The Highest Bidder

by Chanta Rand

  “I can’t believe he never showed up,” she heard Jade say.

  “We should find out where he lives and bust the windows outta his car,” Yvette scoffed.

  “That won’t solve anything,” Viola warned. “And Yvette, you’ll be needing your own legal counsel if you get caught doing that.”

  “I know,” she pouted. “But it sure would make me feel better.”

  “Something must have happened to him,” Viola defended Tristan. “I just didn’t figure him for the type of guy capable of doing something like this.”

  Jade rolled her eyes. “All men are capable of it. Once they get what they want.”

  “I can’t believe I fell for it,” Alexa spoke up. “He baited me, hook, line and sinker.”

  Jade squeezed her hand in an attempt to comfort her. “Don’t blame yourself, Alexa. He’s the fool. He missed out on a good woman.”

  “Yeah,” Yvette agreed. “It’s his loss, not yours.”

  Alexa sighed. That’s what every woman said when a guy dumped her or cheated on her. It was the rejected woman’s anthem. What it really meant was I’m just trying to make myself feel better ‘cause I have no idea what the hell went wrong, and it’s easier to pretend I’m not hurt than to go ballistic and leave umpteen messages laced with profanity on his voicemail.

  “Well, it wasn’t a total waste of time,” Jade said. “At least your factory is open for business again.”

  “No,” Alexa protested. “If this has taught me anything, I’ve learned to keep the factory doors closed – at least until I have a chance to really get to know a man.”

  “Yeah, right. Who can truly ever know a man?”

  “I can if I put my three-month rule back in place. My Pawpaw always said people show their true colors after you’ve known them for three months.”

  Viola gave her a sly smile. “Girl, you have to admit, the sex was worth overlooking the three-month rule, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes,” Alexa confessed. “It was.”

  That was the one positive she could take from this whole experience. Tristan had handled her body like it had never been handled before. He’d kissed every inch of her skin and touched every hot spot, even the ones she hadn’t known were there.

  He was the best she’d ever had. But for her, it was more than just sex. It was bonding. And when he looked into her eyes, she saw not only desire, but also respect and admiration. She saw a tender side of him that had totally changed the way she viewed him. Maybe that’s why it was so hard to forget him. Now she knew he’d just been putting on an act. A week ago she’d thought she should win an Oscar for her performance with Greta. Today, she realized it was Tristan who truly deserved the award.

  “I don’t regret anything we did,” she said. “I’m going to learn from it and make sure I don’t get hurt again.” Translation: I’ll go back to hiding behind those castle walls!

  “I hope you used condoms,” Yvette said.

  “Of course.”

  “Good. I would hate for this to come back and bite you in the ass.”

  “We were both careful. I think he planned it that way.” She looked each one of her friends in the eyes and took a deep breath. “Don’t worry. I’m fine,” she assured them. “Tristan and I will never see each other again. And I’m fine with it.”

  * * *

  That afternoon, Alexa returned to her office intent on catching up on her paperwork. On her desk was a memo for the afternoon staff meeting. It wasn’t mandatory, but the only doctors who failed to attend were those who usually had more pressing matters – like life and death surgery. Since she had no reason not to be there, other than profound sorrow and feeling sorry for herself, she’d better show up. No doubt, Ben Peterson would be there keeping a roll call of people who made it. He had nothing better to do.

  She quickly dialed Viola’s cell phone. “Are you going to the staff meeting?” she asked.

  “I’m headed there now,” Viola confirmed.

  “I have a lot of work to do,” Alexa protested. “Is this something that I can skip?”

  “It’s probably best to show your face. Then you can sneak out. I’ll save you a seat in back.”

  “Did you get a copy of the agenda?”

  “Yes. The only topic for discussion is an update from MOG.”

  “Who the heck is MOG?”

