Chapter 02: Nightmare

["Mom? Dad?" little Maxine looks around the void that surrounds her. She couldn't see nor sense a thing, hence her body refuses to move an inch.

"Where are you..." seeking for warmth that she doesn't know will never come, her voice trembled. Her eyes became hot, and tears came running down her cheeks. She curled herself, holding her legs as she uncontrollably sniffles.

"Mom... it's so dark.." she mumbled and continued on shedding tears.

Little Maxine felt misery as she's left alone in the dark, no one to hear her cries and plea. She felt so alone, and helpless that only she can think of what to do is to cry out herself.

But her entreaty was heard and answered, when a light shines in front of her. A light from another room that was shown by opening a door to the darkness.

Little Maxine lifted her head, and saw a woman reaching out her hand for her. The woman's face was unclear, it was blurred. Maybe because of Maxine's tears that made her vision fuzzy. And without hesitation, little Maxine took the woman's hand, and flew to another darkness.]

"Ahh!" I suddenly woke up, panting and gasping for air. My body's covered with sweat, my eyes are widened, and my hair is messy. "Another nightmare..." I mumbled to myself.

I sat up, and kneaded my temple. I looked for my phone and checked the clock; it was still 3 in the morning.

I got up and drank water, then went to the terrace where I sat on one of the seats in there.

I breathe the fresh air deeply, admiring the beauty of the city lights and it's tranquility. The wind passed through me, feeling the breeze of the early morning without the sun.

I never thought I would experience a feeling like this in this city full of gases and polluted air, that fake nature was much more than the nature itself. Plastics everywhere, and trash that was not disposed properly. Never thought it could actually bring equilibrium to me, when all it had ever done was to appeal to the outside world, like a scam.

Although my house was located in an isolated area, whereas no one really passes by. It was surrounded by trees and grasses with flowers on the side that shines by the reflection of the moon.

It was quite, and calming.

I was enjoying the view when I noticed the time again; it's already 4. The moon begins to sink, losing the source of light in the darkness of the night.

I sighed and went back inside. I walked towards my bedroom to check on Iñigo. He's still asleep and sound.

Although that made me feel relief, I really don't know what to do about him.

I've come to my senses that he had fight with his parents and because of anger he denies them and ran away. I also don't know his surname, therefore I really couldn't trace his parents, unless they post regarding his absence.

I searched on social media and the police's reports of missing persons, but his name and face wasn't there. He was not reported or anything of sort. "Maybe they really abandoned him?" I asked myself. But no point in worrying that now when I have work later on. So I erased my thoughts and ought to dress up.

When I was now in my car, I texted Alexandria to tell my new driver to come to my villa in the morning when the sun rises. I would like him to take care of Iñigo while I am shooting.

After sending the text, I put down my phone and drove to the shooting location.

The director and the staffs are already there when I arrived, even Alexandria. I came up to her and gave her my bag, but she stopped me by running her mouth. "Who's the child?" she straight asked. I looked at her and smirked, her expression is something mixed of suspicion and confusion.

"A child I brought from the street. I found him yesterday night, in the dark alley where I buy my usual evening coffee." I answered. She nodded while looking at me as if she's not convinced, but she still took my bag when the director came to us.

"Well good morning Miss Maxine! You're very early, we'll start shooting when Josefino arrives. Have some coffee while waiting!" the director cheerfully offered and leads the way.

Me and Alexandria followed him, showing him our gratitude for the offer.

[Time lapse]

It is now 11 a.m. when the ending scene was done being shoot. We applaud for everyone's effort and hardwork, and was planning to drink with the investors.

"Director, I'm sorry but I couldn't come. I don't have time." I said to him privately. This made him furrow his eyebrows, and looked at me as if I am an ungrateful bitch.

"Look Maxine, I really need you to attend this one. The investors invested a ton of money because of you! If you don't show up then the movie might not get released." He responded seriously.

I don't attend gatherings, nor parties in particular especially if it's not public. I entertain the people, not the industry..

"Please?" his voice was high-pitched as he plead, he even joins his hands to convince me.

I sighed, once he does this I don't know if I will be able to escape by excuses. I worry about my personal life, but I also appreciate the movie so much. If it's not released then it's such a waste.

I paused for a second and stared at his persuasive expression.

"Fine." I finally agreed. His entreaty was changed into joy. He clapped his hands, "Great!" he cried. I was about to leave when he shouted my name, "Maxine! Today's evening, alright!" he yelled.

I don't understand the point of shouting my name when you just intend to remind, it is embarrassing. But I shook it off by giving him an awkward smile and just waved.

Alexandria still carries my bag, but I want it back.

I pulled the strap to give her a signal that I want my bag, but she glared at him and shoved it away from my hand. "What are you doing? Give me my bag." I demanded.

"No." she shortly answered. That quite annoyed me but I let it go by sighing since we're on the same direction.

We went inside the car, as usual she will be the driver. "Right, did you send the guy to my house? How's it going?" I asked her and wore the seatbelt. She made herself comfortable before even looking at me.

She opened her phone and checked on something, "Hmm, he's doing fine I guess. He didn't report back to me." she finally responded.

"Anyway, you sure he's a stray? Or I mean, an orphan? Really. And you took care of him?" her voice is as shocked. I squinted at her face that has no trust in my words of Iñigo.

"If you don't believe me you can see him. I'm planning on buying clothes for him anyway." I said as I look away.

Her eyes even widened and she made a ridiculous expression.

"What? You his momma or something? You didn't even legally adopted him." she protested. I sighed and rises my hand on my forehead. "Alexandria, the kid is homeless. Now he's staying at MY place TEMPORARILY, without nothing. You really think I'll let him wear the same outfit over and over again? Let's just go."

Without any word, she started the engine. She became quiet, and also observant of me. But I was tired and took the opportunity to sleep while I can. Because later, we'll go shopping, and I can't afford to be looking haggard with a caked up make-up.

Although they gave me a natural look, the foundation they put is too much. Now I'm doubting their professionalism and skills.

We are now at my place in the middle of a forest. Alexandria parked the car while I got out to get inside first.

When I got in, the scene before me is too cute it felt like Cupid struck me in the heart. Iñigo was playing with the driver, both smiling happily and enjoying their company.