Extra Credit

Hard Decision

Later on that day, I met up with the girls and the three of us went shopping for new stripping outfits. While they took their time looking through skimpy dresses, I headed to the bathroom to clear my head. I sat my purse on the edge of the sink and stared into the mirror at myself. I didn't want to go through with Alberto's offer but truthfully the money I was making at the club wasn't enough. I needed to be able to fully take care of myself and right now, it was getting tough. I had new classes, new books to buy, new clothes, food, a car payment, and rent to pay for my apartment. The money I was currently making was enough to cover half of the payments combined.

"Hey girl, are you alright?" Sami asked when she came into the bathroom to check on me.

I sighed and picked up my purse, "Yeah I'm ok girl...just thinking about some things."

"Oh yeah? Like what?" she asked.

I wasn't sure if I should tell her but I did need to talk to someone about it. I leaned against the sink and looked down at my feet.

"You remember Alberto from the club right?" I asked.

She chuckled, "Oh you mean the rich Mexican that only spends his money on the infamous Aria Rose?"

I giggled and glanced at her, "Yeah that's the one...he wants me to do private dances for him to make extra money."

She raised her eyebrow like I knew she would, "Oh hell no girl. Alberto isn't fooling anyone with that one. I see the way he watches you when you dance. It's almost as if he's undressing you with his eyes."

I sighed, "Sami I'm already undressed when I dance but I know what you mean."

"Please tell me you're not considering it," she asked as she folded her arms. "Girl you can get a second job if you need more money,"

"I don't wanna get stuck working 7 full days a week though Sami," 

"I'd rather you do that then possibly get raped or murdered by that guy,"

As much as I hated it, she was right. "Sami doing this will get me lots of money a lot quicker than I'm currently getting it."

"Yeah but at what cost? First he'll be asking for a dance, then it'll be dancing for his friends, then...it'll be more than just dancing. Have you thought about that at all?"

"Of course I have but times are hard and I've got to do what I've got to. Besides no one will mess with Dave Bautista's daughter." I said with a smile.

"Clearly he will." She said. "Look if you're going to do it you need to firmly explain to him that you'll only dance for him and him only. I don't want you getting caught up in any bullshit."

I laughed loving how she was like a big sister to me. In fact, she almost was since she did what she could to keep me safe, "Yeah I understand."

"Good. Now come on we've got to get some outfits." She said with a toss of her hair. "I think we should get our nails done while we're at it."

I nodded and followed her back out into the mall so we could finish shopping. We were out there for at least another hour before heading our separate ways. As soon as I got to my apartment I put my backpack in the living room and then took my new stuff into the bedroom. I had a little routine where I would go to school during the day, hang out with my friends for a little after, do some homework, take a nap, and then go to work. Sure there were times when I worked late and only got about 2 hours of sleep, but it was a small price to pay in order to make some type of a living.

While I was doing my homework I got a surprise call from my father. I was real shocked to even hear from him after the last time we spoke. It was the very day that he told me he was done spending money on me. I hadn't spoken to him since and it had been over a year.

"Hey sweetie how are you doing?" he asked.

I sighed, "I'm busy."

"Busy? You're never too busy to speak to your father." He said with a chuckle.

I rolled my eyes, "Is there a point to this call?"

"Aria don't tell me you're still mad at me for cutting you off." He asked.

"What do you think? I mean don't get me wrong I'm doing alright but I still think you're wrong for that." I spat.

He sighed heavily, "Look honey, you needed to learn how to be an independent woman. I didn't want you to grow up the way your mother did and this was the best way to do it. Trust me you'll thank me in the long run."

I sighed and sat back into the couch, "So how have you been?"

"Pretty good, in fact I was calling because I want to come visit you at some point." He said.

My eyes widened, "Really? How soon?"

He made a noise indicating he was giving it some thought, "I'm not too sure yet but I'll let you know."

"Well make sure you tell me ahead of time, I have a pretty busy schedule." I told him.

"Yeah I'm sure you do." He said. "I really miss you honey."

I couldn't fight back the smile that was forming on my face. I had always been a daddy's girl, and hearing him tell me things like that always brightened my day.

"I miss you too." I told him.

"Alright well you get back to whatever you're doing." He said. "I'll talk to you later."

"Ok. Love you daddy,"

He chuckled, "I love you too."

After hanging up, I glanced at the clock and noticed that it was almost time for my nap. I quickly finished the Algebra homework Mr. Calaway assigned to us. I never understood why the man would assign homework on the first day but it was all good. I was a wiz with math so it didn't bother me too much.

With a sigh of relief I closed up my book and placed my homework in a folder before placing it in my bookbag. I then headed to my bedroom to take a nap before my long shift at work. I was supposed to work a 9 to 3am shift and I had a solo dance tonight. I smiled because that was normally the times when I made the most money especially from Alberto and his lackey.