by Gloria Obizu
I know! But the STDs! Those are real issues. Carissa continued. I guess that’s the main problem about this job, ha? Someone might give you some disease, right? I believe that happens so often with girls of the light and there are so many kinds flying around these days. Since humans started doing all kinds of wired stuff with cats and dogs, all sorts of STDs began flying around our planet and that kind of bothers me.
Do you know that even with your boyfriend or your husband you can still get these things? Cindy pressed on. You don’t know what the other person is doing behind your back, so you can only vouch for yourself. She emphasized.
But you get it more in this kind of trade, don’t you think so? That really scares the shit out of me, especially the big one.
Which one is that? Rita responded.
AIDS! Once you get that, that’s it! Prepare your will ‘cause you know your days are numbered and that could be very sad.
Carissa, that’s what condom is for, Cindy continued to showcase her professional prowess.
But I hear even that don’t work so good, Carissa pressed on. Someone may not use it right you know!.
Baby you need to be as wise as a serpent in this business. Carry your own Condom. Cindy continued with her instructions. Buy the best stuff out there ‘cause you are doing it for yourself and you watch and make sure the guys use it right. After all ‘it’s not only for AIDS you need it! You don’t wanna get pregnant working the Brothel, do you?
I know! I know! Carissa agreed.
And then you’ve got to see your doctor often to make sure you are ok. Open your eyes to everything and see everything. Never get carried away by anything or someone will pull a big surprise before you know it. Girl, it is your life. One life only, Carissa and don’t let them bit you to it. One more thing, there is something some girls do and they call it ‘Extra’ Do not go for it! Rita lent her voice.
And what does the ‘Extra’ stuff mean? Carissa asked.
You know, Some guys talk to you into doing stuff outside the job and some girls who don’t really know what is going on, hook up with wired guys and all kinds of junks out there and at the end, they use the girls and do whatever else they want with them. Sometimes girls get killed over such simple things as payment matters or drug issues. Many girls spend their retirement in sick beds. You know, the world is full of wired things, so watch out. Be careful! The life of a girl, especially the call girl is tricky so handle it with care. Take it for what it is, a job! And again no matter what you feel for a customer, keep it to yourself. I mean kill the emotional part of you while on duty so you won’t be saying I’m in love and stuff like that. I know it’s a hard thing to do but with time you’ll learn. Cindy continued.
Girls this is gonna be hard, I’m won’t lie to you. I don’t even have the right cloths for the club, understand? Look at my hair; I don’t even think it is good for anything. I’ll need to do my nails and stuff but I don’t have the money for all these, yet I wanna give the job a try, Carissa continued.
Listen! Everything will be taken care of, okay? We can take you to Dante right away for your hair and nails..
Can I afford Dante? Carissa asked.
Listen to this! We fix you and you pay up when you start making money. How about that? Rita suggested.
Like how much do you think the whole thing will cost me? Carissa continued.
The hair piece cost 400 bucks that is if you want the real thing like original Indian hair! Dante doesn’t charge too much so he could pick up 80 bucks from you. Cindy said
Are you kidding me? We are talking 480 bucks just for my hair? Carissa reacted.
Yeah! How do you think cities turn around baby? It is because of things like this, understand? Money has to go round. Circulate it baby! Cindy said in a jovial manner.
I know! Still the pay is just too much. It’s even more than what I used to earn in one week, so you see what I’m talking about? It costs way too much to keep up with this kind of shit. I’m already seeing that most of the money I’ll be making will end up in Dante’s and his likes account because you can’t do this thing without constant change in style. Hair, nails, buys clothes, lingerer and others. And you better get the best stuff out there if you wanna compete real good.
But you get the money back fast too, Rita cut in again. Believe me; you get it back ten times as you spend it. Babe, if you handle business right, you make it as fast as lightening, she said with a snap of her fingers.
