CHAPTER 34

The next day, I was woken up by the notification sound that I was getting on my cell, nonstop. What the hell? I took my cell and started checking. My number was added to so many groups on What's Up by Tristian. What the hell was going on?

After so many years, when one bastard showed up, my past left-out things started showing up one by one. Is this just a start? I started checking the notifications. Today they were throwing a party for Joshua, and I was invited. Like hell, I would go. Tristian also created a separate group by only including my old ex-friends. They were fucking chatting over in the group, trying to include me too. Tristian was asking whether I was coming to the party, followed by everyone. They were pleading. Where the hell were they when I needed them most? Why fucking now? Why fucking did that bastard show up?

Something fishy was going on, and, like hell, I was going to attend any fucking party. It was still morning, and already my mood was off, but that didn't mean I was going to be deprived and stuck over here. I got freshened up and left my flat.

It was noon, and notifications were still flowing. I started getting personal messages from everyone with only one question: whether I was going to attend the party or not. Why the hell would I? Why the hell are they keen on getting my answer? Why the hell was my presence required at that party? I blocked those who were sending me personalized messages but didn't exit from any groups.

"I hope everything is ok with you." "It's only getting better and better." "Can I get further explanation on that statement?" "Trust me, you don't want to know anything." "Can't you open up a bit more? It will be helpful to understand you better, and I will update my flirting method." "Can't you for once be a normal guy you know like a gentleman?" "Are you going to give me a heart attack, gentleman? We don't get along, at least not at this birth. By coughing, please don't expect such nonsense from me." "Yeah, right. "So," "So, what?" "That guy with whom you have been chatting for the past few days—are you going to meet him? What's his name? I can't remember bastards who keep snatching you from me." David was washing the dishes. I was staring at him, and when he felt my gaze, he raised an eyebrow, giving me a questioning look. "When the hell were we anything?" "Hey, I am bloody optimistic. We will be in the future; my sixth is predicting." "But my sixth sense is predicting something opposite, and it's always right." "Hey, hey, hey, don't throw water on my hopes." "Give up. You are fucking dating someone." "Again, don't bring my dating in between us. Answer the dam question: "Yes, I am meeting him today. He is picking me up, and his name is Mark." Whatever, Bloody, why do I give a fuck about his name? Damn, both of you. Anyway, share the dam location when you reach the destination, ok?" I started wiping the floor; he and his dam caring. "It's going to be 5 years; don't you think I can take care of myself?" "Oh, please trust me; you can't. So, follow my orders." "Yes, boss." With that, I continued my work.

It was evening, and I received a text from Mark saying that he was on his way. I was waiting for him. After a few minutes, a classy car was parked in front of the restaurant, and Mark came out of his car wearing goggles, which perfectly matched his persona. Damn, this guy was hotter than in his profile pictures. I can't complain; today was my lucky day. We greeted each other, and after that, he drove the car. The car was parked in front of a high-class pub, and getting entry was impossible for normal people like me. After parking the car, he dragged me towards the entrance; nothing was asked; he nodded his head in front of the bouncers, and we were in, just like that. Did I forget to mention there was a bloody long queue. Who the hell was this, Mark? I was already dreaming of spending time in bed with him.

After getting our drinks, we were on the dance floor. What we had was a normal drink, but Mark's energy was high, dam it was kind of tempting. We started moving according to the beats; his eyes were only on me, and in between, we were kissing each other. When I was so involved in enjoying 'me time' with Mark, someone dragged me from the dance floor, and Mark was behind me. I was so fucking angry I wanted to explode, but when I saw Tristian's face, I forced myself to shut my mouth.

Tristian and Mark introduced themselves, and Mark was somewhat relieved and excused himself. "What the fuck was your problem? Are you nuts? Why the heck did you drag me?" "Will you calm down? I am sorry for dragging you this way. We were throwing a welcome party for Joshua in this pub. I thought of dragging you over there; everyone is waiting for you." "Are you mad? I am not fucking interested in attending any party. Did I, by any chance, imply that I was coming? Fucking no right," "You came to the same pub, so we thought you were interested." "It's a coincidence; by any chance, if I knew before, I would never have come to this pub." "Ok, whatever, now that you are here, let's go. Everyone saw you, and they're waiting." "Are you not getting it? I am fucking not interested. You are wasting my time." "Only a few minutes, and come back to this bloody dance floor, and I know Mark, and he will wait for you." 

I was still burning in anger. Why the hell did I come to this bloody pub? Fuck with my day. This beautiful day was turning into a disaster, and these bastards were going to make sure of it. "Common, don't think too much; we are not your enemies." Worse than enemies, he started dragging me. Enemies would be labeled as one, and we would be aware of them. What the hell about these backstabbers?

We entered the VIP section, and everyone was sipping the drinks, including Joshua, just what I wanted. Tristian made me take a seat and gave me my drink. I started sipping my drinks, observing everyone who was gawking at me. Patrick, "We thought you wouldn't join us." "I didn't have any intention, and I was dragged." Jack, "When you didn't have any, what were you doing exactly at the same time and place? Please don't tell me you didn't take notice of your surroundings. Our collegemates occupy half of this pub. "I didn't take notice of any damn thing. If I had any clue like hell, I would come to this pub." Murphy: "Well, anyway, you are here, Gray. Let's catch up." Are you fucking serious? Why the hell would I do catch-up things with you guys? Chris, "It's been five years," "Exactly, where the hell were you guys, and why fucking now? Why, after fucking, he came back to the picture?" I was pointing toward Joshua; everyone was silent.

