15Heyy hey hey my rainbow unicorns! Decided to post the next chapter on your behalf despite the lack of feedback(; I want to try to get more people interested in my characters stories and all. I'm going to try and see if I can keep up with a bi-weekly update system. Well thanks for reading and don't stop! Oh yeah and don't forget to give me feedback baby(:
xoxo
Anon
Chapter 3: Ariana
I rolled my eyes for the umpteenth time as Aiden complained about me being careful on the streets at night. He has always been a bit overbearing, he considered himself more related to me then she was. Well, no one really likes my sister. Dang, I don't even like my sister but that's not the point.
"I get it Aiden," I said looking at the window. I could feel his eyes on me in the rearview mirror but I didn't look at him because I didn't want to see his eyes. But despite myself and I saw it. Disappointment. I sighed and looked away, ignoring the pang in my chest. I hate letting people down, defiantly those important to me, like Aiden. There were a very few times he'd ever given me but when he did, I hated it. "I'm sorry Aiden," my voice was barley above a whisper and I twirled the ring around my finger. His face noticeably softened.
"Its okay just make sure you be extra careful, do you still carry that pepper spray?" I nodded. "Well keep it on you at all times, I don't care if your going to the store. You understand?"
"Yeah," I took a deep breath and continued to look out of the window as we pulled into my drive way. We got out and walked into the house where we went straight to the living room where Kayla and Ariel were watching TV.
"Hey whats up?" Kayla said not taking her eyes off her textbook. Kayla was a year younger than all of us. Aiden and Ariel are twins and Dylan is just his best friend and we all went to the same high school. Kayla was in one of my classes and even though she didn't really want to be my friend at first because of who I was, we became friends anyway. She goes to college, to be veterinarian. Ariel and I decided not to go to college. Ariel wasn't very good at school and she never really saw the point and I didn't go because...just because I didn't want to. So they both decided to move in with me, I've got more than enough room here.
"Did you guys get settled into your rooms?" I asked taking my heels off and they nodded plopping down on the couch. I turned to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Aiden asked.
"To change and then the library," I continued to walk up the stairs and took a left to my room. I walked in and shut the door behind me. I showered and changed into some yoga pants and t-shirt. I was brushing my hair when Aiden walked in and sat on my bed.
"Hey," he said and I smiled weakly.
"Hey yourself," I flipped my hair and brushed the other side.
"I just wanted to make sure we were okay."
"Yeah, why wouldn't we be?" I scrunched my eyebrows and began braiding my hair.
"I was getting on your nerves earlier and I'm sorry," He looked sincere and I smiled at him again.
"Its cool, I know you have my best interest at heart," He grinned. I finished my braid.
"I sure do! You have no idea how thankful I am for what Brayden did," he followed me out of the room but I decided no to say anything. "Aren't you thankful?"
"Me? Of course," I said trotting down the stairs into the kitchen.
"You don't seem thankful," I opened the fridge and grabbed all things necessary for making some pancakes.
"Probably because," he handed me a bowl. "I had to sleep in the same bed as him because he made me AND the dog was on my other side. On top of that, I woke up and he was staring at me like a fucking weirdo." Aiden laughed and I mixed the ingredients in the bowl with a scowl. "Oh and he decided it would be fun to play 21 questions."
"Oh really?" He asked clearly amused.
"Yes!" I set a pan on the burner and turned it on. "He was asking me all this personal shit and it was weird. Really weird."
"Does he know what you do?" He asked and I nodded but kept my eyes on the bowl. "What?" the surprise present in his eyes. I stayed silent and began making pancakes.
"Then he asked me to have sex with him," I rolled my eyes.
"Did you?"
"Of course not!" I said turning around to look at him and he was smiling.
"You want to know what I think?"
"Not really but you're going to tell me anyway."
"I think you're okay with him." I whipped around and put my hands on my hips.
"What makes you say that?"
"First of all, you told him what you do and you never tell anyone. Ever. Then you let him make you sleep with him. I men you didn't seem to have put up a good fight now did you?" He looked at me. I guess I didn't. I just kinda...let him. "You don't agree with sleeping in the same guy with somebody overnight unless its someone you know." He had another point. "Finally," he looked me in the eyes. "You did't have sex with him." I frowned slightly and went back to making my pancakes. He was right. I knew it and he knew it but I wasn't going to admit that to him so I just elect to remain silent. The smell of the food brings Kayla, Ariel and Dylan into the kitchen.
"Ari you make the best pancakes!" Ariel said eating a forkful.
"You said I made the best pancakes!" Aiden said through his food and frowned.
