The moon hung high , its pale light casting sharp shadows that flickered like ghosts among the skeletal trees.... the night thick with an unsettling silence. Standing transfixed.. eyes stretching into darkness--- a sudden jarring burst of crimson that cut through the serene gloom.
The blood splashed vibrant and shocking gushing out like a stream. Shadows lurking closer.... her heart throbbing painfully as they stepped closer to her.... eyes red and dark ...she screamed.
Gosh!! I woke up startled from the jarring dream, my heart throbbing against my rib cage, I hissed lightly as she got up almost late for work. It's been months since I have always had this dream ever since the death of my parents and the fear of the shadows still lurking behind hunt me everyday.
It becomes more vivid each passing day even though I try my best to let it go but it's so hard! When your life comes crashing down in a twinkle of an eye all due to one mistake.
The minutes I stepped into the club, I knew something was different today. There's a tension in the air... something I couldn't quite place my hands on. I barely managed into the back room to change into my uniform when the manager came looking for me.
Where have you been? Trisha! he barked.
He hardly yells except when crossed his limits which rarely happens. He was always composed even under pressure... But today he seemed agitated.... even nervous, I swallowed hard.
It hasn't been easy ever since I joined this job. This wasn't just a club .... but a high end and exclusive one located downtown in a show of a local club just to hide their illegal activities . Getting to this stage wasn't easy since I was sold here , I had to endure bullying and emotional torture to stay alive and cater for my needs. I couldn't even run if I tried to...he owns me.
It's true what they say: from riches to grass and that's the definition of my story .
And that's why I can't afford to offend him.
Hurry up, Trisha. It's an important day today and we can't afford to mess this up, Garcia said...his tone sharp. " I need you in my office. Jumbo" Yes Garcia, I promise I'll be quick.
And look presentable, he adds before turning to his heels and heading towards his office.
I changed within record time. Brush my fingers through my hair and dab a little makeup here and there on my face to look more radiant. While I heard rumors from other dancers there's a VIP tonight. Then I rushed to his office, my heart hammering.
I found him in deep conversations with two men...
I haven't seen them before, their faces unreadable , they exchanged a few more words together nodding to Garcia before leaving.
Close the door, Garcia instructs the moment they left, his tone serious.
I do as he says and he gets straight to the point." I want you to serve the VIP room " tonight.
My brows knit together, I have been here for a long time and I haven't seen just anyone going there, the VIP room upstairs?
" Yeah", he replied briskly , and before you ask.... don't ask anything else "just do your job ".
He seems agitated, rushed maybe. People seem tense today, I pointed out. His brow furrowed...slightly annoyed, that's none of your concern , he barked.
I need you to focus. You are good at what you do, you have worked here long enough, you look the part and you've got guts. But I need you to listen carefully, Trisha.... his voice drops slightly threateningly, when you go up there , you become a statue, a ghost. A chill ran down my spine. You don't listen to what they say, you don't hear anything, dance like your life depends on it , entertain them and ... you leave. Do you understand?
I swallowed hard! "Yes Garcia, I understand".
Good! Arielle was handling it but had a mental breakdown, you'll cover for her. His gaze firm "be strong Trisha".
I nod and walk out, my nerves threatening with every step towards the VIP room.
When I opened the door, my breath caught.
The room is full. Men sit sprawled on the luxurious sofas, ladies draping over them, their hands roaming freely.
Some are talking in hushed voices, some are kissing. The air is thick with something...I can't quite name.
Garcia's instruction hung at the back of my mind. Don't see anything. Don't hear anything.
Dance, entertain and leave.
I moved slowly towards the stage, my steps bold and elegant , capturing the mindset of every individual sitting down.
My hips swayed slightly as I moved round the poll. I could feel a pair of eyes staring at me intently.... and there he was.