A jolt against Ixora thighs cuts off her trails of thoughts as her phone rang . She stared at the caller ID that made her heart jumped in fear.

" I have to go , mother . " Ixora muttered hurriedly and made a cross sigh with her rosary before rushing out of the church.

The Reverend mother slowly shook her head as she stared at Adrianna shoulder . " Peace be unto you , dearest child." She muttered with a silent prayer .

The Reverend mother is acquainted with Ixora ever since when she was a little girl. Her parents always brought her to the church. The church is the only place for Ixora that connected her with her parent . The Reverend mother slowly shook her head in pity.

"Hail Mary , full of grace....." The Reverend mother hummed softly with the rosary over her head .

Ixora rushed out of the chapel hurriedly with her body jittering. She feared of Aunt Magnolia reaction. As she took a glance at her wrist watch she took in her lips and ran over her hair with a soft exhale. It's past 7, Aunt Clarice would be starving and she could already view Stacy rolling her eyes waiting for her at the door .

Something struck on her face and she staggered almost falling on their face " Christ." Ixora mumbled breathlessly holding her breath and saw the thing that struck her face. A ball, it was a ball. She saw a group of children running towards her with their sober cute faces.

" Sister .You aren't hurt? Are you?" One of them asked concerned .

" She got hurt!" A boy among them pointed at Ixora bleeding nose. Wild gasp erupted from the children lips and they stared at Ixora soberly with their lips pouted sadly .

" Oh goodness , sister .We are so sorry. " They held their ears with cute pouts on their lips .

Ixora finally smiled , holding unto her bleeding nose" It's fine. Just be careful , okay. So you wouldn't get injured . " She smiled lightly and gave them back the ball.

The children let go of their ears with dazzlingly smile spreading across their lips" Thank you., Aunty." They said with happy grin on their face.

The boy who asked the earlier question whispered to his friend and they started giggling spreading it to the other kid's. Ixora stared at them confused. Are they laughing because of her bleeding nose or worn - out clothes and shoes. She looked tattered and she is aware of that. But these are the finest of her dress, you don't want to see the rest of her rags which she call dresses .

Suddenly the boy got pushed out among his friends and bit his lips shyly adding to her perplexity. If theses children dare spout nonsense , hell she was going to give them some home- training they refused to collect.. Ixora creased her brows with a frown as she turned sharply walking away

" Sister ." The boy word made Ixora halt in her tracks.

" You have a beautiful smile " No one except her parents called her beautiful , boys get displeased by her tattered looks. The clothes she wore are dresses Stacy turn to rags but Aunt Clarice gave it to her like it was something valuable.

" You are more beautiful than my mother. " The boy came closer to her with a wide grin " When I grow up . I would marry a beautiful woman like you . "

Ixora bashed her lashes before releasing a thin line of smile , she bent closer to the kid's height " Don't just marry a beautiful woman. Marry someone you love . Okay. And don't talk about marriage yet. You are way too young for that. But thank you for calling me beautiful. You are so sweet." She pulled his cheeks playfully and roughed his hair .

Ixora phone made a buzz and she knew she was doomed at that incessant ringing of the phone . She turned off taking to her heels fastly, she doesn't want any trouble tonight with her Aunt.

The boy stared delusioned with a sweet smile. His friends came closer. He staggered holding onto his sister shoulder.. " She called me sweet." He muttered holding his chest and his friend shosok their heads bemused.

" Get off me!" His sister playfully snarled.

" Oh jealous!!!!" The others jested and bursted into laughter's holding their stomach as their laughter exploded more.

•

•

Ixora stood at the door breathing through her mouth. She couldn't believe but she had to run all the way home, the bus drove off before she could get in. She couldn't enter a taxi because of her insufficient funds.

When orphan kid's whine about their guardians being wicked , yet they are dressed averagely, get pocket money and attend the regular school. Ixora couldn't help but feel their ungratefulness. She would do anything to be in their shoes.

Ixora turned the door knob slowly with her head popped inside , her heart accelerating at each turn. She breathed out relieved and walked in but felt a splash directed on her face. Her eyes widened with outrage as she stared at her dress. Did she just get bathed with fish water?

" Oh sorry. I thought you were the dumpster. You look pretty alike." Stacy threw the bucket at her feet and turned at the stairs.

" Mom, dino girl is here!!" She said with a wicked smile directed at Ixora .

