Chapter 5

Lila's POV:

On my way to Sir Patrick's club, I got into some crazy traffic. Because I was already late while leaving my day job at the restaurant, the traffic even delayed me the more. I was already disappointed at the fact that I wouldn't be able to make it on time for the performance.

And sure enough, I was right. When I got there, he had already chosen someone else.

"I waited for you, Lila. But the night must go on." He had told me when I arrived at his front, panting.

"Yeah… I understand. I'm sorry too." I had replied.

"Don't worry, there'll always be tomorrow. You can hang around for a while, maybe you might get a chance before the night runs out."

"Okay." I said and walked away. This isn't good. If I don't go home with a money parcel tonight, who knows what Mrs. Stella might do to me.

I sauntered back to the dressing room and plopped on the chair, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Subconsciously my hands went to the birthmark behind my ear. I get a strange comfort touching it.

I hate this hellhole. But I don't see myself getting out of it soon.

***

Chad's POV:

Dean and I arrived at the club a while later. So as not to get recognized, we wore face caps and face marks so that it could cover most of our faces. Tonight's not the night for the paparazzi.

Sitting at the table already reserved for us, we ordered drinks and talked about nothing in particular. The reception here was pretty cool, and one would almost forget they were at a strip club. Maybe it's because we're staying in the VIP section. Lots of girls came around some time while we there but we both declined. Eventually the show for the night came on and the dancer was pretty good. Dean had his face glued to his phone the entire. Talk about wanting to spend the time together.

Eventually I felt pressed and needed to use the bathroom. I quietly left the place and used the signs to locate the one that was nearby. Once I through, I went back to where dean and I were but strangely I missed my way and found myself backstage. There wasn't anyone in sight that I could ask for directions. Walking around aimlessly for a while, I heard a voice coming out from one of the rooms. Curious, I followed it and opened the door, slowly peeking.

I could see her face since she was sitting in front of the mirror, but thankfully she couldn't see mine. She was humming a song to herself while combing her hair. I recognized the tune and realized it was one of our songs. My face lit up with a smile.

She must have sensed that she wasn't the only one in the room anymore, as she suddenly stopped and looked around. Seeing no one, she continued combing her hair and kept humming to herself. After a while, I walked in and cleared my throat, announcing my presence.

"Ah!" came her startled voice as she almost jumped out of her chair. I chuckled seeing that. She glanced at me, shock and anger spread on her face.

"Hey you! How dare you scare me like that!?"

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to ask if you knew the way back to VIP section. I sort of missed my way."

"Really? And how am I so sure those are your intentions?" She asked, and I was surprised. What will be my intentions then? Then I looked around, and I discovered we were the only ones in the room. I kinda got where she was coming from.

"I'm sorry, miss, but it's not what you think. I've never been to this place before and I just need help to get back to the VIP lounge."

After my explanation, she seemed a bit relaxed.

"Okay. Once you get out of here, walk straight to a hallway, the second door to the left is the door to the VIP lounge."

"Okay. Thanks."

"Whatever." She muttered. I was about to leave when I stopped and turned back.

"Why aren't you going?"

"Nothing. Just wanted to know your name."

"Oh… Name's Lila Walker."

I was about to say Chad Turner, but I stopped myself. If I said that she might recognize me from the Sparks.

"What about yours?"

"Conner." I lied. "My name is Conner."

"Hi Conner."

"Hi Lila." I replied, and she chuckled.

"Soo… What are you doing here? Are you one of the dancers?" I asked.

"Yeah. Kind of."

"So why aren't you out there?" She sighed softly.

"Came late. So Sir Patrick picked someone else."

"Oops…" I muttered.

"Yeah… Just hanging around to see if I can get any chance to. If that doesn't come, it means I'll have to go home… And empty handed to. Oh crud." She muttered and face palmed herself. I nodded and put my hands in my pocket.

"The song you were singing earlier… Is it from the Sparks?" I asked.

"Yep. Love their music. I think they are the coolest boy band ever." She stopped as if unsure, then added. "I'd do anything, just to dance with one of them."

If only you knew you were speaking with one of them, I thought to myself. I know this sounds weird, but I felt really comfortable talking to her.

"Really?"

"Sure. You a fan of them?"

"Of course. Who isn't?" She said, and I chuckled. Then she looked at me.

"Why are you all covered up? Are you planning on stealing something?"

"No, of course not," I said, and she raised her brows. "It's chilly tonight and I easily catch a cold. That's why I'm covered up."

"Me too. Cold flu should be counted as one of the worst diseases in the world!"

"That's why you have to protect yourself." I replied, and she nodded. We fell silent as we stared at each other. After a while, she spoke up.

"Don't you have a night to get to? You've been here for quite a while now."

That's when I remembered Dean was actually here. On my gosh! Totally forgot about him. Well, he's not as if he'll notice my disappearance, anyway. So into himself.

