Chapter 71: Chapter 71

Chapter 71 The Friend's Club

I'm always on the run. The feeling of fear is like an itch that cannot be satisfied. No matter how far I run, there's always this nagging feeling that the distance isn't good enough. That the distance isn't far enough. I always feel as if my traffickers are right behind me, reaching out to snag me off of the streets and throw me back into their clutches once more.

It's a fall afternoon - approximately five months after I had escaped from the traffickers and five months I had last seen that man.

Colton.

The mysterious man with frigid eyes and a stone cold personality. He was quite frightening, and I would be lying if I said I was intimidated by his personality and just his......his overall appearance.

But he freed me.

Why?

That's a question I don't quite know the answer to, I'm just grateful for his act of kindness towards me.

But now I'm stuck on the streets with nowhere to go. Thinking back, long ago when I was rich, I remember seeing the homeless on the streets as I drove by in my expensive car. I remember seeing them, crammed on the streets and holding signs asking for money.

And when they weren't begging, they were seen sleeping in makeshift tents on the roadsides, in bushes or under bridges.

I remember very clearly of my thoughts of judgement that I passed amongst them. I remember them loud and clear, and I wince thinking about them.

Now I'm in their place. Now I beg for money and sleep in makeshift tents and find my home under bridges and in alleys. I would have laughed in your face if you would've told me that I myself, a rich, pristine and perfect girl would eventually find herself homeless.

I guess you really don't know what you've got until it's gone, and I've found out that reality in one of the hardest ways possible.

Funny thing, how life can take you through the deepest, darkest, most depressing of times in order for you to learn some kind of a lesson. Sometimes it takes a slap of reality and your own world to crumble beneath your feet in order to bring you to your knees and humble yourself.

I definitely was humbled by this painful journey life has brought me so far.

I went from rich and perfect. To potential and a bright future. I was at the top of the pecking order, if you will. And then I lost it all, and by losing it all, only then did I realize just how much I took for granted.

But it's too late.

Because how things were, is no more.

And now I'm left wishing I could have done things differently.

I pad down the streets that bathe in the evening sun. My appearance isn't of the prettiest as of now, because I look dirty and scarred. The only clothes I own sits on my back and I've long since ditched the fish net stockings and high heels.

I'm clothed in a a ripped, brown hoodie and old, loose jeans. And to top my outfit off, green crocs clothe my feet that I had found at a homeless shelter.

I look like the definition of embarrassment, as well as the definition of homeless. I am both those things, so, I guess it makes sense.

If I know one thing for sure, though, is that I must always keep as much of my skin covered as possible. Scars of all kinds adorn my body, and I am ashamed to look at them because they bring up painful memories of my past.

Every time my eyes catch sight of those white, jagged and raised scars, I think of what happened and how I had gotten them. Every single scar on my body tells a story.

A dark story that I wish to forget for eternity.

And, not only that, but my skin....it's like it crawls every time a man looks at me. Every time a man looks at me, I shiver. My skin arises into goosebumps and I have to avert my eyes away. So, in order to make me feel safer, I hide myself under the clothes I wear.

I'm too frightened, too ashamed, and too uncertain about what lies in men's thoughts when they glance at me. My baggy, long clothes are like my security blanket.

Without it, I am naked and vulnerable to prying, judging eyes as well as lustful ones.

It is attention that I do not wish to attract.

So, as I walk amongst the busy town's streets, I hug my arms tighter around myself. Funny thing, how there's billions of humans on the planet, and yet....I still feel so alone.

But, my self pity ends today. Too long have I wallowed in fear and shame and too long have I slept on the streets.

I'm located in a different town, with new opportunities, and new people who have no idea who I am. I am a stranger pursuing a new start, and a brand new town paired with a brand new day is, in my opinion, a perfect new beginning for me.

I've set goals for myself.

The first goal: Find a job.

The second goal: Pursue my musical talent once more.

The third goal: With the little income I make, find a roof to house me.

And the only way of achieving those goals is if I get a job at a local club or diner of some sort. I can start off singing karaoke, and then maybe sing some of my own songs, if the club approves. If I'm going to get a job, why not get a job that involves my passion, too?

A job that involves money as well as my passion is a win - win situation for me, so why not give it a try?

Determined, I throw my hair up in a neat bun and leave some loose strands out. Right now, it's best if I present myself with my hair up, in order to help hide just how knotted, oily, and dead my hair has become without the right hair care products for the last few years.

I have The Friend's Club in my sights, and when I see that it is opened, I don't hesitate to make my way inside. The roof is low and the lights are dim, and when I find the young woman at the front desk, she directs me to the manager.

The manager, to my surprise, is a young man, perhaps in his mid twenties. His black hair is neatly slicked back and his brown eyes seem kind. His ears are pierced with black earrings and his olive skin makes him even more charming, and I nervously look at my feet.

"H-hello, my name is Lily and I was wondering if you were interested in hiring?" I begin awkwardly. I'm nervous, too. He is a male after all, and a strong one at that.

All I can do is hope I didn't just walk into the lions den.

But, to my surprise, he chuckles. "Hello Lily, my name is Dagger." He holds out his hand to shake and I quickly shake his hand. I then notice some tattoos that swirl around his arms, adding to his overall bad-boy persona.

"So, I hear you were looking for a job? What might you be interested here in this club?" He asks casually, raising an eyebrow and crossing his muscular arms over his chest.

I clear my throat and speak nervously. "I....I was thinking along the lines of....karaoke? Or I could always just sing something of my own, I-I like singing and-"

"You've got the job."

