Chapter 4
After dancing for tonight’s client, I consider my work done. Although some try to push boundaries, I’m only there to dance, and my security guard stays in the room to keep me safe and step in if needed.
Working here has been really good for me. The money I make is decent—enough to pay all the bills and still put good food on the table for Elena. And I don’t even dance every day.
I walk into the apartment and go straight to check on my sister. I peek into her room and see she’s asleep, then close the door carefully and head to the shower. Tomorrow I have an early shift at the cafeteria, so I need to be well-rested.
It’s been a few months since my mother passed away. I’ve been keeping my promise to her, taking good care of Ele. Sometimes the grief hits hard, but all I have left are the good memories—and there are plenty of those.
I put on my pajamas and lie down. Within minutes, I’m asleep. I wake up startled to my alarm clock blaring. I slap it off. I want to sleep just ten more minutes, but it’s impossible. Duty calls!
I get out of bed, freshen up, and put on my work uniform. When I get to the kitchen, the table is already set with breakfast.
“Good morning, little sis! I’ve told you, you don’t need to wake up early to make breakfast.”
“You work too hard, sis. It’s the least I can do.”
“Come here, my little princess.” I pull her into my arms and kiss her cheek. “You’re the best sister I could ever have, you know that, sweetheart?”
“You’re the best too, sis! I’m the lucky one to have you in my life. Without you, I’d be nothing.”
I give her a tight hug, and we sit down for breakfast.
“If you need anything, call me, or get the girls at the bar.”
“Don’t worry, go ahead. I’ll be reading a book I got from the school library.”
“Okay, I’ll call you later to check in.”
I give her a kiss and head out.
The day flies by. When I check the clock, it’s already time to go. A packed cafeteria is always a good thing. I say goodbye to everyone and head home—it’s not far.
I get ready for my second shift, which runs Thursday through Sunday. Those days are always hectic since that’s when I work at the club. Some weekdays, I get hired by some rich guy for a private dance show. I never turn it down—the money’s good, and I get to do what I love.
My 18th birthday is coming up. I’m planning to spend the day with just Ele and me. I can’t travel by plane, let alone go to certain places. Since we fled Russia, I still avoid going out in public. We mostly stay hidden so no one can find us.
I head down to the club from inside the building. I go into the dressing room and pick today’s dress color: red. I do my makeup and get changed. The girls always help me—they’re wonderful and have tons of practice with makeup. Unlike me, who barely knows the basics.
When my moment comes, I go up on stage. The pole is already set up. I give it a quick test before starting, then apply chalk to my hands and legs to keep from slipping. I turn my back to the audience and begin the show.
The men go wild over the sexy, sensual movements. My flexibility is excellent thanks to ballet, so I always throw in some contortions, which leaves them mesmerized. I finish the performance by dropping to the floor in one swift motion, landing in a full split.
I pick a man from the audience for a sensual solo dance, which brings in a little extra money for the club. When I first suggested the idea, Mr. Julio didn’t want to accept right away. But the girls suggested having a security guard in the room, which made it easier, and he agreed.
Another day done. I head up to my apartment, which is conveniently located above the club. Today, Elena is awake, so we can relax together. After I shower, we watch a movie—it’s become a nice routine for us.
Until everything changes unexpectedly. From one week to the next, bad news arrives before we’re even ready for it.
I’m working at the cafeteria when my phone suddenly vibrates. I look at the screen and see Mr. Julio’s number. I answer immediately—I already know it must be about my sister. My heart clenches.
“Mr. Julio, did something happen to Ele?”
“Hi, girl! Yes. She started having really bad abdominal pain, so I brought her to the hospital.”
“I’m on my way!” I hang up and rush over to Mrs. Vera, tears already welling in my eyes. “My sister was taken to the hospital. I need to go see her.”
“Go, dear! Don’t worry about work—just keep me posted.”
I don’t even say goodbye. I run out with my heart pounding, grab a taxi, and head straight to the hospital, which luckily isn’t far.
When I get there, I rush to the receptionist, who tells me where my sister is.
When I walk into the room, I find Elena writhing in pain, sobbing, drenched in sweat. My heart breaks seeing her like this.
“Everything will be okay, my love. If I could, I would take all your pain away. It’s unbearable to see you suffering like this and not be able to do anything about it.”
Just then, the nurse arrives and adds a clear liquid to Elena’s IV, probably for the pain. She mentions that the doctor will be by to speak with me shortly.
“Good afternoon, Chloe. How are you?” Dr. Jullian greets, and I feel relieved that it’s him—a doctor I know.
“Oh, doctor, I’m so glad it’s you. What’s happening with my sister?” I ask anxiously.
“We need to run a few more tests to confirm the diagnosis. The lab work so far has shown abnormal results, so an MRI is essential. To proceed, I’ll need the guardian’s signature to authorize the procedure.”
“I can sign. I’m only seventeen, but I’m her only guardian.”
“I’m the guardian for both of them, Doctor! I have authorization from their mother. Bring the documents and I’ll sign.”
I look at Mr. Júlio in shock—I had no idea about any of this. Then he tells me:
“Your mother knew she was dying and told me. Her biggest worry was who would take care of you two. So my wife and I agreed to step in. We couldn’t leave you on your own, especially since we know you and know what wonderful girls you are.”
Hearing that moved me deeply. I thought I’d never have anyone else, but Mr. Júlio and his wife Nora were willing to look after us.
He signs the document and soon Ele is taken for the tests. We stay in the room, waiting for her. About an hour later, she returns with the doctor.
“Now we just wait for the results.”
“And when will that be, doctor?”
“I put a rush on it. Half an hour at most, I’d say.”
And there I stayed, sitting on the bed next to the only family I had, stroking my little Ele’s hair. Until the doctor entered with a grave expression, bringing the worst, most devastating news I could ever hear. It left me completely numb.
I was floored!!