More Than Just A Contract

Episode 4

" Okay so from 11:30 till 1am, you'll dance, alright?” Luke said to Nayara. She was at the club, reporting for her first day. Nayara gave an internal sigh and nodded. Luke noticed her tension.

" Now you might be nervous but don't worry. Half the guys won't even remember you or what they eventually did. Most of them are wasted so relax.” Said Luke

This put Nayara at ease just a bit.

Soon, it was time. Nayara breathed in and out. This was the time to put her practice round to good use.

The music began to play. She stepped up on the table where the pole was and began to dance. She swung round it, swaying from left to right. Her heart was shaking. She had no idea what she was doing but she was moving. Slowly a crowd of drunk men and women gathered round, trying to figure out what she was doing. Then they cheered her on

The cheering made her feel better. Soon she forgot what she was even doing or where she was. She was finally immersed into the music. She incorporated her own dance moves too and just used the pole as a guide. More and more drunk men gathered and she became the main attraction of the club.

Soon, her shift was over and she was in Luke's office.

“ You did well today, Nayara. I'm impressed." Said Luke with a nod

Nayara smiled briefly

" Thank you.” She replied

" Well, here's your first pay check of the day.” Luke said. He opened the table drawer and handed her a white envelope full of money. Nayara's heart jumped with joy because she was excited at the thought of surprising Margaret.

" Oh gosh. Thank you.” Nayara said graciously as she accepted the envelope and immediately ran home. But before she went home she changed her clothes to prevent Margaret from knowing what she did to earn that money.

As soon as she got to her home, she burst in and gave Margaret a hug. Margaret, surprised, asked her what made her so happy. In response, Nayara handed her the envelope. Margaret's eyes widened and she opened the envelope. She brought out the money and counted it. Then she screamed and hugged Nayara with tears in her eyes.

“ A hundred and fifty??” Exclaimed Margaret. “oh my gosh!"

Nayara too was shocked. All the excitement made her forget to even count the money. She giggled and hugged Margaret even tighter. Then Margaret let go and narrowed her eyes at her with a serious expression and she held Nayara's shoulders.

" Where did you get this money from??” Said Margaret in a low tone. Nayara's mind raced. She actually hadn't thought of a suitable lie. Then without a second thought, she said the first thing that came into her head.

" I …uh actually started work at a tech company today. And I was given a pay check to start." Said Nayara

“ Wow! That's awesome. I'm proud of you!" Said Margaret

Nayara beamed with both pride and guilt. She was happy about the fact that she could help pay the bills but was still guilty about how.

Margaret asked her how she planned to spend the money because she still didn't know the cash was a surprise for her.

" Mum! The money is all yours.” said Nayara

Margaret began to cry again and she hugged Nayara tightly. She cried inaudibly telling her daughter how grateful and proud she was of her. Nayara's heart swelled up and she gave Margaret a kiss on her cheek. That night was marvelous for both of them and for the first time in a while, Nayara had a good night's sleep.