The name Dino girl was given to her by Stacy . On prom night , the most memorable night Ixora have ever dreamed of. She had been crushing on a particular boy in highschool for the past two years but couldn't muster the courage. Strangely, the boy asked her to dance. She get to dance with Carloss . Their school football Captain and many girl crushes.

She couldn't contain her joy. She happily endured her burden. But on prom night , her dress she bought with her part time salary got drenched with fish water. Yes fish water! Stacey had assumed it to be a rag and she used it to clean the kitchen. She threw it away soiled and unrecognizable. Ixora threw her fists up when she discovered Stacey cruel act.

She complained to Aunt Clarice who snubbed her completely and Ixora had never felt dejected. Clarice got bored and went into the store. They was a string of hope for Ixora , she knew her aun to be a fashionista . Her hopes got diminished immediately as she saw the outfit Clarice brought out. A dinosaur outfit. It made her look like a clown on that day and she felt stupid.

Ixora didn't want to disobey Aunt Clarice even though she didn't like the dress. She tried to talk her into giving her another dress, only for Stacy to ruin her chances telling Clarice that she was all giddy to attend prom because of a boy.

So hence her miserable night, she was forced to go to school dressed as a dinosaur , while Stacy in her elegant beautiful black net outfit that turned necks towards her . The whole school jeered when they saw Ixora and gave her the name "Dino girl." Carlos felt embarrassed , so embarrassed he couldn't stare into her eyes , he just walked off only for him to dance with Stacy that night.

" I really thought I felt something special like a connection. If you didn't want to dance with me, you should have said so but you came dressed this way just to humiliate me. You are a sick weirdo! I cant believe i took interest in you . You flighty pig. " Carlos spewed angrily that night. " Get out of my way !!" Carlos pushed Ixora aside . immediately he left Ixora went to her kness sobbing bitterly

Ixora didn't knew who gave him the wrong impression about her but ever since that night till their college examination. Carlos hated her ! Even his stares were so cold. His pride got hurt but her heart was shattered seeing him together with Stacey sharing their moments. Moments she dreamed about, moment she saved for.

Worse , Stacey got hooked with him and they started dating. Ixora couldn't shake off this feeling that. Stacey had planned this all along. It was hurtful seeing him every weekend in their house and seeing him kissing Stacey, sometimes she heard them making out.

Ixora then realized nobody in their right sense would ever look her way and even if they did ,it would be for a fleeting period before her ugliness struck them hard on the face .

" Oh goodness. Stacey ." Ixora gasped for air as Stacey dumped the fish water on her face.

" Peasant . Is that you. ?" Clarice approached the door with cucumbers on her face , just like her daughter she is obsessed with skin care , despite that they cant stand near to ixora when it comes to beauty . Ixora looked beautiful without taking care of her skin and it annoys them.

" Oh goodness. What's this awful smell?" Aunt Clarice held her nose with her tounge stucked outside disdainfully.

" It .. Sta..."

" Ixora bumped into me while I was about to throw it out." Stacey cut off with a wicked sneer on her face.

" You peasant , are you blind?" Clarice hand met Ixora cheeks instantly.

" Aunt." Ixora muttered gripping her damp tears with tears brimming at the corner of her eyes , Stacey smirked secretly in sheer wickedness.

" You foolishpauper. Do you plan on tainting my polished tiles. Do you know how much I got it! You disgusting thing! You incorrigible fool! You bastard!!! How dare you smear my polished tiles. Can your late parents afford it . You miscreant!" Clarice scrreamed angrily while giving Ixora a wild push

" Wipe it off . " Clarice muttered with rage .

Ixora helplessy swallowed , she searched for the mob stick to no avail , while fidgeting , sweat breaking out on her forehead.

" Where is the mob stick!" Clarice snapped irritatedly.

Ixora swallowed back averrting Clarice harsh glare .

" Are you deaf!" Stacey bawled angrily " Mom is talking to you , how dare you keep mute peasant!"

"It was here this morning." Ixora muttered inaudibly trying not to release her tears.

Stacey tore off Ixora dress from her body and threw it on the floor stepping on it with her feet. " Wipe it before it gets inside the kitchen."

Ixora couldn't take it in. Tears brimming at the corners of her eyes fell , she clenched her dress tightly while exhaling slowly . " Stacey , I just got that shirt yesterday and... And you tore it off."

