Chapter 2

I NEED YOUR HELP.

Layla's POV.

The doctor suddenly paused and I held my breath, my stomach dropping as my palms grew sweaty.

What did he want to say? I hope nothing had happened to father.

I could almost hear my heart pounding heavily against my chest.

"I don't think your father's surgery can wait till 24 hours anymore. We barely have 12 hours left now." He told me as my hand holding the phone, began to shake but at the same time, I let out a sigh of relief.

It wasn't as bad as i thought.

"It's getting late now so at least, by morning. You should have the funds ready." The doctor warned before ending the call, while I stood there, trying to think fast.

It still hurts seeing my boyfriend and best friend mashed together in a sheet and then realizing that, all these while, I was actually being used but all that matter, didn't matter right now.

My dad was more important so I left Jeremy's apartment, ignoring all the sarcastic comments and ache in my heart.

'I should be fine once Dad has gotten better.' I thought, consoling myself as I took a cab to go see another one of my friends.

Jeremy, for sure wasn't going to help me with the money, neither would Caroline, but Scarlett should be able to, she had a good heart.

We were not as close as we should be because both mum and Caroline strictly warned that I stayed away from her, because she was an escort.

Scarlett sold her body to rich men to meet end's meet so my mum saw her as a bad influence and made me cut ties but I didn't do it completely.

I still kept in touch.

I dropped in front of the club, where she also worked part-time and took in a deep breath, before rushing inside.

"Scarlett." I waved to her when our eyes met from where she was serving tables.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she hurriedly dropped her tray and walked over to where I was standing.

"Layla? Is that you?" She called out, stunned and I understood why, immediately.

I was never comfortable to step in places like this, due to the horrific alcohol stench and thugs that roamed about, but sadly, here I was because I needed her help badly.

If I had called or sent a text, she might miss it because Scarlett doesn't keep her phone next to her, during work hours and at the moment, I had no luxury of time, to wait.

"I really need your help." I cut straight to the point as she grabbed my hands.

"Shoot." She said and I explained everything to her, not missing out when I went to ask Jeremy for help but caught him in a threesome with Caroline and one other girl.

"Damn it! I always knew Jeremy was an asshole and Caroline, a bitch." Scarlett groaned, her grip tightening on my hand.

"Are you okay?" She asked with concern flashing in her eyes.

"Sure. Right now, all I really care about is how to pay my dad's bills. Please can you help?" I asked and she looked away, licking her bottom lips.

I stiffened.

Doesn't she have or cannot help?

"I am sorry Layla but you came at the wrong time. I have already sent all I have to my younger brother who just got into Harvard." She answered and I froze.

"Wow! Congratulations." I smiled at her and she returned it, weakly.

"Thank you but I wish you had come earlier or I would have sent it. I'm really sorry." She pleaded as I went mute, not knowing what to say or how to even react at this point.

What do I do now?

Scarlett was my last resort and I needed over 300 hundred thousand, a f*e I couldn't get except if I sold one of my kidneys or.....

Just then it hit me as I stilled.

Scarlett makes up to that in one night so what if I join her or something?

I was about to inquire about it when a lady dressed in a skimpy outfit, came in and called out to Scarlett who dropped my hand immediately.

"We have important guests coming tonight and they need beautiful escorts. Great ones and they are willing to pay double, so do you know any girl that can join us for the event, since we are a bit short-staffed?" The lady asked and my heart began to pound heavily against my chest.

This was it.

'A way to pay my dad's hospital bills. I should signify.' I thought, when the lady's eyes drifted to me.

She moved away from Scarlett, taking a step towards me as she ran her eyes all over my body, scrutinizing me.

"You are really beautiful, girl. Would you be willing to join us? Pay is 500 thousand dollars." She said and a huge lump formed in my throat, as my jaw dropped.

What?

That huge for just an escort? I couldn't believe this.

Was this some sort of miracle in disguise or something? Because the timing was too perfect, way too perfect.

Not only would I be able to pay dad's bills, but I could also sort the rent expiring in two day's time.

"No, Madam Alena. My friend doesn't do t..." Scarlett was about to speak up for me when I cut in sharply.

"I am interested please. When is it?"

Scarlett's eyes almost bulged out of her eye socket from too much shock as I began conversing with Madam Alena who told me we would be leaving in two to three hours.

"Scarlett will help you get changed into something more sexy." She added, before leaving.

"What the fuck! Layla, are you insane?" Scarlett yelled as she dragged me into a room, that seemed to be her dressing room.

"I don't have a choice Scarlett. I can't let my old man die." I told her and she took in a deep breath.

"I understand but you shouldn't sell your body like I do. Most of those men are dangerous and can harm you, Layla so let me recommend someone else, then give you my pay for your father's treatment." Scarlett offered and my heart melted.

This was a girl I had distanced myself from but she wasn't taking it out on me and was even willing to help, while those I spent the rest of my days, with, abandoned and betrayed me.

I could feel my eyes stinging with tears again as my heart tightened against my chest, upon remembering the awful situation I witnessed back at Jeremy's.

"No Scarlett." I shook my head sideways. "You need the money for your brother's fees and I also know you are ill and you need to get your meds that are freaking expensive so nope. No sacrificing, I get to do that."

Scarlett immediately walked over and gathered me into her arms as I broke down into tears, sniffling.

"I c-can't let him d-die Scarlett, not especially after what mum d-did to him and besides, he is all I have l-left." My voice trembled as Scarlett continued to pat me on the back.

"I know Layla and alright, but please be careful and call me immediately anything seem to go wrong." Scarlett ordered and I nodded, trying to smile.

Everything was going to be okay now, I will make sure of it or so I thought.