Chapter 5

“Sir! You can’t just take me as luggage like that!” He said as if he found it ludicrous. Well, it is quite such. Nonetheless, he drove while complaining, “I gotta feed my kids! And My wife! She’s pregnant!” 

This piqued my interest, “You have a family?” He seems young, about twenty-three or so.

He glanced at me before redirecting his eyes to the road, “Uh, yes, I have a family of two kids, including one on the way.” I marveled at his expression, he looked elated.

“Is that so?” Good for him. 

Taking my phone, I made a quick call to the airport. Now, we shouldn’t have any problems.  The only thing I must do is convince this guy. 

“Don’t worry about your family. We’re going on a business trip, I’ll pay you handsomely and will make sure your family is well-taken care of.” I said as I browsed places on my phone. Then I remembered where I wanted to go in the first place. ‘It’s decided.’

Though his expression brightened, he still seemed skeptical. 

I let out a sigh, “You don’t have to go. You can take this car and go home if you’d like,” At that, I saw a very subtle shift in his expression. 

He paused for a second before asking, “Sir, if I may ask…?” 

“What?”

He hesitated, opening and closing his mouth, “What happened at the bar?” 

Feeling a tug in my chest, I looked forward on the road instead, “Do you wanna know?” Though I don’t want to open up to anyone or anything else, I guess he seemed trustworthy enough. He seemed oddly kind, I don’t think I’ve met anyone like this guy before.

An awkward chuckle came out of his lips while he scratched his bushy hair, “W-well, if it helps, I’ll listen.”

‘Odd,’ I thought, but decided to go along with it, “I destroyed someone’s life,” My voice sounded more flat than I had anticipated.

“…”

He didn’t say anything, so I continued, “A server there was molested—scandalized? Gang raped? Whatever they did, I caused all that.” 

His complexion looked slightly paler but composed, “What exactly did you do?”

I thought for a second, “I befriended the people who did it, I brought them there,” As I looked out the window, I felt like a child confessing to their father.

After a short pause, he asked another question, “Are you sure my family would be safe if I go with you?” 

I answered, “Of course, who do you take me for?”

He nodded silently, and the atmosphere lingered. I was unsure if I should speak.

Breaking the silence, he handed me his phone, “I’ve got a really good playlist on there, I recommend them,” In my peripheral, I saw him give a soft smile but I pretended not to see. I don’t respond well with kindness.

I humored him and played his song playlist. Connecting the phone to my car stereo and turning the volume up a bit, I hit play.

It felt like my ear got hit by a wrecking ball…I mean, that’s the exact song that played. I underestimated how loud my speakers could get as the whole car vibrated.

We both yelped in surprise, mine coming out more high-pitched, “What the heck was that?!” I asked, “That’s your playlist?!” 

“Yes! Why’d you play it so loud?!” He swerved on the freeway for a moment.

“Because I do!” This bumass doesn’t understand. When you have a nice car, you play loud music, that’s just how it is!

“Dumbass, my ear is ringing because of you,” He scratched his ear in clear irritation. I don’t think he’s lying since mine is too.

Thinking for a moment, I almost let that slide, “Did you just call me a dumbass? I’m literally your goddamn boss!” I turned to him with a puzzled mind.

“Well, my bad I got a short fuse, boss. It’s not like I didn’t get kidnapped and used as a chauffeur and now possibly as emotional support luggage!” He complained, but through this, he didn’t seem to take it seriously, “it was embarrassing, you know?”

I scoffed, “Whatever, you got a trash playlist, anyway.” 

“That’s my wife’s playlist, play the other one,” He said with a slightly mocking tone.

The only other playlist there was titled ‘Hopeless Romantic.’ I decided to play it despite it being a list of cheesy songs. 

“That’s the one,” He said with a groan. 

We enjoyed the music on our drive to the airport, making the time go by quickly. We arrived shortly after. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by staff who were prepared to take our luggage, but we had none. 

We were silently escorted to a private lounge. When we sat, I asked the guy again, “Are you sure you wanna go?” Although I wanted company, I felt bad for just taking this dude away from his family. 

He looked me dead in the eye, “With pay.” 

I rolled my eyes, “That’s what they all say.” 

“It’s different. You’re taking me away from my family.” 

“Sure.” 

After some time, we got a confirmation that the jet was now ready and we could go anytime. We were escorted again, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at my human luggage marveling at the experience. I was once like that too.

We were accommodated as we went up the plain and as we sat down. The plane itself wasn’t as luxurious as usual. Just a plain white and beige interior with a few snacks and drinks here and there. 

“Keep it dim,” I pointed around as I grabbed a bottle of liquor and poured myself a glass, “What was your name again?” I asked the guy.

“Adam, sir,” He sounded more tense, possibly because of where he’s at.

“Oh, right.” I took a sip, feeling the burn travel through my guts. It calmed the icy feeling on my chest. 

After calming myself more with alcohol, I began to think. It wasn’t my fault that it happened and I knew that. But I still can’t help but deny it; I can’t help but blame myself for it. 

The amber liquid swirled within my glass as I thought of what I would do now. 

“What do you think?” I asked Adam. 

He looked confused and I noticed that he was pouring himself a glass, “Think of what, sir?” I’m starting to like this guy. 

I chuckled, “Of what to do.” I continued, downing my glass in one gulp.

“Uhh, nothing?” He said as he put his glass on his lips to sip, “Blegh! So strong!” He grimaced as he almost spat the expensive bourbon. 

I felt a tug on my cheeks, ‘This guy…’