" Oh I am sorry. " Stacey said with a glitzy smile crept up on her lips. " I thought it was one of the rags."

" But. It's new It has a.. a logo and..."

" Stop ranting. "Magnolia angrily cuts in " Clean off the dirt , I want to see it sparklig after wards prepare dinner and run a bath for me , make it lukewarm " Magnolia snapped walking away .

" And after . Go to my room and pick up my dirty laundry. Dino girl." Stacey grimly whispered with a eering smile on her lips.

" eww you smell Peasant . Really,,,,,, bad." Her wicked laughter followed as she turned her back heading out of the door.

" Mom , I am going over to Carlos!." Stacey announced and the door shut followed .

" Alright sweetie. Have fun. " Clarice replied back with a yell from the living room,Clarice laughters followed as she watched her soap operas.

Ixora stared down her chest the only piece that covered her nakedness was now reeking of fish smell , she stared at her torn dress and sniffed back in her tears . Her gaze fell on something , the mob stick. It was behind the door all along and Stacey stood behind it purposely.

Ixora released those fresh tears she has been holding onto. She held her chest as her heart wrenched in undescribable pain. She felt so tortured she couldn't make a noise while crying. Why is she treated in this inhumane manner?

CHAPTER THREE. PAINFUL CLUTCHES

The sound of bird sweetly chirping woke up Ixora . She slowly bashed her lashes with a soft yawn , her hair tousled into a cute mess , her lips slowly stretched into a little smile as she stared at the intruder  by her window.

The bird slowly chirp again , this time pecking it's beak on the window rails .

" Hey foxy." Ixora mumbled as she settled closer staring at the bed in the eye. The bird didn't flinch instead it cooed making her to chuckle slowly. " Hungry ?" She took a grain of rice and spreads it out for Foxy who ate it hungrily.

" I am so jealous of you." Ixora whispered softly , gently she brushed Foxy wings , the bird didn't budge it's concentration was eating the grains of rice.

" You are so free . A free bird ." Ixora mumbled tearfully , she hurriedly cleared her throat.

" Unlike someone who is confined in the attic with no images of anywhere else except from her  little town.  But,.. You can fly. Isn't that great ." The bird pecked it's beak against Ixora wrist as it's way of consoling her. 

" I wish I was a bird. " A low whisper escaped from Ixora lips as she hugged her cold knees to her chest .

" Happy birthday to me ." Ixora wept silently , tears ran down her face as cold breeze blew into the room.

If you are mistaken, today it's her birthday but a death day to Ixora because her dreams, her hopes and future and including Ixora died along with her parents ten years ago.

The attic turned colder, Ixora wrapped the torn and thattered shawl around her little body. Winter is slowly approaching and it's going to be colder in here. It's always cold in the attic anyways. Ixora would cry during snowy days but Clarice refused to give her another room or finish building the roof top. Ixora thinks Aunt Clarice left the rooftop that way to torture her.  The walls of the room suddenly became colder, Ixora put on her gloves rubbing her hands. She wrapped the shawl around herself and watched Foxy flew away. 

" They all leave at the end." Ixora sadly muttered as Foxy flew away. Well the bird has been her friend for 10 days. Ixora found it by the window with broken legs so she took it in nurturing it's health back. Days after days she couldn't help but feel attached to the bird so she named it Foxy because of it's unkempt wings and she can't believe it was time to say Goodbye.

Though she predicted it two days ago when it started limping and flying slowly across the room , today Ixora had guessed it's leg had healed and it flew off without a good bye. It made her felt nostalgic a bit , her eyes slowly teared up and she shut her eyes lid tightly burying her head into the her tattered duvet.

Ixora  tried to fall asleep but her eyes were cleared , she groaned inwardly kicking her feet at the beep of her alarm. It was six on dot.

" Another stressful day." Ixora mumbled with a sigh. She dragged her feet down to the bathroom washing her face and she took a quick shower .

Ixora felt grease on her hair, another sigh emitted from her lips as she touched her greasy hair now smelling with fish. She was living so poor that she couldn't even afford a shampoo. Ixora brushed her hair against itself washing it with a small bucket of water . After a while, she came out with slow towel warped against her smooth delicate cream skin . Ixora hurriedly dressed .

" Seriously I couldn't believe I got scammed!!!!" Clarice furious yell echoed through the walls of the house , and her wild pace followed.

