Chapter 4.

Warning: Spoiler for "Why Power Is A Must."

My hand turns the key to my apartment, the revolting dump. I close the door behind me as I slip inside the dark one room. I can hear the neighbors yelling at each other again, so-and-so cheated on so-and-so again. I shuffle around the apartment, patting the wall for the light switch; my cheap apartment is illuminated. The paint is peeling off one of the walls, and the mattress is on the floor, no box-spring. I meander over to the refrigerator, open it, and pull out a bottle of water. I open it, take a sip, and place it on the counter as I walk over to the bathroom. I subconsciously set the shower to run at the perfect temperature, just a bit hotter than too hot. I simply drop my clothes on the floor and step into the shower. The scalding water soothes all of my senses. I close my eyes, allowing the water to envelope me with steam and water. My mind creates a realistic scenario of a memory. My senses sync up with my mind and reminisce on happier times. My skin feels the fond impression of his hands on my waist and his head on my shoulder. He whispers my name into my ear. I shake my head dispelling worthless memories.

"It's time to give up and say good-bye; wouldn't you agree, Thomas?" I question the shower wall in front of me. My eyes drift over silvery scars that should have been long forgotten, and yet, they still remain.

–iv–

My bed greets me with warm arms. I pull the layered sheets up to my chin and rest my head against the pillow. My neighbors are still fighting with their spouses, except for one couple, who have no idea how to have sex without everyone else knowing. I reluctantly slip out of bed to grab my water bottle. The frigid air bites at my exposed legs and arms as I rush back to my bed's warm embrace. I take another sip of water, lie down, and stare at the moon through the sky-light windows on the chapel-shaped ceiling. Kai wasn't at work today, but I assumed that she would be spending the day with Axel. He probably paid for the day; he does that a lot. He's got the money to spare. Work. I close my eyes in an attempt to sleep, but Albert keeps resurfacing on my mind. His blue eyes locking with mine as his hands run up and down my sides. I want him to stay with me. But you know he never will because you're disgusting, repulsive... The phone rings, and I hesitate to answer it, seeing how most of my calls consist of accusations that I wish were false. My hand brushes against the plastic of the phone; I inhale sharply, preparing for the worst, and answer the phone.

"Anita?" The voice catches me off guard.

"Axel?" He truly worries me.

"Kai said you were upset, and I wanted to make sure Mr. America didn't try any funny shit because you know I can kick his shit in." I would hate to see how he would react to a boy trying to take his daughter out on a date, and I say daughter because Kai is determined to have a girl because they're 'just plain better.'

"No, he is really kind and treats me with amazing respect; it is refreshing compared to my everyday life." There's a long, drawn out pause. "You really shouldn't worry about me that much."

"Why shouldn't I?"

"You have your friends and Kai to worry about." I sit on the mattress and trace circles on the comforter.

"Bullshit, yes, I have to keep an eye out for all of them, but you are my little sister. Why the hell would I place ELA shit in front of you?"

"Axel, you really don't have to worry because I'm only a few minutes younger."

"Still little."

"Axel Luka Muller, shut your mouth." He laughs on the other end.

"Just be careful, please?"

"I swear; now, where do I sign the papers to give you my soul?" He laughs even more.

–iv–

Niklas Schulz is a common customer around here. He stands at the door; his brown eyes dig into my skin as he approaches me from the door. A smirk pulls at his lips. I won't say that he's not an attractive man, but he is harsh. His hands fall onto the small of my back as he pulls me forward into a kiss. He pushes me against the bed; Niklas is the kind of man that you should always take precaution with. He is erratic and spontaneous, and once he gets into it, there's no way to get him to stop.

There is a strategy in this job. Well, two strategies, you can love the job and enjoy its many perks, or you can pretend that you're not where you are that you're somewhere else or with someone you truly care about. My mind can escape to wherever it chooses, and it's probably the most freedom I will get in a long time. My eyes slide shut to further my imagination, but to my surprise, I find myself mentally recreating yesterday. Schulz is replaced with Albert, and a smile finds its way to my lips. Somehow, this man I've known for only a handful of days can put me at peace. However, Schulz is no Albert Wesker. Schulz is violent, especially with women. My illusion holds true, and I am content with my life. I close my eyes and rest my head on the pillow. When my eyes open, I notice that the door is open, and this intrigues me beyond any apparent reason. I watch Jana pass by the room with a customer; her customer turns towards the open door, clearly intrigued as much as I. His eyes meet mine, and my breathing stops. Albert. I want him to turn away, but how selfish am I? Then, he does the unusual. He opens the door, rushes towards the bed, and grabs Niklas by the neck.

