participant. Questions were raised and doubts were casted during the seminar I regards to cost and logistics issue. I found that they weren’t the least interested in the technical issues given our good track record. But as usual, top managements are always more keen on the numbers.
I managed to address the issues from the audiences even though some were rather apprehensive initially. The event concluded with unanimous applause that gave me a good reason to heave a long sigh of relief.
Several attendees came to me and we exchanged namecards while Geoffrey stood by the side and looked in satisfaction. I believed at that moment I have regained my foothold in his impression of me.
As usual, Geoffrey asked Benjamin and myself to return to the rooms for a shower before meeting him at the lobby in 30 minutes.
Part 23
Knowing our agenda tonight, I unpacked the 3 pieces of condoms I bought earlier shortly after dinner and slipped them all into my pockets. While putting on my shoes, I saw a received SMS left unread. I opened it up and saw a message in broken English.
The contents were simple. I knew at once it was sent from the woman I met today outside Marco’s office. She thanked me for the help I gave her and hope that she was not causing me any disturbance by getting my number from one of my friends I reckoned it was Geoffrey. She identified herself as Regina and she offered to pay me that 3000pesos I gave her brother in the morning.
Honestly, I gave Regina’s brother on impulse. It wasn’t a great sum and I never intended for her to return anyway. So I just replied ‘No need.’ And dropped my mobile phone into my pocket before heading down to meet Geoffrey.
Like yesterday, Geoffrey was sitting at the foyer with his eyes closed.
“Hey bro.” I tapped him on his shoulder, “Is Benjamin here yet?”
Geoffrey looked around and said, “I think he is still in his room.”
As we were sitting down, our thoughts somehow synchronized and we started to discuss about our plans for the night. No doubt the potential of reaping a different breed of fun seems tempting, Geoffrey however thought about it and relayed his worries about cost and familiarity.
Part 24
“You’ve yet to had your fun enough in Mystique. Why don’t we go over there since we’re more familiar with the place.” Geoffrey finally relented to his discomfort. He was more keen on going to the places he is more familiar. Being familiar gives him negotiation leverage and thus exploits the situation more efficiently.
“Your wish is my command,” I replied positively to Geoffrey.
Benjamin joined us shortly and we headed off to Mystique again for our final night of merry-making.
The spectacle in the dance hall no longer provokes me. But I embraced my new revelation. We walked to the table and sat there. Geoffrey asked what type of girl do I need for the night. I thought for a while before expressing my satisfaction with Natasha.
Geoffrey immediately got the gist of my expression and asked for Natasha to come to our table. Endless bottles of San Miguel were served to our table while we indulge in our seemingly unending session of revelry.
When the intoxication got the better of me, I began to wonder if I can insert my dick into Natasha again that night.
“The hall is very noisy. Shall we go to the room and chat?” I turn to ask Natasha suggestively. She smiled and gave me a playful pat on my thigh. The earlier series of bantering on top of our earlier encounter the night before laid the carpet for a much more comfortable communicating platform.
Exactly like last night, I spoke to Geoffrey about my desire of entering the room, he beckoned to the mummy who quickly ushered us into a room this time nearer to our table.
Being familiar with the procedure this time, I paid the man who came in with the warm towel promptly. I told him I have condoms with me so I don’t need to buy any. But the tip I gave him earlier was good enough for him to feel utmost gratitude.
As I made myself comfortable on the sofa, Natasha came to me and laid her head on my shoulder.
The privacy gave us better comfort to do things we did not have the courage to do outside.
“This is my second time here, can you tell me more about yourself?” I began to probe, “you said it’s a secret about your family last night. Can you tell me more about your family tonight?”
Part 25
Natasha pondered for a moment. Her hesitation almost made me relent. But she suddenly spoke up,”I have mother, sister and brother.”
“What about your father?” I asked in curiosity over her omission of the head of the household.
“I don’t know. He disappeared.” Natasha replied. I could feel some grief in the way she answered.
It must be tremendous to share the burden of supporting the family. I learnt that Natasha is the oldest child making her assume the role of a breadwinner naturally. Little did I know for a moment that she was the sole breadwinner.
“No, my mother no work. Cannot find job.” Natasha added.
“What about your brother and sister?” I asked further.
So Natasha took out her mobile phone and started to show me some pictures. “This is my sister.” A girl in her school uniform was seen in the illuminated screen. Then she scrolled to the next few picture and told me, “This is my brother,” she paused briefly before adding, ”he is sick.”
But as I looked at the picture, I reckoned he was a drug addict instead. I worry what Natasha takes home also goes to his dreaded addiction.
“I hope your sister will never have to work here.” I said. This somehow touched Natasha’s heart tremendously. She nodded very much in agreement. She explained that she is here to earn money so that her sister can also continue her studies. It became apparent that Natasha cares a lot for this sister. “Does she know you are working here?” I asked to be certain of my hunch.
“No.” Natasha said,”I don’t want her to be sad.”
Her agony was seemingly disturbing to my newborn revelation.
This disturbance was soon broken when Natasha scrolled to another picture of her in very elaborate costume. Just as beautiful as she was in person, she explained to me that this picture was taken during a ceremonial ritual back in her hometown also known as ‘Segala’. The most prettiest girl and handsome young man will don the most beautiful costume and parade with a convoy for the Catholic faith in Philippines. Little wonder why Natasha was selected.
“I hope your mother does not know you are working here.” I said to Natasha while stroking her long hair.
“I tell her I work in casino.” Natasha replied.