WORTHY (4 page)

When the song finally ended, Caitlin opened her eyes and slowly returned to reality. She looked into the mirror and practiced the come-hither look and pursed her lips. She can’t help but wonder if the dance will lead to anything.

What if the guy turns out to be hideous or has some kind of a deformity? “Well, you just have to endure everything, Caitlin. What is one night in exchange for Caleb’s new lease on life?” She muttered.

Caitlin fell asleep with thoughts of harems and sheiks.

Chapter Six

Caitlin dropped by the hospital before going to Shannon’s apartment. Caleb was sleeping when she arrived but her mom was there.

“How is he?” Caitlin asked in a hushed voice.

“Could be better. He needs his transplant soon.” Amanda could not hide her worried tone.

“I know mom. I’ll give you the money tomorrow as promised, okay? Just hang in there. Have you found a donor yet?” Caitlin gave her mother a comforting hug.

“Thank you, Katie. I’m so blessed to have such responsible daughter. And no, not yet. I am waiting for a lead. I’ll just update you as soon as I know, okay?”

“Katie? Is that you?” Caleb’s voice is thick from sleep.

“Hi there, brother. How’s it going? Are you ready for your transplant?” Caitlin moved to sit on the side of Caleb’s bed.

“A bit scared, I guess. But I’m so ready to get out of here.” Caleb tried to put on a brave front.

“You’re going to be all right, you’ll see. I’m also excited to go camping again with you and mom, like we used to do.” Caitlin said and smiled widely when she saw the responding twinkle in Caleb’s eyes. Despite their age gap, they shared a lot of great memories growing up.

“Hey, I have to go now. Eat well, okay? You need to be strong for you operation.” Caitlin gently reminded Caleb, kissing his forehead.

“I will, Katie. I never had the chance to thank you and mom for everything you do. Thank you.” Caleb’s eyes welled up with tears. Katie leaned to give him a tight hug.

“Anything for you, little brother. Anything…” Caitlin looked up to his mother and smiled, trying to fight back the tears. “Hey, I have to go now… I’ll check in tomorrow.”

Caitlin also gave her mom a hug before leaving.

* * * *

Even before she could knock the door at Shannon’s, she could already hear the loud music blaring that seemed to pound through the walls. But before she could knock, the door opened, with an exuberant Shannon, pulling her inside.

“I’ve been looking out for you. It’s already four o’clock. We need to get you ready.” Shannon went straight to her bedroom, signaling Caitlin to follow her.

Caitlin shook her head in amusement at the sight of clothes strewn everywhere. She could tell Shannon had been busy. She moved some of the clothes from Shannon’s bed and sat at the corner while watching her rummage through the layers of clothing on the floor.

“Here, it took me an hour to find this!” Shannon took out a dark green skimpy outfit, the bra top embellished with gold. The outfit looked like it came straight from a rated X movie.

“C’mon, try it. I only used this once years ago, it may be a little tight. Use the bathroom.”. Without a word, as if in trance, Caitlin simply followed her.

The bathroom was small but had a full length mirror. Trying to figure out which part went where, the skimpy outfit barely left anything to imagination.

Made of stretch material, it was composed of a green bra with intricate gold embellishments. It was a little tight on her, forcing her breasts to swell.

The bottom part was a skirt that barely covered her underwear. It had a slit on either side, showing off more skin. Caitlin had never worn anything so revealing. Even her swimsuits did not reveal so much skin! But Caitlin knew better than to complain. Shannon had been supportive all throughout this trying time, and had it not been for her, Caitlin would never have been able to raise the money. In fact it would have taken her years to come up with twenty grand.

Tonight, she can earn five grand in one night or ten, if it leads to something else. At the thought, Caitlin’s fingers started to shake as she was adjusting the outfit. Taking deep breaths, she hastily pushed the thought aside and concentrated on the task at hand.

“Well, let me see!” Shannon’s excited voice penetrated her musings. Caitlin opened the door and stepped out, Shannon waiting to see her. The outfit had somehow transformed Caitlin from a pale, innocent girl into a sultry vixen!

“Look at you! I knew it, that outfit brings out your eyes and show off your flawless skin! Ohh… I can’t wait to put on your makeup.” Shannon looked so pleased with herself, asking Caitlin to turn left and right, as if inspecting some merchandise.

“You’re perfect. Absolutely perfect! You should show off your figure more often. A lot of women would kill to have your curves and those legs, you know! It’s a crime you had those hidden for so long!” Shannon gushed.

“Are you sure it doesn’t look too skimpy?” Caitlin threw a worried glance, hoping Shannon would offer an outfit change.

“No, no darling. It’s perfect. Fits you like a glove. Now, you go ahead and take a shower. I will get the makeup.” Shannon seemed to love her role as a mother hen and Caitlin is just grateful to take charge of everything, even for just today. She has grown so used to worrying for other people that she forgets to pamper herself.

“Okay, Susie.” Like a docile little girl, Caitlin did as she was told. The cool water felt refreshing against her skin. She took time to lather her body with scented soap. The sweet lavender smell filled the room, relaxing her nerves. She can see her reflection while under the shower and allowed herself to appreciate her body. Shannon’s praises somehow helped boost her confidence as she slowly learns to take pride of her femininity.

