Chapter 1 - Late Again

Cora's POV

"Hmmm, these pancakes smell incredible. I hope they taste the same," Cecilia sighed with her eyes closed.

I don't know about that but having a bite won't be bad. I responded and placed two pancakes on a plate, setting them before her.

"I need some too." That's my mum, joining Cecilia on the next stool beside the kitchen island.

I decided to fry some more pancakes, so I could keep the leftovers in the fridge for Cecilia.

"Am sorry mum, the doctor says you must eat more fruits and veggies so I made you salad but don't worry, I added avocados too", I coaxed my mum. She has a sweet tongue but I won't allow it, knowing it would end up affecting her health.

" Thank you, Cora, you know how to make an old woman happy," she replied. Glad I convinced her.

"I keep telling you that you are not old. If Dad hadn't run off with some-" The words were stuck in my throat as tears formed in the corners of my eyes.

"It's okay dear, I've gotten over that. Now tell me, how did you get money to pay for the hospital bills? We don't have any insurance and it was very expensive."

"It was just a miracle mum, I have to go now," I forced a smile and left the kitchen, trying to avoid another question. I didn't want to end up blowing everything.

"Cora, money for the excursion," I heard Cecilia's voice behind me. She's my only sister and I would do anything for her.

"I know, and am working towards it," I said to her, as I ran up the stairs. I quickly changed from my nightie into a denim trousers and a t-shirt, held my dark blonde hair up in a bun, put on a flat slipper, and carried my backpack. I began to descend the stairs in a dash.

"See you mum, see you, Cecil, I will be back before you know it," I screamed while running out of the door.

"I seriously doubt it," I heard Cecilia mutter behind me. I loved to call her Cecil. She knew I never got back till after midnight but she also understood it was because I took up a night job to generate income to support all of them. Being in her second year in high school, she also wanted to take up a job to support the family but I was strongly against it. She wonders how I got good grades despite working my ass off during almost all my free time.

"I heard that," I screamed back at her, as I  got through the door. I got into my old Toyota RAV 4. It's the only thing my dad didn't take along when he left us ten years ago. During that time, my mum was strong and worked hard to take care of us but since she was diagnosed with that strange sickness five years ago, I stubbornly took up a job in the supermarket, which I left for what I am doing now. I will tell you more about it later.

I parked my car and headed to the lecture but this fathead of a bully blocked my way again.

"Excuse me, you saggy pants," I sneered at Collins, my coursemate slash destined tormentor, with his useless gang of friends.

"Uhm," he scoffs. "Why don't you tell us where you went last night?" He sneered. I felt my feet become too heavy to carry me to the lecture hall. I was rooted at the spot.

"None of your business," I said, trying to nudge my way through. Some lectures had ended and others were about to begin so students were beginning to fill the corridor and it would be so embarrassing if they knew what I did for a living. I wasn't proud of my job. But that's what puts food on the table and takes care of our basic needs. I tried my best to get out of there before it was too late. But his three other friends blocked my way.

A thin line made its way to his face, earning him a crooked smile at my reaction. Seeing my face distorted with guilt, I could see how proud he was of himself.

"Let me rephrase the question to you. What were you doing, hanging on a pole last night?" He asked sarcastically, as his gaze focused on mine.

I felt blood rushing through my veins, as they seemed to make their way to my cheeks. I could tell how beet red I was looking, covered with embarrassment. Other students were beginning to have an interest in what Collins was saying and began walking closer.

I felt my knees become weak, as tears were fighting to wash my pretty face, despite how much I tried to prevent them. Yes pretty, because a lot of people tell me so and I see myself in the mirror too.

"You assholes, leave her alone!" Pat said behind them, making her way to me. That girl was an angel. She got here at the right time and led me away from them. Collins didn't try to stop me. He just shook his head as the students gathered around began walking away.

We walked towards the lecture hall, but just before entering, Pat branched off to the restroom.

"Hey, let's go for the lecture. I don't want to be late," I sniffed, wiping a tear from my face.

"If you had checked your email, you would have known that it wasn't going to come on. The lecturer sent an email about ten minutes ago that he couldn't make it because he had an emergency."

"What kind of emergency?"

"He didn't say," Pat responded.

"I should go to the library then."

"We will go together but not until you tell me what I want to know," Pat spoke with all seriousness.

I leaned against the wall with my face upwards, thinking of where to start. "What do you want to know?"

"I am not mistaken. I heard Collins say that he saw you hanging on a pole. I hope it's not what I'm thinking?" She rolled her eyes, showing her credulity.

"It is. I took up the job as a stripper because it pays more. I couldn't afford to take care of mum, Cecil, and myself with the pay of a salesgirl in a supermarket. So when a girl from the strip club approached me six months ago about the offer, I took it. Please don't judge me because all I have right now is my body and since you are not forced to accompany any man home, it was a good option for me at the time. The stripper job pays more." I said the truth, waiting for her reaction. 

"You should have used a mask then," Pat said after listening to the whole story. She knew how hard things became for her best friend and she was in no position to help her either. I was just grateful that she didn't judge me.

"I used to but last night, I was late because I dozed off at the library. I barely had time to get dressed and began working without the mask."

"Too bad, Cora, but I won't judge you because I am not going through what you are going through and I don't know what I would do if I found myself in your shoes," she empathized.

"It's okay Patty, let's leave for the library now," I said to her, knowing free periods were the only times I could learn. I walked to the library with Pat as we talked about other random kinds of stuff.

I studied a lot in the library, taking a short break to have lunch with Pat before we went for their next lecture together. Afterwards, I went back to the library to revise my notes, while Pat went home. Midway through my studies, I was woken up by the librarian, telling me she has to leave because they are closing.

I dozed off and overslept, AGAIN. I woke up staring at the librarian as if she just asked for my kidney. Then I checked the time, and Damn, I was late again. Grabbing my backpack beside me, I dashed out into my car, driving straight to the strip club. 

No way, my manager Ken was already there when I walked in so I tried to sneak into the changing room.

"Not so fast, Cora? You are late again." I heard his angry husky voice behind me, and turned to face him.