Chapter 31: Dancing Through Judgment

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Velvet Dreams buzzed with the usual energy of a busy night. The music thumped through the speakers, and the lights cast a colorful glow over the stage. Gabi stood backstage, adjusting her outfit and taking a deep breath. It had been a while since she danced, and she felt a mix of excitement and nerves.

She was five months pregnant now, her belly starting to show. Despite the whispers and judgments from some of the other dancers, she felt a deep connection to her work. Dancing made her feel alive, and she wasn't ready to give it up.

"Ready to rock the stage, Gabi?" Crystal, one of the veteran strippers, asked with a supportive smile.

"Yeah," Gabi replied, smiling back. "I'm ready."

The music shifted, signaling her turn. As she stepped onto the stage, she scanned the crowd and found Daya sitting in a booth near the front. Daya's presence always gave her a sense of security, and tonight was no different. She gave Daya a wink, and Daya responded with a smile and a thumbs-up.

Gabi moved to the rhythm, her body swaying gracefully as she approached the pole. She felt the familiar rush of adrenaline as she gripped the pole and began her routine. The crowd's cheers and applause fueled her movements, and she lost herself in the dance.

As she performed, she overheard snippets of conversations from some of the other dancers. "Look at her, flaunting her pregnant belly," one sneered. "What a slut," another muttered. Gabi felt a pang of hurt but quickly pushed it aside, focusing on her performance.

She twirled around the pole, her body moving with practiced ease. The stage lights highlighted her curves, and the music pulsed through her veins. She flipped her hair back, making eye contact with Daya, who was watching her with pride and admiration.

After her set, Gabi headed backstage, her heart still racing from the performance. She found herself face-to-face with Serena, one of the dancers who had made a snide comment earlier.

"Nice show, Gabi," Serena said sarcastically, her eyes flicking to Gabi's belly. "Didn't think they'd let a pregnant slut on stage."

Gabi took a deep breath, refusing to let the words sting. "Thanks for the feedback, Serena," she replied coolly. "I'm just doing what I love."

Crystal stepped in, her expression stern. "Knock it off, Serena. We all have our reasons for being here. If you don't have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself."

Serena rolled her eyes and walked away, muttering under her breath. Crystal gave Gabi a supportive pat on the back. "Don't let them get to you. You're amazing out there."

Gabi smiled, grateful for the support. "Thanks, Crystal. I appreciate it."

---

After her shift, Gabi met Daya at the bar. Daya had ordered a drink for herself and a non-alcoholic cocktail for Gabi.

"You were incredible out there," Daya said, handing Gabi her drink. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, babe," Gabi replied, taking a sip. "It felt good to dance again. But some of the girls were... less than supportive."

Daya's expression darkened. "If anyone gives you a hard time, let me know. I'll set them straight."

Gabi chuckled, leaning into Daya's embrace. "I can handle it. Just having you here makes all the difference."

They spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other's company, talking and laughing. Daya's presence was a constant source of comfort and strength for Gabi, and she felt grateful for their unwavering bond.

---

The next day, Gabi returned to Velvet Dreams, ready to face another night of dancing. As she entered the dressing room, she overheard a few more whispers from the other dancers.

"She's just trying to get attention with that baby bump," one said.

"Can you believe she's still dancing? So irresponsible," another added.

Gabi squared her shoulders, refusing to let the negativity get to her. She knew why she was there, and she wasn't going to let anyone's judgment take that away from her.

As she prepared for her set, Crystal approached her. "Ignore them," she said firmly. "They're just jealous. You do what makes you happy."

Gabi nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Thanks, Crystal. I will."

When it was her turn to perform, Gabi stepped onto the stage with confidence. She moved to the music, her body swaying gracefully despite her growing belly. The crowd's cheers and applause washed over her, and she felt a sense of empowerment.

As she danced, she noticed Daya watching her from the same booth as the night before. The look of pride and love in Daya's eyes gave her an extra boost of energy. She finished her set with a flourish, the crowd erupting in applause.

Backstage, Gabi was met with mixed reactions. Some of the dancers offered her genuine compliments, while others remained distant or dismissive. But she didn't let it bother her. She knew she was doing what she loved, and that was all that mattered.

---

After her shift, Gabi and Daya left Velvet Dreams hand in hand. The night air was cool, and Gabi felt a sense of peace as they walked together.

"You handled yourself so well tonight," Daya said, squeezing Gabi's hand. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, babe," Gabi replied, leaning into Daya. "It wasn't easy, but I know why I'm here. And having you by my side makes it all worth it."

They arrived at their apartment, the familiar warmth and comfort welcoming them home. Gabi felt a surge of gratitude for the life they were building together, despite the challenges they faced.

---

As the weeks passed, Gabi's pregnancy progressed, and so did the challenges and joys that came with it. She continued to dance at Velvet Dreams, finding strength in her passion and the support of those who believed in her. Daya remained a constant source of love and encouragement, standing by Gabi's side through it all.

Despite the judgment and negativity from some of the other dancers, Gabi knew she was doing what she loved. She embraced her pregnancy, finding joy in the life growing inside her. And with Daya by her side, she felt ready to face whatever the future held.

Their love was strong, their bond unbreakable. And as they looked forward to the arrival of their twins, they knew they were building a future filled with love, support, and endless possibilities.

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