The Exposure

Tonight is the first time I will not be able to sleep beside my Athena. I never thought I would be able to love someone like this in my whole life. I guess being a mother is indeed the best profession ever. Normally, having a guess in the motel doesn't stop me nor Sarah from going home. We could just leave our phone numbers to the guests and tell them to give us a ring when they need something. We were never worried something in the hotel might go missing. Marshville is a very small town and you cannot go anywhere without anyone noticing. All people know who the residents here are and we treat each other like a family so no one would dare to do something bad to anyone on us, let alone steal from any property.

I bought a sandwich from the convenience store for my dinner. I can cook something in the motel kitchen but I feel lazy to do so and I also don't want to get anything in there without paying. I was immersed in the book I was reading when the sole guest showed up.

"I will buy beer. Would you like some?" He offered.

"No, thanks. I don't really drink." He nodded as a reply. I don't know why I don't feel any sympathy for him. His story never left any impression on me. I guess this is because I find it hard to trust men again. I was so stupid in the past to fall for people who just broke my trust. Never again.

He came back with a big plastic bag in hand.

"Would you mind if I drink here? I don't want to drink alone in my room. I bought juice and chips for you." He said.

Though I am not in the mood to talk with anyone, I have to say yes. I nodded and continued looking at the book I was reading. He grabbed a wooden chair in the side and put it in front of the reception area. He put all the things inside the bag out and I couldn't help but be surprised to what I saw!

"Are you going to drink all of that?" I asked. There were more than ten cans of beer in front of me and around five bags of chips. There were also three bottles of juice with different flavors.

"I couldn't sleep these days so I need this. I got these flavors for you. I don't know which you like so I got three." He said with a smile. It was my first time to see him smiling and he is kind a cute.

"Are you planning to get drunk?" I asked.

"I bought a lot just in case you want to drink with me, you know."

"I have work. Actually, I'm working now, so I can't drink and I didn't drink alcohol for a long time." I don't remember when the last time was. Maybe those were the times I really want to forget. He opened one can of beer and started drinking.

"What do you want to drink from these three? Let's start with the pineapple. I'm sure you would like it." He uncapped the juice and handed it to me. It has been a long time since someone did that to me. Or did anyone do it for me? I got the juice and put the book aside. I was already into the story but this guy is just so insensitive!

"What's your daughter's name?"

"Athena."

"Cute name. How old is she?"

"She's only two."

"Would you mind talking about the father? Where is he?"

"Maybe dead. I don't know. I don't have any idea and I am also not curious."

"Were you born and raised in here?"

"Nope."

"I wish I can live in here. I want a very simple life, you know. Away from expectations, from judgmental people. I want this kind of life."

"What kind of life do you have?"

"Would you believe me if I say I'm the owner of JBC Entertainment?" I just looked at him when he said that. JBC Entertainment is the biggest entertainment company in the country. They manage famous artists and launched internationally acknowledged films all over the world. They have a TV network which is broadcasted on free TV and some cable channels as well. They also have a music label with renowned music artists.

"Let me show you," he said. He typed something on his phone then showed me picture. It is JBC's website showing his picture as the CEO of the company. I couldn't believe what I was looking at. He looked a little different from the picture because he looks older now but it is undoubtedly him.

"What are you doing here? You could have gone to other countries if you want to travel."

"I don't want to do anything. I didn't have any plan. The next thing I know I want to leave so I packed some clothes and went to the train station. I asked the ticket officer to give me a ticket for their farthest destination and I am here." Why does the story sound familiar?

"Now I know why you are so demanding. I guess you are used to getting everything you want from others and no one wants to disappoint you."

"Not really. I have loved only one woman in my life and she disappointed me, now I couldn't have her."

"We can't get everything we want in life."

"You said you are not from here, how did you get here?" He asked.

"Long story."

"I have all night to listen." I didn't notice he already drank 2 cans of beer.

"Wow. Don't you think you're drinking too fast?"

"I won't get drunk with just beer. Wait here, I will buy more. I have to be up the whole night so I can listen to your story." He got up immediately before I can even say a word. How can a rich and powerful man like him sound and look so sad?

I tapped my arm strongly. "Stop it Jez. You shouldn't believe a man that easily. Don't forget what happened to you." I told myself. I had to remind myself about it from time to time.

After a few minutes, he came back with another big plastic bag and as expected he bought more cans of beer and bags of chips.

"Are you sure you can finish everything?" I asked.

"We will finish them together. Or if not, we still have tomorrow. I can stay here as long as I want." He said sounding so confident. I wish he is just kidding. I can't stand to be with him for another week in this motel. He opened two cans of beer this time then gave me one. "You don't need to follow my pace. You can drink that for the whole night, it is fine with me."

I can't help but stare at this man in front of me. He looks cuter and manly when you look at him for a longer time. I drank beer just to drive that thought away.

"So, let's go back to your story. How did you come here? How did you know this place?"

"I have some relatives here. I decided to live with them when I got pregnant." I lied.

He laughed loudly. "You are lying! I already know your story. Sarah told me last night!"

"What did she tell you?"

"Everything. Since the night she met you and the other girl, I forgot her name."

"Danny!"

"Yeah, her!"

"Did you also drink with Sarah last night?!"

"I drank. I bought her coffee so she could keep awake. And I listened to her stories. She is an interesting woman."

"How could you let her stay awake the whole night. No wonder she got sick!"

"I asked if she wanted to take a rest but she said no."

"Where are the cans of beer from last night? Why didn't I see them from the bin?"

"I don't know maybe she brought them home."

"Why are you still asking me how I got here when you already know the answer?"

"I just want to check if it's true." He said, still smiling. I want to punch him!

"What is the guy's name, I forgot. I searched for him last night. It starts with a G!"

"She also told you his name?"

"Yeah. He is a rich guy but there are not so much information about him on the internet. Ah! Geoff Park! He owns a 5-star hotel and some businesses."

How could Sarah tell about my story to this man. Who knows if he is a friend of Geoff, or what if he is a spy and he wants to get Athena from me. I will never allow anyone to touch her. They have to kill me first.

"Don't worry, I don't know your husband personally. Still husband, right? Maybe I met him in one of the events but I can't remember him. If you need protection from him, I can help you with that."

I can't believe what's happening. I don't know if I can trust this person. He now know my story. I feel scared again, the same feeling I got when I escaped from Geoff. What if he finds me and Athena because of this man?