Chapter 01: A mysterious boy

He pulled me closer by the waist, and was getting his way with my lips. He kissed me passionately, inserting his tongue and created a rhythm I followed.

I couldn't breathe, but I have no strength to push him away. I panted, kissing sounds filling the air, like our mouth's dwelling with each other.

I caresses his nape, and touches his hair while his hands are roaming my body.

He led me closer to the bed, and gently pushed me on it. He, then, gets on top of me with an eyes full of desire and admiration. He immediately removed his necktie, and unbuttoned his polo fastly, causing some buttons to be removed and fell on the ground.

"Alright— Cut!" the director ordered. He clapped while looking at me, grinning. Josefino stood up, and lent me a hand. While I was standing up the director walked towards us, "Maxine, you're really amazing! Thanks to you we can go home early." he sounds very pleased with my performance.

I gave him a smile, "Oh director, you're fluttering me. Josefino also did a great job." I tried to sound as cheerful as possible, knowing that this director is very sensitive as they have said. The director chuckled, "Yes he did. How about I treat you to coffee?" he offered, but I refused.

"Oh you don't have to do that sir, my manager already got a drink of mine." I uttered. He seems disappointed but just went to Josefino to have some fun, must be to restore his ego.

I sighed. I was about to go to the dressing room when Alexandria, my manager, went up to me looking worried. "Maxine, I'm sorry but I have emergency at home. I hired a driver for you, you take care!" she said and immediately ran outside. I wonder what emergency that is.

I didn't even have the chance to refuse her offer of a driver.

It's a tiring day that has now became night. I was dressing up in the dressing room in my own clothes after shooting several scenes of the movie I was leading—The Massacre.

I am Maxine Golubev, a russian actress who's near retirement. Although I'm too young to retire, now that I've saved up money, I can now live the life I've always wanted; to live peacefully in the countryside. And to be honest with you, I have a business in there.

We just have one more scene to shoot at dawn, so I hurriedly went out to bid goodbye to the staffs and walked to the parking lot. I saw the driver my manager hired, since she has some emergency to take care of she won't be able to drive me home.

"Good evening madam." he uttered as he opens the back seat door but I stopped him politely. "Uhm sir, I'm sorry for your inconvenience but I would really like to drive by my own." an awkward look in my face and an awkward laugh I gave him, but he just bowed and stepped aside.

That was surprising, I thought he'll insist. I rummage inside my bag to look for my wallet and took out some cash, "Well, that's the only cash I have for now. I'm really sorry." I handed it to him, and he obediently took it.

"Ma'am, I am your new driver. This is not part-time, in case you don't know." he said seriously.

"Oh I see..." I slowly nodded continuesly while trying to go inside the car on the driver's seat, maintaining contact. I saw him sigh, "Take care, madam Maxine." he bowed again. I suppose that's a sign for me to start driving.

I started the engine and waved him goodbye before taking off.

I stopped at a café to have some coffee. Yes, I lied about my manager having my drink, or so it wasn't before. I asked Alexandria to buy me coffee after the shooting but she wasn't able to since she was interrupted by emergency.

I went back to my car, enjoyed my coffee for a moment when I saw something in the dark alley. I hear cries from that. Even though I'm afraid, I gathered the courage to went up to check, using the flashlight of my phone. And there, I saw a boy crying in the corner, sitting with his head lying on his hands that's on top of his knees. He seems to be around 7-10 years old.

When the flashlight hits him, he looked up and paused his crying. "Oh lord. Hello boy, what are you doing in an alley as dark as a void alone? Did you get lost?" I squatted in front of him to level our eyes. He has some beautiful green eyes, and it seems like he's ginger.

He sniffled and shook his head as a response to my question. "I'm used to dark..." he muttered and wiped his tears. "Where's your parents then? Why are you crying? Hmm?" I asked.

"Mama's not here and papa." he responded. I was shocked, but maybe he lives with his relatives like his aunt?

"Then where do you live? I'll give you a ride. Come, it's dirty there." I said and stood up. I reached out my hand to him, and he gladly took it.

We walked towards my car and I let him seat at the back since kids aren't really allowed to be in the front seat. But he's tall for his age, nice genes huh.

"I...have no home." the kid suddenly spoke, sadness filling his face as he kept his head low. My eyes widened, in disbelief.

But now that I think of it, he reminds me of my old self. No parents, no house to live in at such a young age, and no one willing to take me in.

My chest suddenly tightened. Thinking of my past really makes my heart ache literally. It must be too painful that even my heart could not bear for once, let alone my mind yet it still reminds me irregularly.

I glanced at the boy from the mirror. He looks depressed and helpless, I can't help but feel sorry for him. Of course, he reflects me, still, any human being should feel sympathy for a kid like him— he's too young.

He said he has no home, and it's dark at night it's dangerous, I guess I have to take him home for now.

"Kid, are you hungry?" I asked as I took a sip of my coffee. He glanced at me, "Iñigo. My name's Iñigo." his voice that is once low became louder. And as he said his name, his stomach answered my question by growling.

I giggled and smiled at him, "Let's go eat, Iñigo."

After an endless turn of directions to find a restaurant or a fast food chain that's still open, we finally set foot to a Filipino restaurant. There's no costumers inside, must be because it's already night. We sat in the middle section near the wall and a waiter gave us their menu.

"You order whatever is to your liking, don't be shy~" I uttered, giving him an assuring smile then got back to checking out their dishes.

"I still don't know your name, older sis." he said, looking at me with such down eyes, as if he's been waiting. What an interesting kid.

"My name is Maxine. You can just call me Xine." I answered as he nodded.

We are done eating and is now in the car, taking our stomach to rest. Their dishes are too delicious, I would definitely come back here. It's also a good thing they don't recognize me or they didn't disturb us with wanting autographs, but maybe they just don't know me.

We have arrived to my home. I picked Iñigo up since he fell asleep on the car while we're on our way. I didn't bother waking him up, and to my surprise he's lighter than he looks.

I put him down on my bed and covered him with blankets. Then I went downstairs to pour myself some water.

What Iñigo said kept on repeating in my mind. A precious child like him being abandoned with no one to take care of him is just terrible yet unbelievable. Now that I think about it, he looks very clean and healthy for someone that is homeless. His sneakers are even new, and his hair is freshly washed. Could he have lied? Speaking of which, he looks mixed, but I can still see the russian in him.

But why would he lie? Maybe he ran away from home today? That's why he's clean. Still, why would he run away? I can't stop my doubts about the kid. But I still sympathize with him. Nevertheless, everything has its reason, and he must have too.

I suppose I will take care of him from now on, so that he would not feel unappreciated and lonely—I'll make sure of that.