The Lady On Top

              “Get the hell out of here!” The voice boomed so loud that Emilia thought she saw a glass or two threaten to break. Even the words were slurred due to alcohol, but she heard them clearly. There are the same words that Gerald-her stepfather-had been screaming in her face for the past week. Emilia hunched back, trying to make herself as small as possible, protecting herself from the unexpected blows that Gerald was used to throwing. “This is my mother’s house, she left it to me!”  16-year-old Emilia exclaimed, the words clogging her throat. “If anyone ought to leave, it’s you.” Gerald gave her a sinister smile, his bloodshot eyes narrowing, “you grew some balls, did you now, Emmy?” Emilia swallowed around the lump in her throat and shook her head, “I-I just don’t have anywhere to go,” she said in a small voice. “Not my f*****g problem!” Gerald clicked his tongue. “I am being generous here, letting you take whatever you want from this house before I sell it. I need the money.” “But you can’t!” Emilia exclaimed, all of a sudden a large hand connected with her cheek.  “Don’t you raise your voice at me! I am giving you four hours to get the hell out,” Gerald growled at her, “or I am selling you along with the house!”   Beep. Beep. Beep!   Emilia sat up with sweat running down her back. Reaching to the still beeping alarm by her bedside, she clicked on the off button.  It always ended the same way, with Gerald threatening to sell her with the house. Always the same nightmare, and even though the frequency of it has reduced significantly. It was only during a day like today that it was triggered.  She quickly got out of the bed and walked to the adjoining room where her bathroom was. She went through the motions, not once did she give herself time to think about the nightmare that has been haunting her for the past eighteen years.  Dressing in her signature pencil skirt suit, she slipped her feet into the nude heels, collected her purse, and walked out of her bedroom. “Morning, Em!” Donna greeted her as she made her way down the stairs. “I was about to come and get you!” Emilia smiled at the woman by the bottom of the stairs, “Hi, Donna. I overslept a bit,” she explained as she accepted the brown bag that she knew held goodies for breakfast for her. “You are an angel!” Placing a kiss on the weathered cheek, she made her way out of the house, into the car, and on her way to her workplace. Even though the sky seemed bright, Emilia knew that was going to change later on. She always knew when the rains were about to start falling.             Emilia turned on her chair and faced the huge window. It was gloomy outside, the gray skies promising rainfall. The weather seemed to reflect her mood to the T. It has been twenty years since her mother passed, but it still felt raw to her and it being the anniversary of her death was just the icing she needed. Her mother was a beautiful, strong woman. She raised Emilia single-handedly when her father died in a freak car accident when Emilia was just seven years old. Self-sacrificing, she worked three jobs to provide Emilia with a stable environment. Her mother never complained, not once, even when Emilia's requests were ridiculous.   It was because of her sacrifices that Emilia did not voice her objections when she finally introduced Gerald Lebowski to her when she was ten years old, a man who after six months became her stepfather. Everything was fine at the beginning. Gerald was the male figure that Emilia lacked in her life. He took her to watch baseball games, taught her to fish, and was mostly there for her. It all changed after two years, when Gerald lost a great deal of money gambling, an addiction he had hidden so well from them. In just a few weeks, the loving and caring man became a wife-beating drunk when things did not go his way.  The first time it happened, it shocked both Emilia and her mother. They had left that night, spending it at a cheap motel as they made plans to fly to where her mother's remaining relative lived. However, Gerald had found them and asked for forgiveness. To Emilia's disappointment, her mother took him back. That became a routine. Gerald got drunk, beat the crap out of her mother, they left but came back as soon as Gerald apologized. Emilia had lost count the number of times she begged her mother to get a divorce from Gerald.  Shaking her head, she stood up and walked closer to the window. Thinking about the past always had a way of dampening her day. "Excuse me, Em?" a voice made its way to her. Turning, she gave a small smile to her assistant, "what is it, Kim?" she asked as she moved back to her chair. Taking a seat, she quickly turned it and faced Kim who was now standing in front of her. "It's late, I am about to leave. I just wanted to find out if you needed anything before I locked up my office." Emilia quickly glanced at the stainless steel wall clock on her left. It was way past seven in the evening. "Did you send the signed contract back to the client?" Kim nodded, "yes. We have a site meeting first thing on Monday. I have already updated your calendar." Emilia nodded. "Ok, thank you. Have a great weekend." "You too, boss," Kim gave her a smile before walking to the door. "Oh, before I forgot. Miss MacGaret called. She said you should call her back." Kim gave her a small wave before walking out, closing the door gently behind her. Emilia shook her head as she thought about the last message Kim gave