Bought for and Paid for

Lilith's voice trembled as she begged her mother to stay.

'Mom, please don't leave me. This world is too cruel without you.' Tears streamed down her face as she clutched Elizabeth's weak hand, the hospital bed rails cold and unforgiving.

Life had been a delicate balance. Lilith's fatherless childhood was filled with her mother's love and dedication. But Elizabeth had been hiding a secret, masking her symptoms with a brave smile.

That fateful morning, Elizabeth's collapse in the bathroom shook Lilith's world. Twenty agonizing minutes passed, and Lilith's urgency turned to panic.

'Mom, come out! I need to use the toilet!' Lilith pounded on the door, her voice cracking.

Silence.

Lilith's fears escalated as she realized something was terribly wrong. The locked door seemed impassable, and her cries for help were swallowed by the empty neighborhood.

Desperate, Lilith dialed 911, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush.

Within minutes, the ambulance screeched to a halt outside. Paramedics burst into the house, their faces etched with concern.

The bathroom door splintered open, revealing Elizabeth's body surrounded by scattered medication on the cold floor.

Lilith's heart shattered as she watched her mother being lifted into the ambulance.

'Is she going to be okay?' Lilith pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears.

The paramedic's gentle reply offered a fragile lifeline. 'Don't worry, she'll be fine. Don't cry, please don't.'

But Lilith's world was already crumbling.

Lilith's mind was a whirlwind of panic and despair. What had happened to her mother? The thought of becoming an orphan at 19 was unbearable. Life without a father had been challenging enough; now, the prospect of losing her mother too seemed like a never-ending nightmare.

The ambulance's sudden halt shattered her thoughts. They had arrived at the hospital. Paramedics rushed out, swiftly transferring Elizabeth to the ward.

Lilith paced anxiously, her eyes fixed on the door, awaiting news about her mother's condition. The doctor's calm demeanor offered little comfort as he called out her name.

'Lilith Sawyer?'

She rushed to him, her voice trembling. 'Is my mother okay? What happened to her?' Tears threatened to spill.

The doctor's expression softened. 'Your mother is stable for now. However, she has pancreatic cancer, stage 2. Surgery is crucial to remove the tumors from her pancreas. Time is of the essence...'

Lilith's desperation interrupted him. 'Please, I don't understand. Can I see my mother first? Please.' Her voice cracked, tears welling up.

The doctor's nod offered a glimmer of hope. 'Yes, of course. But prepare yourself, Lilith. Your mother's condition is critical.'

As Lilith rushed to her mother's side, Elizabeth's frail form and pale complexion filled her with dread. The beeping machines and antiseptic scent overwhelmed her senses.

'Mom...' Lilith whispered, clutching Elizabeth's hand.

Elizabeth's weak smile and labored breathing broke Lilith's heart.

'I'm here, Mom. I won't leave you,' Lilith promised, tears streaming down her face."

The doctor's gentle tone belied the weight of his words. 'Lilith, I know this is overwhelming, but you must be strong for your mother. Surgery is her only chance.' His eyes locked onto hers, filled with empathy.

'Is there a relative who can help with the expenses?' he asked.

Lilith's voice trembled. 'No one. My mom is all I have.'

The doctor's expression softened. 'The surgery costs $50,000.'

Lilith's eyes widened. 'That's impossible! How can it be so expensive?'

'The treatment and other costs add up quickly,' the doctor explained. 'Your mother had been paying for ongoing care, but it didn't cover the surgery.'

As the doctor departed, Lilith's thoughts swirled. Why had her mother kept her illness a secret?

Elizabeth's weak voice called out, 'Lilly, are you there?'

Lilith rushed back to her mother's side, wiping away tears. 'I'm here, Mom.'

Elizabeth's frail hand grasped Lilith's. 'I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I didn't want to burden you. I wanted to save enough for the surgery, but...' Her voice cracked.

Lilith's resolve hardened. 'I'll do anything to make sure you're okay, Mom. I promise.'

Later, Lilith left the hospital, lost in thought. She needed a job to save for the surgery. 'But where do I start? I need something high-paying, and fast.'

As she walked, a nightclub caught her attention. A sign outside read, 'Waitress needed.' Lilith hesitated, then took a deep breath and entered.

Inside, the club's opulent decor and poles startled her. She pushed aside her reservations; she was here for one reason – to save her mother.