Sounds to me like the easy comes easy goes thing, Carissa continued. I’ll still find it hard spending all that money on myself, understand? Is not what I’m used to?
Stop protesting Carissa. We all went the same route, don’t forget. Anyways may be you need talk to Tasha some more, Cindy said.
I’ll talk to Tasha but I don’t see how that will change anything ‘cause I already made up my mind.
So we go to the salon now, ha? Cindy responded with a hint of triumph.
Yeah! We could go after I call Tasha.
Tasha was even the happiest of the three about Carissa’s change of mind and as they began talking, not so much had to be said other than Tasha making arrangement on how the evening will proceed. Carissa will arrive at the club in company of the other girls and Tasha will be waiting to show her the way into the life of a professional whore.
With the help of the girls, Carissa got her hair fixed before going for a manicure and pedicure. The effect was so good that even Carissa hardly believed she could look so beautiful.
Later that day, the preparation for the club began. Cindy took it upon herself to help with makeups and the result also turned out as good as any professional work could be.
Come with me to choose what you’ll wear to night, Cindy said and took Carissa to a closet. You’re a little taller than me so my gowns will turn out real short and hot on your beautiful long legs. But listen to this, the secret is not about the cloths but in your lingerie and how you blend colors, you know, your combination of cloths and accessories and how everything measure. I’ll show you some Victorian secret tonight babe, so open your eyes, watch and say no if you don’t want something, ok? I’ve got some real hot paints you can choose from and I’m sure you’ll look fabulous in any of them. I like red a lot myself. It is the hottest color for the show. Every girl I know loves it red! Black and white is basic to me ‘cause both easily blend with others so I see them as equal in some ways. Is just that white shout out loud and very catchy and Black could be dimmed but makes very wonderful fashion sense for the daring. Anyways I like it red or yellow with black accessories and my green and sometimes yellow always go with white. The way you combine these things make you different and the unique babe you turn out.
I know! I have very good fashion sense myself. Carissa added.
So what color do you choose tonight and remember is your first time out, Cindy continued.
I’m gonna go for red ‘cause I like that on black accessories.
Smart girl! Ok! You pick out whichever stuff you want and we take it from there, okay? Cindy added.
There were really too many hot choices in call girls stuff that filled Cindy’s wardrobe that Carissa took quite some time to make up her mind and the moment she picked her choices Cindy took over the rest. After a lot of rubbing, brushing and paintings done with so much craft and dexterity Cindy said, Babe, go take a look at you on the mirror.
No! Carissa exclaimed in demeanor of surprise. I’m in shock! Seriously! This can’t be me! How come I don’t see the Carissa I’ve always been in this mirror? So you guys do all this? Know what?
What?
Girls, you are all in trouble to night ‘cause I’ll be getting all the boys. Everyone laughed at that.
Later, at about 6pm, the girls arrived at the club. Tasha was waiting outside and they all hooked up and begin charting as always.
Carissa,
you’ve got to wait for us in the car, Cindy said. Tasha will go talk to Danny and we come get you later. ?
Don’t forget I’m not a minor anymore but a grown super girl, don’t forget that! Carissa responded. They all laughed before the girls disappeared into the club. After what seemed to Carissa like ages, Rita came for her and both walked into the club.
Carissa! Meet Danny! Tasha introduced before turning to Danny. This is the girl I’ve been talking to you about. What do you think? Isn’t she cute?
Cute! Real cute!
I’m glad you like her.
Carissa was looking at the picture of a typical pimp in every word right in her face. The whole place seemed strange and awkward but she also knows that in a matter of time everything will become very familiar.
I’ll surely get you signed in tonight? Danny promised
I take my leave then and see you later Carissa, Tasha said and left. Carissa followed Danny into an office.
Do you have an Id? Danny began.
Sure!
I heard you don’t have a health insurance, right? He continued.
Yeah!
That’s a no here. but I’m gonna work out something for you. I’ll get you started and by tomorrow your insurance papers will be ready. As soon as you start making some money, you start paying up, okay?