  Viola laughed. “Medical Outreach Group. I’m surprised you don’t know about them. It’s a group of doctors that travel the world providing medical services. They’re like a free clinic on wheels. This year, a bunch of do-gooders are going to Brazil for a few months. The program is headed up by Max White.”

  “All right, I’ll go,” Alexa relented. “But I’m in no mood to chit chat with anyone.”

  “Don’t worry. It’s not that type of meeting. It will be a quick presentation and then you can get back to your wonderful life.”

  * * *

  Max White turned out to be Maxine White. She was a dynamic personality, persuasive but not too forceful. She appeared to be in her early to mid-forties. She was a small woman with big enthusiasm. Her pretty, green eyes flashed brightly as she spoke about her mission.

  “I’ve been working with MOG for the past five years,” she informed the group of over fifty doctors assembled in the hospital’s meeting room. “We help burn victims across the world. Third world countries like South America, Africa, and India especially need our help. In many of these cultures, women are treated as human property, and men can inflict any type of punishment on them for any perceived infraction.” She pointed to an overhead projector with images of scarred women and children. Alexa’s heart sank when she saw some of the photos.

  “Many of our patients are domestic abuse victims,” Max continued. “They are burned by husbands, fathers and other males who have authority over their lives. These women are shamed because of their physical and psychological scars. They have nowhere to go and no money for treatment.” She gave the group a pleading look. “If we don’t help them, who will?”

  Alexa watched as each photo flickered across the screen. A picture really was worth a thousand words. Each successive image silently told its own brutal story. She listened intently as Max concluded her presentation. She was so caught up in her own problems she hadn’t stopped to think about women around the world who might be suffering. She immediately felt bad for putting her petty concerns above everything else. True, Tristan had hurt her. But the women in Brazil were victims to fates far worse than she could imagine.

  “I’m proud to say the program has been given another grant,” Max announced. “MOG is looking for a few more doctors to volunteer for six months at our clinic in Brazil. I’ve heard Mercy has one of the best burn units in the state. That’s why I’m here today.”

  Alexa felt as though Max was looking directly at her. Mercy did have a premier burn unit. And yes, she was qualified to provide medical care for burns. She probably knew more about the burn unit than any other doctor on staff. So, what are you doing for the next six months?

  A doctor in the front of the room raised his hand to ask a question. “When you say volunteer, what exactly do you have in mind?”

  Max gave him a patient smile. “Thank you for asking. Volunteering means exactly that. No pay. The grant only covers so much, and most of that funding goes toward medicine, supplies, and food and shelter for us. You’ll need to bring any additional items you can’t live without because most of it won’t be supplied. There’ll be no cushy doctor’s lounge. No plasma TVs. No personal computers. We’ll have an adequate food supply, but we’ll be using a fry plate to cook our meals.”

  “God, it sounds awful,” another doctor said aloud.

  Alexa sat in deep thought. It didn’t sound so bad to her. In fact, it sounded wonderful. What could be more noble than helping people who could not help themselves? Everyone always sat around screaming about the injustices of life. But how many people actually stepped up and extended a helping hand to another fellow human being, regardless o
f race? She’d seen animals treated better than some people. As much as she cared for animal rights, she felt a human life was more valuable than anything else in this world. Especially when it came to women and children, who were often pawns with no say-so in their own destiny.

  “I won’t take up any more of your time,” Max promised. “Anyone who is interested in volunteering, please see me.” She held up her business card. “If you’re not sure right now, take one of my cards and contact me later. But not too much later,” she smiled again. “We leave in three weeks.”

  Alexa felt the strings of her conscience tightly twisting around her. Something about MOG seemed so right for her. There was really no reason for her not to do it. She had no family to worry about. No significant other. No obligations keeping her here. She turned and whispered to Viola. “I’m going.”

  “Yeah, me too,” Viola replied. “I have to finish staff evaluations. Let’s just slip out.”

  “No.” Alexa shook her head. “I mean I’m going to Brazil with MOG.”

