Identity Illusion

Chapter 12

Horrified, terrified, disgusted. Only a few of the emotions that ran through her mind as she made her way to the club. Each step made the knot in her stomach tighten just a little bit more. Part of her hated her mother for what she asked of her daughter, another part of her hated Jason for coming up to her, and another part hated herself for agreeing to it in the first place. What if she became good at this?

What would her college think if her professors found out? Her future classmates? Jason didn't seem like one to keep secrets, in fact when she first met him he wouldn't stop talking about his best stripper that had been performing while they talked. Claire had long forgotten the name he gave the woman. And Claire didn't particularly care. But he had shared that she had become pregnant and that was one of the reasons that he had come up to her in the first place. "It ruins my club's image to have a pregnant stripper." Jason had said quietly. She didn't know why he had spoken so quietly when the music was making even the tables shake but she asked no questions to it.

Now the club was in her sight as the sun was just about to set, the beautiful colors of red, pinks and orange were almost a perfect calming remedy for the anxiety she didn't notice until now was forming. Instantly she was allowed access when she made it to the door, sneaking into the darkness and the at the moment empty club. It seemed like a entirely different world when the music wasn't overpowering and the lights were simple dim white lights that exposed the stained floor from vomit, spilled drinks and other substances she tried to ignore. At least there was some sort of effort into cleaning the place. Shame that the smell of alcohol was still overpowering. As Claire was looking about her, she heard a loud voice, cheerful yet somehow frightening. Perhaps that was because of who the voice belonged to. Jason. He was dressed in a tight black t shirt, simple dark jeans and dirty boots. Claire couldn't remember if he had worn a similar ensemble when she met him, but it didn't really matter anyway. She didn't want to spend any time getting to know him.

"I'm glad you made it, we need to get to work before your introduction performance tonight. The rest of the girls will be taking care of you and dressing you up. I have some things to take care of but wanted to at least greet you. And to let you know that you can come to me at anytime for any answers." He patted her back and lead the way into a dark hallway with several doors on either side, showing her that the club was far larger then she had first thought.

"Lily is just in that room there and knows you are coming, do not make her upset or disappointed. Otherwise a she will make you look bad. I shall see you during the performance. Good luck." He smiled and she flinched without thinking when he leaned down to kiss her cheek. Ignoring the flinch, he smiled and left her standing in front of the door.

Should she knock? It seemed like the only logical thing to do, why was she being so nervous? She had worked hard to suppress her fears so the night would be quick and she could go home and just forget it all. Eventually the sight and sound of her knocking happened and a gentle voice told her to come in.

The scent of lavender candles hit Claire first when she pushed the door open, several candles were placed on shelves, beside a makeup vanity and a large, made up bed that lily sat on, her legs crossed and arms at her side. Her black hair was long and fall down the front of her shoulders, covering her breasts perfectly. "Hi...I'm Claire." She said in a  meek tone. Instantly Lily shook her head, her ivory skin illuminated by the candles so beautifully.

"No you are not, at least not while you are here. Just like my name is not Lily but you won't know the real one until I've grown to trust you." Lily stood and walked over to Claire, circling her calmly before inspecting every part of her. Already Claire was intimidated. Lily was not sigh to hold Claire's breasts in her hands and lift her shirt to see her toned stomach from dancing. Feeling her hair from between her fingers and inspecting the softness. The lace thong Lily wore was nearly nonexistent from what Claire observed. She was straight but couldn't help but admire the perfection of Lily's body. Her shape, muscled but not bulky. No hints of fat anywhere. Her walk was proud and collected. Without meaning to Claire stood up a little straighter to compare just a little bit to her teacher. "So what is my name then?" She asked, trying to get out of the awkward silence.