After an invigorating bath, Caitlin blow-dried her hair. Her soft, sweet smelling hair framed her freshly scrubbed face. Shannon had instructed her not leave her hair even slightly damp so she could style it.

As she stepped out, she saw Shannon putting on the finishing touches of her makeup. She could see her friend take out her full arsenal, from different brushes, to colourful palettes. Shannon is a standout beauty herself, in a dark, beguiling sort of way. In contrast, Caitlin’s appeal is her classic face and that air of innocence about her.

“Okay, sit here and let me get my hands on that pretty face.” Shannon grinning as she jokingly cracked her knuckles. She looked beautiful, a modern woman who can get anything and anyone she likes.

Caitlin smiled as she sat down on the chair, “Okay, work your magic. If I could look as good as you, I’d be able to snag a millionaire for a husband!”

“Trust me, sweetie, by the time I’m done, you’ll look like a million-dollar heiress.” Shannon wiggled her eyebrows in excitement. Caitlin closed her eyes and chuckled. It felt great to have someone look after and pamper her. Shannon was the sister she’d never had—someone who always had her back.

Caitlin allowed Shannon to work in silence. Her mind focused on what is about to happen, the challenge she is about to face. She could not help but pity herself for agreeing to this insane deal just for the money.

Before she can control it, tears, started to fall in earnest. Shannon stopped as soon as she noticed. “Hey, are you okay?” Shannon asked softly, taken aback by the sudden flow of tears.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m okay. Sorry if I ruined your work of art, Susie. I guess this is just nerves.” Caitlin explained, her voice breaking.

“It’s okay. You’ll do fine, Katie. It’s just one night and you never have to look back. We don’t ever have to talk about it again.” Shannon’s eyes full of concern.

“Here, take a good look at just how gorgeous you are while I get you some vodka to calm your nerves.” Shannon said, handing her a large mirror. It was her first time to look at her made up face. Except for the missing lipstick, she was all set.

Shannon has turned her into a gorgeous creature, one that could easily command attention. She can’t help but smile as she turned her face left and right to inspect every angle. Apart from her frightened, tear-stained eyes, she could easily give Audrey Hepburn a run for her money. She looked…expensive and beautiful.

Instead of turning her into a vamped-up caricature of herself, Shannon had accentuated her classic features and turned into an angel who seemed to have lost her way and committed a mortal sin. She chuckled aloud at her thoughts.

Shannon had set her hair and simply curled the ends, giving her that tousled, sultry look. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes away from the mirror.

“Stunning, right? You should learn how to put on makeup. It will enhance your natural beauty.” Shannon said, handing her a glass of vodka.

Smiling, Caitlin gratefully accepted it and downed the colorless liquid in one gulp. She immediately felt the heat travel from her throat, and settle in her tummy, making her cough softly. Apart from a few cans of beer, she had never tried any liquor.

“Can I have some more of that?” Caitlin proffered her glass. She felt she needed to be a little tipsy to get through the night. Shannon laughed softly. “Okay, just one more shot. We don’t want you to pass out. And I believe I’ll have some myself.” She said as she pours a generous amount of vodka in both glasses.

“Listen, Caitlin. I know this is difficult for you but we both know you have to do this. Tonight, don’t think you’re Caitlin. Imagine you’re someone else and you are performing for someone you love. It’s your time to escape reality for a little while and release all your inhibitions.” Shannon pep talked.

Caitlin nodded in response, sipping her vodka thoughtfully. She planned to do just that. To hell with everything! She could feel her boldness grow as she poured another shot.

“Hey, go easy on that.” Shannon threw her a concerned glance. She can’t help but worry as she watched Caitlin’s eyes grow a little hazy.

“Gosh! It’s 8:30, a car will be picking us up soon. Here, let me do some final touches and put on some lipstick on you.” Shannon said as she collected the glasses and put them away, far from Caitlin’s reach.

Shannon painted her lips, bright red, which stood out against her white skin. “Here’s your purse. Your phone is in there. I have also put a couple of runners in there. Just give me a call if you want me to pick you up, okay?” Shannon fussed as she heard the car pull up.

Caitlin gasped. She almost forgot about protection. Good thing Shannon seemed to have thought of everything.

Giving Caitlin a final once over, Shannon assisted her in putting on a black leather trench coat to cover her skimpy costume. Shannon handed her gold high-heeled boots to complement the ensemble.

“C’mon, Katie. It’s time.” Shannon said quietly.

* * * *

The driver was already waiting for them when they stepped out. His eyes popped as soon as he saw Caitlin. He had seen more than his fair share of gorgeous women in the events attended by his employer, Nicholas Du Vaughn, but this one was a real stunner.

“Hi Janus!” Shannon chuckling as she snaps the driver out of Caitlin’s effortless spell.

“Miss Shannon.” The driver bowed slightly in deference and assisted them inside the black BMW. They travelled in silence, the driver still glancing at the mirror from time to time to gawk at Caitlin.

“This is it, Katie. The maid will meet you at the door to let you in. Good luck.” Shannon whispered, squeezing Caitlin’s cold hands.

As soon as the car stopped, the maid met her and directed her towards the front entrance. Without a word, she opened the door and allowed Caitlin to enter, then closing it promptly.

Closing her off from the rest of the world with a heavy thud.