"Look man, I pay my way, and you look the other." Niklas hisses.

"Leave her alone." Albert snaps.

"Have you seen her? She's a slut and not your average one at that. She knows how to drink you dry and beg for more." Niklas smirks in my direction, and without a moment's hesitation, Albert's fist makes harsh contact with Niklas' cheek.

"I said –"

"Albert, please leave." Albert stares at me with pure bewilderment. "Please." His gaze drops to the floor as he leaves the room.

"You," Niklas hisses. "How am I going to explain this to my coworkers?! I work in government, so you know that my appearance is a hell of a lot more important than yours!"

"I'm sorry." He raises his hand, and his hand makes angry contact with my cheek.

"Not sorry enough, it would seem." He grabs his money off of the table. "Not worth a single cent." He gets dressed and makes his way out the door. My cheek burns a bit, but my own dignity, or whatever was left of it, is indefinitely shattered. My hand wipes at my eyes, and I'm so tired of crying. The door is still open, but who cares? Like he said, I'm a slut who doesn't deserve privacy. I pull the royal blue sheets over my head as I hide away in a makeshift sanctuary. A knock resonates through the door.

"Anita," I can feel the bed dip under his weight. "You can come out; the door is closed."

"I wasn't afraid of the open door." I snap in an unfairly harsh manner.

"I am sorry." His hand hesitantly rests on my shoulder.

"I still don't get it; why me?" He slowly pulls the covers away from my face.

"Because you are an amazingly beautiful woman." He presses his lips to mine.

"I'm not happy, you know?" His blue eyes drop to the ground. "I'm not happy with all of this, this lifestyle."

"Who could blame you?" A solemn smile graces his lips.

"Everyone, I ruin marriages and families."

"False, you have not ruined anything of mine, and I have no reason to blame you for anything."

"Albert, I –" He kisses me and pulls me into his arms.

"You do not need reasons and excuses to deter me because I cannot be deterred from you. You are beautiful."

"Albert."

"I do not want to leave you here with this sort of life, so please come with me." His eyes beg for me to agree. "I have a great idea; Anita, let's run away together. They'll never be able to pull us apart then!"

"I don't want you to waste your time on the likes of me."

"What if I want to waste my damn time?" His eyes narrow in inquisition. "Why do you keep pushing me away when it is obvious that you want someone to be closer to you?"

"I was tricked before, and look where that got me! You want pure honesty? I'm afraid." His hand affectionately cups my cheek. "I can't do it all again. I'm stupid and naïve."

"Shhh," he whispers in my ear. "You are perfect, and you are hesitant about strangers like me. What makes you think you are naïve? You made sure that I would not leave after a one night stand. Anita, if only the world could see how strong and amazing you truly are."

"Why don't you get it?! Especially after walking in on that, I'm a whore who gives men whatever the fuck they want for whatever price the madame says; I'm a thing. When does anyone love an object?!"

"I think you just need someone to show you that you are human that you need to be loved." He rests his head on my shoulder. "Not everyone is like that asshole that hurt you. I cannot force you to believe me, but I swear on my life that there are better people in the world. I hope that I can be the one to prove that to you."

"Why do you have to be so kind?" He chuckles.

"I met a girl who changed my outlook on life." He kisses my cheek.

–iv–

I wake up as the sun makes its trek up the horizon towards the sky. I feel an arm around my waist, and I follow it towards its body. Oh, right, I fell asleep. Albert sits up and yawns. He smiles sleepily. Oh, right, he stayed the night.

"Hey," his smile disappears. "Today is my last day here, so I need to know if you are coming or not?" I stare at him for a decent while before it settles in. This man has made me happier than I've been in years, and he's offering to take me away from this godforsaken country.

"Yes," I kiss him, and if I am to be wrong, than I will pay the price yet again. But for now, I just want to be happy again. There I go with my wants. He stares at me blankly.

"I know that today is April first, but seriously, are you coming or not?"

"Yes, I would love to."

–iv–

Who knew that it would turn out the way it did?

A/N: Happy Easter, and technically, this story spoils the other one on the occasional mystery. This just so happens to be a spoiler, but maybe you like that and understand the other one better because of this. Either way, I hope your holiday season was relaxing and refreshing, and I am very thankful [even though it's not that time of year for another seven months] for everyone's support and helpful criticism. Now, I will stop ranting and bid you good-day.

~FromPrussiaWithLove.