The whole money is already gone before I even made a cent? Carissa reacted with a hint of humor.
Don’t worry! I’m sure you’ll be ok just like all the other girls. You do have a physical though? Danny asked.
Yeah! They require that everywhere you go. I don’t know why.
You don’t know why? Danny responded. Babe you got to be kidding me. You need to be fit to function, that’s why. Let me get whatever you’ve got for this night. Normally most of our physicals are done by the Doctors we approve but because of Tasha I’m gonna get you working with this but tomorrow I’ll have to send you to have it done.
Carissa submitted all the papers she was asked to bring, signed some dotted lines and her first shift began. But just like she anticipated, it was a difficult night for obvious reasons, so hard that at a point she had to take out some time to let Tasha into her feelings.
A sobbing Carissa Tasha encountered. Baby I think I need to go home ‘cause I can’t do this! Carissa said in frustration as soon as she sighted Tasha and the tears trickling down her chicks informed Tasha that her friend was truly in pain.
You really wanna go right away or you wanna think about it a little bit more? Tasha asked based on her experiences with other girls in similar situation.
I’m not even sure about what I wanna do right now, continued Carissa. My mind wants me to go home so badly but my head keeps urging me on.
Why don’t you figure out what you really want then I come back and we talk some more, Tasha cut in quickly.
Tasha I’m so sorry I feel this way, Carissa continued.
I understand! Is not only you. Almost every one of us kind of had some issues on her first day.
Ok! Give me a little time and you come back then I’ll let you know what I want.
Tasha went away, after a while she returned to Carissa. Are you okay? She asked her friend.
I still don’t understand exactly what I’m feeling. I’m being real to you Tasha.
So what do you want to do?
I don’t know. I’m confused. I haven’t even made a cent, Carissa said.
May be you need to give yourself the chance, get what I’m saying, Tasha suggested.
I’m thinking! I wanna leave but Tasha tell me, where am I gonna get a decent well paid job without the training for it? I don’t see that happening! So, for someone like me this is the only way I can earn good money and live the good life, understand? No education required! So, it is good! She said nodding.
That’s right Carissa! I think you’re beginning to get it. Baby trust me, I know what I’m doing.
Yeah! You always know what you do Tasha!
Good! I’m happy you realized that! I’m not crazy! Trust me! If you want my opinion I’ll say give it a try tonight girlfriend and we see what follows later? Everything starts hard, don’t forget that!
Know what? You’ve never failed me Tasha, and I don’t think you’ll now. So let’s get back to work. And she stayed till the dawn of another day.
Chapter Sixteen
In South Africa, Isabel was running late to a party and she sped ahead. This will be her first time partying at Penney’s house called Mansion on the Hill by members of the inner circle. Earlier on that Saturday, she had gone shopping for new clothes and accessories and considering the caliber of crowd she anticipates at Penney’s she shopped on high class lanes. She equally took extra care with getting herself prepared for the occasion before she stepped out of the house and began the drive towards The Mansion. And like it was becoming common these days, she and Wallis were again going separate ways.
Somewhere in the drive she began to recall the argument she was forced into last night by Wallis. It was soon after both went to bed that Wallis eyes shifted to her side and he began; Babe don’t you think it’s better you come with me to this Business Men’s council tomorrow night rather than go spend your time at this party with people you don’t even know so well? And she thought of her own reactions.
Wallis, I don’t even know who you are any more, she remembered saying. What’s going on with you? I’m finding it so hard to believe you are the same guy I used to be with back in LA. Seriously! All you talk about these days is this bullshit thing about church and all their damned business meetings and fund raising stuff. We don’t even do things together like we used to back home I hope you know that. But let me tell you something-n, I can’t live any other life than what I’m used to so stop trying to force me into things I don’t understand ‘cause we may be married yet two separate individuals with different minds, okay?