Approaching a girl, Lilith asked, 'Excuse me, where can I find the manager?'

The girl raised an eyebrow. 'You think you're here to be a waitress? That's cute.' She pointed toward the boss's office.

As Lilith walked away, the girl whispered to her friends, 'Does she really think she's going to be a waitress?'

Lilith's determination didn't waver. She would do whatever it took to save her mother.

Lilith knocked on the door, and a deep, smooth voice invited her in. As she entered, Alex's piercing gaze swept over her, lingering on the sign still clutched in her hand.

"Ah, the waitress position," he stated, his voice dripping with amusement. "Please, have a seat. I'm Alex, the club's owner."

Lilith's handshake was firm. "I'm Lilith, but you can call me Lilly."

Alex's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Lilly, then. You know this is a nightclub, don't you?"

Lilith nodded, her heart racing.

"How old are you?" Alex asked, his tone deceptively casual.

Lilith hesitated, then lied. "I'm 22."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "You look younger. I thought it was 19, maybe 20."

Lilith's palms grew sweaty.

"Listen, Lilly," Alex leaned back in his chair, looking at his wristwatch. "You're not waitress material. You're... stunning. Perfect dancer's body. I'll pay you $100 an hour, or more, depending on your... talents."

Lilith's eyes widened in horror. "What are you talking about? I can't do that."

Alex's smile was predatory. "Oh, I think you can. You need the money, don't you?"

Lilith's face burned as she stood, her voice trembling. "I won't do it. Sorry."

As she turned to leave, Alex's voice stopped her.

"You'll come back, Lilly. I know you will."

Lilith's heart sank, but she refused to look back.

As Lilith walked out of the club, the same girls who had mocked her earlier snickered and whispered among themselves.

"I told you, she wouldn't make the cut," one of them said, their laughter echoing through the night air.

Lilith's heart sank, her footsteps heavy with disappointment. She vanished into the darkness, the neon lights of the club fading behind her.

At home, she stood frozen in front of the door, lost in thought. The weight of her mother's illness, the rejection at the club, and the daunting task of finding a new job threatened to overwhelm her.

A gentle voice broke the silence.

"Hey Lilly, I haven't seen you or your mom today. Everything okay?" Mr. Peter, their kind-hearted neighbor, asked as he walked by.

Lilith forced a smile, trying to reassure him. "Yeah, she's okay. She's at the hospital, but she's fine. Thanks for asking."

Mr. Peter's expression turned sympathetic. "Hope she's feeling better soon. Take care, okay?" He continued on his way, leaving Lilith to her thoughts.

With a deep breath, Lilith stepped into the house, the familiarity of the space offering a fleeting sense of comfort. She headed straight to the kitchen, determined to prepare a nourishing meal for herself and her mother.

As Lilith cooked, memories of laughter-filled moments with her mother in the kitchen flooded her mind. The aroma of simmering soup and sizzling vegetables transported her back to a time when life was simpler. But the harsh reality of her mother's illness and the daunting job offer intruded on her nostalgia.

"I'm only 19... How can I do this?" Lilith's voice trembled. "But Mom's counting on me. I promised her I'd do anything." Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

With a resolute sigh, Lilith packaged the meal and locked the house, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. As she passed the nightclub, she hesitated, her feet seemingly rooted to the spot.

"Maybe this is my only chance," she whispered to herself. "Friends, money, a way to save Mom... I have to be brave."

With newfound determination, Lilith pushed open the club's door and strode toward Alex's office. The same girls who had mocked her earlier now watched with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Look who's back," one of them snickered. "She thinks she's got what it takes." Their whispers trailed off as Lilith knocked on the boss's door, her heart pounding in anticipation.

"Come in," Alex's deep voice called out.

Lilith's hand trembled slightly as she turned the handle, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

"Ah, Looks who's back," Alex said, a hint of triumph in his voice. "I knew you'd reconsider."

Lilith's eyes flashed with determination. "Cut the small talk, boss. When can I start?"

Alex's gaze lingered on her, impressed by her newfound confidence. "You're back with a fire in your belly. I like it." His eyes dropped to the package in her hand. "What's that?"

Lilith's grip on the package tightened. "It's for my mom, in the hospital."

Alex's expression softened, genuine concern etched on his face. "I'm sorry to hear that. Is she okay?"

