babygirl. // ZoeWDW

one

I look at myself in the mirror. God, I couldn't be less prepared for this interview. I tried to curl my blonde mess of hair with my mom's curler, but it seemed to make no difference. I tried to add red lipstick, but it made my appearance even more dreadful. I tried eyeshadow but nothing seemed right with my deep red sundress clashing with my blue eyes.

Nothing can change how innocent I look. I've always looked so young, it's a curse, really. When I need this job. This job as a . . . stripper. How downhill had my life gotten to where I must take off my clothes and dance on a pole for money? My mom surely can't. And no study in school could ever prepare me for it, let alone let me know about it.

"You look beautiful darling." My mom smiled with glee, "I'm sure the cafe manager will love the effort you put in."

I had lied to my mom about my interview, I couldn't let her know stripping was my last resort.

"Thanks, mommy." I give her a kiss on her cheek and situate my purse on my shoulder.

"Don't forget you cute flats." Her pearly white teeth couldn't get any brighter. Maybe I got the young look from my mom's genes. She never looks a day over twenty, even when being in her early forties.

I slip on white flats with little bows on the front onto my small, doll-like feet and look in the mirror once more.

"Just be honest." She places her hands in her lap, "You make coffee for me every morning, I'm sure they can teach you the rest."

Her voice is so gentle and reassuring. I pray I can land the job, for her sake. I can't just rely on loans from relatives and online donations anymore. It's up to me. I need to do this.