0005: Trouble

Edward's text message popped up on Sheila's phone, making her heart do a little flip. ‘After your performance, I'll treat you to dinner at a nearby restaurant. I'll be there in an hour,’ it read. She could almost hear the smile in his voice, even through the cold, digital screen. Her cheeks flushed a rosy pink.

She wanted to type a quick "Thanks!" but her phone was about to die. She bit her lip, a little disappointed, and quickly tucked it back into her pocket.

"Sheila! Formation's about to kick off. Hurry up!" Uncle Caloy, their fire-dancing instructor, called out. They had rehearsed five times, but he wanted to make sure they were prepared. This gig at Upper Crest Haven was a big deal.

"Coming!" she called back, a bright smile adorning her face as she hurried to join her crew. She snagged her fire dancing gear and positioned herself at the heart of the formation, ready to steal the spotlight.

She’s determined to impress Edward with her performance, and excitedly scanned the entrance for his arrival.

As Uncle Caloy signaled, lively music filled the practice place. The crew grooved to the tunes, moving with the fire's glow in various styles they had practiced.

True to form, Shiela's brilliance dazzled everyone in the venue. Even the rival fire dancers who belittled them for being ‘Grounders’ were awestruck, turning to catch a glimpse. Her fiery performance, marked by elegance and control, captivated everyone.

"Great job, everyone. And you, Shiela, you're on fire tonight!" Uncle Caloy praised. Shiela blushed, a warm smile gracing her face. Her meticulous practice had paid off, especially since Edward would be watching.

"Yeah, Uncle Caloy," Lando teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Looks like she's found her Mr. Right!" 

Shiela rolled her eyes, playfully swatting Lando's arm, bracing for the usual ribbing.

"Oooh, someone's getting married!" the others chimed in. 

Shiela's cheeks burned but she tried to mask her embarrassment. She couldn't help but feel a little flutter as she thought about Edward. 

"Alright, team, another round!" Uncle Caloy bellowed, clapping his hands. They sprang back into formation, movements growing more fluid and confident with each repetition. 

Shiela focused on her steps, heart pounding with excitement and anticipation.

Just as Uncle Caloy was about to crank up the music again, a whirlwind of worry swept in. It's Betty, her face pale and eyes wide with anxiety.

"Shiela! Shiela! Shiela!" she called out, breathless. Something was amiss.

"Betty? What's the matter?" Shiela asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Aunt Marie's been trying to reach you. Why aren't you picking up?" Betty said, her voice trembling.

"Oh? My phone's dead. Why? What happened?" Shiela repeated, sensing the gravity in Betty's tone.

"It's about Aunt Helena... your mom. She had an accident, and Aunt Marie says it's critical. She's at the hospital," Betty finally confessed.

"W-What?" Shiela gasped. Tears blurred her vision. "My mom… she's critical?" she whispered. "I need to talk to Aunt Nadia. I need to see my mom!" she cried, her voice cracking with urgency.

"B-But you can't leave, right? If you disobey, Aunt Nadia will have you arrested. You know she can't stand defiance. You'll just make it harder to see Aunt Helena, Shiela," Betty reminded her, concern etched in her voice.

"I don't care! Whatever the cost, I have to get out of here!" Shiela declared, resolve firm in her voice. She didn't hesitate, darting towards Aunt Nadia's penthouse.

Betty followed Shiela, her mind racing with what might happen next.

As they stepped into the penthouse, they saw a group of scantily clad women lounging around with faces heavily made up. 

These were the fire dancers of Upper Crest Haven, acquired through bidding by wealthy men for nights of pleasure.

Shiela and Betty exchanged a stunned look, their gazes flitting between the women and each other.

"Oh, Shiela. What a lovely surprise," Aunt Nadia drawled, his smile annoying and his trusty abaniko in hand.

"I-I need to go out, Aunt Nadia. M-My mom had an accident," Shiela stammered, tears welling. Despite past transgressions, she steeled herself to face the old man, desperation overriding fear.

"Well! After what you did to Mr. Smith, you still have the gall to ask for a favor from me?" Aunt Nadia chuckled, devoid of mercy.

“Aunt... P-Please, I need to go," Shiela pleaded. Tears streamed down her face. 

Aunt Nadia just stared, his expression inscrutable.

Betty felt powerless, watching the scene unfold. She wanted to help but felt helpless, hope dwindling by the second.

Aunt Nadia chuckled, shaking his head in disdain. "You're bold enough to shame me in front of Mr. Smith, and now you're like a submissive puppy begging on your knees? Suffer!" he sneered.

Betty clenched her fists. Her heart ached for Shiela. The old man's cruelty was just plain mean.

"But fine, my heart isn't that cold," Aunt Nadia relented.

Shiela and Betty looked up, a glimmer of hope igniting. The tension eased.

"I'll let you go out for three hours tomorrow, and I'll even lend you money on one condition," Aunt Nadia said, a sly smile playing on his lips as he fanned himself with his abaniko.

Shiela felt a surge of courage, almost wanting to embrace the old man in gratitude. "Any condition, I'll do it. Thank you, Aunt Nadia," she said earnestly.

Aunt Nadia snapped his fingers, and his assistant scurried over, practically trembling as he handed him a flimsy garment bag. The old man tossed it to Shiela, his voice sharp. "There, put that on."

Shiela and Betty both gasped. The bag felt light, and when Shiela peeked inside, her breath hitched. It’s a... thing. Barely more than a few scraps of fabric, barely covering anything. The air in the room seemed to thicken. It’s obvious what Aunt Nadia was planning. He’s going to sell Shiela to some rich creep in the Bidding Hall.

Betty tried to protest, but Shiela beat her to it. Her voice was tight, but determined. "I... I'll do it."  

"Shiela, you don't have to!" Betty cried, her voice choked with despair. But Shiela seemed to have shut her out, her gaze fixed on the floor.

Betty watched, her heart breaking, as Aunt Nadia's face split into a wide, cruel grin. He’s practically rubbing his hands together in glee. It’s clear he saw this whole thing as a big, profitable game.

"Alright, go change inside," Aunt Nadia said, his voice dripping with false kindness. "We'll wait for you with your... companions... to go to the Bidding Hall together."

Shiela obeyed, her shoulders slumped with defeat. Betty watched her friend disappear into her sight, she utterly felt fear. She stood there, tears streaming down her face. Then, she saw it. Three sleek cars, pulling away from the penthouse, each carrying a group of women. Shiela was in one of them. 

Betty's heart pounded in her chest, a wild, desperate rhythm. ‘She can't be sold like an animal,’ she thought, a fierce protectiveness surging through her. 

She had to do something, anything, to save Shiela.