  Viola looked at her as if she’d just said she was riding a rocket into outer space. “You cannot be serious, Alexa.”

  “I’m dead serious. This is the perfect opportunity for me to help others in need.”

  “But why can’t you do that here?” Viola asked. “We need you too.”

  Alexa stood. “Not as much as those women need me. Did you hear Max? If we don’t help them, no one will. Someone has to stand up to those men.”

  Viola narrowed her eyes. “You’re doing this because of Tristan, aren’t you?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You’ve been hurt by a man and the only way for you to heal is to help another woman who’s been hurt by a man.”

  Alexa thought about it for a split second. Was that the reason she felt compelled to work with MOG? She wasn’t sure. All she knew was that she was in a position to make a major contribution to the world. Was it a coincidence that Max was looking for doctors who specialized in burns? She didn’t believe in coincidences. She believed she was being called by a higher power. “Maybe you’re right, Viola. But regardless of what happened with Tristan, God gave me these skills, so why shouldn’t I use them?”

  Most of the crowd had begun dispersing. Viola pulled Alexa back into her seat. “Alexa, I don’t want you to go. It’s too dangerous over there.”

  “It’s dangerous in the U.S. too. Do you know that every two minutes someone is sexually assaulted in this country?”

  Viola shook her head, furious. “Dammit, Alexa,” she hissed under her breath. “Don’t you dare quote statistics to me right now. I’m trying to talk some sense into your thick skull. Do you think you’re the only woman who’s had her heart broken? It happens to everyone. You can’t go trekking halfway across the globe trying to outrun your problems.”

  “It’s not halfway across the globe. And,” she glared at Viola, “I’m not running away from my problems. My problems will always be with me, right here.” She pointed to her chest. “I can never distance myself from my heart, no matter how hard I might want to.”

  Viola let out an exasperated breath. “I think you’re making a hasty decision.”

  “My gut instinct tells me it’s the right thing to do.”

  She clasped Alexa’s hand in her own. “What can I do to make you stay?”

  “My mind is made up.” Alexa gave her a determined look. “And nothing on God’s green earth can make me change it.”

  * * *

  Exactly three weeks later, Alexa arrived at Eduardo Gomes International Airport in Manaus, Brazil. The bustling city was located near the Rio Negro, a tributary that emptied into the Amazon River. She’d had a great view of the murky waters from her window seat on the plane. She only hoped she wouldn’t have to travel inland by boat. She hated to think of the creatures lurking beneath the water’s dark surface.

  Max had warned her to pack only the essentials. How did one pack only essentials for a six-month trip? She had the hardest time downsizing her luggage from five bags to three, but she finally managed to do it. The five physicians who accompanied her were equally prepared. There were three women and three men, including Max and her. She laughed when she noticed that one of the men had only brought one large suitcase. He had a rugged look, with red hair and a full beard. She nicknamed him Grizzly Adams.

  As the group departed from the runway, Alexa immediately felt the butter-thick humidity surround her. Her freshly starched, white cotton blouse was sticking to her back like Velcro. When she’d told Viola nothing on God’s green earth could keep her from going, she never imagined she’d actually be traveling to the greenest part of the earth. The scenery was breathtaking. Lush green plants and vegetation dominated the landscape. Towering trees with wide leaves rose like skyscrapers into the clouds above. Because of the daily rainfall, she knew it would be hot and humid every day. So, she came prepared with plenty of mosquito repellent.

  She was relieved when their English-Portuguese speaking guide greeted them and advised that they would travel by land. He helped her pile her luggage into one of two Range Rovers waiting nearby. Both vehicles were battered and looked like they’d seen better days.

  Alexa glanced at Max. “I hope we make it there in one piece,” she quipped.

  Max laughed. “Well, if that landing didn’t kill us, nothing will.”

  “No kidding.” Their flight had the worst turbulence Alexa had ever experienced. And the landing was herky-jerky, as if the pilot was a kid learning to drive a stick shift. “I’m just glad to be on solid ground,” she muttered.

