A STING FROM THE PAST

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"Get on the floor and bark like a dog," Rachel sneered, her eyes gleaming with malice. "If you do it well, I might consider giving you the money. What do you say, huh?" She burst into hysterical laughter, her friends joining in.

Sarah's face contorted in anguish as she wept profusely. "Just give me the money, please. I beg you. You can have the award."

Rachel's laughter ceased, replaced by a scathing glare. "You must be crazy, aren't you? What do you mean I can have the award, like you gave it to me?"

Sarah's voice trembled. "We both know who the painting really belongs to, Rachel. We know who plagiarized who. But since you have the whole school and everyone behind you, it's fine. Just give me the prize money. I need it to pay my mom's surgery fees."

Rachel's expression twisted into a mocking smile. "Aww... she needs it to pay her mom's surgery fees. How pathetic." Her clique erupted into laughter again.

Rachel's voice dripped with venom. "My dad basically owns this school. You're only here because of his donations to peasants like you. How dare you accuse me of stealing your work? You should be grateful your little art piece gets to bear the name "Racheal Miles" on it. Are you going to bark or not? I don't have all day."

Desperate to save her ailing mother, Sarah slowly sank to the floor, tears streaming down her face. Amidst racking sobs, she began to bark like a dog, her dignity shattered.

Rachel's friends laughed mockingly, their cruel jeers piercing the air.



*********
*Years Later*

"Girl, where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all day!" Rhoda exclaimed over the phone.

"I'm so sorry. You know the waitress job I took this morning?" Sarah replied.

"The one at the gala?" Rhoda asked.

"Yes. We were asked to switch off our phones for confidentiality. I just got my phone back after the job," Sarah explained.

"Rich people and their weird behavior," Rhoda said with a chuckle. "Anyway, I got a gig for you tonight. That's why I've been calling."

"Oh my God, girl, you're the best!" Sarah said, grateful.

"Of course I am. What would you do without me, huh?" Rhoda teased.

"What kind of job is it?" Sarah asked.

"Same thing you did this morning. They need servers for a fundraising event. It's nothing stressful, just a minister's son's birthday party turned fundraising event. I heard his dad is running for office, so they need all the good publicity they can get."

"That sounds okay. How long will it take? How much are they paying?" Sarah inquired.

"One question at a time, please, malady," Rhoda said playfully.

"The event starts at 6 pm and should last till around 9 pm. They're paying servers $100."

"A hundred dollars for a three-hour job!" Sarah exclaimed.

"I was surprised too when Daniel told me. And I heard getting a spot was tough," Rhoda said.

"How did you get this one, then?" Sarah asked.

"Apparently, Daniel's aunt is the event planner. He's been asking me out, so I guess he's trying to get on my good side," Rhoda said with a giggle.

"You'd better go on a date with him after this one," Sarah chuckled.

"I'll think about it."

"I miss you!" Sarah said.

"I miss you too, babe. We'll have a girl's day out soon. Clear your schedule," Rhoda said.

"Like I have one. See you soon, bye."

"Byeee."

***

"I want to believe you're all professionals at this, or is there anyone doing this for the first time?" Mrs. Richard asked, surveying the room.

She continued, "Good, because I specifically asked for professionals. Tonight's job is simple: serve drinks and tend to our guests' needs. You're paid well for your discretion; whatever you see or hear tonight must remain confidential. You'll sign non-disclosure agreements before starting."

"Yes, ma!" the servers replied in unison.

There were ten servers, five men and five women, including Sarah. Mrs. Richard provided them with elegant uniforms: fitted blue sheath dresses with wine scarves and black heels.

In the dressing room, Sarah adjusted her outfit, admiring her reflection. "This outfit is lovely. Wish they provided uniforms like this for other jobs."

A fellow server overheard Sarah. "This outfit? How can they afford it? With the NDA and expensive uniforms, this party isn't just any party."

"Right? Let's hope we don't have to give more than we're paid," another server added.

"Are you girls ready? The guys are ready!" Mrs. Richard called.

"Yes, ma!" they replied, rushing out of the dressing room.

Sarah noticed one of the girls struggling with her dress.

"It's your first time isn't it?" Sarah whispered behind her

She turned in shock "please don't tell Mrs Richard, I need the job" she pleaded

"It's fine, I get it. Your secret is safe with me don't worry. Let me help you with your dress and then a useful tip, just stay at the back if you can, that way you can avoid the troublesome guests"

"Thank you for the help and tip" the server said to Sarah with a smile "I'm Tatiana"

"I'm Sarah. Nice to meet you, Tatiana." She replied with a smile too

"Same here. We'll catch up after the job, I guess. Good luck!" she said.

"Good luck!" Sarah replied before parting ways.

As Sarah served wine, she admired the hall's beauty: shiny floors, artistic walls, and a stunning golden chandelier. She recognized some guests, including music artists, actors, influencers, and politician's kids.

Just as the party started, Daniel Richard took the microphone. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm your host, Daniel Richard."

Sarah giggled, thinking, "I wish I had my phone to take a picture of Rhoda's potential boyfriend."

As she served wine, Sarah spotted a familiar face entering the party.

"Rachel?" Sarah blurted, quickly turning her back. She stood still as she felt a rush of emotions inside of her. She felt so much rage and anger that it made her sick as she shook

It was her college arch-nemesis, Rachel Miles.

Sarah tried to avoid Rachel, but her attempt failed.

"Hey, waitress! Let me have a glass of wine," Rachel called.

Sarah reluctantly turned to Rachel.

"Wait, who's this? Sarah? Sarah Collins? Oh my bad, I forgot! It's Sarah Bark, Gbo! Gbo!! Gbo!!?!" Racheal jeered at Sarah as she imitated the sound of a dog, drawing attention from nearby guests.

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