Money Bags

McDonalds

Maurice

"Kyla what do you want? Pick anything."

"Ticken Nuggets and fwies."

"That's it? What do you want Kalani?" I looked down at her.

Her eyes were red and tired. She looks like She's been through a lot.

"It doesn't matter. Get anything" she said in an almost whisper.

I ordered and gave them their cups so I could get the food while they get their drinks. I felt cheap for bringing them here. I wanted to take them to somewhere  but Kalani insisted on something simple.

Kalani

I feel so embarrassed and ashamed. I feel like a failure as a mother. I can't even keep a roof over my head or money in my pocket. Kyla doesn't deserve to grow up sleeping in a car.

I ate my sandwich and fries in less than a minute.  Maurice watched me smiling.

"I'm sorry" I wiped my mouth "I'm eating like a pig".

"How long has it been Since you've  eaten?" he asked. I was afraid to answer but he needed to know.

"Almost a week. I only have enough money to feed my daughter".

I looked over to Kyla who was munching on her nuggets smiling. She's so Happy.

"Damn, you want anything else? Get as much as you want".

"He got moneeey" Kyla blurted out of No where.

Me and Maurice burst out laughing. She finds out so much stuff.  I have No clue how.

"No thank you. I'm fine." I honestly appreciate all of this".

"No need to thank me. Do you need anymore help? I may be able to find you a house. Where do you work? " I'm really embarrassed now.

"Um I don't have a job... I haven't had one Since I graduated college. Most of my family is gone or hates me so Its just me and baby girl." I smiled at Kyla as she watched the kids playing on the play set. "We No live in house No more. We sleep in my Mommy car".

Dammit Ky.

By the look on Maurice's face i knew I had to leave now.

"I really Appreciate the meal and your kindness but we have to go".

I grabbed Kyla's hand and rushed out. I heard Maurice calling after me as I buckled Kyla in her seat. I must ignore him.I'm already embarrassed. I sat in the drivers seat and tried to crank the car. Nothing happened. Shit. please don't tell me my car broke down. I kept trying to start the car as Maurice tapped on my window.

"Looks like you need some help" he smiled.

Ugggh

(2 weeks later)

After meeting Maurice, we started becoming close. He gave me money to help me buy a rental car since mine was completely done for. Kyla adores him and calls him her boyfriend. He plays along which I find too cute. Plus he helped me find a good day care that doesn't charge much. I found out he has a girlfriend and a son around Kyla's age. His name is Kameron.

One day as I was driving I saw a sign on a Strip Club wall. 

"Now hiring. All girls with big asses willing to shake dat ass for dis cash. Must be 21+. MUST HAVE ID.  Can make up to 2k a week"

I thought about it for a minute.

What if Maurice cuts me off because I'm a stripper? What if my daughter finds out? How will people judge me?

I threw all those thoughts aside and walked into Magic City.

Hopefully I get the job.