Part 19 | Strip Tease

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JENNIE

Elijah turned 2 already. I still can't move on from the fact that he really looks like my ex. Yes, he's a carbon copy of Lisa. Even his voice when he speaks, God.

I am thankful to my family and friends for the non-stop help they give me especially to my son. Since I am still looking for another job so I can provide for my son, sometimes they look after him. It's so hard to look for a job since I didn't finish college. As much as I want to get a good paying one, I always fail. I got rejected so many times. If there's this better opportunity, it doesn't go along with time since I still have to take care of my son. I need to find a job which only requires me to go on duty at night so Eli can be asleep already with Seulgi or Aunt Dara and I can still take care of him in the morning.

Eli is a sweet boy. He always hugs me and gives me a lot of kisses when I get home. Familiar. I think he got his sweetness from my donor. Hahaha. Undeniably, she got most of his traits from Lisa. Eli, will you please stop reminding me of her, son?

So, yeah, I have heard Lisa and Miyeon ended up together. But me and my friends only talked about it once and we actually don't care anymore.

In two years, a lot has changed. Would you believe me if I tell you Rosé and Chanyeol are now a couple? Jimin has a girlfriend already and as well as Jisoo has a boyfriend. Me? I have no time for relationships. I have a son to feed and take care of. I want to focus on him growing up. I love you so much, Eli. Somehow, I am thankful to Lisa for giving me this wonderful boy.

But yeah, I still have to look for a job. I can't always rely on my friends and family.

One night, I was so tired of walking already and I passed by on a street with a ray of high end clubs. I was actually amazed of the girls working on those clubs. They're so pretty.

"Miss, are you looking for a job? We are hiring." This beautiful blonde woman bumped on me. Am I too obvious that I am a jobseeker because of this envelop I'm holding?

"Ah---Ahm—I'm sorry. But I am not a---fille de joie." I said shyly and tried not to offend her with my sweet voice.

"I'm Stacey. I am not a prostitute too. Do you know how to dance?" She asked me while smoking her cigarette and chewing a gum.

"Hmmm. Yeah, I used to dance back in high school?" We both laughed.

"Here's my card. Call me if you're interested. You've got a nice sexy body, lady. And that ass and boobs. Jesus. Make use of that and let's go wiggle. Don't worry, I will be the one to train you. I own this strip club." She said and smiled at me. Well, she looks nice and kind.

BUT ME? A STRIPPER?

I won't say no. But I won't say yes either.

I will think about it.

"I'll get in touch with you. Le---let me think about it first." I told her and I took a bus on the next block and went home.

I arrived home walking towards our house when I saw Seulgi and Aunt Dara rushing to get inside the cab. So I ran towards them and asked what is happening.

"Seul, Aunt! What is happening." I saw Seulgi carrying my Eli in her arms.

"Jen, let's bring Elijah to the hospital. He fainted while he's playing a while ago." Seulgi said while being worried. I can't control my tears anymore and it started flowing.

We reached the hospital's emergency room. The medical professionals are now taking care of Eli.

After hours of check-up and some tests, the Doctor approached me and explained Eli's  condition.

"Ms. Kim, you are the mother right? I am Dr. Jong-in but you can call me Kai." The doctor introduced himself.

"What happened to my son?" I asked him while crying. Seulgi rubs my back.

"Elijah has rheumatic heart disease at an early age. He might be so jolly that you didn't notice he had fever these past few days? For now, I will prescribe medicines for him, but best if he undergoes surgical treatment because we found a damage on the valve. Better to prevent it in an early age before it gets worse." The doctor explained to me.

"Do everything. Everything that can save my son from any harm, Doc. But would you give me an estimate how much I need to prepare for the operation?" I told him.

"Ms. Kim, be honest with me, will you be able to provide this amount?" He write it on a sheet of paper he's holding.

I can't breathe seeing the amount. Where will I get that amount?

"Honestly, I can't afford it, Doc. But I will find a way. Just. Just let my son live. Please?" I told him. He nodded.

"Okay. I understand, Ms. Kim. You don't have to worry for my Doctor's fee already. I am waiving it for Eli and I will propose to operate him and just pay for the bill when he's ready to be discharged." He said and I thanked him for that. He is such a good Doctor!

I told Aunt Dara and Seulgi to go home now and I will be the one to take care of Eli so they can rest.

I will wait for him to be transferred to another room first while we're waiting for his turn to be operated.

I honestly do not know where to get the money. I stared blankly on the wall. God, please save my son.

I took my bag and searched for that gray card given to me by Stacey this evening.

"No more buts, Jennie. You have to earn for Eli's hospital bills."

I called Stacey right away. Explained everything to her. She promised to train me tomorrow morning even just the basics. She also promised to get me a client tomorrow night and lend me some of her clothes for the mean time.

I asked my friends if there's one from them who can look after Eli after his operation. The four of them volunteered but I told them, only one is allowed inside the room. So there's Rosé who pushed herself hard. As she said to the group, she is Eli's favorite fairy godmother.

I started my day on training. It wasn't that hard. Stacey is a good trainer. She even gave me advices especially how to take care of my body. She even reminded me not to accept extra services including sex from clients.

I'm like a cannonball. So swift.

I don't have a choice.

I started my first night, I was nervous but it went well. I never thought I could dance that way. Well, I used to give Lisa a lap dance before, but you know.. that was real. I mean, here, as a stripper you still have to act. Stacey wasn't joking about the pay. I had three clients  tonight and it paid me so well. Maybe give me a week and I can pay the hospital bills.

I spend the day at the hospital taking care of Eli and one from my family or friends would take over at night. I am very transparent to them. They know what I do now. They said, they will support me and if anything happens, they will always be there to help.

It's a weekend when Eli is ready to be discharged from the hospital. I went to the cashier to pay the bills. I have raised the amount I needed and it is enough. Aunt Dara went beside me and handed an envelop.

"Jen, this is still the excess money Eli's grandparents from Thailand sent me before you gave birth to him. Use this. They sent huge amount." I am surprised. Aunt Dara keeps it for emergency and I am thankful! I hugged her.

The money is half of the total hospital bill. It's a big help!

I must save up so I can book a flight for Eli and I so we can visit them in Thailand soon!

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