The Plea

PEARL

The sun spills a rectangle of yellow light onto my bedside table. Its gentle warmth wakes me from the sweet embrace of sleep. I moaned softly into my pillows and hoped for a few more hours to myself.

As I turned to shield my face from the sun peeking in from my blinds, I turned to Lily sleeping in her pink bunny pajamas, clutching Mr. Scuffles between her thighs. She always insists on sleeping in my bed every chance she gets. Mystique always joked about it, saying that's probably why I never crave to wake up next to a man.

Rolling and stretching, Lily opened her eyes and let out a small yawn.

'Good morning, sunshine.' I ruffled her hair.

'Mommy starts her modeling school today.' I said, sitting cross-legged from her.

'What is a modeling school?' Her eyes widened in curiosity.

'It's where I learn to strike a pose and walk like a queen.' I told her while making royal gestures with my hand.

I've made it a chore to tell her everything that's happening, no matter how young she is. I've resigned to the fact that she's the only one I have and can lean on.

But there seems to be an exception lately with the proposal shenanigans with Mr. Alexander.

I couldn't go to work yesterday due to my dad's transfer to the hospital's penthouse, which I had to oversee because of its conditions. I still couldn't believe the coincidence and audacity the man had to think he could use my father's condition as bait for me to accept his proposal.

Mystique called me last night to gist me about how he came into the club and would not allow anyone else to dance for him.

'Girl! He passed out drunk at the end of the night. His driver and a bouncer had to take him to his car.' She dished out the gist in her loud, shrill voice.

'I look forward to getting the full gist tomorrow .' I responded in a tired voice.

'So, Lily bear, we have to get ready.'Tickling her till she couldn't take it anymore. I carried her on my shoulder.

'You are having a sleepover with Bree tonight. I will pick you up tomorrow and tell you about my new school.'

Placing her down, I stretched my hand out for a handshake;

'Deal?'

'Yes, mommy.' She said, putting her tiny hands in mine.

This modeling school was my ticket out of being a stripper. I wanted to be closer to her and not have to dump her with someone every night so I could make a living. My baby deserves more than that.

I proceeded to my modeling school after dropping Lily off at her friend's house, Bree. I saved every penny for this school, and I intend to make the most of it.

Most of the day was filled with registrations and mingling with new intakes like myself. I found myself looking forward to the club tonight and Mystique's gist.

'I hope he doesn't come to the club tonight.' I thought. I had less than 24 hours to give him a response; I didn't want his presence manipulating me. I already knew my answer, but what's the fun if I don't drag it out?

Later in the evening, I stepped into the club. It wasn't in full swing yet. The chilled atmosphere was a relief from the day's bustling. Some people sat by the bar, lost in their world and whatever the bartender was serving.

The VIP had dim lighting, but I could figure out the silhouette of a man standing by the glass gazing down into the club. At that instant, I knew God chose not to grant my request for today.

I settled down in the dressing room to change into my outfit for the night, a shimmering fringe halter neck red dress to pair with black boot heels. My hair was going to be tied up in a bun tonight.

'It makes your eyes pop.' Mystique always compliments.

Just as I was about to pull off my shoes, I heard a knock; the bouncer from the VIP section peeped in.

'The client in the VIP section wants to see you. He said to come as you are.'

'The audacity!' I whispered under my breath.

'Tell him I'd be right there.' I told the bouncer.

'You summoned me.' I said sarcastically. The music was on a low tempo and even more chilled than the other section of the club. I could feel some tension in the room. The air was heavily pregnant with words

'Yes.' He turned around.

He looked like he had been through hell and back since the last time I saw him. From the dim light, I could see stubble beards grow around his face. Dark circles formed a ring around his bloodshot eyes. The top button of his shirt opened to show a nest of hair curled up on his chest.

'How's your father?' The drawl in his words made me realize how drunk he was.

'He's fine. Thank you once again for your generosity.'

'Are you ok?' I said with concern written on my face.

'And why will you think I'm not?' He moved closer to me till he was a mere inch away from my face. His breath smelt of alcohol, mixed with a wood scent of perfume.

I didn't respond or move away, locking his gaze with mine in the hope of finding answers in my eyes. I was determined not to give him the satisfaction of my fear.

He moved away just as quickly as he moved towards me,

'Can I have the answer to my proposal now?' It half-sounded like a plea. I could hear a hint of desperation in his voice behind the manly facade.

'The agreement was a week. You get your answer tomorrow.' I responded.

'But I need it now.' He was back in front of me before I could blink. With a firm grip on my hand, he said

'Pearl, I need this. I need you.'

Waiting for me to respond, his grip got tighter.

'Is there a problem here?' I felt a bouncer loom over us.

He dropped my hand instantly. Rubbing my wrist, I turned to face the bouncer.

'Not at all. My client just had too much to drink. Will escort him to his car to be sure he's safe.' I said.

With uncertainty on the bouncer's face, he nodded.

'Where's your driver?' I asked him once we were outside the club. His weight was crushing me, as he was too drunk to stand upright.

'I drove myself.' He slurred.

'Well, isn't that just fucking great?' I cursed.

I flagged down a cab.

Thankfully, he was conscious enough to call out the address.

'Bass mansion' was all he had to say to the cabman before he looked like he fell asleep.

As I moved to stand upright so the cab could move, I felt his firm grip on my hand.

'Don't leave me, Pearl. Please don't.' He drawled before I heard a light snore.