Excessive indulgence in these things like we used to do kill babe! Wallis said in a very calm and loving manner. They are no good for anybody. Think of cancer and all kinds of dangerous illnesses you get by doing all the wrong things. Besides too much of parting and all that stuff take your mind from focusing on other things. I’m not saying don’t party, but I’m saying don’t make it a habit and don’t let it rule your life ‘cause there are other more important things.
I’m not fucking dead Wallis! I’ve been on drugs since I was 13, okay?
You need to get out of it babe and you need to do it now! Wallis said
Ok tell me, how are you gonna leave all the things you used to love behind so suddenly and think that life goes on like nothing happened? Why do you even say you love me if you don’t want me to do things that make me happy? Wallis when you love someone you want them to be happy for whom they are, not for what you want them to be.
I’m thinking you might wanna try other things sometimes. Come with me to this church I go to. There are lots of good stuff you can do there too, like getting involved in charity. I mean things like raising money to help those who cannot afford things we have is good.
Those who don’t have can’t blame Isabel for not having what they probably don’t need anyways, so is their fucking business not mine.
Stop that! Can you even listen to your own voice right now Isabel! Listen! Babe, I want the best for you.
Like I want for you Wallis, but I know that going to this Church and their business meetings is just not it. Anyways right now you are confused by all the stuff that Pena of a guy has been putting in your head. Isabel continued.
My life has changed for good and is gonna stay that way as long as I breathe the air on earth. Wallis emphasized. There is no going back to doing it the old way, never!
That’s fine! You’ve made your choice and that’s ok but I also have the right to choose what I want. Isabel said.
It was a long argument that continued far into the night before they fell asleep in distrusted minds. And now driving in a new BMW, a present from Wallis on her 22nd birth day, she couldn’t help the sense of guilt that overcame her as she thought of how she reacted last night. I shouldn’t have talked to him the way I did so I’m gonna apologize when I get home, she though. But then the street caught her wondering mind so suddenly and swayed her in that direction as she continued cruising along one of the most exclusive streets of the Jozi rich, so she chose to bask in its serenity. Now, her eyes diverted to the beautiful flowers and trees decorating the streets, with every single one of them swinging in a symphony of the night’s wind melody and she couldn’t help but recall the story often told about heaven. Probably this is just a little bit of what it tastes like hanging out with Angels, she thought but, the essence of it was quickly lost the moment her attention shifted again. From her position at the moment, she could see the lights from Mansion on the Hill glittering like stars on a moonless night and she knew she was really close.
Once at her destination the rest was easy. There were men milling around and waiting to park cars for the guests. Door men opened the doors; hostesses helped her get comfortably seated before she was left on her own.
The first thing that struck her once inside the house was the beauty of it, something like what Isabel sees only on the pages of papers. Now in the living room, she busied herself feeding her eyes with some of the most expensive furniture man ever made here on earth. The interior decoration presented like something out of this world she thought as she took a quick assessment of the room from top to bottom, over and over again but no matter how much she tried to assess the place its uniqueness continued to fail her mind.
Moving her eyes constantly around, she finally focused on the sofa and those really tasked her imagination. They were made of real soft natural green leather and beautifully set with finishing gold and silver lining in opposing directions. And the colors in their designs so real that one will think he is looking at some real leaves plucked from trees and pasted on furniture, but they are not. Those are actually some designs from one of the South African bests which have always been a marvel to anyone who had the privilege of stepping into Mansion on the Hill. The woods of choice in all of the furnishing are of mahogany and cider with classical professional polish that the soft sent of pure nature truly pervades the rooms. The carpeting, of a color so close to earth that you couldn’t difference what is inside from the kind of sand you see on a beach. The result of the roofing finishing a perfect blend of white and light sky blue colors sparsely spiced with dots of stars. Whosoever this décor is must be one of the best the world produced as the walls complimented everything in a hint of olive green to produce a defiant unity.