Ixora bit her lips straining her ears curiously. If she was hearing right did her aunt just got scammed . By who and how much precisely.

It doesn't matter.  Serves her right! Ixora subconsciousness jeered with a little scoff.

" What am I supposed to do Jane. It was...." Clarice voice toned to a low whisper , her eyes darted across the room , she didn't see Ixora hiding behind the stairs with her eyes gleaming with inquisitiveness.

" From the loan shark." Clarice whispered with a tremble fervor and she slumped on the chair rest tiredly .

Ixora swallowed her gasp with her widened eyes. Wait loan shark! Is Aunt Clarice crazy! Why would she borrow money from loan shark to start a business. Everyone in this town are practically afraid , terrified  and horrified of the loan shark. They were so brutal in collecting their money and sometimes can be super manipulative.

" It was the fastest option Jane. The bank couldn't lend me 2 million Euros . I thought it was the right decision to make . ". Ixora retorted sharply over the phone and it made Ixora eye ball roll , well her aunt never own up to her mistakes , NEVER!! .

" I know . !" Clarice snapped and bit her nails " It was meant to turn out great it Donald wasn't a thief and a scammer. I swear I would make him pay. I will find that son of a bitch wherever he is hiding and make him cough out my money!" She swore angrily with wild paces around the room.

" So what? What am I going to do? ."Clarice snapped furiously . "Shou..."

Ixora foot steps gave her out as her feet leaned against a damaged stair and it made a loud screeching noise which made Clarice turned back with a sharp glare on her face. Ixora hurriedly adjusted her dress trying to look natural. If Aunt Clarice knew that she was eavesdropping on her conversation , she would probably skin her alive and transfer her multiple aggression towards her .

" Good morning Aunt." Ixora mumbled with a respectful bow clinging onto her small purse.

As expected Clarice cut her off with a loud hiss and a disdainful expression on her face " Tell me what's so good about this morning!" She snapped eyeing Ixora angrily , she walked past her pushing her away harshly.

Ixora staggered and fell bruising her knees. Nevertheless Clarice muttered some incoherent curse words directed at Ixora " Useless nicompoo."

" I am leaving . " Ixora announced quietly and hurried to the door. She can't afford to be late to work. Her eyes searched around for Stacey.  Ixora did a rough guess that Stacey is still up snoring away in her room .

" Dont forget what today is?" Clarice harsh voice halted Ixora steps " i need to bring every penny back home. After all I have been feeding and clothing you for all these years.  Isn't it time to repay that effort of mine.." Clarice sneered blowing out her gum loudly and irritatedly to Ixora ears.

" Yes Aunt." Ixora replied feebly , she bowed deeply at Clarice before walking out of the room.

Well , ever since she have graduated from highschool she couldn't go to college because of the high fees and because Aunt Clarice wasn't ready to support .

Even colleges she applied for scholarship all declined her, it wasn't like she wasn't smart enough  , so she is working her butt to save and give Aunt Clarice so money , and now it seems Aunt Clarice got duped and scammed so at any time soon , Ixora is a hundred percent sure Aunt Clarice is going to show her more hell .

As Ixora scrambled down the stairs , she almost bruised her knees but an arm encircled her waist slowly and her heart skipped a beat , no two as she saw her pair of  eyes staring down at her. Her eyes widened in shock as she saw a familiar face staring at her. Carlos!! She gasped surprisedly slapping his hands away from her waist. She stared at Carlos whose face now wore a displeased frown .

" Why did I bother anyways." Carlos spat irritatedly and did the most brute action. He pulled Adrianna to his  chest and pushed her down the stairs that she had intended to fall on.

Ixora yelped as she rolled down the stairs , her stomach butted the ground with force and she whimpered painfully as she fell flat on her face .

Carlos watched all this with a cruel smile and walked into the house " Aunt Clarice. Is Stacey home?" Carlos asked politely , a complete version of the action he just displayed . towards Ixora .

" Hi Carlos , come in.. " 

" Stacey!" Aunt Clarice yelled loudly with her high pitched voice soon dissapating into fits of laughter as Carlos whispered some funny jokes in arrival for Stacey .

Ixora whimpered tearfully as she limped towards the bus station , with anger growing up into her chest. She quietly waited for the bus with her fists clenched . Passerby rushing to the bus . Ixora rushed along but someone pushed her aside and she ended up scrapping her knees again.