  “Don’t get too happy too soon,” Max warned. “We still have to make it to Caapiranga.”

  The doctors split into two groups, dividing their luggage between the two vehicles. Alexa immediately regretted her choice to sit in the back seat. The bumpy, one-hour ride from the airport to the remote village of Caapiranga left bruises in all the wrong places. If she stood naked in front of a full-length mirror tomorrow she was sure her body would have more spots than a leopard. She held on tight, for fear of falling out and being left behind. The driver of the Rover traveled at light speed along the jungle road, apparently oblivious to the fact that his passengers were being thrown about like tennis balls at the U.S. Open. She tried not to think about the plush seats of her Mercedes at home in the garage. After all, she was here to help others, not to feel sorry for herself.

  She was grateful when Max called out, “We’re here,” as the village finally came into view. “This will be our new home for the next six months.”

  Alexa stepped out of the Rover and rubbed her sore butt. Looking around, she realized Caapiranga was in the middle of nowhere. It was a lush paradise, surrounded by a plethora of fertile, green trees and dense foliage. Vibrant flowers in rich colors sprang up from the ground, their blooms saturating the air with their fragrant scents. At home, she had plastic plants. She could never, in a million years, grow plants such as these. This place made the garden center at Home Depot look like a third-grade science project.

  The area was teeming with wildlife. Loud sounds of macaw birdcalls resonated through the air. She looked up in time so see a pair of spider monkeys playfully scampering among the thick branches in the canopy of trees above her. Her senses were overwhelmed. Her ears heard the raucous animal chatter, her nose breathed the damp, rain-swollen air, and her eyes beheld colorful flashes of movements from hummingbirds, butterflies, and iguanas. In the distance, she could see the pristine white walls of a large clinic, two bungalows in the back, probably for sleeping, and two smaller buildings off to the side. There was also a well-kept garden flourishing with plants and a well for drawing fresh water. She was going to like it here.

  “Brazil supports the greatest biodiversity on the earth,” the driver told the group. “The Amazon contains over one-third of the world’s total animal species, including over 56,000 species of plants, 1,700 species of birds, 695 amphibians, 651 reptiles, and 578 mammals.”

  �
�Wow,” was all Alexa could say. She was at a loss for words.

  Grizzly Adams suddenly appeared at her side. “What? Having second thoughts?”

  She took a deep breath of fresh air. “Never.”

  Max approached. “So, you’re ready to get your hands dirty, huh?”

  “You bet,” she replied, full of optimism.

  “Good.” Max’s bright eyes twinkled. “Since we have no running water here, you can start by setting up the slop buckets.”

  Setting up slop buckets wasn’t too bad. What Alexa wasn’t prepared for was the amount of domestic work that followed. She’d grown lazy in the States. She rarely cooked, settling instead for takeout or meals at her favorite restaurant. She had a laundry service to wash and iron all of her clothes. And she’d never had to light a fire. She took for granted that the electricity and gas would always work when she flipped the switch in her apartment. She was grateful that the clinic had electricity. She didn’t know where it came from and she didn’t care. As long as it worked!

  The first day at the clinic was demanding. The clinic had a pen that contained two wild hogs, and it was her job to feed them. Fortunately, they ate anything that didn’t eat them first, so finding food for them was a relatively easy task. She named one Wilbur and the other Porky, knowing full well that they’d end up on the dinner table in a few weeks. Oh well, that was the order of natural selection. She was just happy she was on top of the food chain.

  After feeding the pigs, she helped pick potatoes and collard greens from the garden. Then she washed all the bugs from the vegetables and peeled the potatoes. She’d been told they would also have pirarucu fish and fresh sliced avocados for dinner tonight. She was glad to learn that everyone would help in the preparation of dinner. There were no “female” vs. “male” chores. Each person had to pull their own weight.