The Pole Dancer

Chapter 7

A/N

Please, search for this song: Helen Reddy - I don't know how to love him. Wattpad won't let me add the damn video from YouTube! 😤

After six months... December 1987...

It's five days before Christmas. Jenice wraps her daughter in her unicorn blanket. It is evening, and she is going to leave for work soon. Lily is in the living room, expecting for Jenice to get out and watch over Sarah.

"Mommy," the little girl gives her mother a keen look, "Christmas is coming."

"Yes, honey," Jenice smiles faintly. "Santa will come shortly. Can't wait, right?"

"Yes," the little girl nods, clutching her brown teddy bear to her chest. "I would like Santa Claus to come and give you a present."

"Oh, honey," Jenice caresses her daughter's soft cheek. "You will also get a present."

"I would like Santa Claus to bring you a bottle full of happiness, mommy. I always see you sad."

"Sweetie... I," Jenice is unable to find a rational answer.

It's not that her daughter lies. It is true that in the last months, she was sorrow and pensive. And what makes her go mad is the fact that six months have passed since Nikki went on tour.

Despite the fact that she told him that she was not interested in him, Jenice found herself thinking about him all the time. Day by day. Evening by evening. She can barely concentrate on university courses.

She has only one question. Nikki is coming back from tour soon. Will he pay her another visit? Or will he entirely forget about her existence

"Mommy?" Sarah calls her mother and sees how confused the woman looks.

"Yes baby," Jenice smiles widely. "Mommy has to go to work now. See you later. Lily will take care of you," she kisses her on the forehead and walks towards the door, taking a quick peek at the little girl who closes her eyes.

Sighing, she goes out and meets Lily in the hallway. They share a short conversation and Jenice goes out the door, heading towards the car and getting into it.

At work, everything is monotonous. Like almost every day. Sandra took sick pay as she wasn't feeling too well, having the flu. Fortunately, she will be back tomorrow.

Jenice feels depressed in this place without her colleague and friend.
Lisa is more and more scornful of her. And Jenice doesn't comprehend what's wrong with this woman.

Jenice spends her time at work, thinking about the words told by her daughter.

How disappointed in herself she feels that Sarah sees her mother's unhappiness. Jenice thought she was hiding it well. She was sorely mistaken.

Jenice makes sacrifices to see the smile on her daughter's face. She doesn't make a small effort for her own contentment.

It's true, her life is not as easy as a single mother who has a job and is also a student. It's stressful, but at least she's far from that deadbeat dad. She and Sarah enjoy peace and silence. Not screams, kicks, fights.

Jenice has to put herself together. Sarah relies on her.

At the end of the shift, the brunette throws her black jacket on shoulders and leaves the nightclub. She doesn't have time to put her hand on the handle of her car when she hears a voice very close: