Chapter 4 Caught in between 4

MARIA'S POV

When the Manager selected Valeria to take the stage, I wasn't surprised. He had always mentioned on several occasions that she would be a hit on stage. He had even offered to coach her for the stage the first time she came to apply for a job. Now asking me to talk to her won't be easy; in fact, I didn't even know how to start talking to her about going on stage when I knew she had always refused the offer. Her work in the club alone wasn't easy from the start. Her family background was of all those religious people who hardly hang out in clubs such as Infinity Club, where girls dance dirty. She had quit twice and still returned due to her mama's medical bills. So far, recently, she had blended in well and was starting to enjoy the work, and now this.

I felt a bit helpless as I watched her pack her work clothes. All of a sudden, I started feeling very bad for not trying. That instant, the Manager's voice penetrated from the passage, "Come on, what is keeping you girls in there?". On appearing, he paused, surprised, "You are not dressed yet, what the heck is going on?. Maria?"

He stared at me as if it were my fault. "Sir, she didn't want to go on stage, and she is quitting", I responded. "What! "the manager exclaimed, a bit of anger in his countenance. "Just to cover up for today, and you are quitting. Are you aware that this will be your third time quitting? If you step out of here this time, don't ever come back. Listen, my sister worked as a stripper and still remained a virgin until she met a man she was married to a year ago. Before her marriage, she single-handedly saved up the capital she used to start up her dream restaurant. Now she is doing very well for herself. So going up there is no big deal unless you want it to be. Besides, it's just to cover up for today. Don't forget you need the money to support your mama's hospital bills. However, if you decide to quit, it's your business". He turned and started walking out as he hissed, "Excuse me." At the door, he paused, "Maria, the patrons are getting impatient." Then he disappeared into the passage. His anger was very palpable, even in his steps.

I stared back at Valeria, she was leaning on the locker. That instant, I knew she was crying. Tears welled up in my eyes as I went over to her and grabbed her in a tight hug. I let my tears drop as hers flowed down her cheek.

The makeup artist, Carlos, who seemed to be waiting impatiently, chewed his gum as he made annoying popping sounds with it. "Come on, girls, I'm waiting," he said, his tone laced with amusement. "Shut the fuck up!".

Valeria and I simultaneously snapped at him, our voices rising in unison before he could finish.

Carlos chuckled, a hint of amusement still dancing in his eyes. "Uh, looks like someone's got a bit of an attitude. Sorry, my bad," he said with a smirk, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. He stood up, sauntered over to a locker, and retrieved a mask. With a flourish, he cat-walked towards us, the mask held elegantly in his hand.

Carlos had always been a playful guy, with a fondness for calling us "his girls" and a protective streak a mile wide. Given our outburst, I expected him to be taken aback, but instead, he seemed to take it in stride. As he approached us, I felt a twinge of guilt, realizing he was holding a potential solution to our problem. I quickly took the mask from him and examined it. It was perfect – a simple, elegant design that could help Valeria feel more comfortable performing.

Just then, Carlos turned his attention to Valeria. "Val, dear, you know I wouldn't suggest this if it weren't necessary. It's a full house today, and you will make a killing if you go out there. Trust me, I have got your back." His words were reassuring, but instead of Valeria's resolve to begin to crumble, her tears continued to fall. "Enough now, Val, you are stronger and greater than this. You can nail this". Carlos encouraged her more.

To our disappointment, she wiped her tears away with a weary hand before zipping up her bag and slinging it behind her back. "Carlos, I'm sorry I snapped at you, but I'm really not cut out for this," she said, her voice laced with exhaustion. "I have to leave, it's just too much for me."

But before she could take a step forward, I intervened. "Val, wait, Carlos has a mask for you. Just give it a try, for your mom's sake. Don't quit until you have got something better lined up," I urged, my tone bordering on pleading. The truth was that she was already making more money at the club than she made at Leo's restaurant, so for me, quitting wasn't necessarily the best option for her at that moment.

Valeria seemed to consider my words, and Carlos seized the opportunity. He gently placed the mask over her face and led her to a mirror. "Look, dear, with this mask, no one will recognize you. You don't have to worry about being seen; I will work my magic with makeup to transform your look. Trust me, you will be unrecognizable," he said reassuringly.

As he spoke, he collected Valeria's bag and handed it to me. I quickly took it and discreetly returned it to her locker, trying not to draw attention to our little exchange. Carlos gently guided Valeria into a chair in front of the dressing mirror, his hands reassuring as he positioned her for makeup. "Shall I get started, dear?" he asked, seeking her cooperation. Valeria's gaze drifted to me, and I nodded encouragingly. "Come on, babe, you can do this. You have practiced with me before; it's the same out there. Just do it your own way, and don't worry about stripping off everything," I urged, trying to boost her confidence.

Valeria nodded, her eyes still uncertain, but a hint of determination creeping in. I let out a silent sigh of relief as Carlos began working his magic on her face. "Maria, why don't you head out and get into position? The manager must be getting restless," he suggested, trying to keep his voice low. Carlos gave me a nod as he dabbed concealer on my face to cover the tear-stained marks.

"See you, babe. Don't worry about a thing," I encouraged Valeria once more before turning to leave. As I stepped out of the dressing room, the manager's voice cut through the air, laced with anger. "So she is really quitting? No problem, she can quit, but this isn't over." I shrugged, not willing to engage in his tantrum, and made my way to the stage. Under my breath, I muttered, "You are in for a surprise, Mr. Manager," a hint of satisfaction creeping into my voice. In less than 15 minutes, I heard our spectators whistling and screaming, "That's a new girl coming out in a mask." Instantly, I turned to check, "Oh my goodness", escaped my lips.