NOVEL WEB Chapter 6: CHOICE
Had he not bumped into a human meat wall that was called Mr. Kingsley, Miguel did not know what could have happened to him when he was burning in a delirium. Alone in a different country, he had no one to turn to; no relative to take care of him if he was sick.
He was suddenly hit with melancholy and homesickness. If he was home, his father would have been there to fuss over him. If he was home, Marian would have been there to cheer him up.
He tried to sleep it off.
But his slumber was cut off when he received a call from his best friend.
His father’s condition was getting worse and the doctor recommended surgery to remove a tumor in his body.
“When will they perform the surgery?”
“A week from now. They want uncle to regain some strength first. The doctor warns us the risks of the procedure. There is a possibility that he will … on the table.”
At that moment Miguel a chill pass through his body. He was scared; scared of losing his father; scared of being alone in the world.
“I will find a way Marian. Please tell the doctors to proceed with the surgery.” Undeniable pain was reflected in his voice.
“Miguel, they want a down payment that is half of the cost of the surgery.”
Miguel tried to sound calm but, in his mind, he was screaming.
“How much do they want?”
Miguel felt despair as Marian relayed the expenses. He had sent all his earnings to cover the first dose of treatment. His next paycheck was two weeks away. It would look bad if he asks his employers for an advance again.
“Marian you have done so much for me and my Dad. Thank you. Thank you for taking care of him when I am away.”
The tears that he kept in his eyes could not be held back anymore.
“Don’t- Don’t thank me Miguel. Uncle Gilberto is like a father to me.”
“Uncle is optimistic about it. He is trying every day to become stronger. Let us think of positive things Miggy.”
“Yes. Yes, we should.” Miguel nodded. Papa is strong. He will make it.
By the time their conversation ended it was already 9 o’clock in the evening.
He didn’t like to owe people money. All his life he would work hard to earn and buy what he needed. He was never frivolous nor wasteful. If he could not afford it then he would let it go. He was not like his neighbors who would borrow money to throw parties. He and his father were very frugal and he cherished the values that his father instilled in him.
The past few months became a test of principle.
One million. He needed one million as down payment for the surgery. They had already maxed out the government insurance. He took loans just to keep up with the third dose of treatment. He borrowed money from Marian, from his other friends, and from the bank to keep the treatment going.
On top of that he also had taxes and bills to pay in U country. He did all he could to save up. He cut off his food and transport expenses, bought only the cheapest products, refused all sorts of invitations by his co-workers. But it was not enough.
How naïve was he to say money could not buy happiness when he had been a teen? Look at him now, chasing money to prolong his father’s life.
Miguel rubbed his swollen eyes. His pillow was already soaked in tears.
He was about to blow his nose when he heard a knock from the front door.
He didn’t expect any guests today. Certainly not at this hour.
With hesitant steps he walked towards the door.
He looked through the peephole and saw a red tie and a dark office jacket.
Slowly he opened the door and was stunned with the sight in front of him.
There stood the human meat wall who brought additional troubles in his plate. Behind him stood another man who wore dark rimmed spectacles.
“Mr. Kingsley. What brings you here at this hour?”
Miguel’s throat was scratchy. He stepped back and eventually allowed the men to enter his small lodging.
Henry scanned the room. He was expressionless but disappointment briefly flashed in his eyes.
Fortunately, the room was very neat and orderly. It made the small apartment breathable to say the least.
Henry took a seat on the couch while his assistant stood by his side.
Miguel was at a loss on what to do. Although he was slightly intimidated and very much annoyed at the green-eyed giant, the value of hospitality was ingrained in his character. What refreshment should he offer them? He only had water but it was not chilled. Would they take offense if I serve only that?
The assistant noticed his actions. “Please have a seat Mr. De Luca. My boss has something to discuss with you.”
Reluctantly Miguel brought a stool and sat down.
“Have you thought about my offer?”
Henry’s baritone voice tickled Miguel’s ear. He had never heard a voice so masculine before. The man must have taken testosterone supplements when he was in puberty.
It was nice to listen to only if the man did not treat Miguel so arrogantly.
“Mr. De Luca?”
The assistant called Miguel’s attention.
When the question finally registered through Miguel’s mind, he was at a loss on how to respond.
“Mr. Kingsley I am nothing but a simple immigrant worker. I came here only for work. I have no plans of role playing here. I am not interested in what games your rich people do for your leisure.”
The assistant seemed surprised. There were countless people, men and women, who would beg to be Mr. Kingsley’s spouse but this young and slender boy would refuse his boss.
Henry’s chiseled jaw, his aquiline nose, and thin lips looked handsome but seemed out of place in the small simple apartment. His cool green orbs stared at the young man’s puffy eyes. It seemed as though the young man had been crying the whole evening.
Miguel felt the attention on him. It made his recovering body heat up in embarrassment. His fever was already gone but dealing with these people seemed to cause his illness to return.
Henry signaled his assistant who placed a black leather brief case on the coffee table.
Miguel was stunned when the briefcase was opened. Stacks of bills were arranged neatly inside.
“Five hundred thousand sterling,” the assistant said.
Miguel looked at the impassive man sitting on the couch. He was confused and at a loss on how to respond.
“When I talked to you about role play. What I meant was for you to act as my spouse.
Miguel felt his nerves twitch.
Why didn’t this human meat wall explain to him properly last time? Truly he must be laughing in his mind at my confusion.
“Mr. Kingsley,” Miguel closed his eyes for a few seconds. “The door is to your right.”
The assistant was shocked. Nobody ever treated his boss like that. Perhaps because the young man was not from U country that’s why he didn’t recognize the power that Mr. Kingsley wielded.
“It’s a simple task with low efforts but great gains. Take it as though it was a job.”
Henry felt challenged by the slender young man. Anybody who disrespected him never lived long enough to see the sun. It has been so long since someone challenged his authority. He felt thrilled.
With all seriousness, Miguel looked at the man on his couch.
“Mr. Kingsley. I don’t know about you but I am not an actor. I do not know how lie. It is difficult to act gay when I am not one. Why not find someone else to act as your puppet?”
“I don’t want anybody else. You are perfect for the job. You help me, I help you.”
Miguel started to waiver.
The man was arrogant and bossy. Not to mention suspicious. Who knew what would happen should he agree? The green-eyed giant oaf released some serious dangerous vibes. Miguel’s heightened senses told him that. But he needed money. He needed money fast. The stacks of cash on that briefcase was big enough to cover his father’s treatment. He wouldn’t have to worry about each cycle of therapy. The hospital would stop hounding them about the payment each day.
Henry saw the conflicting emotions from the young man’s face.
Miguel recalled his conversation with Marian that evening. His father was fighting to live. He can never give up.
Between his principles and his father’s life, Miguel chose the latter.
“How do I play this role?”