Chapter 2 - The Dumb Plan

Mich narrowed his eyes at me, stroking his chin. "I'll call you what I like, because I'm the boss here. I'm the one calling the shots.”

"It's my name. I'll teach you how to pronounce it.”

A knock came at the door before he could respond. 

"Yeah, come in, Ruky.”

The lady who had ushered me, in walked in. 

"Prepare her letter of appointment. Drill her on the rules. She resumes by seven on the dot tomorrow morning.”

Seven?? Tomorrow? Today was Friday.

I was about to open my mouth but Ruky gave me a subtle shake of her head.

"Alright, sir.” Ruky mumbled.

I watched Mich walk out of the office. Boy, no doubt his aura screamed of poise and elegance. He looked like a perfect model. 

“He hates it when you challenge his decisions." Ruky began after he left.

Obviously.

“But tomorrow is Saturday." 

“You're taking the role of a personal assistant, not regular staff." 

I was puzzled. “So…the office opens on Saturdays and it's just the personal assistant that's expected to show up?" 

I was surprised when she nodded. 

“Yeah, something like that. It's his choice too. He can just decide to check out some new orders, or designs, or any other stuff he was unable to finish within the week.”

This was absolutely crazy.

"And I'm expected to work throughout the day?” 

"Not really. It actually depends on his schedule.”

I sighed deeply. So Sunday would be the only free day of my life.

"First thing in the morning, when you arrive, you'll serve him a cup of caramel frappe, which he loves to start his day with. You'll be given his schedule tomorrow which you'll be working with. He'll let you know if he needs to make some changes.”

I sighed again. "Is that all?”

“For now." 

Two hours later, I was on my way home after signing the appointment letter along with a long drill of rules and regulations. I couldn't believe I had just gotten the job, and would be resuming tomorrow. 

Was it a wise decision? Would I be able to handle Mich? It's not like he was my classmate anymore like back then, but my boss now. I couldn't just believe it.

The sight of the rundown building where I lived was enough to strengthen my resolve to put in my best to work well for Mich. Who knows? After two months of cool cash, I could call it quits and set up the hair salon I've always dreamed of.

My degree can take a long break after that.

Shirley was the only one home. She was nineteen, orphaned, and the youngest of us. She ran away from her uncle and the foster care that was willing to take care of her, because she preferred independence and needed no one's pity.

Nonetheless, she was an adult now anyway. That happened three years back.

She was sitting on one of the two small beds in the tiny room we all shared, head in between her knees, doing her nails. 

“The bills arrived today. You're owing two hundred bucks for your contribution.”

I smiled to myself as I slumped down on the other bed and took off my shoes. Just a month left for me to get out of this hellhole.

"Bonnie, did you hear?” Shirley raised her head.

"Fine. You can have it.” I dug into my handbag and gave her the money. The timing of this job was so perfect because I was almost considering going with them to the club already. Now, I could spend the last of my savings without having to worry.

Shirley was surprised. “What? Did you get a job?" 

“Yeah." 

She jumped on me with a hug right away. “Oh, I'm so happy for you. What kind of job?”

I was about to reply when her phone buzzed. She suddenly became jittery, staring at the screen.

“Is everything okay?” I asked when she didn't pick up the call.

"Please, I'm in desperate need of your help right now. I know you never do this, but please, can you come with me to the club tonight?”

I shook my head. "I resume work tomorrow.”

She got down on her knees this time to my surprise. "Please. I've never asked for a favour from you before. Mirabel and Arella were invited for a special event so I'll be alone." 

I rolled my eyes. No amount of pleading will make me go with her.  But I was curious. “What happened?" 

“The guy I danced for yesterday is my uncle. I think he's trying to trace me and came to the club because of me." 

“But I have warned you severally to stop this dirty job." 

“Bonnie, that's not the point right now. The point is that I danced for this guy last night and now he wants me back to them by all means." 

I heaved tiredly. I really thought I would come back to relax. “So, what? What do you want me to do? Why don’t you want to return to them?”

She shook her head stubbornly. “You don’t even get it. My uncle is a pedophile. He loves preying on young girls. I know he does it hard with my friends. The only reason he wants me to live with him and his family is for me to be his toy.”

I felt confused at this point. “But you strip for strangers.”

“Nobody sees my face, Bonnie. And I don’t sleep with anyone either. I know you wouldn’t believe me if I told you I’m still a virgin.”

I scoffed, then burst into laughter. “Of course, I believe you, Shirley.” 

She sighed heavily. “You don’t. I know.”

“That’s by the way. What do you say you want from me?” I asked, trying to weigh the options. Perhaps, an hour or two should be enough for whatever it was and we will be back.

She cleared her throat first. “If you come with me, you can pretend to be my guardian. We’ll make him believe I live with you and…”

“No, Shirley. He doesn’t have to see my face.”

She slumped back on the bed in exasperation. “Fine. Then we will do it this way. You can wear a mask if you feel uncomfortable. When we get to the club, I’ll do my usual dance thing. I don’t have a dime on me, right now. I’ve been promised a hundred bucks tonight for a special performance and I can’t miss it all because of my stupid uncle.” She rolled her eyes with a grunt. 

“All I need you to do is distract him for me.”

I frowned. “That sounds dumb, Shirley.”

Well, hours later, I actually went along with her dumb plan. To distract her uncle.

And of course, I regretted my decision the moment I stepped into the club. It was so rowdy and too wild for my liking. I could barely hear Shirley as she tried to raise her voice above the blaring noise and music.

“Over there is safer! You can sit there and wait!” she pointed at a quiet-looking, dimly lit corner at the end of the bar, past dozens of sparsely clothed girls, rocking their bodies hard to the music.

Ensuring my mask was well in place, I hurried over to the spot. It was just as she said. It felt safe and calmer, and for a moment I felt relieved. I only hoped I didn’t look like a spy in my distressed jeans and tank top, in contrast with the skimpy and shouty attires every other person seemed to be on. 

I felt relieved till a familiar face came into view and locked eyes with me.