Chapter 3

Sofia's face turned scarlet red immediately as she realised she must have stepped on his toes.He winced in pain and crunched his face.

"Sofia,what's the problem?" Miss Amelia, the owner of the academy asked as she came over to Sofia's side. Miss Amelia loved Sofia because she was a good ballerina in high school, she gave Sofia the tutoring job when she heard of the death of her mother.

"I am so sorry Jake.It was a mistake"  Sofia apologised quickly. The soft music came to an abrupt end and Jake nodded his head whilst rubbing his toes.

"Let's take a break. Jake come let me give you some ointment for your toes" Miss Amelia said with a sigh. “Sofia, see me later”

Sofia watched Jake limp away with Miss Amelia and she couldn't help but feel guilty for her silly mistake. She truly needed to learn how to keep her anxious thoughts at bay whenever she was dancing.

With Jake in Miss Amelia’’s office, Sofia slumped on the wooden studio floor and laid my back down. Sounds of chattering and laughing began echoing round the atmosphere by her fellow ballet workers. 

They were obviously happy with the much needed break they got. The kids weren't left out, as they gathered at the other end of the hall to discuss.

"Hey Sofia the first, you look so stressed" Lisa, her high school friend asked as her brows wrinkled to a frown.

"I'm just tired, you know. The dance step was really a very difficult one" Sofia replied, wiping away the perspiration that covered her temples.

"Babe,you need to cool off. Go to the club once in a while and party, meet college guys too” Lisa urged with a lopsided grin.

She knew Sofia was working at a club owned by her mother's creditor. Lisa was the only person who knew where she was working. 

Sofia couldn't tell Jake, she felt he would judge her. He was someone who doesn't like clubs not to talk of his best friend swinging her body for older men.

"Besides I know you and Jake are best friends. I heard he likes you" She squealed as she laid back next to me.

"Come on, we're just friends. Besides, I'm not interested in him. I love him as a friend”. Sofia simply stated which got Lisa abruptly jerking up and giving her a quirky look.

"Oh wait, do you have a crush on someone else? Tell me the truth. Is there someone else?" Lisa teasingly said with a mischievous grin.

“I don't, you know I have a lot of things going on right now. This is not the right time for boys!”  

“Well, that shouldn't stop you from meeting a few college boys,” Lisa winked.

Sofia just laughed at her friend's reply. The chances of college guys approaching her were very slim.” Let me just focus on repaying the debts “

“Sofia, this is your last year as a teenager. Enjoy it, don't waste this year paying off debts, and having no fun”. Lisa added, 

"Okay, everybody on your toes. We have a performance coming up later this week, let's perfect our dance" the voice of Miss Amelia cut through their conversation.

Sofia exhaled deeply and stood up with Lisa. It was time to get back to work. 

Lisa held Sofia's hand, “Don't forget our sleep over night”

Sofia nodded as she went for the dance formation. She went to Jake,who was waiting for her.

“How's your toe?” She asked.

“I'm fine,” he replied, “ What happened last night?” He asked, when he noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

“I'm fine, just stressed with work” she replied as they resumed the dance. Her mind racing with the possibility of her meeting with the creditor soon.

Time moved really fast and once again the city was covered with darkness, a sign of another night. Sofia was back at the entrance of the club, back to her night life.

She shrugged her shoulders and walked into the familiar dressing room littered with the chattering of women.The usual loud noise of the crowd could be heard.

"Sofia!” Cassie called as she saw Pearl walking towards her. “You came so early today!" Cassie's elated voice sounded throughout the room as she stood up to hug Sofia.

Sofia hugged her back and giggled. "Of Course. I need to dress up on time for my performance"

"How won't you come this early with the little amount of money you made last night?" The red haired lady scoffed as she focused on applying mascara to her face.

"Hey stop it, She's just a teenager, I'm not sure you made anything when you started working here" Cassie retorted back, defending Sofia. 

"At least she came in early today”. She added turning to face Sofia. “I don't what you did, but the boss wants to see you”

A puzzled expression wiped across Sofia's face. "Why? Did I do something wrong?”7

"We've been in this shit longer than you and the boss has never called any of us privately to dance for him but you just came not so long ago and all of a sudden he wants you to dance for him. You've sucked your way to the top, girl" the other lady in the room jeered at Sofia.

"I didn't do anything" Sofia replied with a shaky voice that lacked enough confidence and power. “How sure are you that he wants me to dance for him?”

"Ignore them. They're just jealous. It's a good thing you came early today. Come on, get ready so you can go meet him and tell us all the juicy deeds" Cassie's eyes sparkled like a puppy who had seen a treat.

“Pray he doesn't rape you” the red haired lady added,as she stood up to check her outfit.

“Stop it! If you don't have better things to do here, just leave!” Cassie barked.

Cassie turned Sofia's head to face her, “Sofia, don't listen to them. Nobody knows why he wants to see you. Just go there and find out” 

Sofia subconsciously nodded her head, she forced a weak smile on her face trying to conceal her fears.

Cassie handed a nude exposing dress to Sofia who wore it without hesitation. Cassie shoved her onto a chair and in no time she was done with her magic makeup making Sofia look beautiful, sexier and a little older than her age.

"You look beautiful, Sofia!” Cassie exclaimed. “Don't be anxious. You don't know why he wants to see you. Count yourself lucky if he wants you to dance for him. I heard he pays well so you will definitely get enough money, better than what you got yesterday”.Cassie said with cheerfulness  as she observed Sofia's  tense expression.

"I bet he's heard about you and he just wants to see you after one year of working here, that's all. Don't feel special" the red haired lady shrugged her shoulders.

"Shut up and get your ass to the stage," Cassie snapped back.

Sofia’s face brightened as she looked at Cassie. She truly loved how fierce and bold Cassie was. If only she was that bold, maybe, just maybe people would not mess with her.

The red haired lady stood up, hissed at both of them and exited the dressing room. Sofia wasn't even concerned about her mockery, She was concerned about meeting the boss. 

What if he raped her? What if he was there to remind her of the letter he sent? What if he was here to torture her?

She had never met him but she heard he was cruel and unforgiving. A man that held so much raw power and money, he was ruthless especially with the ladies working there.

Sofia took a deep breath, she really hoped she wouldn't mess up in her performance tonight.

Suddenly, the door to the changing room opened and a tall bald man stepped inside,his eyes roving around until he met Sofia’s terrified eyes.

Was he the boss? Was he so eager to see her that he came to the dressing room? 

"She is ready, Alberto” Cassie spoke up with a little hesitation.

"Good, boss wants you baby doll" He said nonchalantly, not even minding the half naked women in the dressing room. The women too didn't act like a man was in the room, they were just doing their thing.

Sofia's heart began thumping, wanting to break out of the rib cages and her hands began to feel sweaty.

Cassie gave her a reassuring smile as she stepped out of the dressing room with him. 

Oh goodness! Who was this boss?

Would she meet a middle aged man, hairy and rugged? Or someone muscular and young?