Chapter Eight Am loosing It

Bella was already late. She quickly hurried to join Mira to attend to the customers. 

"I'm so sorry I'm late today". She apologized immediately as she came in. 

"What's about your lateness these days?". Mira asked as they settled down when the customers were already less. 

"Nothing serious, I just slept over this night".

"This night!, and you are always late. Least I forgot, the manager asked for you earlier this morning, he wants to see you". Mira had a smirk on her face as she sighed alongside.

"Thanks for the information I would like to see right now". Bella stood up to leave for the Manager's office. 

"Good morning sir. You sent for me". She greeted him as she stepped into the office.

"Have your seat". The Manager pointed at the chair opposite him. 

"Thank you sir".

"I noticed you have not been active for the past couple of weeks now and I do not need an explanation for that. The company really appreciates your years of service here and since we are no longer comfortable with it we have taken a decision".

Bella's heart sank, she knew she was going to be fired, she had not really been active for the past weeks as a result of her pregnancy.

"And we want to grant you your leave as from today.  You have only today to stay here. As from tomorrow, your service won't be appreciated here again". The Manager concluded his words after some seconds of silence. 

Bella wanted to plead but her instinct told her not to as her pleas were going to do nothing on the Manager's decision.

"You may take your leave". And with this Bella stood up and left the office with tears wrapped in her eyes which were ready to start flowing.

  Bella went back to meet her other colleague crying, she couldn't believe she had lost her job so easily just for a mere man who cared not about her. 

Mira noticed the change in Bella courtesy she wanted to ask what had happened but her instinct told her that she could have been fired. 

"So did you try the plan of the previous day". Mira asked to take Bella's mind away from her job loss. 

 "Sure I did but it didn't turn out the way you thought it would. He asked me to carry out a DNA test to prove he is the father".

"That's just a little task you can do and when the results come out positive, he would not be able to deny the fact that he is the father of the child". Mira shuckled.

"What did the Manager tell you when you met him". Mira only needed to confirm what her instinct had told her if it were true or not. 

"Oh that, he said he has granted me the leave I had asked for previously". Bella said without any hesitation.

"You signed for a leave, what were you thinking? Do you have any where you can apply for a job". Mira was so shocked that she couldn't hide it. She found it hard to believe that Bella had signed for a leave without letting her know of it. 

"Not yet, I will find a place sooner".

"That's so childish of you Bella or you are only trying to hide the fact that you were being fired with such an excuse". Mira, still not satisfied with the reply she got from Bella, asked to clear her doubts. 

Bella knew Mira was so smart and would easily know she was only lying. "Let's just end this entire discussion Mira, there's no point in changing what has already been done".

Bella took it as a burden to get a new job. She wouldn't like to let her mom know that she was fired as a result of her sluggish attitude. She thought hard of what to do and quickly recalled about her long time friend Laura. She knew she could help her through so she picked up her phone to call her.

"It's been so long since I heard from you so I hope you do not mind if I drop by your place later in the day". Bella said immediately as Laura answered the phone.

"Sure why not".

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"I lost my job recently so I don't know if you could help me find one". Bella said after a long gist between her and Laura.

"Well I have an offer but I don't know if you would be willing to give in". Laura sighed heavily.

"Sure why not as long as I can be able to cater for my feeding, I can't rely on my mom always". Bella was unaware of the offer yet but was ready to do anything.

"Since you say so. I have a lady who is looking for young girls like you who can be able to entertain her guests. You are not actually going to have sex with them if that's what you are having in mind already, no that's not it, you are only going to dance. In summary, would you be able to work as a stripper". Laura's words were so hard that it sunk down into Bella's heart.

"But you know that is not easy for me to do".

"That's the only offer I have.  And come to think of it, where do you think you would be able to get a job in this city? Most vacant places are looking for highly built certified personnel not a second class citizen like you". Laura had a grin on her face. 

Bella knew very well that Laura was mocking her but there was nothing she could do about it. 

"Are you giving in or not there's nothing here to give a second thought to. And moreover you have just two days and you might lose the opportunity". 

Bella really had to do something, she couldn't believe she was going to do this but now she is doing it.

"Yes". She finally murmured.

"Wise choice, I would let the lady know and get back to you in two days. Least I forgot the payments are really high.  Goodluck". Laura gave Bella a hug as she stood up to leave. 

"Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into, all this happened because of Jack all this is his fault". Bella cried immediately as she left Laura's house.