Window

My new friend was right on time picking me up. He showed up in a camper van which he explained belong to his father. He showed me a happy grin and asked me how I was.

I responded, "Okay thanks, you?"

To which he answered, "I'm good. Whatchoo do all week long?"

"Looked for work. I need to be able to pay some rent. I don't think the mister of the house likes me too much. His wife says he'll like me fine if I put cash in hand " 

B chuckled and said, "Aren't we all."

We pulled into a lot and parked.  Looking at the front of the building, it seemed so much more festive than the adult club. This one boasted a hypnotist show starting at 10pm.

Inside was just as festive as the outside but, more so. Lots of games, well lit dance floor, a DJ playing cool music and in front of me was the pop stand. All kinds of candy, all kinds of pop, no booze and no scams.

I looked over at my friend who was laughing with a couple my age when he called me over.

All through the evening B introduced me to his friends and spent the next couple hours playing air hockey with me and shooting pool.

B treated me just like any other of his friends for which I was relieved. Then the announcement for the hypnotist came, so we all gathered round. This particular hypnotist's ability was based on how many kids would pretend to be hypnotized.

He managed to get several of them up. Made them dance like ballerinas and then eventually had them start stripping off their clothes. Of course, he stopped them just before they could. It was very amusing and entirely fake.

A couple times I was asked to dance but, because I still wasn't sure I was able to actually do that. I declined both times. I did slow dances at the adult club, but that was all.

This definitely was a fun night.  No pressure from anyone. No manipulation. No lies. 

Soon midnight rang and the place was closing for the night. 

On the drive back home, I thanked my friend for a fun night. He asked if I'd like to go again next week.

I easily said yes. I wished him goodnight and went inside entering by the basement.

On the really hard couch was a message from the lady upstairs. "Kentucky chicken call. Joo call dem back." Below that was a phone number. "Maybe it was for a job." I thought.  "How bonus would that be!"

The following morning I made the call and spoke with the restaurant manager. He promptly gave me a start date he explained was the beginning of a trial period of three months.

I was extremely excited and so very grateful! Minimum wage of course as I had no experience but, that was to be expected.

Still, I was very relieved! This carried on peacefully, quietly and happily enough for a couple of weeks! 

No incidents or things I had to worry about.  It was pure bliss!

I fell asleep on the hard couch after a busy day and for once, no nightmares.

Some hours later, that would all change.

A sudden assault on my ears shrieked its way through my eardrums quickly followed by the smashing of heavy wood and the sound of shattering glass.

The scream of pain crashed through my brain and had me scrambling to my feet.

I knew that sound...coming from my own lips.