Lamelight

Five

Some weeks later:

While dancing to the rhythm of the music, the drunken crowd kept cheering her. She’d been working as a pole dancer now for a few weeks, because she needed to earn a lot of money, since the doctors had informed her that her mother’s heart surgery would be costly.

She wasn’t sure if she would be able to earn enough money to pay for her mother’s operation. Madam Gracia had already advanced her a large sum of money.

“What’s that! Three hundred thousand is a huge amount of money,” said Kris.

Kris was worried about the problem Marga was faced with.

“I don’t know what to do, Kris,” Marga told her, feeling very confused.

“Did you try borrowing from madam?” Kris asked.

“Not too sure she’ll lend me more. I already owe her a lot,” she answered.

“Still, you should try, you know.”

“Well, perhaps I can try. I hope she can help me, although I’ve already borrowed a lot,” she said.

They went straightaway to Madam Gracia’s office and asked her for an advance on her salary.

“I can’t give you this time, Marga. I’ve already lent you some money a few days ago, and that’s the n’th time already,” Madam Gracia said.

They went straightaway to Madam Gracia’s office and asked her for an advance on her salary.

“I can’t give you this time, Marga. I’ve already lent you some money a few days ago, and that’s the n’th time already,” Madam Gracia said.

“I’m sorry I asked, madam. I just really need to borrow some money from you for my mother’s surgery,” she pleaded.

“It’s a big amount of money we’re talking about here, Marga,” Madam Gracia said.

“I just don’t know who to ask anymore,” she said to her

“If you’re so badly in need of money then why don’t you let some of the clients take you out?” Since you need money, the customers are rich here and you could earn a lot of money – even if it was just for one night. I can give you a bigtime client,” Madam Gracia suggested.

She fell into deep thought. This is what she was afraid of in this kind of job. And she has no choice but to try and do everything to finance her mother’s operation. Even if it was against her own will and beliefs – she had no choice but to do it.

“What’s wrong? Just come back here if you decide to do it,” Madam Gracia said, dismissing her.

“I’ll do it,” she said, with her heart full of fear and apprehension.

“Well, it’s the right decision. And it’s certainly not hard to find a good client, since everybody has been asking for you,” Madam Gracia said cheerfully.

“I’ll do this for you, mother,” she said to herself, hoping everything would turn out fine in the end.

Later she met Kris in the club after their show had ended.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Kris asked her in a worried voice.

“Yes, I’m really sure, especially as I have no other option left,” she replied in resignation.

“I just hope your first client is a gentleman, since you’ve never had any experience with men,” Kris said to her frankly.

“Kris watch your mouth,” she said to stop any further discussion on the topic. Even although she was ready, she was still very anxious and scared.

But Kris was right – she was still a virgin, and had never had a boyfriend.

“I’m sure you don’t want a nasty client that is bad to you. You’ve no experience, so I’m really worried for you.”

“It’s okay. I’ll handle it when the time comes,” she said putting on a brave face.

“Hey Marga … Why is the world harsh to unfortunate people like us?” Kris said in an upbeat voice.

~

“Your mother’s condition is getting worse – she needs to have surgery as soon as possible,” the doctor told her when she arrived at the hospital.

She met Melanie who was sitting by their mother’s bedside; she explained the situation. “Don’t worry, Mel, I’m working on it.”

“I’m sorry I can’t help, ate,” her younger sister said frowning.

“What are you saying? You’re the only one who is looking after our mother. What if you weren’t around? Who could I trust to look after her?” she said in encouragement?

“I know how much trouble you’re having working in the club, but I can’t do anything to help you,” she said almost crying.

“The fact that you’re here to watch and care for our mother is a huge help, so don’t say you’re not helping,” she said trying to make her feel better.

“I’m sorry – I just hope this will all come to an end soon,” said Mel who had cheered up a little.

“Don’t worry, everything happens for a reason – God is watching over us; I know it’s hard, but we have to keep on fighting.

~

When Marga came to the club, one of the other girls said to her that Madam Gracia wanted to see her, and she had to go to her office straightaway.

“Madam? Did you want to see me?” she asked on entering her office.

“Ah yes, yes, I have some good news for you,” she answered her straight away.

“What is it, madam?” she asked nervously.

“I’ve found the perfect client for you – and he’s a bigtime client. He’s been watching you ever since you first came into the club,” madam said to her.

“Really?” She didn’t know why she was more displeased than happy.

“And do you know how much he wants to pay you for one night? 100 thousand pesos!” She exclaimed. He is a special client, a Chinese businessman who owns a factory here in Manila. He is willing to pay a large amount for young Filipina virgins here at the club.

She was shocked by the news. It was such a large amount, but she had to admit to herself that it would be the answer to all her problems. She would now be able to pay for her mother’s operation, if she could continue attracting rich clients.

“Really?! When is this going to happen?” she asked.

“He’s very eager. He wants to meet you straightaway – tonight.”

“Alright,” she answered and then headed for the dressing room.