Chapter 51 THE PRICE OF SURVIVAL
My long brown hair was left down and I wore a pair of blue jeans and a pink top, hoping it was presentable enough. I had to make a good impression on my first day if I wanted to keep the job.
If I kept up both jobs, I'd be out of debt in no time.
The streets were filled with drunk groups, some people alone too. The air was humid and the sound of music could be heard from multiple large buildings. I figured Rupert city would have many nightclubs, and fancy ones at that considering the amount of money the people here had.
When the large, light up gold sign that reads Etheral pops up into view I feel myself grow relieved. The line was long as multiple people dressed in short dresses waited to be checked in or rejected by the two large body guards who had been pushing a drunk man off to the side when he'd tried to get in.
Was it an exclusive club only meant for certain people? I wouldn't be surprised, considering the lines of expensive cars parked down the street.
I pass the line, heading towards the back alley where the manager had told me to knock on the back door of the club 5 times.
I hesitate before knocking, waiting for what seemed like forever. I try again, and this time the sound of heels clamping against the floor get closer as the door slams open and a tall blonde with messy hair and bright red lips looks down at me, her eyes bloodshot red.
"Oh, you must be the newbie. Come on in!" She clamors, stumbling as she moves aside to let me in. I watch her curiously as I step into the room.
The music from the club could be heard directly from the room, and I don't fail to take notice of the strong smell of cigarettes and alcohol.
I could already feel my hands clasping together nervously, the smell only brought back memories of my mother. I hated the smell, and tried to focus on anything else.
"Randy will be here soon, he'll get you allli set up, just sit right there." She groans, pointing to a nice looking couch before stumbling away. The woman opens another door that led back into the club before a scream of excitement leaves her mouth when she sees who I presume to be her friend.
The place screamed rich, and other than the people who were nearly all wasted and the smell, it was nice.
My hands move under my thighs as I sit on the couch, waiting for this man called Randy to come.
I figured he was the manager of this place.
I move in my seat uncomfortably when I feel a pair of eyes on me, and I turn my head as I notice a woman dressed in a short blue dress looking at me with her brows furrowed.
I smile at her, but she doesn't smile back.
Instead she walks over, grabbing my arm harshly and I gasp in shock at the pain from her grip.
"L...let go of me." I stumble out in fear, trying to pry her hand away from me.
" Why are you here? Do you know what this place is kid?!" The woman seethes at me, her voice low as she glares at me.
"I..I'm just working as a trash cleaner." I tell her, watching her in confusion. What was up with this lady?
She's about to say something until her eyes move up, and she freezes in her spot before letting go of my arm and walking away.
I look up in the direction she'd been looking to find a tall man, his head full of grey hair and his jawline defined, dressed in a black suit. He had a large cigar hanging from his mouth and I clear my throat, standing up slowly.
This must be Randy.
I reach my hand out to introduce myself, slowly putting it away when he ignores it.
Instead his eyes move looking me up and down, stopping when he reaches my chest.
I shift uncomfortably, trying not to cough when the smoke from his cigar drowns my face.
"You must be Elara ." He says, his voice raspy and a small smile makes way onto his rough looking face. It didn't look normal, almost forced.
I nod my head slowly, moving my hand to clasp onto my arm. " Y….yes that's me. I was wondering where you wanted me to start cleaning?" I ask, biting my lip nervously at the way he was looking at me.
It was definitely not a normal look, and when I move my eyes towards the woman in the blue dress I notice her pale face as she looked between us two.
"I'd like you to clean the tables out there first, although there's one more thing before you can start." He rasps, and I nod my head, following after him when he gestures his hand to follow.
He grabs a piece of clothing, throwing it to me. I catch the black piece of cloth, looking down at it to see a dress too short and too low cut for my comfort in my hands.
"It's mandatory uniform. Don't wear it, don't get paid." He says, inhaling more smoke before letting the cloud move in front of my face.
I remember the amount of money I'd get paid, and wonder if any of it was worth the tiny dress I'd have to wear. Why would a cleaner need something like this anyways?
" M.Mr. Randy, I don't think I can wear this it's too short, p...plus I'm underage and all these people here are over 21." I manage to stammer out, hoping he'd consider not making me wear the dress.
Randy moves to sit behind a desk, his cigar dangling from his mouth as he harshly opens a drawer and slams a wad of money onto the desk.
I look down at the money, my eyes wide.
That amount of money with my pay from the estate would be enough to pay back Andrew, and if I wanted to live, if I wanted freedom, it was the only choice I had.
Did I want to wear the dress? No. But if it meant keeping my life, I had to be strong.
" Still don't want to do it?" He asks looking across my chest again, and I look up at him, tightening my hands around the dress.
"I...T'll do it." The words barely come out of my mouth, but I don't fail to notice the dirty smile cover Randy's face as he pushes the money closer to me.
" Good girl." He says, and I force down the fear and nerves spinning in my head as I turn to go change, uncomfortable with the words he'd just called me.
I keep reminding myself if I want to live, if I want to get away from Andrew, this was my only option. I couldn't get this much money in a week any other way, unless I sold my organs.
It won't be too bad, right?