Unmarked

13. First Shift

Darla, Lena and Lottie are squashed together in front of the large mirror in the bedroom as they paint their faces with dark smoky deep reds. It reminds me of the colour of dried blood.

For a brief moment, I can't help feel envious of their easy conversation and movements around each other. It would be nice to have girl friends to talk to, to share secrets with. The only problem is I can't share my secrets, they'll think I'm a freak or worst they'll inform Officials.

"Would you like to borrow some make-up?" Darla asks turning to me.

"No, thanks," I respond. Make-up is something I've always avoided as it draws attention, and for me to survive, I must fade into the background.

"You need to start wearing it if you're going to work here." Darla smiles.

She walks over, grips my chin and wipes at my eyes making my lashes heavy and thick. "It's not much but it's a start."

"Let me add some blush and lipstick," Lottie says walking over.

"Maybe later. I need to see Gloria to find out what I'll be doing tonight," I say, retreating out the room.

Downstairs, the main area is dim and dingy. Subdued lighting results in a harsher almost eerie feel. A few spotlights illuminate the ringed square in the centre of the room. The relaxed atmosphere I felt at mealtime has vanished.

Gloria's office door is open and I see her bent over a pile of papers at a desk. I knock on the door frame and she raises her head slowly, looking me up and down she sighs exasperated. I guess she hoped I would have changed clothes.

"Cady, once I've sorted out your outfits you'll be expected to wait on tables, talk to the clients and take part in fights. The more liked you are by the customers, the more bets they'll lay on you which ultimately means more money received by you at the end of the month." Gloria leans back and her eyes narrow. "There are only a few rules: no messing up faces and keep the customers happy but there is to be no intimacy. I mean the last one. No getting overly familiar with our customers. I don't care what they offer you: money, a life, the prospect of getting out of here, they may offer you bags of diamonds but it doesn't happen. I will know and you'll get punished. If you want to do that sort of thing I'll get you moved to a more appropriate establishment. Once one customer gets there bit, they all want it and I have a responsibility to keep my boys and girls safe. If you want fun, do it with the people who work here. Oh, and another for you, don't try and run."

Gloria crosses her arms over her large chest. "We've created a family here which you're now part of but I don't give second chances. You break the rules and I'll break you." Gloria glares at me, her voice menacing. Yet behind all the threats, I think she cares more than she wants everyone to know.

"Ok. No sex with customers only with my colleagues. No running. Got it." I nod. I can follow the first rule easily enough. I'll better it too. No sex, full stop.

Gloria hides a smile. "Tonight, you'll be here in the office."

"Could I not work at the bar?" I ask quickly. I don't want to be tucked away in this tiny office. I need to get a feel for the place, work out how many doormen they have, find another exit, think of a distraction. "That way, I can watch and learn from the others. Also, it will give me a chance to make an impression on the customers."

"You'll certainly make an impression with that ensemble." Gloria stands, walks past me, leans out the doorway and calls out. "Grey, do you mind if Cady is on the bar with you? She wants to make an impression on the customers."

Great, I have to work with the asshole. I turn slowly around to face the bar and Grey looks up. "As long as her drumming up business doesn't interfere with my duties."