The day has dawned on me. The day of the snake dance. The day where I seal my fate to become a Southside serpent, queen. The one that everyone relies on. I squirm at the thought, along with an overwhelming feeling of excitement. I've practiced it a few times since the other day, when it was announced I'd have to perform a pole dance in order to become a serpent. I debate wether to just bury my face into my pillow and fall back asleep, but the sweet aroma of dads breakfast pancakes are enough to give me the motivation to get out of bed. Before heading downstairs, I yank out the two piece that I got yesterday from the local lingerie shop. It's skanky and defiantly something I wouldn't wear on a daily basis, not even barbie would. My eyes glance at my reflection and surprisingly I've pulled it off. It compliments my curvy figure and enhances my cleavage. I also slip on a lace trim black dress, which I've chosen specifically, so it's easy to undress.
Once I enter the kitchen, dad greets me by holding up a Southside serpent jacket in a much smaller size than his. "Daddy?" I scan the jacket. "It's yours sweetheart!" He flashes a teethy grin, I go to grab it but he snatches it away. "Hmm, you're not a serpent until you complete the dance OK?" He reminds me, before carefully folding it and placing it in his large leather bag. "Are you still sure you want to do this, Rosa?" Dad performs a sympathetic smile. It's obvious that he's trying to talk me out of this. But nothing is going to change my mind. "I'm sure, daddy." I tell him for the 55th time. Until he gets it inked into his brain that this is what I want to do! He plants a kiss on my cheek, before handing me a stack of syrup drizzled pancakes. We sit beside eachother on the couch, the Ellen show playing in the background. Before dad can concoct anymore reasons for me not to join the serpents, I say "daddy, yesterday you seemed fine about me joining you? But you don't look too happy about it now." I pout. "It's not that, I just want you to be sure of what you're getting into. I know I said the worst thing that can happen is jail, but I seemed to forget about you stripping in front of a crowd of horny drunk men today." The last part was pretty convincing, but like I said, nothing will change my mind! I sigh, placing a hand on top of my dads. The comparison is enough to make me laugh. His hand is ridiculously large compared to mine. His is also covered in scratches and marks from God knows whatever business he got into with the serpents. "I have you to protect me, daddy. You don't need to worry!" I reassure him.
We enter the White Wyrm, where the crowd of serpents are either crowded around the bar or the pole dancers. A young male, about my age, walks toward me. His black bangs hangs just below his eyebrows, yet leaving enough room for me to see his eyes, they're tiny and brown. He plays with the collar of his leather jacket, before smirking. "You must be the girl that's gonna attempt to become the queen of the Southside?" He asks, rhetorically. "Attempt?" I raise a brow, tilting my head, before adding "honey, I am going to slay it." He widens his dark eyes, licking his lips. "You're feisty, I like it. I'm sweetpea." He holds out his hand, clearly suggesting I should shake it. Sweetpea? Seriously? How are people possibly meant to be afraid of a guy called sweetpea. I resist the urge to squeeze his clammy cheeks. "Rosa." I clasp onto his hand, it's cold against my skin. "Good luck out there, I can already tell you're going to be an amazing queen." sweetpea winks. I'm about to thank him, but I'm interrupted by tall boys deep, husky voice calling me to the stage. Dad shoots me a reassuring smile and I make my way to the stage. I grip onto the pole, and so my dance begins..
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I'm bombarded by congratulations from the most toughest people in town, and I can't help but bask in the praises. Dad arrives on the stage, wrapping my new, Southside, jacket around me. It suddenly manages to make me feel unstoppable. "Please raise your glasses as we welcome the new queen of the Southside, my daughter, Rosa Gonzalez!" Dad orders, a smile spread across his cheeks and I can already tell he's accepted my fate. My fate to become a serpent. After the serpents have calmed down, I bump into a girl, no younger than I am. Her hair is a dull lilac shade and is secured by a bandana typed hair band. I recognise her as the girl who works behind the bar. "You rocked that, your majesty." She gives me a nod. Her chocolate eyes smiling along with her. She's the definition of beautiful and I can't help but feel a little intimidated. But then again I'm the queen of the Southside now, the last thing I should be feeling is intimidation. "Thank you." I finally respond. "I'm Toni. Toni Topaz." She announces, reaching out her hand and I've realised I've shook too many hands today. "Rosa Gonzalez." "I know, Geraldo told everyone up there." She points to the stage, laughing a little. "Oh right." My cheeks burn. I'm not a good conversation maker, but I suppose I better get used to it.. Being south side royalty and all. "It can be tough being one of the youngest girls here. I learned that a while ago. But I have this feeling you just might make it." Toni winks, before strutting back toward the bar. Her loose waves swinging with each step she takes.
After all of the awkward small talk from fellow serpents, I manage to make it outside. Where dad is leaning against a pristine motorcycle which is defiantly not his. I can tell because his motorcycle is masked in scratches and mud stains, not even a freaking washing machine could clean that. "What you doing?" I tighten the jacket around myself, in attempt to block out the chilly winters weather. "Considering you're one of us now, it's substantial to have your own motorbike. So.." He waves his hand above the bike he was leaning against. It's beautiful. I've always been desperate to have one of my own, ever since I was a kid. "I can't ride." I tell him. "Well that's why my dear friend here, is going to teach you." He points to a middle aged man a few feet away, I'm surprised I didn't notice him before considering he has the most striking appearance I've seen his I've arrived here. He runs his large hand through his mop of dark hair that enhances his piercing, almost black, eyes. Before introducing himself as FP Jones.