"I lied," she ate some more and smiled at me. "So tell me about Brayden." she smiled suggestively at me and I shook my head.
"Not much to say," I chugged down some water.
"Come one Ari!" she wined. "At least tell me something." Kayla rolled her eyes.
"If she doesn't have anything to say then let her be," she grabbed another pancake.
"Just one thing Ari. Pleaseee!" I thought of the most vague thing I could say.
"He's got a nice body."
"Ugh! You know what I mean, I want the dirty details!"
"He's got a dog name Brock and he sleeps in the same bed with him."
"Aww! That's cute!" She starting going on about how guys with dogs were compassionate people. "When are you guys going out?" Aiden only smiled.
"We're not," I said scrunching my nose. I put my plate in the dishwasher and left. "I'm going to the library." I walked down the hall and into the library. I walked around the lounge chairs and up the small staircase to grab the book I was working on. I'd read more than half the books in here, no matter how boring, I read them. I've read all the books at my parent's house over the years and I'm determined to read all of these. Plus I just like to learn which I inherited from my father. There are lots on things I "inherited" but they aren't really up for discussion. I like my life twenty times better when people don't recognize who I am.
I curled up on my favorite love seat and began to read. I don't know how long I was in there before Kayla walked in and sat down across from me. "Hey," she said.
"Hey what time is?" I asked marking the page and shutting the book.
"Like 6:30, you've been in here all day," she said and I put the book down on the table. I got up and put the book back on the shelf. "Aiden told me what Brayden did." I sighed. " and that your okay with it." I could hear the smirk in her voice and I glared at her.
"So fucking what! Its not that big of a deal."
"It totally is and you know it," I turned around and she smiled at me. I shook my head but smiled back at Kayla. Kayla was one of the only normal things in my life. She wasn't popular and didn't care about it in high school. She did care that I was and brushed me off but I was persistent because she has the best advice. Even better than Aiden sometimes. She had red hair. Not that fake strawberry blond shit, it was legit red. It was on the curly side but not too curly with hazel eyes. She stayed quiet and waited for me to elaborate.
"I know it is but I don't get it. As soon as I do, I'll be sure to let you know." She looked at me and rolled her eyes.
"Whatever Ari," we left the library and into the living room. There were pizza boxes all over the coffee table, plates and empty cups everywhere.
"Are you kidding me?" I put my hands on my hips and they all looked at me.
"Don't worry Ari, we're going to clean it up," Cole said smiling through a piece of pizza.
"You'd better," Aiden handed me a piece of pizza and I sat down next to Cole and Dylan. I don't know why I let them stay here. They always bring their college friends over and they always trash my house. They're nice and all since I'm Aiden's cousin but boys will be boys. I watched them play COD before one of them demanded to turn if off to watch some game. I sighed when they turned on the Lakers game.
"There's your man Ari!" Ariel said as Brayden smiled at the screen.
"Shut up Ariel!" I said crossing my arms and biting my lip.
"Wait," Malcolm looked at me. He was one of the friends that didn't play soccer, where he came from, he was the basketball star. "You know Brayden Braxton?" They all looked at me.
"And she spent the night at his house," Ariel said winking at me.
"You banged Braxton?" Cole grinned at me and I shook my head.
"Its not like that, we only slept," I pushed my hair out of my face.
"Together," Ariel grinned trying not to laugh. "In the same bed."
"Ariel if you keep this up, you will find yourself sleeping in the driveway," I threatened but she only smiled.
"Ariel, cut it out," Aiden said not taking his eyes off the TV as they did jump ball. We all watched the game for a while and I realized how good Brayden was. I'd seen them play a couple of times but he's really good. Normally I'm forced to watch some soccer program but I still knew basketball, some of Aiden and Dylan's friends played basketball in high school. It wasn't that hard to follow but I needed to get ready, I had to work tonight. I silently left the room and went up stairs to get dressed. I put on a lacy bra and thong and covered myself with a robe before starting my make up. I piled it on thick so I wasn't noticeable and made my hair big. Bigger is better. I was putting on my lipstick when Aiden walked in.
"Where are you working tonight?"
"Dura," I said the strip clubs name and glanced at him through the mirror. He stopped asking why I chose be a stripper and a prostitute a couple of months ago because he figured out why. Which is funny because sometimes I wasn't even sure why I did it. It wasn't like I needed the money. I mean the money is a defiant perk but thats something my family has never needed. I could hear him sigh and I watched him sit on chair.
"Alright just..." He looked away for a second and then looked back. "Be careful." I nodded.