Lilith's voice remained firm, a hint of vulnerability beneath. "That's personal. Just tell me when I can start. Not tonight, I need to be with my mom. Tomorrow, maybe."

Alex nodded, his eyes locked onto hers. "I understand. You've got terms, I presume?"

Lilith's jaw set, her voice unwavering. "I don't want to be touched without my consent. I dance, nothing more. No surprises."

Alex leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "I love your confidence, Lilly. You've got my word. Nothing inappropriate will happen. If it does, come to me."

A small smile played on his lips. "You'll start tomorrow. I've got the perfect outfit for you. No need to worry about that."

Lilith's shoulders relaxed slightly, a glimmer of relief in her eyes.

Lilith stood up, her poise radiating an aura of quiet strength. With a subtle smile, she exited Alex's office, leaving the girls in awe.

"See you tomorrow night," she said, her voice dripping with confidence, as she glided past them.

The girls exchanged surprised glances, their whispers swirling like a gentle breeze:

"Who is this girl?"

"Damn, she's got a swagger."

"I didn't think she had it in her."

"Look at her walk – like a queen."

Lilith's footsteps echoed through the club, her head held high, as she disappeared into the night, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Lilith entered the hospital ward, her heart filled with love and concern. She approached her mother's bed, finding Elizabeth peacefully asleep.

"Mom's finally resting," Lilith thought, settling into a nearby chair. "I'll wait for her to wake up."

As she listened to her favorite song on her headset, Lilith felt a gentle touch on her hand. She removed her headset, and her eyes met her mother's warm smile.

"Mom! You're awake!" Lilith exclaimed, her face lighting up. "I've been waiting for you. I brought your favorite food!" She presented the carefully prepared meal with a proud smile.

Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise. "You made this?"

Lilith chuckled, recalling the infamous sugar-salt mishap. "Of course, Mom! And don't worry, I used salt this time."

Elizabeth teased, her voice weak but playful. "I was wondering if you'd finally learned the difference."

Lilith playfully rolled her eyes. "Mom, you promised not to bring that up again!"

Elizabeth's expression turned serious, her voice filled with emotion. "Lilly, I'm so sorry... for everything. I know it's hard on you, but I'm still here, and I promise to fight."

Lilith's eyes welled up with tears as she hugged her mother tightly.

Lilith's hands trembled as she grasped her mother's weak ones. "Mom, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Elizabeth's eyes, sunken from illness, sparkled with curiosity.

"What is it, sweetie?"

Lilith took a deep breath, the weight of her secret threatening to suffocate her. "I got a job... at a fancy restaurant. They're paying me really well, and I'm going to save up for your surgery."

A mix of relief and gratitude washed over Elizabeth's face. "Oh, Lilith, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you."

Lilith's guilt gnawed at her conscience, the lie burning on her tongue. She couldn't bear to reveal the truth – that she'd be dancing in a strip club, not serving tables. The shame and fear of her mother's disappointment were too overwhelming.

"I just want to get you out of here, Mom," Lilith continued, her voice cracking. "I want everything to go back to how it used to be. I want us to go home, laugh together, and forget about all this."

Elizabeth's eyes misted, her voice weak but full of conviction. "We will, Lilith. We will."

As Lilith hugged her mother, the tears she'd been holding back streamed down her face, mingling with the sorrow and desperation that had driven her to make this impossible choice.

"You're the best daughter a mother could ask for," Elizabeth whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I trust you, and I know you'll do well. As long as you're happy, I'll support you."

Lilith's eyes stung with unshed tears as she forced a smile, her heart aching with guilt. "For you, Mom. I'll do whatever it takes to see you happy and healthy again."

Elizabeth's hands cradled Lilith's face, her eyes shining with love. "Do what makes you happy, sweetie. If you're happy, I'll be happy too."

Lilith watched her mom eat, her mind racing with thoughts of tomorrow night. She felt a pang of guilt for lying about her job, but she knew it was necessary.

As Elizabeth finished her meal, Lilith helped her settle back into bed. "Get some rest, Mom."

Elizabeth's eyes locked onto hers, filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Lilly. For everything."

Lilith smiled, trying to hide her own doubts. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, sweetie," Elizabeth whispered, her eyes closing.

Lilith sat beside her mom, watching her sleep. She felt a sense of determination washed over her. She'd face whatever lay ahead, for her mother's sake.