Chapter 7

"Rose, when you wake up and finish the house chores, eat your breakfast then go and take your medication in the medicine store. I can't go with you today, since I'm already on my way to the market. Remember my advice and be guided".

That was what mummy wrote on a small piece of paper I found right before me as I got up from bed. Since that's her usual way of passing messages, I don't trash pieces of paper anyhow in our house. After reading the message, I was mute for some seconds, at least to understand the reason behind the warning.

"Hmm, there's a problem hovering over my head. Who knows whether this woman has positioned her informant as usual? Who even knows whether she truly went to the market or still finding a means to discover something? I must escape." Those are the words mumbled to me.

For some reason, I was happy. But in other ways, I was suspenseful. How could my mum leave such a "long note" for me because she wants me to go to the pharmacy alone? Anyway, she's a mother and her reasons are best known to her alone. I continued with house chores just as she ordered. Even if not told, I already knew what I suppose to do every morning. And truly, I don't fail in my duty. When I was done, I took my bath and then ate my meal. Then I had a little challenge. Which cloth would I be to the store? Since I would be going alone, I need to look different. Though the place was just close by. After deliberating on which dress to choose, I later wore a short black skirt and one red top that I cherish so much. To crown it all, I wore my mum's perfume. Though I knew she won't be happy if she notices that I touched her perfume, since she wasn't around and won't be coming back anytime soon, I'm covered.

"Don't tell you that you're alone. Where is your mum?" Damian asked as he saw me entering their store alone. I don't know how and what to answer him. All knew was that I started smiling.

"Rose, you mean you're alone? What's wrong?" He asked again. This time, he couldn't continue sitting on the chair they provided for customers, rather he got up and was peeping everywhere to see if my mum was behind me. It even made me laugh louder.

At the spot, he rushed to where I was standing and hugged me tightly.

"Babe, so finally a day like this arrived again? I've missed you so much" He muttered to me. I knew not the source of his confidence. They used to be two or three in the store, though I wasn't certain whether he was alone or someone else was in the store. For that reason, I was not free to express my emotions toward him as well.

Seems he was not just satisfied by the hug. He kept his hands clung to my body.

"Good morning Damian. Please be mindful of where we are" I whispered to him.

"We're all alone. Be free" He replied.

"So that's why you can't be civil for once," I asked him jokingly.

"That shouldn't be for now. What had been my gain since I used to be civil?" He couldn't even allow me to finish my words before giving such a naughty response.

I noticed that he was gradually bringing his mouth very close to mine. I like Damian, but my mum's advice was always before mine. Echoing in my ears like the sound of a bell.

Finally, he kissed me. And gradually we moved to a couch that was by the corner. But never did he end there. I didn't know the game he was playing with his hand until I noticed a soft touch on my breast. Though I was shocked, the feeling was a bit splendid. He fondled it the more, and I didn't know when I let out some strange sound from my mouth, "Ugh!!"

I couldn't be just a phantom of the whole thing that was happening. I felt some pleasure, but it was strange to me. Furthermore, I needed to be sure of what was going on

"Damian, what are you?" I managed to ask. Since I was overwhelmed by the feelings I had on the spot, I couldn't talk freely.

"Shhh!" He also couldn't talk but only whisper with his mouth signaling me to be calm. Hmm, I didn't know either to obey or to disobey. He stretched his second hand and grabbed my second breast. Then I could no longer maintain my balance. I couldn't even move any part of my body. Just being positioned as a log of wood. But Damian continued seeking what I couldn't tell.

We noticed someone's footsteps in front of the store. The person was cleaning their feet on the foot mat provided. Damian paused for a while to know if the person was coming into the store. Instantly, he let go of me and hurried to stand in a position where the store staff used to be anytime they were attending to customers. But before he left me, he whispered, "Rose, please dress up!"

I spent two to three seconds before I managed to get up from the couch. My breasts were out of my bra. I had to stylishly adjust them back to their position since the man was already at the entrance door. I couldn't wait for the man to utter a word before a greeted him in a friendly manner. He, too, was such a nice man. He replied to the greeting and focused his look on Damian, who already pretended as though nothing happened. From their conversation, I overheard the man requesting a drug, which I was unable to grab the name. They were dragging over the one that would be more efficient, but that wasn't my concern.

I got ashamed of myself. Why couldn't I even caution Damian or push him away from my body? Why would I be so soft as such, or was it because of the feeling I also have for him? Things were not just adding up. I kept looking sideways as though I lost something. Then I managed to seat back on the couch, at least to ponder on what happened a few seconds ago.