The Sin of Desire

Stripper

Chen’s POV

“Oh Chen, mabuti naman you’re here na.” bungad sa akin ni Kalila, one of my friends here in Striptease Club. Nah, she’s the only freind of mine. And yes, I’m one of the strippers here. Kararating ko palang dito tapos siya na agad ang nakita ko. Hindi pa nga ako nakakapagreport kay Madam Olivia, ang nagmamanage nitong club.

oh wait!

I’m Gretchen Naveen Alexander Voughn(von). maputi, matangkad. well, sabi nila maganda. I’m 20 years old and currently taking up Bachelor in Fashion Design at St. Anthony University. I’m feeding myself to survive.

Yes, i’m an orphan. My parents died when i was three in a plane crashed according to the people who raised me for almost 14 years in the orphanage. I don’t know if i have relatives or none, and i wish none bcause i live my life for 17 years now without my parents and relatives and will live more years on my own so i don’t need one.

I am living on my own now since i aged 18. I involved myself in part-time job since my college year started because the orphanage can only afford our schooling from kinder garten to high school. I have a part-time job in restaurant as one of their waitress but unfotunately, my wage isn’t enough for my daily living and my tuition fees.

Two years ago, i approached my friend Kalila to recommend me at the club she used to work. And from then, i bacame a stripper.

I am persistent to pursue my dream to be a famous fashion designer.

Anyway, masyado na atang mahaba ang introduction ko about myself.

“O’ bakit parang atat na atat ka yatang makita ako?” i asked her while i am preparing my things for the show mamaya. I need my bikini and ofcourse, my mask.

Umupo siya sa chair na katabi ko lang. “Girl, madami tayong customers ngayon. Sayang din yung tips. And also we have VIP guests ngayon. Though almost gabi-gabi naman. Nakareserve na nga yung Premium lounge.” Sabay ngisi niya. Yun ang tawag sa mga VIP rooms.

Napaangat ako sa sinabi niya. Oo, this club is a word-of-mouth among customers na nakakapunta dito. Halos araw-gabi man napupuno ito. Pero hindi yun ang issue, tiyak na may mga strip dancers na naman mamaya ang nandoon dahil mas malaki ang kita. Mga known personalities kaya yung mga yun.

“Kasama ka ba mamaya sa mga magpeperform sa VIP room?” i asked her.

“Oo” tumingin  siya sa akin. “pero kung gusto mo pwede mo naman akong palitan” she smiled. At naging seryoso din nang hindi ako sumagot

“Chen, alam kong kailangan na kailangan mo ngayon ng pera lalo na’t malapit na naman ang exams natin. At kaya ka nga nandito para makaipon ka na naman di’ba?”

Tama si Kalila. Hindi naman kasi ako laging nandito dahil hindi ko rin kayang sikmurain ang pang araw-araw na kakainin ko galing dito.

Usually kapag pang tuition ko lang at wala na akong ibang choice. Nagpapart-time job din kasi ako sa isang restaurant malapit sa apartment na inuupahan ko. Yun nga lang hindi kasya. Pang’araw-araw ko lang yun.

“wag na Kalila, alam ko rin kailangan mo ng pera ngayon” dahil classmate din kami nito. Siya ang dahilan kung paano ko nakilala si Madam Olivia.

Tumayo siya at hinawakan ang kamay ko “oo, i need it. but you need it the most” sabi niya. I can see that she is sincere. Lagi ako  nitong tinutulungan kaya i’m thankful na nakilala ko siya.