Sub Rosa Ties ( A High School Dark Romance)

Zera

I lay on my bed, clad in my pajamas, clinging to my pillow tightly. It was still dark outside, despite the early morning hour.

I had cried myself to sleep, overwhelmed with frustration. Now, I simply gazed at my window as raindrops fell against it, each thud echoing in the silence.

Gerard had been the first person to break my rule as a stripper. I wasn't one to offer private sessions, but I'd made an exception for him twice.

That wasn't the only compromise; I'd even allowed myself to grind against him. Did he believe that having money gave him the power to control people like me?

I turned away from my window, still holding the pillow close. The thought crossed my mind-should I quit my job at the club and start anew? My mother still believed I was working as a waitress with late-night shifts at the club.

I couldn't fathom her reaction if she ever discovered the truth, that I'd been stripping all this time just to provide for us.

I heard a gentle knock on my bedroom door, and I initially dismissed it with silence. Turning to go back to sleep, I was startled when the knock grew louder. I sat up, my attention fully captured.

"Junior?" I called out.

My bedroom door creaked open, and my younger brother entered, his bright grey eyes shining in the darkness.

"What's the matter?" I asked as I climbed out of bed and approached him.

In the dimness of the room, I couldn't discern the expression in his eyes, so I flicked on the lights. He had an apologetic look on his face, his brown hair bearing a slight resemblance to Gerard's color.

Why was I thinking about that guy again?

"I'm sorry. Mum said I shouldn't disturb you, so..." He trailed off.

I let out a sigh. "Another school assignment?"

He nodded, giving me a sheepish grin.

Despite being 14 years old, he remained short, stubbornly refusing to grow taller. He enjoyed putting on an innocent act around me, but I knew just how obstinate he could be.

"Come over here, and we'll tackle it together," I whispered, offering a reassuring smile as I made my way to the study desk in my room.

He followed, clutching his notebook.
He was the primary reason I couldn't quit my job at the club. How would we manage if I were to stop? My mother had little strength left to take on odd jobs, and he was just 14.

The weight of the entire burden rested squarely on my shoulders, just as it had three years ago.

I had made a solemn promise to my mother that I would take care of everything, and I felt compelled to honor that commitment to her.

♡♡♡

Running into Gerard was the last thing I wanted today, in fact, I had no desire to cross paths with him ever again in this lifetime.

"Zera!" I heard a chirpy voice and saw Sarah dashing towards me in the hallway, her ponytails bouncing with each step.

She grabbed my arm and beamed at me.

"What?" I muttered, not particularly interested in her chatter.

"They've broken up."

"Who?" I raised an eyebrow as we strolled down the hallway.

"Caroline and the math teacher. I always had a feeling their relationship wouldn't last long, and I'm so delighted that..."

"That now you can have him to yourself, now that they're no longer together?" I interjected. She hesitated, forming a slight pout.