her. Reaching for her mobile phone, she slowly scrolled until she reached the name she was searching for. Drumming her fingers on the table she waited until the call connected. "Hello?" "Hey, Jean. Did I catch you at a bad time?" Emilia stood and walked back to the window. "Em! Hi!" Jean exclaimed. "No, not at all. I had called earlier, left a message with your assistant. How are you?" Emilia smiled. "I have been better." She answered truthfully. Jean was quiet for a few seconds, "I know, that's why I called. I know today's date holds some bad memories." Emilia sighed as she watched the first raindrop fall. Jean MacGaret was like a sister to her. She had been there since day one and even though Emilia found it difficult to let people into her life, she knew that Jean would always be there for her. Coming from a rich family, Jean had asked her parents to help Emilia out, offering her a place to stay so that she did not get into the system. It was actually Jean’s mother who encouraged her to pursue architecture as a course in the university as she had seen some of the sketches Emilia had drawn as a way to keep herself busy.  It was with Jean's help that she was able to secure her first real client-MacGaret Spa and Resorts which opened doors to huge clients. "It's not even supposed to be raining at this time of the year," Emilia commented.  "Crazy weather. Tell you what, Em," Jean said. "How about I take you out tonight?" Emilia shook her head, "N-." "Before you say no, I have VIP tickets to the opening of Havoc. You have to come." Havoc was the newest club in the city. People had been talking about it for months, waiting for the grand opening. The club owners happened to be two bachelor playboys who moved in the same circles with Jean, circles that Emilia was now part of but just refused to partake in any of their activities. Actually, not a lot of people knew who she was and that is how she preferred it.  "Jean..," Emilia groaned. "Today really isn't a good day." "Just for a few hours," Jean continued. "For me. I am sure it will get your mind off things, even if it's for a short period. " "Where is Kai?" Emilia asked about Jean's husband. "Australia," Jean answered. "I swear I don't feel married at all! So will you come with?" Emilia traced a drop that had landed on the window. "Only for a very short time." She mumbled, knowing she could never refuse Jean. "Great!" Jean exclaimed excitedly. "So I will pick you up in, say 3 hours?" "Why can't I meet you there? I can drive myself." "Oh no! I want you to drink, babe! You can't do that if you have to drive back. So, I will pick you up in 3 hours, right?" Jean asked again. "Yes," Emilia replied with a small smile. She was already trying to figure out what she was wearing. "See you in 3 hours." She hung up and walked back to her seat before she started shutting down and locking up her office.   There was a knock on her front door at exactly 10 PM that night. Slipping her feet into her silver beaded heels, she quickly grabbed her silver clutch and a wrap before heading out. The wrap was just in case it was cold due to the rain. She knew better than to keep Jean waiting. "Oh, my lord!" Jean exclaimed as she took Emilia's outfit when the door was finally opened. "You look very ravishing, babe!" She said as she intertwined her arm with Emilia's when they started towards the waiting limo. Emilia was dressed in a white high necklace crochet bodycon dress.  Emilia looked at her friend's outfit, "you are looking sexy as hell yourself! You should always wear this color, I always tell you this." The cute burgundy bodycon dress had a sheer lace around the middle, showing off Jean's flat tummy.  "We are going to have so much fun tonight!" Jean giggled as she slid into the limousine. She quickly reached for her champagne glass.  Emilia slid in after her, thanking the driver as he closed the door. Turning to Jean, she frowned, "when did you start drinking?"  "Right after I spoke to you this evening," Jean replied as she downed the remaining alcohol before reaching for the half bottle. Pouring herself another glass, she quickly handed the bottle to Emilia. "Loosen up, Em. I swear, we will only stay there for about two hours." Emilia raised an eyebrow. "When have you ever stayed at a club for two hours?" She poured herself a generous amount of the bubbly. "I know we'll be coming out of the club in the early hours of the morning. At least I don't have any site visits tomorrow. But I am planning to head to the ranch." "Cheers to a great night!" Jean clicked her glass to Emilia's. "Promise me something." "Mmh, what?" Emilia asked as she took a small sip, turning her head and looked at the passing lights. "That you will try and have fun." Jean moved forward and took hold of Emilia's hand. "I need you to open up to having fun, Em. You have made it, there is no one to stand in your way. Your mother would have been so very proud of you, just like I am. So open yourself to living again." Emilia bit her lip to stop them from shaking. It is true she made it in life, after all the struggles and hurdles that she went through. There were times that she felt like quitting, but knowing that she had no choice but to carry on because there was no one she could count on-no one to rely on but herself. But in so doing, she lost herself. She built walls so high that most people did not take the time to get to know her. Squeezing Jean's hand in return, Emilia gave her a small smile, "I promise to try." "That is all I can ask for," Jean returned the smile before moving back on her seat. "You are going to love the club. It is amazing! I love the decor." "Can't wait." And she really couldn't. She had already made up her mind that she was going to enjoy the night, in the memory of her mother. She was going to focus on the great times that they had together. It took another 15 minutes of driving before they finally reached the club. The place was already buzzing with people. Emilia and Jean stepped out of the limo after the driver held their door open. They made their way to the entrance, all the while aware of the eyes that followed them. They were both beautiful women, no doubt and they were not new to stares.  