Silver's Heart

Chapter 5

Veronica's POV:

"Mom, I've made my decision. I can start at the Strip Joint next week. Also what does Larry do for work anyway?" My curiosity got the better of me. I just wanted to know what she thought he did, rather than what I knew he did aka torture me for fun.

"Well sweets, I think you made a great decision. You can take my shift to start out with for next week. You will need to come in this week to figure out the ropes, and get use to the place. We don't want you looking nervous or uncomfortable on the stage.. Its bad for business you know. You are young that I think you might bring in a lot of tips. This could be great for us, soon you'll be able to take my job completely. And you know Larry does this and that. If you really wanted to know you'd agree to work with him. I think he might be displeased with your choice, but he'll be happy that you're finally growing up and taking some responsibility." My mom ranted on. I can't believe she is trying to make me take her position there. Does she expect me to pay for her and Larry? I really hope I don't actually have to get on stage. It'll seem like a joke I bet.. I mean everyone thinks I'm a freak. A beautiful freak. What will happen when they see the scars? In this garbage of a place, they might actually enjoy that.

Days later..

Mom and Larry take me to work. This place is so beat down looking on the outside. When we walk in the look completely changes. It is dark, like all the windows have been blacked out. The stage is bright with lights on the floor surrounding it. The shape this place is makes me wonder if this was originally a movie theater, so did the surround sound. The seats are in clusters surrounding the stage. Off to the side is a small bar that looks like it only does shots of cheap liquor. This seems like one of those places that put water in a vodka bottle so they don't have to spend that much money on the boos. It was really surprising that it looked like a quality place on the inside. The mood in there seemed like it was up class, but considering many of the strippers ended up in the clients bed and left with extra cash it was probably meant to be that way. I hope the other strippers p********e themselves out in there free time, not that its in the job description. Haha, watch Larry is their pimp or something.. Then it dawned on me that might actually be his job, considering he has an office in the back of this place. How is it that even though I chose to not work with Larry, I still might end up working with him. His office is down a narrow hallway, that right next to a series of other doors. I really don't want to know what these could be used for.

After I got the grand tour of the grounds of this trashy place, I was informed about certain rules. If I didn't listen, tried any funny business or looked awkward then I would be punished for the remainder of my shift. The punishment was I'd have to stand in a cage off to the side of the main floor. I would also lose any tips unless I made over a certain amount in the cage. I could always end my shift early, if someone can cover for me or if I make over a certain amount of money. The shifts started at four hours which made no sense. What can one person do for four hours. It's not like they are dancing the whole time or that they are delivering drinks. The last rule was I wasn't allowed to talk to any of the people who didn't work here. Apparently, a lot of important men come here to do business and their business doesn't include the dancers. The less important men and women can talk to us if it has been approved and paid for. This is literally such a bad decision.

"Veronica, the last thing you need to do today is to figure out your look. The grey crazy hair probably isn't the best idea.. Also you're going to want a cute name they can call you. Missy, don't look at me like that! This is your job and you need to take it seriously!!" My mother demanded. She is going crazy, probably because she is tired of this life for herself. I was about to joke and say call me Ron but I knew she would yell and I'm just not in the mood. She already annoying me with the talk or wearing colored contacts and a wig. She even said I could borrow some of her makeup. I don't want to take this seriously because this will not be my life.

"Mom, I can go be V. I know its not that cute, but it's short so people will remember it. I am not wearing contacts or I will end up not being able to open my eyes. I-," I was explaining when I suddenly got cut off by Larry. "Fine, V, you will wear a black wig and an outfit that is provided for you. I also have some jewelry that I know would look great with it," he said smirking. Great, I'm going to be suffering and wearing silver. My life is just amazing..