Laura

Reunion

As I stared at the woman in front of me, I could hear Oliver clear his throat behind me. I turned to face him and tried to give him a look that begged for help. He clearly understood.
"Hi, I'm Oliver, Laura's friend. Who are you exactly?" he asked, a fake smile on his lips. The woman laughed and I groaned.
"I'm her mother," the woman exclaimed, shocked that he didn't know who she was. I shook my head and clicked my tongue.
"No, you are the woman who gave birth to me and then abandoned me. You left me alone on the streets to freeze to death. I was found by a couple and they took me in," I explained to them both, angry that she had the audacity to call herself my mother. Oliver's eyes widened as he frowned, his arms crossed over his chest. The woman scoffed and pushed past me as she looked around our small apartment.
"You know, I heard you were adopted by Svetlana and Ivan Smirnoff, the wealthy businessman and his model for a wife. I expected you'd at least have your own house, not a box for an apartment in the shadiest part of town," she explained, disdainfully moving a cushion as she sat down on the sofa. I scoffed and rolled my eyes, not even surprised anymore.
"I knew it. I knew you were just here to try and live off of my parents money. I was stupid when I was younger, not anymore. Get out before the girls see you. I don't wanna have to explain how such a cruel woman is my birth giver," I said, gesturing towards the door. As if summoned, all three girls popped out of Haven's room, their brows raised as they looked at her.
"Mama, who's this lady?" Haven asked, her head cocked to the side. I forced a smile and racked my brain for an excuse.
"This is one of my first carers, baby. Her name is Amber and she was just leaving," I explained, trying my hardest to sound convincing. Haven was silent for a moment, but she soon nodded and the girls went back into her room. I exhaled and basically pushed Amber out of my apartment.
"And don't come back," I hissed as I shut the door. I sighed heavily as Oliver gently hugged me, the scent of sandalwood engulfing me. I leaned into it and a few tears slid down my cheeks.

Oliver and the twins left after an hour or so and it was soon time for me to go to work. As I walked into the brightly lit club, I noticed I was being watched by all of the girls there. I sat down at one of the dressers and I quickly started curling my hair. Eli walked in, her heels clicking heavily as she stood behind me. I could see her reflection in the mirror and she did not look happy. I turned around and she shook her head.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Flirting with Jonathan like that? God, you're a stripper, not a hooker," Eli exclaimed, her brown eyes filled with anger. I furrowed my brows and she groaned, before she walked away. Every other girl stared at me while I continued dressing. Once I was decked out in a red outfit with matching red lips, I went out into the main area and I started dancing. My mind kept going back to Jonathan as I tried to piece together why speaking with him was so bad. I mean, he looked innocent enough, but I had learned that people could surprise you. Nathaniel Wright was still eyeing me and so were a lot of the other clients and I ignored them, too tired to deal with them. I was the last girl there, mainly because I helped clean up and get the drunken clients taxis. I sighed heavily and leaned against the bar, sweat dripping down my brow. Suddenly, there was a cold bottle of water beside me. I looked up and of course, Jonathan had given it to me. I reluctantly took the bottle and started drinking.
"I overheard Eli shouting at you earlier. I'm sorry," he said, his voice low and gentle. His voice was sweet and I could've spent hours listening to it. I shrugged and sighed softly, looking down at the ring on my finger.
"She acted like it was a crime to speak to you. Why?" I asked, looking into his gorgeous eyes. He sighed heavily and looked into my eyes, reluctance and hurt in them.
"I'm related to Nathaniel Wright. He's my older brother and I worked for him for a while. I did some bad things for him and the girls think I'd do it again," he explained, sincerity in his voice. I could tell why he was so scared and I sighed gently, placing a hand on top of his. I smiled gently and he looked up at me with disbelief in his eyes.
"It's ok. Everyone's done things they're not proud of. What matters is that they don't do them again," I said gently. His eyes widened and he gently leaned in and kissed my cheek. His lips were soft and warm and I liked the feeling. But sadly, the guilt that I was betraying Darren overwhelmed me. I blushed and quickly stood up, muttering some excuse as I rushed away. I quickly packed up my things  and I left, my heart pounding and my cheeks burning.