Emilia had inherited her mother's frame, coming to 5 feet9 and curves in all the right places. Her blonde hair came all the way down her back, with natural curls. Jean on the other hand was dark-haired with legs for days. She would have made her living as a model if she ever wished but decided to be one of the best investment bankers around, a true definition of beauty with brains.  They got to the door and as soon as Jean showed the bouncer their invite card, they were ushered inside.  "Wow!" Emilia breathed as she took in the decor. "You were right, Jean. This place looks amazing!" She shouted to her friend over the loud music. "I know, right!" Jean giggled, the alcohol working on her system already. "We are upstairs, come on!" They climbed the stairs that opened to another wide area that was equally amazing. The whole club felt and looked expensive. Emilia looked over the short wall to the dancing floor downstairs. There was a bar right in the middle with the bartenders doing tricks as they poured the different drinks.  "Come on," Jean walked back and grabbed her arm. "We are in the VIP lounge." "I thought this was the VIP lounge," Emilia followed, looking around the grand room. It had great private sitting areas. "Naah," Jean shook her head, the blonde mane of hair moving like waves. "It's up here," Jean said as she walked forward, a glass door sliding open to a gorgeous red, silver, and black lounge. "THIS is the VIP lounge." "Oh, my!" Emilia whispered. "I did not even see that door right there." She turned to look back. The door was designed so that it disappeared into the wall. "I would really love to meet with the designer who did this." She said as she took in the design. Jean rolled her eyes, "I should have known that the designer in you would be more interested in the decor than the people around you." For the first time since getting into the club, Emilia became aware of other people in the room. There were a few men and women in the VIP lounge. A fast glance told Emilia these were some of the richest people in the country. She could see the twin ladies who were daughters to a prominent politician, they were there with their dates. Across them sat the co-owners of a multi-million dollar technology company. These men were in their mid-thirties but commanded the business world as if it was a child's play. By the private bar stood a tall brunette that Emilia had seen numerous times in newspapers but she was not sure what she did. The rest of the men were also in business with their dates. "Jean!" A dark-haired man called with a smile on his face. "You made it!" "Of course, James," she smiled as she walked towards him. "I had to come to see it for myself. Very impressive." She smiled as she returned the hug she got from James. She turned to Emilia and pulled her to her side. "Meet a great friend of mine, Emilia. Em, this is James, half of the owners of the club and a client." James turned his green eyes to Emilia. "Nice to meet you and welcome to Havoc. Hope it's everything you imagined." Emilia gave him a small, tight smile, "it's a great club, from what I have seen so far." "Well, hope you enjoy yourself. Any friend of Jean is mostly welcomed. Drinks are on the house tonight so feel free." James said as he linked his arms around Jean. "If I can steal this beautiful lady for a minute." Emilia waved her hand, "of course. " She turned to Jean, "I will be at the bar, trying some of those exotic looking drinks." She walked past them, giving Jean's arm a small squeeze. James and Jean watched as Emilia walked away. "And where did you find her?" James asked as he smiled down on Jean. Jean frowned as she looked up at James. Even with her heels, she still had to look up. "What do you mean?" James laughed, "I mean I have never seen her in these circles, probably your new secretary." Jean took in a deep breath and shook her head, "look at her. Does she carry herself like a secretary to you? Can you feel the confidence aura surrounding her like a second skin?." Jean turned to her friend. She watched as Emilia took a seat on one of the black high chairs and smiled at the bartender, quickly gaining the attention of other men in the room. That was the thing with Emilia. She did not know how attractive she was, her infectious smile was readily given even if she wasn't feeling great. Jean turned back to James and looked him up and down. "I can't believe you would stoop so low and judge a person like this." James turned back to Emilia and watched how at ease she was, she seemed very comfortable with authority. At the moment, she was chatting to Philip, a shipping magnate. True to Jean's worlds, Emilia looked confident talking to Philip. He knew for a fact that Philip tended to try people's intelligence. And from