Chapter 5

Mia POV

Today is my 18th birthday. Not that it makes a difference. I haven't celebrated my birthday for the past 2 years. I guess I have not been in the celebrating mood. 

"Liam come down for breakfast. You are going to be late for school, again."

"Happy birthday Mia. Thank you for everything." Liam hands me a self-drawn card, I opened it up, and inside Liam drew a picture of me and him holding hands.

"Aww thank you, Liam. Now eat your breakfast. We need to leave."

Liam started to wolf down his food as fast as he could. Liam is my younger brother. I have been looking after him for the past 2 years. It hasn't been easy, but we have made it work. As best as we could. I was only a child when I had to take up my brother's responsibility, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I had to drop out of school to find a job to look after him, but it is better than both of us ending up on the system.

Liam and I left to pick up my best friend Kai. Kai is a few years older than me and he has been helping out with Liam a lot. He and his girlfriend have been amazing. He took up responsibility when he heard I was in trouble. Luckily he was old enough and the court allowed it. They promised to leave us alone if Kai came to check up on us on a regular basis.

Kai got me a job at the restaurant where I now work. He also got me an interview at the strip club now that I am old enough. I am on my way to my interview after I dropped off Liam. I have been working as a waitress for the past 2 years, but it just doesn't bring in enough money.

Ava, Kai's girlfriend promised me she would look after Liam in the evenings when I have to go to work. They have both been my rocks this past 2 years.

Kai was unchristianly quite today. I need to find out as soon as I dropped off Liam.

We dropped off Liam and I took my chance to find out what is going on.

"What is the matter, Kai?"

"Mia are you sure you want to do this? There is no going back once you land this job."

"I know kai, but you are going to be there and that makes me feel better. I need the money, Kai. Our inheritance won't last much longer."

"You can always borrow money from me until you can find a decent job. Why don't you find yourself gigs? You have an amazing voice. You can make yourself a career in music."

"First I need someone to notice my talents, but until then I need a paying job. With waitressing in the mornings and dancing at night, I will at least make enough money to keep Liam in a decent school."

"I just wish it didn't have to come down to this. You know Ava and I will help out where we can. but there is not a lot we can do if you don't let us help."

Luckily I didn't have to answer because we arrived at 'peak gentleman club'. I honestly hope I get the job.

We walked in and Kai ushered me to the back office. He knocks on the door and then gives me an encouraging smile. An older gentleman opens the door. From the time my eyes fall on him I realized he is going to be a problem. His hair is gelled back. He has a bottom shirt on but the buttons are only halfway done.

"Yes, Kelvin sorry to bother you but this is the girl I told you about." This kelvin guy looks me up and down his eyes lingering a little too long on my chest. It makes me extremely uncomfortable.

"Thank you, Kai. I can see she is a looker. Well, don't be shy girly. Come on in."

O the things I will so for my brother. I give Kai a smile that I hope looks more confident than I feel. 

I walk into the office and Kelvin closes the door behind me. I suddenly feel trapped.

"So girly what's your name?" Kelvin sits down on a chair. He didn't even offer me one. He looks up at me while lighting a cigarette.

"My name is Mia. I thought Kai would have told you." 

"No girly I mean your stripper name."

"O sorry. I was thinking Trixi." I chuckle nervously.

"Nice strong name. Now listen here the rules are as follows. You are not allowed to sleep with any of the customers. There is a costume at the back. The girls will help you get ready. You have only tonight to prove yourself. Be here at 7 pm."

"Thank you, sir."

"O don't call me sir. Call me Kelvin. I hope we work well together." Kelvin gives me his version of a flirty smile, but all he ended up doing is looking creepy.

I walk out of the office and to the bar where Kai works. Kai has been a bartender at the 'peak gentlemen club' for the past 3years. We have been friends since we were small. We were neighbors until about 6 years ago when Kai's father went to jail. He and his mother had so moved, but we kept in touch all this time.

I sat in front of the bar and waited for Kai to finish up with his customer. 

"So what did Kelvin say?" Kai is standing in front of me polishing a glass.

"He gave me the go-ahead. The only problem is I only have tonight to prove myself."

"You will be great don't worry."

"Thank you. Now I better get going my shift at the restaurant starts soon."

I walk out of the bar and to my car. The drive to the restaurant took me about 10 min which will be great for me since I get off at the restaurant at 5 and I start at the club at 7. It will help me get ready at the club.

My shift at the restaurant went by with now rude customers and that is always a bonus. I made a lot of tips tonight since nobody showed up for their shift. By the end of my workday, I was dead on my feet, but I couldn't do anything about it since my shift at the club will soon start.

I arrived at the club an hour before I start which is great since I have to get ready. I need to change my clothes and put on some makeup.

Kai showed me to the change room. It was full of girls getting ready. One of the girls came to me.

"Hi, my name is Cinnamon. You must be the new girl. I am here to show you around. First I need to warn you about using your real name. It is best if you use your stage name even with the girls. It helps you to remember your stage name. What is your stage name?"

"I have decided on Trixi if there isn't anyone using it."

"O no dear you are fine. Let me show you around."

Cinnamon showed me around and introduced me to the other girls. She helped me get ready. She showed me how to do my makeup and before I knew it it was my turn to go on. 

I decided I am not going to use the pole on my first night, since I need a little bit more practice before I can pull it of. 

I went up on stage. I felt embarrassment trying to take over but I pushed it aside. I need the money for my brother. I just keep on chanting that in my head.

That night I danced as sexy as I possibly could. I knew I need to make this work for me and my brother's sake.