"I always am," I tried to assure him but I knew it wouldn't work. He left without another word. I took the robe off and traded it with a long coat and some heels. My real shoes where at the club. I brought an extra outfit just incase, my phone, pepper spray and some gum. I walked down stairs silently and took a right towards the garage. I slid into Kayla's non flashy car and drove down to George's place. He lived on the weird side of town in a scrawny apartment. I grabbed my wallet and pulled out the money I owed him. I slipped out of the car and headed towards the apartment building. I walked up the stairs and knocked on his door.
He opened the door with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and Tina standing next to him barely dressed. "Here's the money," I said holding it out. He took it and counted it. Tina glared at me and I rolled my eyes. He looked at me for a second and looked at my lip.
"He did that?" He took my face in his hand and Tina huffed as he let go of her. I nodded.
"He chocked me too," I leaned my head back so he could see the small bruises. He appraised my neck and nodded towards the jacket. I untied it and he surveyed my body.
"Don't worry Ari," he said handing me back my cut of the money. "I'll take care of it."
"Thanks George!" I turned and walked back to the car before Tina could kill me with her glare. Some prostitutes believe that if you slept with the pimp that you'd get paid more. Even if I did believe that, I still wouldn't sleep with George, he's too much like a protector and that'd be...awkward. I've been working for George for 9 months now and not once has he ever tried to make our relationship like it was between him and Tina or any of the other prostitutes. We never really talked about it but I knew he didn't want to. I parked in the back of the club and entered through the back.
"Hey Allie," Rodger, the door man said and I nodded towards him. They call me Allie here because if they knew my real name, it'd be an issue. I walked to the room and took my jacket off. All the other girls greeted me as I sat down at my chair.
"Hey," I said grabbing the heels from under my vanity. I checked my make up one more time and put some more hair spray in my hair.
"Can I borrow some of that?" Nicki asked and I handed it to her. "Thanks," she sprayed her hair. Nicki had three kids, boyfriend ran out on her and she was the only one here who actually knew who I was but she didn't care. But she didn't mind me giving her half my tips. Most of the time I give her all of it but she has a hard time excepting it. She handed me the hairspray back and began to work on her lip liner. "How's life been treating ya?" she asked not looking up from the mirror and I shrug.
"You know, same old stuff going on. How're the kids?" I really some lip gloss over my lip stick to make it shiny.
"They're good but I don't know if I can make rent this month," she sighed and stopped what she was doing to stare down into her lap. "I'm just not making enough and we still need tons of groceries and Sara's birthday coming up." She sighed and I could tell she was about to cry and I rubbed her back. "I don't know what to do and Tim asked if he could try out for football and I said yes even though I know I can't afford it." A tear rolled down her cheek. "The last thing I want to do is let the kids down, ya know?" She looked at me and I smiled weakly. I didn't know and she knew that but I would listen anyway.
"Hey I'll give you my tips tonight and-"
"Allie you know I can't take your tips!"
"You can and you will, you know I don't need them," I smiled and continued to rub her back. "You pack your stuff up tomorrow and I've got a place you can stay for free all right?"
"I can't do that Allie, you can't always take care of me and my problems." She sobbed.
"I know that but after you move I'll help and see if I can get you a legitimate job so you can make some real money and keep it saved up until you're ready to be out on you own."
"I can't-"
"You know I'm way to stubborn to take no for an answer," she chuckled through her tears and pulled me into a tight hug.
"I will be forever grateful to you Ari," she whispered so no one could hear.
"Allie! You're on in two minutes!" The owner, Bobbie yelled and I nodded. I gave her one last squeeze before walking over to a full length mirror. I adjusted the underwear in the front and then fluffed my hair. "Your already almost booked for lap dances tonight, the down cost already covered your quota so all tips are yours." Bobbie said smiling at my reflection and I nodded without words. All I could think about was Nicki, I'd do it for her tonight, she deserved. They called my name and I walked out to the middle of the stage and grabbed the silver pole. I smiled seductively at the men and howled wolfishly. I took a deep breath. Yeah, this is for Nicki. I worked my body up and down that pole and didn't think about what I was doing, because if I did, I'd walk off the stage. I thought about the rush. The rush of all of them saying my name, wanting me. They feeling of being wanted by so many mixed with adrenaline was like no other. I made sure to really whore it up to get the money for Nicki. When I was finished they all clapped and stood up, my clothes were still intact but stuffed with tens and twenties, I collected my tips and walked off the stage with a huff.
I walked over to my table next to Nicki's and started counting the money. That one guy in the front was throwing out big bills. I've got $154 and her rent is $500. I sighed, rolled up the money, stuffed it in her bag and went to start my lap dances. Its going to be a long night.
