Price of Love

TER

NEW

about starting my new job as a stripper. The whole idea felt surreal a

ered if I was really cut out for this, and the mo

ed out to be to

some sort of special clothing or outfits? The anxiety

certainty swirled in my mind, and I tossed and turned, consumed by the worst-c

lankly into space. I had nowhere to be until late

awing at me, so I decide

lking into the bathroom where s

pt well, Diana," she replied wi

eyes. "Ehm, aren't you supposed to be at work?" Her tone carried a

because it pays better." My voice was slightly defensive, almos

ul about my new job, but I pushed it aside, focusing instead o

the house, sweeping and tidying every

o leave no corner untouched. But as I fi

y is going to be? Just clean

ng restless and aimless. As I sat on my bed, the thought fli

thing to do. But then I remember

front of the mirror. Locking the door behind me, I stripped

I had always had curves, but it wasn't until

seductive flair. I swayed my hips, bounced my bac

ng to embody confidence and sexiness. As I moved, I started to feel a s

uld do thi

ious dance moves I had seen strippers perform in movie

knack for it. I felt like I was tapping into

s shift at the diner was coming to an end. I decided to ge

for my new job. Unsure, I grabbed some of my saved money and to

, but a heavy cloud of guilt settled over me. I couldn't shake th

etraying the values

utes until Sarah's shift ended. I timed it perfectly and

demeanor easing my tension. But the

quavering slightly. She noticed a

cessful and affluent. I doubt you'll run into anyone you know." S

ch people anyway. When Dad was alive, we'd barely

me along at a brisk pace. "Where are we

er excitement infectious. "And work doesn't start until 10

the lingerie section. As soon as we entered

that made my skin crawl, and I wondered

s, handing them to me in a flurry. "Okay, now let's try th

. I couldn't help but notice how revealing th

y discomfort, Sarah began

d to look? My eyes darted around the small changing room, avoiding a

ing to process just how

! How does this red one look on me?" I finally summo

iced before that Sarah had bigger boobs than mine. They we

yself, unable to look away. I felt a mix of emotio

I had to say something, so I stuttered

voice snapping me out of my thoughts immediate

n my face. Sarah burst into laughter

id, trying to put me at ease. I s

great," I said, trying to change the subjec

an to undress me. I tried to keep my cool, thinking that maybe this

ff my underwear so I could try on the ones that fit. I felt a s

, running her eyes all over my body, makin

mfort, and checked out the outfits she had picke

t for me, a skimpy underwear that made me

e changing room, heading to the

, stopping me, and said, "Don't worry, hun, I'll pay." She smiled and paid for the o

d over me. It was already 9 p.m. when we hailed a cab,

casually mentioned that before being hired, I would ne

't you tell me this sooner? I can't dance!"

ing to be a

," Sarah urged, trying t

r anything. They just want to see some confidence. You've got an incredi

, I just have to wiggle a bit?" I asked, f

ss a little, and you'll totally nail it," she said, her ton

cab driver. As I stepped out onto the sidewalk, my eyes wi

entrance. Its luxury facade concealed a secret. "Are you sure there

he charm. Discreet, exclusive, and hidden from the w

mosphere belied the truth. Beneath the refin

losed, and we descended. Memories flooded my mind: my mother's strugg

n my purpose: survival, clearing

opened, revealing a

d me gently

s, and donned a bold face.