I was preparing everything for tonight. Tonight, drinks wills be drunk, shots will be taken, etc. I can't do anything about it, that's my job. I worked at a club as bar tender.

The club was large vast of space. In the center, was a large dance floor that lit up different colors at night, and a large disco ball hung on top of it. On the side of the room, large red leather couches with tables. How could a party be complete without strippers? From the ceiling, cages hung and that was where strippers stripped and gave a show.

It was around 7 when I was barley done filling the cooler with beer and cleaning all the glassware.

"Luna," a female voice said. I turned and saw Jackie.

Jackie was a tall cocoa colored woman with black curly frizzy hair, and thick lips. She wore a long jean skirt, a peach color shirt, and a red bandana tied around her head.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Are you gonna look for some sugar tonight, hun?" Jackie asked. I fiercely shook my head. I've never been with anyone. I've almost had too though...

"That's not my style," I said, trying not to show my pain.

"If you like it then you should put a ring on it," she sang and did the Beyoncé hand movements.

"No," I said. It was just me. Only me.

"Hun, I've known you for 4 months already and you haven't got anyone after your skinny ass," Jackie said, her hands on her hips.

I consciously placed my hands on my hips and felt my hip bones. I was so skinny that I could could feel my bones and could count my ribs. Jackie would've noticed my thin frame, but I always wore baggy jeans and a loose fitted white shirt.

"I'm fine."

"I see the way guys look at you," she continued.

"They'll leave me alone after they get some ass." I put a bottle of tequila on the shelf.

"Good point," she agreed. Finally.

"I know."

"You need some ass for you can stop being so grouchy," she teased.

"I recommend you do that," I teased back.

"Anyone in your life?"

I tensed. "No." It was true. I haven't been in a relationship since...him.

"You sure?" she asked, not noticing that I tensed up.

"Positive," I assured her.

"You'll tell me if you get some ass tonight?" she asked, pointing her index finger at me.

"Yes," I said, wiping the countertop with a wet cloth. "In details if you like," I joked.

Jackie laughed. "His eyes connected with my mossy green ones as he entered my-"

"Okay," I interrupted. Jackie can be so graphic at time.

"Are you gonna pole dance?" She sexually moved her hips from side to side.

I threw my wet towel at her. "No."

"Good. That's Katherine's job."

"It's Kate," I reminded. If anyone called Kate by her real name she'll get butt-hurt about it, and complain.

"She can be called Nipple Licker for all I care. She can't deny her real name," Jackie said.

"Her strip name is Rabbit Hop," I reminded. How do I know? I know because many guys come up to me and ask for her "services".

"She hops to one bed and onto another," she whispered and then laughed. I simply smiled.

"Too much details," I said, shielding my eyes.

"What time is it?"

I looked at the black electronic clock that said it was 8 o'clock. "Crap," I cursed. I grabbed my duffel bag from under the counter and walked to the bathroom.

Jackie followed. "Let's just hope it's a good night." She walked into a bathroom stall and began to change.

I went into my bathroom stall. I stripped down from my baggy blue pants and gray t-shirt, and I put on a black leggings, a black undershirt, and a jean cardigan. I hurried and put on my boots. I walked out of the bathroom stall and went to the mirror. I applied a touch of blush to my pale skin, lip balm, and mascara.

Jackie walked out looking spectacular with a fitted cherry red dress that definitely showed off her curves. I couldn't help but feel a slight pang of jealousy towards her because her body shape was so much better than mine.

When I used to be with him, he used to sometimes tell me that I looked beautiful with whatever I wore. Other times, I was called ugly. I was called fat. I was told to go on a diet. I did what he told- to please him.

He would tell me that I wasn't worthy of him, before he would beat me. He said it was a privilege to be with him. He said that he'd leave me whenever he wanted.

Since he didn't leave, I left. I've ran away from him numerous times. Somehow, he always found me:

I was at a motel as I was watching TV. I was laughing as I watched a comedy show. The door opened and I saw Robert.

I knew my time of freedom was up.

"Come on, Lulu," he opened his arms. I knew there was no where to run so I walked into his arms and received a tight squeeze from him. He put on the golden heart necklace around my neck. He stepped back. "So much more pretty," he cooed. I touched the golden necklace which I hated with every once of strength that I held. The necklace was like a dog collar to me.

He kissed me and I didn't respond back to him. He pulled away and angrily looked at me. His pale blue orbs clashed against my mossy green ones. Hesitantly, I kissed him as I forced I moan to escape from my full lips. He'd then placed both hands on my bum as he slid them under my jeans.

It took all my energy not to scream. I had to stay quite and moan for him as I acted like I enjoyed what he did to me.

"Get your things," he ordered as he pulled away from me. I quickly gathered all my things. He held out his hand, I had no choice but to take that hand.

Robert always kept tabs on where money was going to, but I gathered quarter and dimes from his pockets when I had to do the laundry until I had enough to leave.

So far, I haven't seen him in 4 months.

"Do I look hot or what?" Jackie modeled.

I returned back to reality and said "Enough so you can get some ass."

Jackie laughed. "As long as we make some money," she said between laughs. It was true, the more skin you showed, the more money guys were willing to give. Jackie already knew that I wasn't comfortable wearing provocative clothing, so she took it upon herself for her to wear that type of clothing and I would serve drinks; I was thankful for that.

"Yes, you totally look like a gold digger," I sarcastically.

Jackie pouted and walked next to me. She whispered, "I can do whatever you want."

"Gross," I said, crinkling my nose.

"You said gold digger, might as well act like one," she said, between laughs.

"True," I agreed.

Jackie examined my body, I immediately felt conscious about my body. "There's nothing wrong with you," Jackie said as if she could read my mind. "You're perfect."

"Thanks," I whispered.