"I-I okay...I understand why you wouldn't want to hire m- wait....what?"

He chuckles once more. "You've got the job."

"W-what? Already? Just like that?" I ask, dumbfounded.

He nods and smiles. "I like you. You're simple. You're original. You're wholesome. You don't seem like some airhead of a woman, and I believe you if you say that you can sing."

"Really?"

"Mhm. I think my club could benefit from your presence. Oh, sing your own songs, please. Show me all you got in that there voice of yours." He says, poking his adam's apple.

"Thank you! Thank you so much, I really appreciate this." I reply, gazing at my feet once more to hide my tears of happiness. Kindness is rare in these parts, and once it's found, it's like a drug - You can't get enough of it.

"When do I start?" I ask him. Already, I am nervous.

He glances and hums in thought. "Will 7:00 tonight work?"

I smile, my face starting to ache. It's been awhile since I've smiled, and it felt so nice. "Yes, that will be just perfect."

"Oh, and Lily." Dagger says, shoving a hand in his right pocket, and taking out his wallet. I raise my eyebrows at his actions.

He takes out a hundred dollar bill and hands it to me.

"Buy yourself a nice outfit to wear for tonight." He says.

I take a step back in shock, my mouth agape.

"Oh no, I'm afraid I can't do that. That's too much money and that's too kind of an offer that I cannot afford to except. You don't even know me and I just, I can't except that."

"Are you done?" He asks, looking bored.

"Excuse me?"

He chuckles. "I've got plenty more where that came from, obviously I wouldn't have offered if I needed money. Now take it or I will cut your salary in half."

I contemplate.

"I will cut your salary in half forever, well, as long as you work here, at least." He adds and rolls his eyes.

I sigh and take the money. "Thank you, I really appreciate it. I haven't held this much money in my hand for such a long time." The weight of the hundred dollar bill in my hand felt heavy, it felt secure, and it felt good.

It felt like I had some sort of power again, the power to buy things of my choosing. And as I set off onto my shopping journey and step into the first shop, I'm overwhelmed.

Where do I start? What was the proper size that I used to wear? All the racks....it's overwhelming. The smell of new clothes blasted my senses and I decided to pick out three pairs of pants, all different sizes to see which one fits the best.

I picked out some shirts as well as some bras and underwear, because I was in need of a little bit of everything. But, I'd have to spend my money wisely, the hundred bucks would not go to waste.

I took what I had and headed to the dressing room. The mirror intimidated me, and I chose to turn my back as I changed into my clothes. I was too skinny and too scarred to face myself right now, and I didn't want to dampen my happy mood with memories that belonged to the dark.

By the end of the day, I had a whole, brand new outfit. Since my feet were smaller than average, I was able to shop in the kid's section and buy the same shoe, but only cheaper because it was children's sizing.

Dark skinny jeans and a blue, long sleeved blouse that tied in the front was my new outfit. I smiled at the wave of confidence that struck me, and I couldn't be more pleased. I even had enough money to buy a brush.

It took so long to brush out my thick, matted blonde locks, and once it was all brushed out, I discovered that it looked very dirty and very oily.

So, I showered at a nearby homeless shelter and changed into the fresh, clean clothes. It was a marvelous feeling to be clean and dressed in clothes of my own taste. I don't even remember the last time I felt this way, and I wipe the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand.

Even through the worst of times, I've managed to find a little bit of light in my life, and I couldn't be more grateful for the small relief I was feeling.

It was already five o' clock, and I needed to find a song to sing - and fast. I wanted to practice it before I went out on stage, and I was very nervous. I wasn't using a guitar or any other instrument.

I chose not to.

It had been years since I last played an instrument, and I knew that it would time and practice for it to all come back to me. I had a gift in musical instruments, so I knew it would just take a little time of practice.

I still had extra time to warm up my voice. I hadn't sung in years, it was hard to sing when I was trapped in dark situations. Singing was something I did when I was happy, not when I was in my darkest times, oddly enough.

I did notice my voice wasn't as polished as it once was, but with enough practice, I could restore it. Besides, it would do for now. I was only singing at an unknown club in a small town, not some concert or for a record deal when I would need to be at my best.

Dagger was waiting for me backstage at the club. The stage was located on the open rooftop of the club, so I had a nice breeze of fresh air to help calm me.

Dagger gave me a small smile when he saw me walking towards him. "You look great, I almost didn't recognize you." He says.

I laugh nervously. "Thank you."

"Are you ready?" He asks.

"I-I think so."

He claps both his hands and rubs them together. "Then let's get started then, yeah?"

Then he disappeared out onto the stage. When I heard him introducing me, a wave of panic struck me. I can't believe I'm doing this, it's been so long.....

"Tonight we don't have our usual. She's new here, and I'd like you all to giver a big, club welcome. Would you please welcome Lily for me, folks?" Dagger finally says, calling me out. With one last deep breath, I head out. It's my time to shine.

I smile at Dagger and he gives me a friendly pat on the back before leaving me alone upon the stage. There's a lot more people than I thought there would be, and as my eyes briefly scans the crowd, I see a man.

He's leaning against the far back wall and a dark hood is drawn over his head. He casually smokes a cigarette and shadows loom over his features. Exhaustion is blanketed over his otherwise handsome features, yet he still has managed to look fierce.

His eyes are darkened by the shadows created by his hood, and when I look into his eyes, my breath catches in my throat.

Because his distinct pair of eyes only belongs to one man.