I bribed the men I was giving lap dances to and they gave me an extra $25 in tips just so they could get a few extra minutes. I came out with over $700 and I handed it to Nicki who wrapped me in another hug.
"Thank you so much Ari! You don't know how much it means to me that you would do this," she followed me to my car and slipped in the passengers side. I smiled at my success and drove out of the parking lot towards her place. She stayed quiet and counter her tips, she'd made $500. "I owe last months too so this'll just get me caught up," she pulled out her wallet and added the wad of cash to her few ones. We parked in front of her place and I reached into my purse to grab my wallet.
"How much do you owe on you electric and phone?" I asked grabbing a couple of hundreds.
"I owe $230 on electric and $270 for phone and cable," I counted out five hundred. It wasn't the first time she got in the whole. Nicki has always worked at the club but its never been enough. She's got a baby so that means she has to pay for daycare which I found for her. Then she's got an 8 year old girl, Sara and her birthday's coming up and her son is 17 but she refuses to let him work, she wants him to stay in school so he can go to college and get out of here. She just can't afford it and I understand that. "That should cover it and remember, pack your stuff okay," she nodded and opened the door. "Send Tim out here please!" She smiled and nodded again walking up to the apartment building. After a few minutes, Tim walked out and waved with a smile. I smiled back as he walked around the car and I rolled down my window.
"Hey Ari, what's up?" He looked just like his mother with naturally really blonde hair with dark brown eyes even though she claimed he looked like his father. He was handsome though, with an athletic body, I think football will do him good.
"I told your mother to pack her things okay? I've got a new place set up for you guys." He nodded and looked away. I knew he was somewhat embarrassed about his situation but he never said so.
"Where is it?" He asked looking back down at me.
"In town a little bit but its nice you'll each have your own room and your mom will be able to cook again and I'm going to help her find a new job." He smiled at the last thing. He never approved of his mother's stripping but he dealt with it because it paid the bills..somewhat. "How much does it cost to play football Tim?" he shrugged and looked down again.
"I don't know something like $500 but I know mom can't afford it and I-" I handed him the blank check. He stared at it for a moment and I just smiled. "Are you serious?" I nodded.
"You write how much ever it cost in that little box and then you write it out on the line," I pointed to the line. "I already signed it so you get whatever you need okay?" He smiled down at the blank check. "You can get all the spirt wear and shit just get them to add it up and put the total amount on here all right?" He nodded not being able to stop smiling.
"I love you Ari! Thank you so much!" He beamed at me and I couldn't help but smile.
"Just make the team, I'm expecting you to be quarter back." He laughed and put the piece of paper in his pocket. "I'll want a schedule from you so I can come to your games." After some more thanking I left and drove back home in silence. I looked at the over sized house in front of my eyes and got out of the car. Oh how I love living a double life. I walked in and glanced at the clock 3:46am. I sighed and walked towards my bedroom. Aiden was laying on my bed in the dark with the TV on. His eyes were dropping but he smiled at me lightly.
"Hey you didn't have to wait up," I said walking towards my closet to find some pajamas.
"Of course I did, had to make sure you got in okay," he yawned. "How'd it go?"
I shrug. "It was fine. I made good money but I gave it to Nicki. You know Tim wants to play football?" I smiled as I slipped out of my clothes and replaced them with my pajamas. I've had them over a few times and all of my friends got along well with them.
"That's good, sports are always a good outlet for young boys," he nodded changing the channel. "He's pretty good the last time he played here with the me and my buds." I nodded and smiled again. "Why are you so happy?"
"You should've seen his face when I gave him the money to play," I smiled at the memory and walked into the bathroom. I grabbed my make up wipes and started on my face. "He was incredibly happy Aiden! His entire face just lit up, it was amazing." I tossed the wipe in the trash and walked out of the bathroom. I sat on the bed next to Aiden and got under the covers. He flicked the lights off along with the TV and we stayed in the darkness.
"Hey Ari?"
"Yeah?" I stayed on my back looking up at the ceiling.
"What about your happiness?" I swallowed hard and sighed.
"I'll be happy one day Aiden and until then, making other people happy will just have to do," I could hear him give a heavy sigh. Sleeping in the same bed with Aiden was never a big deal, we've been doing it for years.
"I know doing what you do doesn't make you happy so why do you continue to do that when you could be using your time to find something that makes you truly happy?"
"Because looking for something to make me happy means getting hurt Aiden and I hate being hurt, you know that," I turned to look at him and he was watching me through the dark. "Don't worry Aiden, I'll be fine." I closed my eyes.
"Yeah, you said that before too," He'd given up. Thank god. I let my eyes stay close and my body drifted off into dreamless sleep.
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