"But you'd look hot if you put on a skirt." Gee, thanks for ruining the moment.

"You're so supportive."

Jackie walked to the exit door as she swayed her hips from left to right. "Yes, I've been told." She winked and walked out of the door.

A small laughter escaped my lips. It felt good to laugh, smile, and do about whatever my heart consented to do. The only two people that caused me to feel this way were Jackie and Ben.

Ben was a guy I met on the streets:

The rain was pouring down hard. My thin red sweater was drenched in water and I was trembling like washing machine. I had no where to go. I had no home. No money. I was homeless.

I walked down a street as I thought about my pitiful life. I thought about returning to Robert and fill him with kisses so his beating wouldn't be so harsh as usual.

Unexpectedly, a gray Dodge Charge stopped at the side of the road. I continued walking without paying attention to who drove the car.

"Hey," a male said.

I jumped as my hands trembled. I hesitantly turned and saw a man dresses in black pants and a long black coat with black nerd-like glasses.

"How come you don't have an umbrella?" he asked, concerned.

I noticed that he had an opened blue umbrella in his right hand. "I just don't have one."

"Do you need a ride home?" I crossed my arms and remained silent. "Do you have a home?" Once again, I remained silent. "I'll take you to my place so you keep dry," he offered, smiling.

"But you don't know me," my voice trembled.

"I will, eventually," he said smiling.

"I don't know you."

"Do you want me to leave you in the rain?" he asked rather sassy for my taste. "Will pizza tempt you?"

A small smile formed on my lips, but I quickly frowned once I heard my stomach growl. "I don't talk to strangers."

"Yeah, and I don't talk to wet girls."

"Was that a pick up line?"

He rolled his brown eyes. "Please, I could pay someone to give me some action." I walked to him and he accepted me with opened arms.

Ben was my savior that saved me from returning to Robert. It turned out, Ben was gay. He found me the job as a bartender. As soon as I could financially support myself, I offered to leave, but he told me to stay because he got used to having me around; I've been his roommate ever since.

I tied my strawberry blonde hair into a loose bun and walked out of the restroom.

***

Music loudly blared to my ear drums. The club was lit up by colored lights that moved quickly.

"I need 5 beers," Jackie said.

"On it," I answered. I grabbed 5 beers from the cooler and have them to Jackie.

"Anyone you like," she whispered in my ear.

I haven't bothered to check out any guys. Whenever I went out with Robert, I was forced to ignore men because if I didn't, I would learn my lesson at home. "No," I lied. Bad habits die hard.

"If you like anyone, tell me and I'll work my magic."

"Whatever," I told her. Jackie shrugged and went to deliver the beers.

"Miss," a man politely said. I turned and saw a man with blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore a white short-sleeved shirt that lightly clung his torso.

"Yes?" I said loudly. I didn't mean to be rise or anything, but the bloody music was way too loud.

He made a hand gesture to come and I complied. "Can I get 4 beers delivered to table 2?" he asked in a Irish accent.

"Sure." I nodded and we went our separate ways.

I quickly served the customers waiting for their drinks and made my way towards Jackie.

"What's up?"

"I need to deliver a few beers. I'll be back."

"Okay," she said and returned to her customers. I walked away from her but heard her say "Who wants shots!?" Her crowd cheered.

I grabbed the beers and left my comfort zone of the bar. I was crowded my people dancing as I avoid being grind by bodies whom I didn't know. Unfortunately, I interrupted a couple who were grinding against each other to get to the table. I nearly fell to the floor, but a man grabbed me that prevented me to fall.

"Thank you," I thanked without bothering to look at him.

I searched for table 2 and I couldn't find it. All of a sudden, I was touched by the waist. I jumped and turned to see a inebriated man. The man had white pants, a blue polo shirt, and sandy blond hair.

"Hey, babe," he slurred. I slowly start to back away because his voice...sounds like...like...Robert. "Where you going?"

"Get away," I told him. I turned to walk away but he yanked me by the waist and pulled me to him. I debated to throw the bottle of beers I had at hand, but if I did, I'd have to go back to the bar and walk all the way over here again. "Get off," I angrily growled.

"Hush," he said and started grinding on me like a maniac.

I elbowed him in the gut which caused him to release me. I stomped on his foot, hard, and quickly walked away from him.

My heart pounded in my chest. I was so scared. I turned and saw that the creep was following me. Gosh, why can't he leave me alone? I thought.

Ahead of me, I spotted the blond man with the heavy Irish accent from earlier. I jogged towards him and he smiled at me, but quickly frowned. "Something wrong?" he shouted since the music was so loud.

"No," I shouted back.

He looked at me with concern, but then accepted my answer when he nodded. I have him the beers and was about to turn around when my butt was cupped. I turned a d saw the same creep again.

"Me and you can a great time...in the bedroom," he whispered in my ear.

I pushed him away, but the he grabbed me by the waist and pulled me close to him.

"Leave her alone!" a male growled. I looked to my left and saw a tall guy with dark curled locks and green eyes. He wore black pants, a white v-neck shirt, and a black leather jacket. His eyebrows were furrowed as he angrily glared at the man who had me in his arms.

"This is between me and my lady, so back off," the man snarled.

"Leave me alone," I said and punched him in the chest. The man looked at me and growled.

"I like them feisty," he said.

The dark-haired one walked towards us and glared at him. "Let go of her before I turn your head into a prune," he darkly said.

He gulped and finally released me. He walked to leave, but turned to wink at me before he left.

"Thanks," I said as I pulled a strand of hair behind my ear.

He looked at me from head to toe and walked away as if I wasn't worth to be talked to. But as he looked at me from head to toe, I looked at his face, and saw his eyebrows still furrowed together but he still looked handsome.

I was left alone. He didn't even bother to tell me his name.

Notes

I hope you like it!