Star Crossed In Time

After several awkward moments, I'm completely dressed in the green dress. The entire midsection of the thing was missing. It was really pretty though and all the loose silk pieces made it look magical. I guess this was why she felt like she needed to help... I think she was more shocked to see my belly button ring.

I've stopped trying to figure out why or how these traits carried over here in the order they have... it has no rhyme or reason! I got this belly button piercing done when I was nineteen. It was part of the initiation in College and I never got rid of it.

It grew on me so I kept it! She looks down at my belly button ring then back to me with confusion. "How did you do that?" She asks leaning in closer. I awkwardly laugh and say "You know, I got really drunk one night and just woke up with it! Your guess is as good as mine."

Sister Mei nods her head and says "I like it! Hmmm... if you ever remember you have to tell me immediately. This would be great for dancing." I give her an awkward smile as she pulls me over and sits me down next to her table of makeup.

"This is a birthmark?" She asks rubbing the red flower on my forehead. I smile at her and nod my head while saying "Strange huh?" Sister Mei quickly shakes her head and says "Not at all! We all draw ours on here so this is pretty handy!"

She grabs the brushes and begins working. Sister Mei really was nice... could I just tell her why I'm really here? The second the thought comes to mind, I quickly dismiss it. She may be nice but she clearly works here and respects Madam Ying. Madam Ying doesn't seem so bad but I don't really know what she's like behind closed doors so I should play it safe.

"Okay, all done! Wow... you look so pretty. What do you think?" She says placing a bronze mirror in front of me. I grab the mirror and instantly see the red lips and dark eyeliner. I look like a vixen! I guess that's what they aim to look like here... I quickly smile and say "I can hardly recognize myself! Thank you! It's like you have magic with makeup."

Sister Mei giggles and blushes as she quickly says "It's easy when you're so pretty to begin with! But on a serious note, I need to tell you the rules here. You have to be nice and calm at all times, no matter what! Always smile and laugh at the customers and never, I mean NEVER slap a man for grabbing you or touching okay?"

I want to say so many things but I just smile and nod my head. "Oh wait! What if I don't want to... you know, sleep with them?" I say awkwardly. Sister Mei gives me a kind smile while saying "That's optional. Madam Ying made it a rule here. A man can make an offer but ultimately it's up to us. Many women have slept with men though, it's not all that bad especially when they pay a lot."

I give her a strained smile and say "I think I'll pass on that..." She gives me a knowing smile and says "Don't worry, you'll do fine! Tonight we have important guests coming and I'll be in charge of dancing while Sister Ming plays music. Would you like to serve drinks? I can help you so it won't be so hard for your first time."

Sister Ming!? Ming Ming? I quickly nod my head and say "Yes, please! I'll do my best to not make any mistakes." Sister Mei giggles while saying "You're so pretty... even if you did make mistakes, I don't think any of the men would care!"

I giggle along with her and hope she's right. I've never done this kind of work but how hard can it be? I've worked at a bar for three years while I was in college, it paid well especially with all the tips! "Can you dance? You'll make more money if you can dance or play an instrument." She says while putting on makeup.

The sun was already down so everything was lit by the warm candlelight inside the room. "Uh... I guess I can dance... I think?" I say with uncertainty. I can floss and do the shuffle... does that count? "How about I show you the moves of the dance I'll be doing tonight. If you do well, you can join me. How does that sound?" I smile and quickly nod my head.