Chapter Nine

Talia's POV:

"Talia, stop acting like a naive scared girl. The job can fetch you a reasonable amount of money." Stella persuaded me after school for some gig that needed extra girls tonight.

Stella was the kind of girl that people tagged spoilt because she was carefree and bold. No one dared suppress her. And she made a statement even down to her dressing.

Of course, the numerous boyfriends on campus added too. We became fast friends after she stood for me against Jason, the bully. In appreciation, I had given her my lunch that day. That was back in fourth grade.

Although there was a huge gap between where I came from and where she came from, Stella has never made me feel less of myself. When I am with her I feel confident and pretty. She was just two years older than me but menh, Stella had all the qualities that could make a man drool

. Long coiled redhead, bouncy D-cup boobs, curvy with a firm ass and tanned pale skin. Let us not forget the Irish accent that sounded so good whenever she spoke.

"I just don't know, Ella, I have never handled such a job. Besides, my grandmother will kill me if she finds out."

"Then don't tell her. Instead, tell her you have a study group thingy. Find an excuse connected to the school. Grandma Caro doesn't care if you spend the night out. I promise you, it will be fun."

"This doesn't feel right," I whispered."Nothing ever feels right to you. Please, spare me the innocent and unexposed girl attitude."

We had a favorite spot under the oak tree. Just Stella and I. So, we headed there, scheming for my escape plan.

As soon as the school bell rang, I ran home as fast as I could because Stella had talked me into taking up the gig. I wanted to do my chores and make dinner for grandma before time.

"Where are you headed to?" Grandma asked as she saw me clutching a few of my art books.

"I am going to Stella's and from there we will head to school. We have all-night rehearsals for an upcoming play." I said, my palms becoming sweaty as the lies flowed.

"What do I care? Just be back to do your morning chores or you won't be going to school tomorrow."

"Yes, grandma." As she returned to her dinner, I stood not knowing what to do with myself.

"Are you going to stand there all night? Don't have somewhere to be?"

My heart drummed more than usual as I raved with all might out of the house. Racing with the fear that she could change her mind and call me back inside.

When I got to Stella's house, she was already dressed. A nude gown that was too short for anyone not to glance at that impeccable curve of hers twice. She had covered up her natural hair with a short blonde wig and matched it up with smoky eyes, red lipstick, and blushes. She wore black heels that I bet will make her feel hurt before the end of the night.

"You are here," she waved at me excitedly as I crept open her door.

Stella was independent at just twenty because of her wealthy parents. She had her own house and two cars. Whatever else she did in the name of working was for fun. And trust me, she never went for the normal jobs. Always the ones with a lot of men involved. The monthly check from her parents covered her expenses and more, giving her enough funds to even lavish at her unnecessary today parties.

"Yes," I mumbled.

"What the hell?" She screamed seeing me.

"What! What happened?"

"You can't step out of this house looking like a maid. We have to do something about that awful sneaker and big faded trousers and t-shirt of yours."

Tell me about it. For your information, these are the nicest set of clothes I have if you haven't noticed. "You have refused to tell me exactly what we are going to do?" I asked instead.

"Well, when we get there, I will tell you. I don't want you changing your mind."

"Is it legal?"

"Of course it is legal. I will never do anything illegal. Well, except if you don't count the drugs and my possession of an unregistered gun." She grinned.

"You have a gun?"

"Just kidding. Okay, where were we?"

After a full hour of Stella working her artistic skill on me, I couldn't recognize myself. I felt so uncomfortable with what I wore. Yet, she didn't give me the opportunity to complain. She dragged me out of the house and into the car.

When we arrived in a serene corner with one big structure, a lot of people cued outside. I thought Stella was trafficking me or something.

"Where are we, Ella?" I was forced to ask.

"Okay, the gig is being a waitress for this club. It is having its grand opening today and they need all the ladies they can lay their hands on." She said reassuringly, giving my shoulder a little squeeze.

Short clothes, wild makeup and hair, men and alcohol. No! "Stella, take me back home. You know I can't do this."

"You see the reason why I didn't tell you before now. You would never have agreed into doing it. See, it is not what you think. Just serve some drinks and you get paid."

"And why couldn't I wear more comfortable stuff?"

"Because you need to look attractive. Come on it won't be bad. A lot of money for one night. Think about it."

"Yeah, a lot of trouble too for one night."

"Come on, Lia, I promise you, if something goes bad, we will leave immediately. With or without finishing the job."

"You promise?"

"Cross my heart."Glance to the building and back to Stella, "okay."

"Yappy!"