We were continuing to sip our drinks. From the time I entered this room, I had not laid my eyes on Joshua, but I was still feeling his gaze on me, which was burning for unknown reasons. Tristian: "Gray, you and Joshua were both our friends; when the incident came out, did you have any idea how much it had an impact on us? Don't blame us for not helping you." "That's all you could say, like seriously." Chris, "What do you expect, Gray? After whatever your parents did and how the heck, we should believe you were not aware of any shit.' Like, fucking seriously. Patrick, "Your family ruined a whole family; your dad took someone's life, and Joshua's mom is on the deathbed. Do you really think you were in a position to seek help from someone? Who the fuck in the right mind would lend a helping hand to you or to your family?" That made me shut my mouth at that second, in front of my dad's wrongdoings. What I have gone through was fucking nothing. Seb: "Common, speak up. Why the hell are you silent? Sealed after listening to the truth from us. This is not only our perspective towards you or your family; every dam individual who was once surrounded around you got it."

William, "How can you seek any help, and do you think you have the right to be angry at us, like, really?" "Well, you people didn't have any right to judge me. You were my friends, and you should have extended your hands when I fucking needed the most. Tristian: "How the hell can you expect something like that? Your family committed a bloody crime. Fucking crime."

No matter what I argue, I will always adhere to the same spot. They are true. Every fucking word. But why the hell are they fucking judging me because of what my dad's doing? I was fucking not responsible. Why can't they fucking get that?

Murphy: "When you have such a background, don't seek a helping hand, Gray, and you don't have any rights to question us." "Are you guys done? I need to go." Tristian: "I have spoken with Mark; he won't go without you; don't worry." "What else is left for discussion?" Christ, "About the path that you have chosen, an easy way to earn the fucking money." Are they fucking crazy, always bloody judging? "Well, it's my business; why the heck does it need to be discussed?" Jack, "Wow, you are not remorseful for your action." "Why the hell would I be? It's fucking my body." Patrick, "Yeah, we get that. You had a bloody certificate, and you could have grabbed any job, right?" "Again, it's fucking anyone's business, my body. I am not fucking pimping or even a hustler to be ashamed of myself. I am whoring my body for money and for fun. What the hell is your problem? And trust me, I don't give a dam." Tristian, "Well, well, well, unbelievable change in you. You are bloody, not only whoring fucking proud of it." "It's fucking my body, as I do, please. Why the hell would I give a dam to anyone? And no one in this room deserves any explanation, so please try to mind your fucking business, which you have been doing for the past five years. Jack, "Don't fucking come to the same point; we shared our view over you and your family. You don't have any right to blame us." "Well, you don't have any right to question me, and let's call off the day. I am done with you guys. Let it be our final goodbye. I am really not interested in meeting you guys again."

For the first time after entering the room, I got a reaction from Joshua—a malicious chuckle. "How much, Gray?" "What?" "Your rate. How much do you charge your customer?"

And I was not wrong. It's fucking getting better and better. I started laughing; I knew where the heck this conversation was headed. I placed my right leg on my left lap, and I was directly facing the person who was eager to know my bloody rate. I was gazing at him; I didn't have any shame about my doing and no fucking regrets either.

"Well, that depends on whom I am fucking with, and sometimes I am generous enough to give a 100% discount if that man is fucking pleasing my eyes." After hearing my answer, there was a glint of anger that passed swiftly on his face. By nodding his head and continuing to sip his drinks, he said, "If anyone from this room wants to fuck you, how much would you charge?" At this moment, a chuckle must escape, and it should. "Well, I will pass on that offer. I am not interested in anyone." "Common, we are flitty rich; we are ready to throw millions together." "Trust me, if this offer was made five years ago, I would grab it without a second thought; you can ask Tristian about that. I have my own list with whom I am going to share my body, and none of you in this room qualify to sleep with me. Orgasm can't be released just like that; all other fucking things do matter while fucking." "You are not only whoring your body; you are proud of it and choosy. I am really shocked." "Well, suck it up, guys. As I said, my body, my rules, and my choice." "Whoring with a selected customer. When the hell whoring became a proud fucking job, this is a fucking drastic change." "I am not getting why the hell I am answerable to anyone in this room. I can use my body however I want, and it's my bloody choice. I am fucking done, and thanks for clearing up your views on me. Goodbye forever. I was facing Joshua alone; no matter how much fucking you throw at my face, you won't get what you want. Not my fucking body nor the satisfaction you are carving for. I am a fucking hooker, and I am proud of it. I am done with my past. When I said I was done, I meant every fucking thing.

With that, I stormed out of the room. I made my way directly toward Mark, who was sipping his drinks. My fucking day and mood were dilapidated. I need to just go home. After apologizing to him, I made my way to the apartment. Mark was saying that he would drop me, but I didn't agree to that. I need to be alone.