Still Haunted

At the cafe, I jump at every noise, voices that sound similar have my panicking and while I am trying to concentrate, I make so many mistakes. This job is important though, so I try to push back my fear and ignore the noises and zone out until I need to hear.

It helps, for some time it does help. I see that Sarah has a lot of questions. She is always asking me about myself, my family, where I lived before, who I know around here. I try to avoid her questions but that just makes her look at me like I am holding back secrets.

I am, all it takes is one name to be muttered and they will find me, so for now, I ignore her questions and just concentrate on work. The nights out the staff invite me to get ignored as well. The less time I spend out the less chance there is I will be found.

I tell my dad that I can’t go home this time, I make up an excuse that the apprenticeship is going well but they requested I work extra, it means I avoid going home and their questions.

Three months have passed since I moved here, and I feel myself relaxing into the day-to-day life and routine. Every day I take a new way home so anyone tracking or following me won’t know.

Every day I smile and laugh a little bit more. I relax more, and slowly begin to open up to those I work with while holding the darker secrets closer to my chest.

I smile at Sarah as she stands next to me, we’re laughing as I make the black coffee for a woman. Sarah talking away to me as I do.

“Hey Kitty.” I jump hearing the voice, the coffee spilling all over Sarah as she screams, spinning I get ready to face him, but it isn’t him. I see a man stood with his arms around the woman I was serving.

Shit, turning I look at Sarah. “I’m sorry.” I move towards her as she pushes me away.

“Leave, this is happening too much, I’m lucky I’m not burnt! Just go Trix, you can’t work here anymore.”

I don’t even try to argue, I simply nod and walk out, knowing there is no way I can fight for the job. I mess up too much, constantly spill drinks, and smash things. Every few seconds a new customer comes in.

I get home and search again for a job, an advert catching my eye.

Dancers Wanted, Identity 100% hidden while working. Send a video of yourself dancing.

I decide to do it, I can send in the video then find out how my identity is hidden later. After doing the video, I search for more job. I have saved money from the café so I don’t need to worry too much right now if I don’t find a job.

Two days later I get an email to go for the interview. Walking into the club, I look around me.

“Trixie?” I look to the man and nod. “I’m Andre, you have the job, you just need to ask any questions then confirm you want it.” He looks at me and points to a seat, walking to him I sit.

“So, you said identity is hidden? How is that possible?” I look at him confused.

“All the dancers use a different entrance and exit to customers. All dancers are also required to wear masks, not just the dancers but guests as well. Stage names are used, every dancer must keep their masks on the whole time.”

That sounds better than the café, at least here I know if he shows he won’t recognise me. So, I accept the job, and agree to start working tonight.