A low groan escaped Ixora lips as she shut her eyes tightly to prevent the tears from falling out . The bus drove off and the passerby went on unconcerned . Here in Greenville, everyone minded their business and beside even though the town was very small  , not many people are familiar with Ixora since she was an autistic person. She hated crowd especially the stares boring into her body from unfamiliar gazes.

Ixora sat beside the bench and she stared at her bruised knees , blood slowly oozed out from the wound. A cry tore from her lips as she tried to stand up .

" Ouch." She whimpered tearfully holding her knees, as she tore from her skirt and tied the knee tightly. A gruttal groan escaped from her lips , she shut her eyes with a soft sigh.

Another bus arrived . The passerby hurriedly moved into the bus with shoulder brushing against themselves. It's always like this , because this is the cheapest bus before the private ones comes in.

Ixora limped towards the bus and got  in before it could close . She slowly bowed as she walked in sliding in coins and sat just beside the window, she layed her head on the chair rest withering in pain. Her stomach churned wildly and she stared at the look of the bus occupants. Some stared nonchalantly and others started with a little smile.

Ixora bit her lips embarrassed. Well it's not her first time eating without sleeping and it was the same thing that happened yesterday. Aunt Clarice starved her because she didn't get the door for Stacey who came home at 9PM. Ixora was in the kitchen slowly watching the food and wandering in her thoughts , she had no idea of Stacey knocking due to the heavy rainfall. When she heard a yell,  her eyes snapped open and she rushed to open the door only to be welcomed with a hard slap on the face by Stacey. As if it wasn't enough, Stacey cried that she - Ixora had done in on purpose in retaliation for Stacey using her rag she called a clothing to clean the mess she had made.

Clarice yelled furiously at Ixora , insulted her late parents and even cursed them for bringing out someone as stupid , as wretched as Ixora . There was nothing Clarice didn't use to describe Ixora . Soon she kicked her to the attic and banned her from going to the kitchen for food which her Ixora prepared for the family with her last strength in every fibre of her body.

Ixora stomach churned again and this time painfully. It felt like something was eating her stomach deeply. Ixora faked a smile at the uninterested look of the passerby. She held her stomach tightly and slowly closed her eye lid .

" Miss." She felt a harsh tap on her shoulder but she didn't budge " Miss!" The voice snapped impatient pulling a sleepy Ixora up to her feet.

" Nazareth!" Ixora gasped loudly as she stared at the wide eyed conductor whose eyes was now gleaming with something familiar. Something she witnessed all the time.

The bus driver slowly smiled , his brownish dirty teeth almost made her puke. Ixora slowly bowed and strutted away but got pulled back by the hair " Why are you in such hurry." The bus driver said grimly and slowly shut the door.

" Please let me go." A soft whimper escaped from Ixora lips and it made the bus driver grin to widen.

" You look hungry." His hands gripped her breasts " How about some trade and barter champ. I give you money and you satisfy me, right now. Right here, on the bus." He whispered with his bad breathe entering into her nose. Ixora sucked in holding her breath .

" Please let me go. I am not a slut." She pleaded softly but the bus driver didn't listen , he ran his flighty hand across her face and her eyes slowly teared up .

" Come on. Don't be shy. I will pay you good and if I am well satisfied , I will always call you to warm my bed. Uh champ." The bus driver grinned arrogantly .

Ixora fists slowly balled as she felt a pair of hand gripping her breasts fondling it harshly. Her gaze landed on a bottle. An empty alcohol bottle. She slowly took it allowing the man to rub his fingers along her thighs. Then she broke the bottle on his head while sobbing.

" Screw you little bitch!" The bus driver snarled angrily pulling up Ixora , but she bit his arms, her fingers desperately unlocking the bus door . Ixora whimpered in pains as he gripped onto strands of her hair. The door was unlocked after some seconds of struggle

Ixora flee out running with her eyes never darting back. She ran and ran till she arrived at her workplace. It was a restaurant. McDonald's, it pays well but transportation took a quarter of the money and Clarice took the other half leaving her with almost nothing.

Past eight!" Her subconsciousness yelled at her and she ran into the closing door startling  her colleague. A busty round woman came out with a disdainful expression as she stared at Ixora

" Please Mrs  Stephanie. The bus driver . He....." Ixora stuttered hesitantly and it made Stephanie brows creased curiously. 

