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Chapter Eight

As I stood there, I was shivering. I was scared I'll do terribly.

"What if they don't like me?" I thought

I could see Jean and Laurie waving from where they sat.

And then I held the microphone. Cleared my throat and began to sing.

I could hear just myself and all eyes were on me. And as I sang for a while, I noticed all people smiling as they moved their heads to the rhythm of the song, I knew then that they were enjoying it and I sang more.

Then they started coming one after the other to drop money in front of me. That happened for a few minutes and Laurie came forward and packed them, and went back to the seat.

I was done singing and a man stood up clapping and every other person followed suit as I walked down from the podium back to my seat.

Laurie was jumping in excitement as I walked to the seat while Jean looked amazed.

"You made good money today," Laurie said

"Why do you have that look?" I asked Jean as Laurie pulled me in for a tight hug.

"You did good Arya" Laurie squealed in excitement.

"You were really amazing, you are too damn good," Jean said

"We should do that often" Laurie added

"No no no, I won't be doing this again"

"Why?"

"Because...." I had no reason exactly and I enjoyed the applause and attention.

I sat down and joined them, after about a few minutes Jean left. Laurie didn't feel like leaving just yet and I was surprised by how comfortable she drank the alcohol.

"Did you notice how the males were drawn to you?"

"No, I didn't."

"If you continue this you'll be a star in no time"

"You never told me you drink alcohol now"

"There are a lot of things you are yet to know," she said with a smirk on her face. We kept talking and laughing when a man walked up to our table.

"Hi"

"Hi," Laurie and I responded together.

"A great voice and performance you pulled up there. My name is Vale"

"Thank you. I'm Arya"

"Can we talk privately if you don't mind"

"Sorry mister, she minds." Laurie interrupted

"We need to get going"

"I'm sorry Umm...."

"Vale..."

"Yeah vale we need to leave now"

"Okay, that's fine see you some other time" And then we left, it was already getting dark. I had to hold on to Laurie because she was a bit tipsy. We entered a taxi that took us to the bus station, and then boarded a bus back home.

The Next Day

I got to work very early the next day before Jean, which was weird. While I was trying to get settled in the boss came in.

I was not expecting to see him, and the idea that it was just the both of us here scared me even more.

"Good morning Sir" I greeted

But there was no response from him, he walked past me like no one was there.

"Good morning Sir" I greeted again, this time a little louder

"I'm not a deaf young woman, get busy" he answered and then slammed his door.

He is angry because I turned him down. I was never going to have anything to do with a man old enough to be my father. The thought of it was so gross.

"Was he like this with his employees?" I thought

I was lost in my thoughts and I didn't hear Jean come in.

The bang on the desk drew me back from my thoughts.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing ..."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I am. You came pretty late today"

"Yeah... nothing serious, just missed my bus"

"Okay"

"I was going to ask you and Laurie yesterday if you're looking for a place in the city but I completely forgot. I was blown away by your performance yesterday"

"We were planning to look for one, but we haven't talked about it lately and I haven't spoken to mother Pamela about it"

"Okay, instead of looking for a place you both can just move in with me and we split the rent, my roommates are moving out in a week and I don't want to stay by myself"

"I'll tell Laurie about it today when I get home and give you feedback"

"That will be great"

My working hours were finally over and I went home. Fortunately for me, Laurie was at home and so I briefed her on what Jean had told me about and she was super excited.

"This is great news," she said jumping

"I'll miss this place"

"I won't miss it. The only person I'll miss is coming with me so"

I was not as excited as she was.

"Why is your face gloomy? you are supposed to be happy, Arya. We will be leaving this hell hole soon"

"I know, but I'll miss my mother Pamela, Lara, and Joe"

"Lara and Joe will be leaving tomorrow, they got a new foster parent and they are taking both of them"

"Wow!! That's great. I'll go and see them right away"

I left Laurie and rushed off to see Lara and Joe. They were playing around the room when I got in and the moment they saw me they both ran toward me.

"I heard the good news guys"

"Yeah... Lara and I will have a mommy and daddy tomorrow"

"Will you come to visit us?" Lara asked

"Of course, I will"

"Can you sing for us tonight?" Lara asked

"Yes I will do just that"

I assisted them to climb their beds and I sang for them till they fell asleep.

I was going to miss them so much. But I felt it was great they were both going to the same place together. It would hurt Lara and Joe a lot if they got separated. It hurt them a lot when Bella was taken away.

I was grateful too that I was going to be out of here soon. But no matter how much I want to leave, I'll never forget this place. It was where I learned how to crawl, speak and walk.

Regardless of the hurt, I felt sometimes when ma'am Gina used harsh words on me and made me do the difficult duties, I was grateful I had this place. She would be happy to have me out of her sight. That has always been her wish.

I will always remember this place for as long as mother Pamela stays here. I have to go and inform her that I will be leaving soon.

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