SOPHIA

"Now this is what you call a show." He smacked my ass while I danced.

I feel irritated and dirty, but this is the only way I could survive. I have been doing this for five years now.

How I got into this mess? Let me take you through a quick flash back.

...

27th June, 2014.

All I could see were stars after receiving the beatings and floggings from these men.

My father was a chronic alcoholic and often gambled thoughtlessly. Today's result was very bad, he gambled with me as collateral and lost, he had no choice but to give me to them.

When these men came to the house to take me, I resisted going with them, hell, I didn't even know what was happening. My dad came in, trying to hold me from them and the bald one with the tattoo of a scorpion on his arm shot him before my eyes.

I screamed in horror and my reward was a resounding slap.

"Quiet, bitch." They growled.

All I could do was sob which angered them more and the beatings started. They dragged me to a truck and brought out a blindfold to close my eyes.

I was pushed into the truck and it started moving with me having no idea where it was headed.

They then switched to a different language and I couldn't understand a thing of what they spoke. I just feared for my life.

The vehicle finally stopped and I was pushed out making me to land on the floor, I felt serious pain in my ankles. The blindfold was removed and the surrounding looked different, loud music was playing and I could hear the sound of men laughing hysterically.

After minutes of struggling to walk, we entered the place and I gasped. A strip club.

"Boss is ready to see her." Another guy joined us, scrutinizing me before leaving.

"Move." The guy who shot my dad commanded.

......

"She could make good money for us here."
I thought I didn't properly hear what he said.

"Excuse me?" Another slap, followed by a kick.

"Nobody asked you to speak. So, shut up."

They finished speaking and I was left with the 'boss'.

"You'll start your work tommorrow. Mena would teach you the ropes." He pointed to the lady behind me.

"You can go now."

"Yes, boss." She replied and smiled to me, helping me up.

I just wondered how bad my dad had gambled for me to be used as collateral damage. Worst of all, the 'work' was a repulsive one.

"You should stop those thoughts in your head. This is our room." She opened a door and in the room were two beds propery laid.

"You can have your bath while I get you something to eat." She said, a sad smile over her lips.

I later found out the place was a strip club that operated using abducted girls.
You're taken against your will and made a stripper.

Worst of all, rumour had it that there was a darker part of the club where girls were killed and their organs illegally sold to buyers. How bad could my life get right now?

I surveyed the room and saw a door leading to the bathroom. I gently took off my clothes and got in, sobbing silently even though the sound of the shower was enough to conceal my sobs.

...

Present day

I smile to the man even though what I want to do right now is kill him.

The only thing I am grateful for is the mask we had a choice to wear.

"Take off your clothes, I want to see you bare." he commands.

Sighing, I do as told and he stands up and handcuffs me, pushes me to the bed and starts caressing my body. The next thing, he enters me and groans. 'Pig!' I wanted to scream in his face, a lone tear slips down my eyes, followed by a storm of others.

He gets off me very satisfied and smiles. Finally, he uncuffs me. I wipe my eyes and sigh.

Today is the day, I have been planning this for months now with the help of Mena.

Today is the day i gain freedom. I had no where to go but I couldn't continue any longer.

I walk to my room and sneak in.

"It's time." Mena says. "I'll miss you. Please be careful out there. You know they have their eyes everywhere and it won't take long for you to be found. Just be careful."

"Thank you so much. I have to go." I collect the stacked cash I had been saving for this time.

"Take the opening in the costume room. You can figure it out from there." I hug her and take my leave.

I quietly slip through the crowd of people and get into the costume room. When you work here for five years, you have no option but to learn this. Never knew it would come in handy today.

Luckily, no one was inside the costume room. I count till ten and begin my exit plan. This is it. I pray I pull through.

To say this scares me is an understatement. If I am caught, I'll be killed instantly.

I succesfully get out when I hear someone shout "Who is there?" Shit! My heart skip a beat, fear consumes me. For a moment I stay rooted to the spot, scared to make any move but remembering the result should I get caught, I take to my heels and start running.

I hear the person follow me, next thing the alarm start blarring. Double shit! I run as fast as my legs could carry me.

I look back and I finally loose them, or so I think. "She's there." I keep running and luckily, I see a vehicle approaching. This is my chance.

I stand in front of the vehicle and plead to be let in, thankfully I am granted that wish.

I sigh and look back. Freedom from that hellhole. It feels surreal because I know the dangers that would follow suit should I be caught but for now, I'll choose to block those thoughts.