" He what.?" Stephanie hissed slowly yet curious , she took a brief glance at Ixora torn dress and dirty looks

" Don't tell me. He mistook you for a beggar and chased you out of the bus ." Pearl the colleague she ran into spat out with a distasteful look on her face as she stared down at Ixora knees, her eyes flattered with a hint of sympathy for a minute .

" You poor thing, how could you leave a wound untreated." Pearl glared at Ixora like it was her fault she got injured .

" Don't you know it will affect your productivity at work today. !" Stephanie snapped infuriated, she ran her fingers into her blonde hair as she grasped her phone to make a call.  " Pearl take care of the wound." Stephanie muttered before the call connected " Yes Beca ! I saw  your missed call."She chirped loudly as she strutted out eleganty .

" He proposed !" Stephanie loud gasp followed as she shrieked loudly . Ixora ears slowly twitched. Stephanie can make all the noise yet after all consumer hasn't started tropping.

Stephanie is what you can a lukewarm person , she doesn't hate or like. She is very professional and mindful. She is an American woman who found herself in Spain because of marriage but after she divorced her abusive husband she refused to move back to America because she had fallen in love with Spain. Isn't life an irony?  . Ixora grimaced painfully , she would do anything to get away from the painful clutches of Aunt Clarice even if it means running away but that's impossible too. Where would she run to ?

" Here ." Pearl shoved the first aid kit to Ixora chest .

" Thank you." Ixora mumbled incoherently staring down at her soiled shoes. Yes , she has inferiority complex which is dealing with her badly.

Pearl shook her head in self pity " Why are you dressed like this on a beautiful Monday." She snapped but Ixora sensed concern behind the cold voice and it made her smile a little.

" Why the hell are you smiling!" Pearl frowned standing akimbo as  she stared at Ixora torn blouse .

" Shouldn't you get new dress and for once look like a human being. A NORMAL one!" Pearl emphasized before turning around with a hair flip that brushed on Pearl face . It's the usual with Pearl . She is cocky but bit nice when she wants to be. Don't just get on her bad side .

Unlike Ixora . Pearl is living alone because she graduated last year and she is working whilst looking for a corporate job. Because of her professionalism and her British tone, Madame Stephanie promoted Pearl from a cashier to company supervisor. Well different strokes for different people.

" Get down here Ixora !" Debby another staff snapped coldly.

" Coming! Ixora mumbled incoherently applying first aid on her knees. She writhe painfully as the spirit met with her bruised knees. " Ouch." Ixora swallowed her tears and limped to the kitchen.

" What happened to your leg." Debby wide eye caught her limping , before Ixora could part her lips to talk. Debby shrugged facing the kitchen sink "Yunno never mind." Debby nonchalantly said.

Slowly Ixora exhaled as she began washing the dishes. Yes this is her job , the best she could find after 6 months of serious job hunting.

Clarice furiously told her on her eighteen birthday that she - Ixora is now responsible for her upkeep and will pay as a tenant under her, also pay for the expenses used in taking care of her for the past eight years. If she is done paying which Ixora estimated to two years, she was free to leave forever if she wants to.

Clarice words rang in her ears and if Ixora run off without the payment , she - Clarice would send her to the grave along with her parents . Yes harsh. Ixora softly sigh. She has been working in McDonald's for 13 months which makes it nine more months to go . After that , what does she really want to do. Yes she had dreams when she was a child , she wanted to be a cloth designer. Yes she drew some sketches in her room but that dream was too expensive for her. Ixora would stick to this year as long as she could and get a house in town. After all her salary was quite good and it would have been better if she wasn't paying back Aunt Clarice.

" Ixora !!!" Debby yelled at her rushing towards the sink. Ixora eyes snapped open as she saw the water almost filled up. She gave Debby a grateful look. It would have been a problem if soapy water touches Stephanie German tiles , that was what got the last girl fired .

" Tell me , do you have another job!" Debby yelled at her which made Ixora took in her lips .

Debby eyes softened " I didn't mean to yell at you. Just be more careful  around the kitchen. You know Madame Steph doesn't like that." Debby spoke in a hushed tone of caution which made Ixora smiled slowly.

" Here, use it to fix your stomach." Debby handed Ixora a small bread roll which she stared at hesitantly .

