Episode 6

We stepped off the elevator, and as I rummaged through my purse for my apartment keys, I invited her in. Yet she merely stood frozen at the door.

"Come on in, Larissa," said Rebecca, gently pulling her arm into the apartment.

"Come, I'll show you your bed. Do you want to sleep, huh?"

"I'd just like to rest," Larissa replied.

"Alright, Dad said you should rest and avoid straining yourself, right?"

"Yes," she answered with a nod of her head.

"Okay, get some rest."

One month later…

Rebecca (Becky)

Rebecca narrates.

Larissa has finally started to open up and now helps out with the household chores. I work at night in a club as a dancer; we, the girls, come back in the mornings and have breakfast at home, and sometimes Larissa joins us. That day, we were enjoying coffee and watching a music video channel when Larissa woke up and began making herself a coffee. Suddenly, a song came on and Larissa started to sing. We all turned towards her, watching in amazement—we couldn't believe our ears, she had such a beautiful voice.

"Wow, Larissa, I can't believe it, you sing beautifully," said Sol, one of my friends from the club.

"Yeah, it's true, I can't believe it, she can sing at the club, Becky," said Mariana, her eyes wide and mouth agape with excitement.

"No, no, she still has head issues, what would Santiago say? If she had a crisis, we'd all be out," Becky retorted.

Santiago was our boss at the bar, a very handsome man with a lot of money but very dangerous. He belonged to a mafia and owned many clubs; he got whatever he wanted, including women, as none could resist him. He had a distinct poise, with brown eyes and a sculpted body. He always dressed in suits, looking elegant, rarely seen without his jacket.

"C'mon, Becky, it would mean more money for you; it would help with the bills here," Sol insisted.

I rolled my eyes upward. Indeed, I needed more money, but it would be tough to make her one of us at the club.

We began the impossible mission; I went to my room to find some high-heeled shoes, at least 15 cm, and said to her, "Come on, girl, put these on and try walking."

Larissa wobbled and immediately fell to the floor. She tried and tried and fell. After several hours, she began to stabilize and managed to walk a bit better. But maybe she should rehearse at least two more days; she wasn't going to be a dancer, but she had to have stage presence.

Sol then started teaching her the gestures to make, and Mariana showed her how to interact with customers. She learned quickly, but it might not be the same in practice. I worried that one slip could ruin my job, but I desperately needed the money.

Larissa narrates.

Becky decided I should start working at her club, and I was thrilled—at last, I could leave the apartment and help Becky with money because I really hated living off her. So, I put in my best effort; now I had to study the songs I was going to sing and practice a choreography for the show. Phew! Tiring, but I knew I could and would do it for my friends.

I practiced nonstop for a whole week, perfecting my attitude for my debut on the club stage; they also told me I would meet Santiago, the club's owner, a very demanding man, so I had to give my utmost to make a good impression.

The day of my debut arrived, and alongside the girls, I headed to the club; I was so nervous, I couldn't believe the day had finally come.

At the door, there was security, and a terrifying-looking man grabbed my arm as I tried to enter.

"You're not coming in," he said gruffly.

Fear flooded my body, and my eyes betrayed my speechlessness.

Quickly, Becky came to my rescue.

"She starts working here today," Becky said.

"Oh, a new dove," said the security man with a smirk.

"She's not pretty," Becky said, taking my hand and spinning me around.

"Gorgeous," he commented mockingly. "Just the way the boss likes them."

Becky playfully pushed him aside and laughed as we entered the club.

We headed to a dressing room where each girl had a table laden with makeup and hair products. There were racks filled with beautiful, sparkling clothes and lots of young women walking around, trying on outfits while looking at themselves in the mirror.

I was taken aback by the situation; everything looked stunning.

Becky grabbed my arm and pulled me to a chair while several girls approached, curious about who I was.

Her name is Larissa," Becky answered. "She's the new singer at the club, so give a warm welcome to my friend."

"Hi, welcome," chorus the many voices; they hugged me, and others tapped my shoulder.

They offered to help me as needed and shared some tips.

Becky approached with a gorgeous, shiny, short dress with a plunging neckline. I couldn't hide my amazement; I quickly grabbed it from her hands, excitedly heading to a changing booth. When I emerged, all the girls stared in disbelief.

Sol took my arm and seated me in a chair.

"We're going to do your makeup; you'll be a diva today," Sol said, beginning to work on my eyes.

Mariana started to straighten my hair and finished by applying glitter to various parts of my body.

It was showtime; I would hit the stage with the girls to perform the choreography and sing the song we had prepared. It was the first show of the evening, and we moved towards the stage, took our positions, and the curtain rose. I mustered courage and slipped into character. After the performance, ovation followed; many men cheered our act. My joy was immense; I'd never felt anything like it—well, as far as I could remember.

As the curtain closed, we all screamed with euphoria and hugged in celebration.

Becky said I'd be a great artist and that, no doubt, Santiago would want me in his club.

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