It's Real

I woke the next day in the bedroom especially for me and Sarah. Whoever works here at night can sleep in this area comfortably. I looked for my phone immediately to look for the time. Luckily, my phone is on top of the bedside table. I don't really how I manage to come here after last night. I remember drinking a lot but I can't remember every detail of what happened. It's already half past 10 in the morning. I got up immediately and found Sarah in the reception area.

"Why didn't you wake me up? Sorry, I should have helped you clean the area. Were there are a lot of empty cans and wrapper in here?" I asked Sarah.

"I didn't wake you up because I can guess that the man upstairs disturbed you the whole night like what he did to me the other night. And what empty can are talking about? I didn't see any cans in here."

"Really? Did I put them away before sleeping? I should throw the trash!"

"I already did. Don't worry about it. The bin was almost empty. There were no cans in it?"

"That's strange. Where did I put them?"

"Did the two of you drink? What sort of things did he ask you?"

"He told me that you told him about me, about my past." It reminded me the feeling of betrayal I had last night when I found out that Sarah told him.about my life.

"Sorry, I didn't have a choice. I didn't want to tell him anything about you but he never stopped asking. He even bribed me of furniture and stuff for our motel and I finally gave in. If you were here that time, I'm sure you would understand me."

"That's fine. He seems like a good person so I guess there's no problem if he finds out about my past."

"We talked about you the whole night, do you know? He kept asking me questions about you. At first, I was hesitant but he said he is a CEO of one company and he was just curious about you. Did he tell anything about him?"

"He mentioned some things. Maybe he also told you about them."

"He never talked abou himself except for the fact that he's the owner of a company. I tried to ask him but he always changed the subject. He's very reserved."

But that was not the man I talked to last night. He was willing to share information about him. He even asked me to marrt him! I finally remember some details that we talked about!

"Why? What's the problem? Did he tell you anything surprising? How long will he stay in this town? Will he send us the furniture he promised soon?" Sarah asked continuously.

"I remembered something. Athena needs me now so I have to go home. Should I come here tonight to replace you or I'll just come here tomorrow?"

"You should be the one staying here at night. I'm an old woman and I can't stay awake the whole night. I'm sure he will try to talk to me again if I stay here. While he is still our guest, can you work at night?" Sarah suggested.

"Okay, I understand."

"Go home now then. I'm sure Athena already misses you a lot."

"Thanks Sarah."

I got out from the building as fast as I can and took the motorbike parked in front of the motel. This was given to me by John on our first year here. He said it was not being used by anyone so he just gave it to me as a present.

Athena is now being taken care of by Dorothy who seems to be so fond of her.

"Thank you for always taking care of her." I said.

"It's always a pleasure to be with this sweet kid." She then pecked Athena on the cheek. "You look tired. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I didn't have enough sleep last night because of our guest, but I'm okay."

I brought Athena home, gave her a shower and fed her. After teaching her how to color some pictures, she fell asleep. Just staring atbher sleep aoundly gives me peace of mind. What if that man really filed for my divorce with my husband? Was he serious in proposing marriage to me? Can he really help us stop from hiding? I miss my mom and Annie a lot. They are the only people I want to meet back home. I haven't seen them since I left that place. I was always praying to see them again or hear any news about them but eversince we arrived here, I never had a chance to talk to them again. I always lived in fear since then, always worried that Geoff would finally see us. I am willing to take any help from anyone who could promise that I shouldn't be scared of my past anymore.

After cleaning the house, I decided to cook food for dinner. I'm sure Danny is hungry when she arrives. I also have to leave before 7 and go to the motel so Sarah can take a rest.

Danny came home after 5 as usual. I wanted to tell her about what happened last night but after a careful thought, I realized it is unnecessary. I'm sure the guest in the motel already forgot what he said, about the divorce and the marriage. I'm sure he was just drunk so he said those things. I have to remind myself not to keep my hopes so high or I will just be hurt.

As planned, I left my place before 7 to the motel. I didn't want to leave Athena but I had to work.

I reached the motel and saw a note from Sarah on the reception desk.

"Joan, I'm sorry I had to leave the motel before you arrived. I have migraine and I felt nauseated the whole afternoon. I really wanted to take a rest. See you tomorrow.

- Sarah"

"She could just have called to come here earlier." I tols myself.

The motel is usually clean and Sarah is really good in organizing stuff so I didn't have to do anything that night. I checked what things our sole guest has requested or should I say demanded but there is nothing. He didn't order anything nor asked for an extra towel or a change of linens. Seems strange. Maybe Sarah just didn't write it down.

I tried to forget about the guest and got the book from my bag and started reading. I was hooked with the story when he finally showed up.

"Do you ne-ed any, anything, Sir?" I said awkwardly. I hope he didn't notice that I stutter.

"Did you have dinner?" He asked.

"I, I, ate something, yes I already had dinner. Sir."

"I will buy something to eat from the convenience store. Doyou need anything? I can get it for you."

"No, sir. Nothing."

"Okay." He said looking puzzled and left.

What's wrong with me? Why do I feel uncomfortable in front of him? Did anything happen last night? I really can't remember what happened. I only remembered his story and his weird proposal. I hoped he doesn't mention anything about it again.

Like last night, he came back with a big plastic bag. He put it on the reception desk and started putting out its contents. It has a container which I think has rice and a viand in it, bread, bags of chips, bottles of juice and of course, many cans of beer, again.

"Ah, I forgot something. Please wait!" He then went for the stairs and disappeared from sight. How can I pretend to be okay in front of him?

He came back with a folder in hand. "As promised, my lawyers send these to me this afternoon. I talked to them for maybe 3 hours this morning so they can understand you situation fully. I also had a hard time looking for a printer in this place, I spent two hours asking many people if they have printer at home and finally, I found one. Here!"

"What is that?" I asked. I couldn't believe that would keep what he said last night. I had to admit that a art of me hoped that it was true but I never expected anything.

"Divorce papers. My lawyers drafter this one carefully so your husband couldn't reject what's in it."

"What if he doesn't sign it?"

"He will, I'm sure of it. If he doesn't, my lawyers have to make their move."

I wnted to cry after hearing what he said. Can I really be free soon?

"You can read it first before signing but I hope we can send them back to my lawyers tomorrow morning. I found a fax machine somewhere and the owner promised that I can use it tomorrow."

I statmrted browsing the papers. It's real!

"And this paper here are some wedding portfolio. We have to choose what we will have for our wedding."

"Are you also serious in marrying me?"

"You already said yes last night. Don't tell me you're backing out?"

There was silence for a moment.

"I just want to know if you are sure..."

"I'm certain. You will be my next wife! And that is final!"