New York, Chicago

Chapter 25: What's it like Being A Stripper?

Walking into the 21st district, I drag my feet to the stairs. I am still out of it from last night. I don't remember what happened after holding onto Jay's hand for dear life. "There's the last one! They are all completely out of it" disregarding Antonio's comment, I sit at the chair next to Erin's desk.

Before I could lay my head down, Jay is handing me a cold brew coffee, "God bless the Halstead's" laughing Jay gives me my morning hug, and and 'good morning'. Sending him a big smile, I lay back and chill in the chair.

Before I could laugh at how ridiculous Adam looked coming into my view, grandpa calls me to his office. Trying not to groan in annoyance, I try to pick up my step and get there.

Closing the door after myself, I sit across from my grandpa and wait. "Today, you'll be with your mother. She leaves tonight and wants to spend time with you before you go"

Honestly, I'm too tired to do anything other than sleep next to Erin or Jay. Last night really wore me out, but I'd rather go, than get yelled into going. Nodding my head, I let out a sigh and agree. "Also, you'll be spending the rest of the week with your father. He's off and he wants to spend more time with you"

One day away from the unit, I can do that. The rest of the WEEK, I'm not so sure about that. I have grown to love everyone here, and I've also fallen into a nice routine with them. I'm allowed to go out on leads with them, as long as I stay in the car.

I know I always ask for more time with my dad, but recently, he's been wrapped up with that Reneé bitch, and has no time for me.

"But Papa, he's always with Reneé! And I don't like her at all! Plus, there's a girls night at Gabby's this Friday. You promised me I could go as long as I didn't do what I did at the last girls night"

Looking up at me, "I did, but now it's up to your father if you go or not. I've already agreed to let you go with your parents on both occasions. They want to spend time with you as well princess. And, you're here in Chicago for me and your dad. You have to spend time with your dad. His girlfriend is not a good enough excuse to not go" staring my grandfather down, I can see I'm not winning this fight. "Can I at least stay another hour? I will miss you while I'm away"

Giving in, grandpa agrees for me to stay one more hour before leaving with my mom. Walking back out, I see that Adam is trying to take my coffee. "That wasn't made for you Johnny Appleseed"

Stopping, Adam sticks his tongue out at me and heads for the break room. Sitting down next to Erin, I watch her fill out paperwork.

A little while later, I see Antonio and uncle Al bring up a stripper. I've seen many in my young years, but I've never been strong enough to ask them questions.

Walking over to her, I plop myself down in Kevin's chair. "Hey! My names Elizabeth. I have a question for you: What's it like being a Stripper?" The stripper looks dead at me, sends me a smile, showing off all her nonexistent teeth, and tells me, "baby, it's the best thing in the world"

"Elizabeth Anna!" Looking over, I see my Uncle Alvin looking at me, with disapproving eyes, "But uncle Al, I just wanted to know! And here's the best source!" Shaking his head, he laughs at me bore pointing to the entrance of the unit.

Telling everyone bye, I walk down the stairs with my mother. "Can we go and get some food first? The coffee wasn't enough this morning"

——

As Olivia sits across from Elizabeth in a local diner, she pays close attention to everything she does. From the way she asks for things from the waiter, to how she sits while they are there.

In her few months here in Chicago, Elizabeth has completely changed. "How's going to school been? Anything exciting happening lately?"

Elizabeth was scared to tell her mother everything that has been happening. She was now back to being homeschooled, and she loved every minute of it. "I'm actually homeschooled again. The kids at the private school were jerks, and I got into a fight over the hurtful things they said"

Olivia is shocked that Hank never told her what was said. She would talk to him at least once a week for an update on her baby.

Before she could ask for more details, Elizabeth beat her to it "I ask grandpa not to tell you, we had taken care of the situation, and I feel better now. There was also an incident with Benny, but you know about that one"

It was true, Olivia was starting to feel left out of Elizabeth's life. She was missing some of the moments of her daughters' life where she was needed the most.

Taking in all the information, Olivia moves on to the next question, "what's your deal with Jay? You two seem real close?"

Elizabeth wasn't so sure on how to answer that question. There wasn't a simple answer to it. "Me and Jay are really close, I'm also close with Erin and Kevin. There is no deal with us"

Elizabeth was lying through her teeth. She did feel something for the freckled man, but she didn't know how to explain it. So, she decided to keep all her feelings a secret for now.

"If you say so, what do you want to do next? You now know the city better than me"

——

After her fun day with her mother, Elizabeth is being dropped off at her father's house. "I didn't know this started tonight" letting out a small sigh, Elizabeth climbs out of the car, and gives her mother a tight hug, "I love you, mama, I'll see you real soon"

Hugging her daughter, Olivia tells her she loves her, and that the holidays will fly right by. Walking into the apartment building, Elizabeth is escorted by the doorman to her father's home. Thanking him, Elizabeth unlocks the door to find Reneé placing baby items into a bag.

As the two lock eyes, Elizabeth only sees red. "I didn't know you were coming tonight Elizabeth! Hi!" Looking down at the bag, Elizabeth can't help but get upset, "seems like your up to something Reneé," walking past her, Elizabeth heads for the stairs, "if I head up to my room, and see your shit, or shit for a kid, I will burn this bitch down"

——

Locking my door, I contemplate on who to call. If I call my grandpa, he'll probably think I'm overreacting. If I call Erin, she'll probably come. I decided to just call Gabby and Shay.

FaceTime calling: Tia Gabby

"Hey, Mija! Is everything okay?" Trying not to cry, I explain to them what happened as soon as I got into the apartment.

Leaving out no details, I tell them everything I said. "Listen, we are leaving Molly's right now? Okay? Stay in your room, if that bitch comes and knock, let me know"

They don't allow me to hang up the phone, saying that it's just in case something happens. I don't know where my dad is, but it seems like every time something is going on, he's not around.

I hear Gabby and Shay pass Reneé, and give her no time of day. Knocking on my door, I hang up the phone and open it. "I ordered pizza for us on the way, okay?"

Nodding to Shay, I lay back down in the bed "no one saw you guys leave in a rush? Right?" Looking at each other, Gabby and Shay look back at me with an uncertain look. "We can't be too sure Liza, hopefully not though"

For the rest of the night, we sat up and ate pizza. With no calls from anyone, I lay my head back on my headboard, and listen to the crazy stories Gabby and Shay tell me.

I text Erin, and tell her what happened. She promises that I can go back home with either her, or grandpa. Deciding I wanted to stay with her, I tell her goodnight, and lay my head in Gabby's lap.