Chapter 6: Endurance and Perseverance

**Jasmin Selene's POV**

"Jasmin, you have another delivery," said Sir Tomas, my boss. He owns a flower shop, and I work part-time here as a delivery girl.

I took the paper from his hand with the address and the other items I needed to deliver.

Aside from being a part-time waitress at the club, I also work as a part-time delivery girl. I need to save money to pay for my tuition. Even though I try to avoid it, I need to be prepared... at least I can save enough for one semester.

If only I could quit the club, but I can't afford to give up the money I make there. My earnings as a delivery girl are not enough, and what I earn from selling sketches and paintings is not sufficient either.

"Why don't you just accept my offer?" he said, with a hint of frustration. He came closer and placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it.

If he weren't my boss, I would have kicked his happiness away a long time ago. But since I really need this job...

I removed his hand from my shoulder. "Offer it to someone else, Sir. I have to go." I grabbed a bouquet of flowers and a few paper bags and left the shop.

He had offered me to be his girlfriend, saying he would take care of all my expenses, including my schooling. But that's not who I am. I still have some dignity left. It's better to struggle working hard than to be with a married man just for money.

"Jasmin, let me take you home," Royce shouted when he saw me. Here's another one...

He was sitting on his motorcycle. He's also a delivery rider, just like me.

"No need, I can manage on my own," I replied. I'm not used to riding motorcycles... actually, I'm really scared. Especially when they race against cars on the road.

Every time I see that, I feel like my soul is going to leave my body. How much more if I'm actually riding the motorcycle?

I'd only ride one of those if I were about to die.

"It's cheaper if you don't commute," Royce said.

"It's still a cost for gas if you take me," I replied while waiting for a ride.

"It's fine as long as it's you... you know you're special to me," Royce said.

He's a good guy, and he's attractive, but I really don't have time for things like that.

"Just find someone else to take," I said.

"Hey, bro, looks like you've been rejected again," one of the other riders said as they teased Royce.

He scratched his head and shyly looked down.

I didn't want to embarrass him in front of his friends, but it's better to be straightforward than to give false hope.

I hailed a car and got in while Royce's friends continued to tease him.

I spent the whole day making deliveries. This is what I do when there are no classes. By 5:00 PM, I start preparing for my shift at the club as a waitress.

Before heading to the club, I went home to my rented apartment to change clothes. It's small—just one room, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a tiny living room. I pay three thousand a month for rent, including utilities. It's cheaper compared to other apartments because I know the owner, so I get a discount.

"OOh Jasmin, my love... when will you notice what I feel for you? Your eyes are as beautiful as the stars in the sky," Paul greeted me.

I took some coins from my pocket and gave them to him. "Next time, try flattering someone else. And didn't I ask you to write a poem about the beautiful things you see around you?" I said as I took the key from my bag and opened the door.

"Five coins? You're so cheap. But you're the only beautiful thing I see around here," he complained.

He was still trying to flatter me.

"I'll take this, you can keep your poem." I handed him a one- coin. "And I know I'm beautiful, so your flattery won't work on me," I added with a smile as I messed up his hair.

He scratched his head. "Just keep it, I even thought hard about my poem," he mumbled, pouting.

I ignored him and entered the house. Paul is a street kid who was taken in by the village captain because they felt sorry for him. It's better than having him wander around. He's a good kid, though a bit mischievous at times.

Since the captain couldn't afford to send him to school because of his many children, I decided to teach him how to read and write.

Earlier, before I left, I told him to write a poem, and if he finished it, I'd give him a reward.

I placed my bag on the table and walked to the fridge to get some bread and spread.

I made a sandwich with three layers of bread. I also poured some juice into a glass. I carried it out and handed it to him.

"This is what I've been waiting for," he said, taking the sandwich and juice.

"Thanks," he smiled, and I ruffled his hair.

I went back inside to take a shower. Afterward, I changed into a simple black t-shirt, pants, and shoes. I'd wear my club uniform later.

After getting dressed, I left the house. I saw Paul playing with the landlady's child.

He waved when he saw me, and I waved back before leaving.

Now, I'm here at the club. I'm in the locker room changing into my uniform when Hailey and Karen entered. I smiled at them.

They're the new dancers here at the club.

"Why don't you just join us in dancing? You'd make more money than waiting tables," Hailey said as she changed into her dance outfit.

I gave a small smile. "I don't know how to dance," I replied.

The truth is, I just don't want to expose my body to other people. Especially since their outfits are so short, you can almost see their souls.

"It's something you can learn," she added.

"Don't force her, Hailey. She's too decent for that kind of thing," Karen said.

"Dancing is fine, except for the bending over and spreading your legs, hahahaha," Hailey laughed.

"I'll go out first," I said to them.

I went out to help arrange the tables and chairs. After that, I checked the VIP rooms to make sure they were clean and in order.

As the night went on, more people arrived, and the drinking started. I could smell the smoke from their cigarettes.

I began serving the customers. I barely had time to rest... serve here, serve there. Some customers were even rude and tried to invite me to their tables. I had to hold back and not react to them.

It's something I can't avoid, especially since I work at a club.

My shift ended at 10:00 PM, and I went home to my apartment to rest because I had to get up early for my other part-time job tomorrow. This is my daily routine when I don't have school. Just a little rest and a lot of work.

One day, all my hard work will pay off. I'll rise from this hardship... I'll work hard to achieve all my dreams in life.

For now, I just need to endure. One day, things will get better... I trust that God has a good plan for me.