Chapter three-- Trembling Hands

CRYSTAL 

Sis ever since you came  back from the club last night you've been silent. Anything the matter?"Mabel asked, probing into the abyss of thoughts that I had fallen into. 

  I quickly glanced at Mabel and blinked severally. I yawned a little and stretched my body lazily on the bed.

"I met him"was what I could only utter.

Mabel's brows pulled together in a worried look. "Who?"

"The crime boss. The one whose money we have to pay back. He owns the club I work in"I confessed.

Mabel didn't even try to hide her shocked expression. With jaws dropped and mouth agape, she stared at me doe-eyed.

"He--he made me dance naked for him"I whispered as my eyes began welling up with tears.

 "What the fuck!"she exclaimed angrily.

"Just because you work in his goddamn club, it doesn't give him that right to do such an absurd thing to you"

I nodded my head at her. Mabel came over to my side and wiped the few traitorous tears that trickled down my cheeks. "Sis I love you for everything you've been doing. I'll always respect you. I couldn't have asked for a more better sister"

I pulled her in for a warm embrace. She was my only family. I would do anything and everything in my power to make sure I gave both of us the life we deserved.

  We pulled out smiling at each other. I sniffed my nose and stood up, heading for my bag laying on top the mini cupboard.

I took out the cheque he gave me and showed it to her.

  "He gave this to me afterwards"I said.

She was bewildered, shocked as hell, stuperfied. Anything to describe the astonishment on her face.

"This is three hundred thousand. We've raised two hundred making it five hundred and the debt is seven hundred. So we just have two hundred thousand to go. The frequent letters shows that he might come anytime to take his money and I truly want to pay off this stupid debt and quit this job"I explained with a frown.

"I am so speechless Crystal. You mean he paid this huge amount of money to you? Wow. Some guts he has there. Well anyways you are right. We just have two hundred thousand to go. I truly hope we pay it off. I don't even want to think of what would happen if we aren't able to complete his money"

I also dreaded that thought. This man had this omnious dangerous aura around him. I silently prayed we would complete his payment so we could finally be at rest.

"Aren't you going for ballet classes today?"Mabel asked as she shot up from the bed.

I shook my head at her. "No I wont be going today. No classes and I really need to rest. I think Bailey is coming over later in day"

Mabel took her brown handbag and stuffed some books inside it before strapping it over her shoulder. "Ok sis. You deserve the rest. I'll be heading to work now. Take care sis"

  I baded her farewell and watched her leave the room. I sighed and flopped my head back on the pillow.

"Two hundred thousand to go. I can do this"

* * * * *

   The chilly air slapped across my face, whipping my hair back and forth. I stuffed some fries into my mouth as I combed my hair back and walked across the street with Bailey. The evening sky was splashed in a canvas of orange and pink. The street bustled with life with people swarming in various corners. 

     I listened to Bailey as she chirped excitedly about the sleepover she had with her boyfriend. I observed my best friend, she was so happy and carefree, not a single worry in the world. Life was so good to her. I wish I could get a taste of this genuine happiness she had.

  I was struggling with debt issues and financial burden. I couldn't even tell anyone about it. It felt like my soul was dying away slowly with burdens and anxiety weighing it down.

  I kept on listening to Bailey as she went on and on with her chats. I occasionally nodded with a smile and that was enough response she needed for her to go on with her chattering. 

  Suddenly she held on to my hand tight, nails almost drawing blood from my skin.

I immedately yanked my hand away from her painful grip and rubbed it, a frown spreading across my face. "Why would you do that?"

She pointed at the other side of the street. I strained my eyes to check who or what it was that got her attention. Immedately I sighted the person, my breathing got clogged up in my throat.

  It was Chase.

He noticed I and Bailey and crossed the street, coming over to our side.

"Hey ladies"He greeted flashing us his perfect smile.

I felt all the colours drained from my cheeks and I tried so hard to hide my blush. He was looking as handsome as ever. His caramel coloured hair was ruffled but in a cute way and whenever he smile, he had a line that etched by the corners of his red lips making it seem like a dimple. 

  His hazel eyes sparkled with joy as usual on greeting us.

"Hey chase how are you?"Bailey immedately replied with a grin.

"Classic bailey"I thought to myself with a soft smile on my lips. She was never shy with a boy.

"I am good what about you two?"

"We are fine chase"I replied softly. From the corner of my eye, I could see Bailey smirking. 

"I haven't been seeing you for a while Crystal. It seems you are becoming very busy"Chase cheekily teased me.

  Bailey nudged at my shoulder for me to speak up. I gulped and tried ignoring the butterfly garden spranging up in my stomach. "I've been so busy chase. It's my bad"

He chuckled and waved it off. "It's nothing.  I actually lost your contact earlier would you mind dropping it in and you also Bailey"

He brought out his phone and I nervously called my number for him to input it. 

"I don't really know my number by heart so Crystal will give it to you when you guys text"Bailey said, placing emphasis on my name and 'text'

  I shook my head at her cunning behaviour, chuckling.

"Ok then. I'll text you Crystal and I hope to see you more often. Take care ladies"Chase replied with his boyish smile and crossed over to the other side of the street.

I glanced at Bailey and a broad smile spread across her lips. "Guess who is soon getting a boy friend"

"Stop that. Stop teasing me"I chided her as my face turned scarlet red.

Did I really have a chance of dating him?

I didn't know but I felt happy knowing he promised to text me.

  * * * * * 

   Time flew really fast these days. Sometimes I just wished the night would never come so I wouldn't have to go to back this irritating club filled with horny ass men.

   After what happened yesterday, I didn't ever what to step my foot inside here but I just had to. I was so close to getting the full money of the debt and I had no idea when that beast of a man would come for his payment so I had to work harder.

  I stared at myself once again in the mirror. I had looked so different every night for the past two months. I wasn't the Crystal everybody knew by the day time. This Crystal here was the crystal that was struggling hard to fend for herself and her sister. 

"Just a little while longer and you will be free crystal"I said to myself. It had become my daily reaffirmation. 

"Oh you are here. The boss wants you again"Violetta's harsh voice cut through my thoughts.

She stood by the door and gave me a hard glare. 

  I became more perplexed by her sudden information.

Why would he want me again?

Does he want me to perform naked again?

  I dreaded that thought because this time, I wouldn't do it.

"Girl get your ass off that seat and go meet the boss"she barked at me causing me to flinch.

"What does he want?"I managed to speak up.

"Find out for yourself bitch"she jeered before walking out of the dressing room.

  I was the least bothered about her bad behaviour towards me. I wouldn't stay here forever so I might as well let it slide and keep to myself. Golden was nice to me and I was satisfied with that.

  I walked out of the room, heading towards that same lounge. With shaky hands and nervousness building in me, I knocked on the door.