" Seriously." Debby scoffed withdrawing her hand " If you continue walking around with that empty stomach you might faint before you start working. But what's my business anyways." Debby spoke in a low hiss whisper and slowly glided to the waste bin before she disposed the bread roll, Ixora hurriedly took it from her grasp .

" You want to throw it." Ixora asked disbelieved while Debby knowingly smirked  with her brows arched up.

" What does it looks like ?" She yanked her hand away but Ixora gripped the bread roll snatching it from Debby grasp.

" I will eat it. Thank you." Ixora whispered , her voice was laced with shame as she took the bread roll, slowly stuffing it into her mouth. The bread roll instantly filled her taste bud , Ixora got carried away and she chewed hungrily forgetting her manners .

" Slow down else you might choke." Debby scoffed passing her a glass of water which she drank in a hurry.

Debby stared at Ixora puzzled. Well this girl is just a mystery . She never understood how Ixora spends her money . Yes they collect the same wage rate but her dressing is way out of her league. Isn't this alarming , yes she would tell Madame Stephanie to seek more information about her whereabouts and she would go visit. Ixora might needs help . who knows.

Debby have been trying to ignore this feeling of concern but she learnt that Ixora was an orphan living with her Aunt and she being an orphan got the clue on what's going on. Unlike Ixora her guardian ( Her mother brother.) treats her well, even the wife and children welcomed her like family. Yes she would go visit Ixora home. She would ask Madame Stephanie of Ixora home address and figure what's really was the problem.

Ixora eyes welled up in tears as she choked on the bread roll , Debby swiftly came to her aid helping her with a glass of water to swallow . As she coughed wildly , Debby slowly tapped her back soothingly.

" I told you to slow down." Debby scowled yet Ixora stared at Ixora with her eyes shinning with appreciation.

" Thank you." Ixora muttered softly. Debby rolled her eyes dramatically as she disemgaged from Ixora .

" Table two. Order, come clean it up!" Pearl loud voice echoed in the kitchen . Ixora made a run to the door but Debby beat her to it.

" Finish your food." Debby said with a friendly scowl and Ixora couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her lips.

>>>>>>

In the heart of Mexico most vibrant city , a notorious nightclub pulsed with unbridled energy. The air inside was heavy , filled with charred scent of nicotine and tobacco and the sweet tang of exotic substances.

Seductive stripper writhed around a gleaming pole , their body barely covered by scrap of viels. Only their faces were smeared making them to look unrecognizable . The sound scape was a mixture of sultry sighs, loud moans echoing as wild slam could be heard as women were sexed in the open air shamelessly.

" Fuçk!" A loud gasp came from the group of women as men mounted upon them taking turns upon them. It was a mixture of pain and pleasure.

In the shadowy corners , high stakes gamblers indulged in their vices surrounded by women who catered to their every whim , the women were on their knees sucking dicks of their master .

Crazy right ? To you it might be . But that's the norms in the Mafia world. Those women were bought as toy - sex toys and it was their duty to serve their master primal urges anywhere , anytime .

The men , mafia's conversed , their hushed conversation mostly about drugs and assassination, among them are politicians seated while smoking their lungs away. Stash of drugs were placed and heavy ammunition alongside, heavy gaze were on the bags . A woman stepped forwad , she arched her back with a bow and brought out a scale , she gingerly placed the drugs weighing it under the watchful gaze of the men . Trembling nervously , a stack of money fell from her grip , terror gripped her as she crouched over to gather the money , her fingers closed in around a small bag of meth , which she swiftly hid in between her braisser . But her joy was short - lived as she arose sto cold steel facing her . Death was glaring at her in form of a man . The observer smirked with a piece of tobacco dangling in between his lips

"Mastero por favor [ Master , please .]." The woman muttered whimpered with tears rolling down her face , while the men watched with devilish exictment anticipating for his action .

" Finish her off  King ."The men bawled out drunkly with their eyes drowsy over the effects of the substances they had just consumed.

" She dare steal from us , ." Another group of drunk politicians chimed in .

The man piercing gaze boring into her , his dark , intense gaze left her in more tears . " Master please ."

"She dared pleads for mercy , how insolent .." Another group of politician sneered .

A sardonic laughter filled the room , it was a deadly chuckle as Hades stared down at the frightened sex doll , she was whimpering and shivering in fear , Hades smirked and brought out his tobacco puffing out the smoke to her face , her eyes turned teary and she lowered her gaze , with tears dropping from her eyes . Hades stared at her blankly   , with pair of gray eyes showing empitness , the corner of his lips raised with evident malicious in his eyes " iQue divertido! [How amusing ]traitors shading off their fellow traitors ."

