"You're always falling asleep in my class. It cant keep happening, Novalie." The professor scolded gently at the nursing student who nodded with sad, exhausted eyes.
"I understand. Please let me make up the work Ive missed. I'll do anything."
Nova...
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Oh fuck, oh shit. God fucking dammit. What the fuck.
My heart was racing rapidly in my chest as Professor Madden stared up at me in utter disbelief. I swallowed hard and grabbed the rest of my cash before running off the stage. I heard her call after me, but security stopped her from going to the locker room and I let out a breath.
What the fuck is she doing here?!
My thoughts were racing a mile a minute and I swallowed hard as I sat down at my desk. I counted out my tips and locked them in my box before looking in the mirror with tears in my eyes. I couldn't even pretend it wasn't me because she saw my face. I don't look that different besides all of the smoky makeup and pink hair.
Professor Madden just saw me perform. She gave me money, and now she knows I'm a stripper. Fuck. What the fuck do I do now?
"Novalie. Private room three."
"Thanks." I breathed to the security guard before locking my money box away in my locker and standing up. I took a shot from my flask and put it back into my bag before sighing and fanning myself.
Fuck her and her opinion. Do what you have to do, Nova. You have a kid waiting for you at home and bills to pay.
I walked out of the locker room and down the hallway leading to the private rooms. I took a deep breath and put on a fake smile, opening the door and expecting to see the same group of men I usually serve.
The smile dropped from my face completely as I saw Professor Madden sitting in the chair with her head in her hands. She looked up, the drunkenness obvious on her face and in her beautiful eyes. I knew she was trying her best not to let her eyes roam my body and I swallowed hard as I shut the door. She looked good, her makeup done in a way that complimented her face. Her hair was different and I couldn't help but stare.
"Nova-"
"Lap dance or pole?" I asked harshly causing her to be taken aback. I wanted nothing more than for her to save me the embarrassment. I couldn't wait to go home so I could cry until Sunday night.
"Excuse me-"
"Lap dance or pole?" I asked again. She huffed and sat back in her seat as she stared at me in disbelief, her mouth wide open and her eyebrows pushed together. Her eyes were glazed over because of the liquor and her face was flushed red. I crossed my arms over my chest and she swallowed hard as she looked away to avoid looking at my chest. She had her hands crossed on her lap as if she was trying to hide something and it made me roll my eyes.
What? You have a gun or something? Please if you're one of those creeps just let it be known now.
"Novalie, I wouldn't-"
"Well you booked the room for two hours. You're either paying me for being in here or I'll go about my business and you enjoy the rest of your night." I hissed. I wasn't necessarily angry at her, I was more so angry at myself. Times like this made me wish things were different. Now that she's seen me half naked there's no way things will be the same in class.
It was embarrassing and I had no explanation for her.
"I-I just have questions-"
"And I don't have answers. Bye." I started to leave the room but she stood, grabbing my arm and pulling me to her causing me to gasp. I looked up at her in anger, our eyes melting into each other's as she looked down at me. Her eyes were low and red, and I couldn't help but allow myself to soften in her grip. They were absolutely mesmerizing, and I know that her looks could kill if she wanted them to.
"Here. Here, okay? Just..don't go. Please." She whispered. I analyzed her face for a second before sighing, pulling away from her and shutting the door before leaning against. She smiled with thankful eyes as her fingers touched her lips and I rolled mine before looking down at the ground.
"Here's a thousand, okay? You can trust me..I'm not going to hurt you, and I'm not going to tell anyone. I just have a few questions, alright?" Professor Madden asked slowly as she placed the money on the table next to two cups. I looked between her and the money before sighing.
"What is it, Professor-"
"Sage. My name is Sage."
"Okay..Sage. What is it?" I asked as I kicked off my shoes. She looked down at my feet, her eyes traveling up to my legs causing me to feel flustered. She looked up at me with dark orbs and I swallowed hard as I slowly sat down on the chair across from her, massaging my foot.
"Let me-"
"No. I'm fine. Just..ask your questions." I breathed as I continued to massage my ankle. She sighed and sat back before grabbing her drink and sipping it.
"Is this why you're always so tired?" She asked.
"I work Sunday nights, they won't change my schedule until we get a new dancer that pulls tips like I do."
"Well..you are good from what I saw." She whispered causing me to look up at her. She was staring at my legs and I swallowed hard before looking down at the table.
"Anything else?"
"How do you get home after you finish working?"
"I either Uber or take the train. Depends on how my funds look."
"No, that's not right. That's dangerous." She huffed causing me to scoff.
"What? Why do you care so much, anyway?"
"Because..I just..I just do, alright? Is this how you pay for school?"
"This is how I pay for everything. It's my job. Same way your job is your job, this is my job."
Sage looked up at me with sad eyes and I rolled mine as I looked away. It felt good to get a break, but these questions were making my head hurt. I didn't want her pity. I wanted her money so I can go home and cuddle with my little sister who was sound asleep right now in our bed.
"If you think I want your pity, you're wrong."
"I don't think that at all, Novalie. I think you're very strong. Your parents don't help you?" I scoffed at the mention of my parents, letting out a humorless laugh as I looked up at the ceiling with tears in my eyes.
"What parents?! You think if I had parents that I would be in this shithole every night? I am my own parent. I am Claire's parent. I'm just doing what I have to do to take care of myself and the little girl my life has revolved around since I was sixteen years old. So save your judgement for someone else. Thanks for the money. I have to go."
