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Kiara's pov:

6:30am.

I stood near the cabinet, packing my neatly pressed clothes gently into my bag. I was done working (okay, I'm not a worker here, just someone who spent time for fun) and was finally going to quit. it's not like I wanted that but I had too.

I sighed again, still arranging the clothes without giving much thought to my surroundings. I was inside a dressing room, meant mainly for strip dancers.

The room was divided into portions and each portion had different paintings and circular framed mirrors in common. Also, there were drawers and cupboards where cosmetics and clothes were arranged respectively.

The place was calm since I was the only one present. I decided to leave when the girls were out for practice inorder to avoid unnecessary questions. I would miss them but I had no choice.

Now packing my makeup tools, I clenched my fists at the thought of going home - no, it shouldn't be called a home....

I squeeze some cream on my dry palms and take one long last stare at the room - a place I haven't even stayed for up to three weeks but felt better and livelier than my home. I liked it here, but it was wrong, a wrong decision I hope not to regret.

I turned to leave, letting out a heavy sigh, grabbing two bags in both hands. One for my clothes and the other contained cosmetics. My face is a clear definition of anger enclosed in fear. Fear of the unknown....

A clear soprano voice snapped me off my thoughts. It was Emma, walking up to me with hands on her waist and face filled with questions. "Are those your stuff?" she queried pointing at the luggages I held.

My fear. I guess sneaking out wasn't a good idea. What was she doing here? isn't she supposed to be practicing?

I nodded and rested my butt on a chair close to my portion. Not my portion actually, Emma and I shared a portion. She was kind enough to let me be her companion since I wasn't a stage dancer and only stage dancers were given portions for their stuff.

Even though I wasn't here to work, I had gained friends and learnt a lot. I just learned dance moves without actually performing in public. My life was boring and I wasn't allowed to make friends. It was a rule at home.

Stupid rule!

'You can't let your identity be known, once that happens, consider yourself dead!' that was the sentence I've heard for the past 23 years of my life. Uncle Eric made sure I adhered to his rules and I'm afraid what he'd do if he found out I broke one - not stepping out the house.

This is why I had to quit and shamefully embrace the walls of my boring home. A home ruled by a king (Eric) who made rules that benefited himself only. I had to endure it, after all I owe him my miserable life. He had saved me after my parents died when I was just three.

I relaxed a little on the chair and freed my hands from the luggage handles. I knew this discussion wasn't a brief one as I looked into her piercing golden eyes. Emma, was a Blondie with dark skin. Looking at her, I knew I had questions to answer.

"Why are you leaving suddenly? Did something happen between you and the manager? Is he mad at you?" she blurted out with disappointment mixed with anger. Her hands demonstrate her level of anger. She pouted her cheesy lips and her perfectly carved brows tried to accommodate the weary wrinkles that appeared due to anger.

I looked at her twitched lashes feeling sorry, "I'm done learning." I lied.

You don't expect me to tell her I'm quitting because my Uncle (okay he's not my blood uncle) would roast me when he discovers I left the mansion when he traveled. That would make her more curious and shower me with pity.

If there's something I despise, it's pity. Punish me instead of pity. Don't give me that look, that reminds me of how empty I'm. I know that already!!!!

"How come? it hasn't been up to three weeks and you are done? for real?" She glared, her hands on her waist this time.

I gulped. I was making her angry and I didn't like it. She was my best friend and the only one I might have since I'm not sure what happens after I get home. I might never see the sunlight again.

"It's an emergency. I have to leave as soon as possible. I'm sorry I didn't tell you." I apologized for taking her hands into mine. She tried to resist but I held it firmly, "I would miss you."

For a moment it felt like I was unknowingly breaking our friendship.

"So you're not coming back?" She raised her brows but her voice sounded softer and shaky.

Thank goodness she didn't ask what kind of emergency I had. I wouldn't want to tell another lie.

"yes" I replied nodding sadly, I tried avoiding her gaze.

She just stared at me and for a moment I felt like I was being scanned.

Her lashes moved up and down as she studied my appearance and the bags beside me.

"Wait a minute, were you planning to leave without telling me? your best friend?" Tears clouded her eyes and she tried to brush them off.

I knew she discovered from my outfit that I was sneaking out. I wasn't appropriately dressed like someone traveling or something. But then, dressings don't matter if you don't want to quit.

Yes. I was actually sneaking out. I didn't want to tell you because I couldn't face you. I wanted to avoid seeing those tears in your eyes right now because it pricks me so bad, that's how weak I am. You are my only friend and it hurts to put you in danger. I'd thought that sneaking away would reduce the guilt I felt but I was wrong. Being here did put you in danger, I know Eric well enough and I don't want to imagine the worst that could happen if he discovers I'm missing (well not actually missing), if he finds out I'm gone? then....

"Of course not! I was on my way to the practice hall before you came in," I lied, hoping she believed me.

She pulled me into her arms and for some minutes we stayed like that. Like it was our last moments, well it actually was....

"I would miss you a lot. Make sure you call me okay?" she squinted her eyes and tried putting up a smile.

Truth is, I don't even have a cell phone. Eric doesn't trust me enough to get me one, he's so overprotective and thinks every link to communication or the media was a bad idea. So I laid low. I've always laid low, had all my study sessions at home as well with a trusted tutor.

I braced her cheeks, "I would miss you dearly." I wasn't sure I would call but I still assured her, "I would definitely call you too."

She pecked me and I smiled. She was really an understandable person.

Then she smiled and patted my head, not hiding the mischievous grin that appeared on her lips. I thought I had changed her mindset until...

"You can't leave. Not now..." She chuckled, pressing my cheeks softly.

I saw the softness in her eyes and at that moment, I knew I owed her something. But what was it??

I stood up, "why? I really need to -"

"You know tonight is the gala night. you promised you would attend remember?" She looked disappointed and I could tell by her lowered brows.

The strip Club organizes a gala night once in a month. There would be more strip dancing in a more intense manner. I'm not sure of other details yet but definitely the night was gonna be hot.

Not for me though, I'd just be sneaking around without being noticed while calculating how much time was left for the night to pass out.

I hissed as the memory hit me. Oh my goodness! How could I have forgotten?

"You have to be here for me. You know I'm performing tonight and -" she paused as she ran out of words, "okay, just this night? please."

"okay. After tonight, I will go. I would leave very early in the morning." I smiled while hugging her.

One more night wasn't a bad idea, was it??