" What are you talking about?." The politicians cackles loudly gulping down the drugged wines down their throats.

One of them stood up alarmed but it was already too late .  Hades silent bullet found it's mark on their bodies almost too swiftly and the politicians fell on their faces to the floor dead . It was a snipper bullet but the guards which stood outside were alerted.

" Eso fue mas facil de lo que imaginaba [That was more easier than I imagined]. " Hades sneered his voice dripping with sarcasm , with a swift motion , he snatched the hard drive , a suitcase overflowing with cash and a stash of illicit drugs . He snatched the micro chip from his suit with a dry laughter.

" It's cute that you tried though. " His eyes darkened as he sensed wild stomp on the metal door.

" Mr King's!" A voice yelled . Hades snatched the buds from his ears with a low hiss before inserting it  back.

" Habla ( Talk.) " He muttered darkly with his gray eyes on the women whimpering beneath his feet.

" The police are around." The voice announced politely .

That statement brought fervor to his eyes " More fun tonight then. " He disconnected the buds before the caller could speak .

"  On your feet ." Hades sat down with his long legs crossed on another elegantly, the woman fearfully arose up with her shoulders shaking with fear palable in her eyes . Hades smirked amused , he ran his tongue slowly across the earings on his lips , malicious exictment sparkles in his eyes as he lips as he listened to her helpless sob . Betrayal is what he despise he most in business but its happens daily in his business making it unavoidable Hades raised his gaze towards her and she recoiled in fear . " I did it for my mother , master please!! She needs money for...."

"Callate [ keep shut ]." Hades muttered and she swallowed her words back in fear .

" If you make it out alive , you can dare spill out a word abou what happened tonight and get visited by the devil who will drag you down to hell . For a fleeting moment his eyes glowered , Hades tilted his head to the back door and she scramed off .

Hades leaned on the chair rest a when he heard a loud bang , the guards are forcing their way in while the police are surrounding the building.

Well , Hades had found out that Abel , his business partner had snitched on him along with the order. They were going to arrest Hades , pin their crims on him , take the money and the drug. How stupid of them! The had no idea of who they were messing with .

Hades yawned bored as the guards whispered among themselves " let's go upstairs and break in through the roof.

" Yes. Go upstairs , silly mortals." Hades whispered hoarsely , he took a glance at his wrist watch. Three minutes left.

Loud screams were heard as the police barged into the clubhouse with bullets flying around. The Mafia men retaliated and it became a bloody mess , strippers scrambled around for their safety running out of the clubhouse as the fight went on.

Hades opened his eyes and stood up with a lazy stretch. He approached the door and stared at the lock which flew open. A pair of hand grabbed his throat.

Hades scoffed unimpressed , he swiftly averted the next attack with his eyes glowering in rage. " How dare you , silly mortal." His eyes glowered with grayish color and fangs slowly seeped out from his lips.

" Fuçk!" The guard eye widened at that incredulity. He peeped on his pants that instant " Please sir , I had no idea you were the one in there....." His words were cut off as Hades claw went deep into his chest and brought out his heart still beating. The man eye widened horrified, he dropped dead that instant.

Hades gave a bloody smirk as he bursted the heart " Bloody mortal and their disrespect." He cussed striding out of the building unseen and as soon as he exited out of the building. Boom the building collapsed burning ablaze.

A dark smirk appeared on his lips as screams of anguish filled his ears as the building was slowly consumed by flames.. The red flames excited him as he stared at the red glow of burning flame. His eyes gleamed darkly with his smirk widening. He loves pain and destruction and this was a beautiful masterpiece to him.

" How mesmerizing." Hades muttered with a sickly smile , gingerly he placed the tobacco in between his lips his majestic stride followed as he drove off with his sleek black Porsche car.

Do mythological creatures exist. Oh hell yeah! but their existence is said to be forgotten along with time, mortal love living in denial and would do anything to get rid of the theory of superstition.

But mythological creatures are everywhere, lurking behind shadows . In form of human , they are roaming around the street. And unmistakable, Hades De lucas King was a one creature,  a powerful one unmistaken. But who is Hades or should i say what is Hades ?