"Oh… I'll just get going now." Then I brought my hand for a shake. "It was nice talking to you, Lila." She stared at it for a while before up and taking it. I noticed how small her hands were on mine. Reluctantly, I pulled away.

"Gotta go."

"Yeah. You've said that before." I tipped my face cap and walked out of the room, using her directions. Getting back to the VIP lounge, I went over to where we were seated. As expected, Dean was still using his phone. After I sat down, he looked up at me.

"Where have you been, man? You've been gone like forever."

"I got lost somewhere. That's why I delayed."

"Oh… Hey can we go home now? I'm getting tired of this place."

I felt disappointed after he said that. We barely had any meaningful conversation and now he wants to leave. So much for wanting to hang out with him. Should've just gone with the rest of the boys. I'm sure they'll be having a blast wherever they are.

"Sure, we should totally go." I muttered. He didn't notice the sarcasm in my voice, as he had already stood up. I stared at him for a while before standing up myself. We paid for our bills and got ready to leave the place.

***

Lila's POV:

After that guy—Conner—left, the place became quiet again. I think I enjoyed his company. I looked up at the wall clock and realized it was getting really late and I better head home. I sighed deeply. So I really won't go home today with any money. I wonder what Mrs. Stella would do to me.

I stood up and began packing my bags and tying up my hair. While doing that, I noticed something on the floor, close to the door. I went over to it and picked it up. It was a card, and it was golden. It must've dropped from Conner. Beamlights Entertainment was written on it. I got confused. Is he working there?

Damn, I better give this to him. Who knows if it's important? I hurried with the rest of my things and walked out of the dressing room to the VIP lounge. Staying at the doorstep, I stared around, hoping to find him. Eventually I managed to, but he was already leaving with another person he must've come along with. I tried to call him but he didn't hear me, so I tried following them. When I got out, however, they had already driven off.

I took in deep breath as I stared at the card. Now I don't even know if he'll be coming back. I'll just have to hold on to this. I boarded a taxi and when it stopped, got in and drove home.

***

I arrived home and saw the inside lights were still on. After paying the taxi driver, I got out and walked onto the porch, knocking on the door. I heard a stifled reply and walked in, meeting a stoic face Mrs. Stella. My heart missed a bit.

"Good evening Mrs. Stella," I greeted quietly but got no reply. She just stared at me as if I had grown an extra head. I even checked to make sure I didn't grow one.

Without warning, she stood up and walked towards me, grabbing me by the hair. I yelped out in pain. Tessa ran out of her room when she heard my voice. She seemed horrified.

"Mom! Stop it!" Tessa yelled, but her mom was having none of it. She wouldn't stop yanking my hair.

"So you've been lying to me, haven't you?" She whispered against my ears. I flinched. What have I done now? She pushed me to the floor and walked into my room. My heart began pounding.

Moments later, she emerged with my piggy bank. Oh. My. God. No! I screamed internally. She put it on the dining table and went to fetch a knife from the kitchen. Right in front of me she sliced it open and all the money I had been saving came tumbling out. This is so not good!

"What are you doing with all of this! You're planning to run away, right? After all we did for you! This is how you repay us! Huh! Answer me!" She yelled and I shivered, tears streaming down my eyes. Even Tessa was crying. Mrs. Stella wasn't done.

"Where's the pay for today! Answer me you stupid liar!"

"I didn't…" I began but stopped, sobbing. "I didn't work today." I muttered. That hit a nerve in Mrs. Stella as she raised my face up and hit it. Tessa screamed.

"You just can't stop lying, can you? So you didn't work today or you were planning on running away again!?"

"I swear to God I wasn't planning on…" She cut me off.

"Shut up, you fool!" she thundered and I froze. She dragged me up and pushed me out of the house. No, no, no! Anything but the cold!

"You're sleeping out tonight until you tell me the truth!" I heard her yell. I kept banging on the door. Then yelled to Tessa, "Go to your room! Right now!" I heard Tessa sobs as her footsteps faded and the slamming of the door.

I couldn't stop crying. All my dreams can't end like this. They just can't. Am I really doomed?

***

Chad's POV:

It was until we got home and had to get into the house before I realized I lost my golden card. I kept searching everywhere for it but couldn't find it.

"What are you looking for?" Dean asked me as he neared the porch.

"My card. I can't find it!" I said, rummaging my pockets. It must've dropped while I was with Lila.

"You've misplaced it? Oh gosh, you know I can't go back to look for it. What are we going to do now?"

"We'll have to use yours. I'll go check tomorrow."

"Okay." He said and slotted his in. The door opened and we walked in. The rest of the boys were yet to come back from their party. Shows how early we are.

But I wasn't concerned about that one now. It was my card I was concerned about. Maybe it's with Lila, my subconscious suggested. I really hope so. Even though I can easily get another one, I still hope she must've seen it and kept it for me. I'll have to go back to the club tomorrow… But this time alone.