the looks of it, Emilia was holding her own against Philip. Jean started walking away from James, showing her disappointment in him. After a few steps away from him, she turned back, "If you must know. That is the Emilia Roberto. Self-made multi-millionaire architect and interior designer extraordinaire. Built her empire all by herself, didn't count on daddy's money to bail her out in times of trouble. You should count yourself lucky that she has decided to visit your club, she is very exclusive." Jean walked away, making her way to where her friend was. Emilia smiled when Jean joined her. She frowned at the dark look on Jean's face, "everything ok?" Jean shook her head, clearing the anger she had against James. "Yes, don't worry about it. Hello, Philip," she smiled at the man on Emilia's right side. "How are you?" "Great! Where have you been hiding this gem?" Philip asked, all the while ignoring the dark-haired woman who seemed to be his date. "She is a special gem alright," Jean smiled as she tried getting the attention of the bartender. "I am sure she has introduced herself." Jean frowned as the bartenders seemed to be facing away from her. "Carlos, my friend wants a drink, please!" Emilia called for a bartender. In a few minutes, Jean had a drink on her hand.  It really did not surprise Jean that Emilia knew the bartender by name, that was just the way she was. She loved to address people by their names., giving them the respect they are entitled to. "Come, let's mingle," Jean said as she took Emilia's hand and they stood up. Emilia missed the dark looks that Philip's date was giving her, but Jean saw them and she did not want a scene. "So, what do you think?" "I think I want to dance," Emilia smiled as she downed her drink and placed the glass on the nearest table.  "Well, we could dance right here." Jean looked around. The people in the room seemed more interested in socializing than the music that was blasting through the speakers on the walls.  Emilia shook her head. "I don't get to go out very often and I want to experience that down there," she turned her head and faced the crowd from the one-way full-length window. "Besides, no one knows me down there. It will be great fun." Jean shook her head and laughed, "I have unleashed a club manic!" Jean reached into her clutch and removed a red and silver band. "Here, put this on so that you can get VIP treatment from down there as well." "You know!" Emilia chuckled. "You stay here and mingle. I will come back when I have sated my thirst." She winked at her friend as she made her way out. Her head was slightly buzzed from the strong cocktail that Carlos gave her plus the glasses of champagne they had downed in the limo on their way to the club. Emilia made her way down the stairs. She decided to head to the bar first for another shot before she took the dance floor. The club was full, Emilia had to squeeze her way to make it to the bar. The setup was not as different from the VIP bar. Emilia reached the bar and squeezed between people to get the bartender's attention. "Hey, may I please get the blue and purple drink!" Emilia shouted to be heard over the loud music. The bartender looked confused, "blue and purple.." "Get the lady the Fruit Tingle cocktail, Tim," a deep voice drawled from Emilia's left side. Emilia turned to the man. He was the definition of tall, dark, and handsome. Emilia's eyes took in his facials, the dark eyes also looking at her. "Thank you," she said in a low voice. "Don't worry about it." the man said as he moved away from the bar. Emilia followed him with her eyes, only breaking her gaze when the bartender placed the drink in front of her. Taking a huge gulp, Emilia turned back to where she had seen the man head to, but he was nowhere to be seen. With slight disappointment which surprised her. Shaking her head, she finished her drink in record time. Placing the glass back on the counter, Emilia squeezed her way to the dance floor that was situated right at the back of the bar.  Getting there, Emilia let the music carry her. Music has always been her escape when things were bad at the house. She would lose herself in the beat, letting it dictate her movements. Smiling, she closed her eyes. It has been a long time since she let loose. She had always felt the need to be proper so that people would not judge her. She felt the need to hide, in case someone else took advantage of her, betrayed her. But just for this one night, she decided she was going to be herself. Even if it was for just a few hours, she was going to let her hair down. She was going to drink and dance to her heart's content and not worry about judgment from others.  As she moved to the beat, Emilia could not help it but let out a giggle, the alcohol also helping set her mood. Moving sensually to the beat with her eyes closed, she missed all the lustful looks that the men around her were throwing her way, all wanting to be next to her but also wanting to watch her move. All but one man stepped back. The man with dark eyes made his way to her back, sneaking an arm around her waist and pulling her into his chest. "How about I be your dance partner?" he whispered, his lips brushing softly on her ear. Emilia was about to turn and tell the person off but the voice stopped her. It was the man from the bar. Smiling, she leaned back and placed her hand on his arm. "Only if you can keep up," she replied, her voice husky. The man chuckled low, "show me what you got, sweetheart."