"Hmm..." She stood back and looked Claire up and down again. "Given you are new at this and seem to be very unaware of the world about you...how about Angel? Innocent yet a lot of backstory and mystery. That will be your goal throughout your performance. Show yourself off but don't allow anything about you to be known. You're a illusion of perfection. That will be your catch phrase in a way." Glee filled Lily as she grinned, her face lighting up and a jump to her step as she went to a closet. A new identity. It was something new, far more new then Claire, angel, had anticipated. But she instantly liked Lily. She had so much life and happiness to her yet a job that most wouldn't expect upon first glance.

Claire stood awkwardly while watching Lily hum to herself before smiling and pulling out a two piece outfit with a no chance of concealing bra and panties that were as small as the thong Lily proudly wore. Both were the color of a blood red, lace material. Apparently lace was the theme in some way. "Okay, this will work perfect for your skin tone and will make your entrance unforgettable!"

"Um...I don't think I can wear that.." Claire replied awkwardly. She rubbed her arms awkwardly. Lily smiled softly and stood in front of her. "There's nothing to be worried or ashamed of. This is just something where you are in and out. You'll make good money...you'll find a new confidence and then go home to enjoy your earnings. If you want, after tonight you can hang out at my place to process how it goes and I'll give you any tips to help for the next time." Relief washed over Claire as she took the skimpy costume in her hands. Lily smiled even brighter and took her hand towards the changing room, hidden by a dark curtain.

The next few hours ended up being a blur, more makeup then Claire could ever imagine, heightening the features of her face to look like a true Angel. Pink lips, smoky eyes to tease and her hair curled and pinned out of her face. Her nails were painted white with a black strip along the end. Lily looked proud of her creation when she finally revealed to Claire what she now looked like. She could only gasp. This was nothing like herself, and she loved it. By looking like this...sophisticated yet sexy, she felt she could rule the world. She only had moments to marvel before Lily took her hand and announced it was time to make their way backstage.

All fears were pushed down, all doubt locked away as Angel mimicked Lily confident footsteps, their heels clicking to announce their arrive. Tonight was only Lily and Angel, stealing the show and getting the crowd wild. Watching from backstage, angel was blown away at how flawless Lily moved and twisted her body against the pole, running her hands down her body, slowly, undoing the hook in her bra and throwing it into the crowd, a man whistling when her breasts were free.

The finale bow for Lily was a curtsy, ladylike and nearly completely nude. God she was so stunning. Now angel was introduced and she stepped onstage, remembering to keep her head high, her movements graceful and posed. There was no bad angle of her, no step missed. The lights and music guided her into a part of herself never explored. She found what she was a natural at...

The dance was over, she was showered with cheers and even asked for encore but Lily took her offstage to congratulate her. First she was hugged and then kissed on the cheek. "You were fantastic! There was someone actually asking for you, do you think you're ready? Jason doesn't want you to get cold feet."

"Um...can I have one minute to recompose? That was insane." Angel said, taking a deep breath and feeling the craziness settle in. There wasn't much to distract her now so Claire was coming back to the surface. "Yeah but don't make them wait long. It's a man sitting alone. He seems really excited to meet you." Lily turned to head to the bar but Claire took her hand.

"Wait...what should I do? Focusing on one person is completely different." Lily nodded in complete understanding, leading her into a empty place for just them to talk. "We won't let anyone hurt you or give you grief. You'll most likely just give a lap dance, only that until you feel comfortable doing more of what I do." Lily didn't give any details to what she did but Claire could fill the blanks. "Go on, earn your money and show off what you can do. Make me proud." She smiled and pushed Claire into the direction of the crowd.

The man was sitting comfortably, looking at the empty stage when Angel walked up to him, a smile on her face. "You wished to see me?" She asked, enjoying seeing him smile politely back. Within minutes she was on his lap, but he asked questions she didn't want to particularly answer. However, the entire conversation brought money, she needed to do her best. This was a personal achievement she needed. Not just for her mother...but now for herself. She would be great at something, rarely fail and would make customers happy like she is meant to do. So she spent the evening pleasing this man who enjoyed her company and her skills. Maybe this would be easier then she would be able to expect.