chapter 3

Barbie and Cassie sat in the living room, sharing stories of the hardships life had thrown their way. In the midst of their conversation, Barbie couldn't help but be curious about Cassie's current living situation.

"So, how come you are staying alone now?" Barbie asked, her words reflecting a genuine concern.

"What, am I not old enough to stay alone?" Cassie teased playfully, injecting a light-hearted tone into the moment.

"No, that's not what I meant... I'm sorry," Barbie quickly apologized, not wanting Cassie to misinterpret her question.

"I know, loosen up. I'm just joking with ya," Cassie chuckled, attempting to ease the tension.

"Oh, okay," Barbie breathed out a sigh of relief, appreciating Cassie's understanding. However, Cassie noticed Barbie's discomfort, evident in her nervous glances around the house and the rhythmic tapping on her lap.

"Barbie, you don't need to feel uncomfortable, okay? We've been best friends for years now," Cassie reassured her, trying to ease her nerves. Barbie managed a small smile before playfully punching Cassie's arm, who groaned in mock pain.

"What was that for?" Cassie whined.

"That was for not contacting me all this time, and for also not telling me you got tattoos and piercings," Barbie frowned, her eyes scanning Cassie's body, captivated by the black ink on her skin.

"What do you like about my new look?" Cassie asked, genuinely curious.

"Everything. You look so sexy," Barbie complimented, causing Cassie to giggle.

"Barbie, I know you have a lot of questions, but that can wait, okay? This is your guys' home too, so feel free, okay, love?" Cassie beckoned, noticing Barbie was still glancing around nervously.

"Thank you so much, Cassie. Without you, we would have no place to go either," Barbie expressed her gratitude, pulling Cassie into a heartfelt hug and squeezing her tightly. In that embrace, a sense of belonging and comfort washed over Barbie, reminding her of the strength of true friendship in times of need.

The playful atmosphere took a sudden turn as Cassie, with a burst of energy, pushed Barbie away, creating a momentary confusion. Barbie couldn't help but laugh when she realized the reason behind Cassie's reaction.

"Are you trying to kill me, huh?" Cassie frowned, a mixture of annoyance and amusement on her face.

"Aww, I'm sorry, my love. I was just a little too happy to see you again," Barbie whined, attempting to hug her once more, but Cassie remained wary.

"Don't come close to me," Cassie warned, pointing her finger.

"What will you do if I come close?" Barbie teased seductively.

"Oh no, I didn't know a lesbian is now living with me!" Cassie exclaimed in mock surprise as Barbie grabbed her leg. She climbed on top of her, causing Cassie to yell in playful protest. Barbie used her hand to pin Cassie's hands to the couch.

"Don't try to fight me off, baby. You are mine," Barbie whispered, trying to keep a straight face but failing as she fought back laughter.

"Get off me, you pervert!" Cassie struggled to get free.

"Why should I, huh? You are mine to fu...." Barbie cringed at her last word. Cassie gave her a disgusted look, and they both screamed in discomfort as Barbie got off her.

"That was gross," Cassie countered.

"Don't remind me about it," Barbie whined.

"You pig! How dare you get on me like that!" Cassie frowned.

"You should be happy a beautiful girl like me flirted with you," Barbie scoffed, feeling herself.

"Oh, yeah, I'm so lucky. I get the girl that all the boys want," Cassie sarcastically remarked, making Barbie glare at her, sensing the mockery.

"Anyway, thanks for letting us stay here. Without you, we could have ended up on the street," Barbie thanked her once again.

"While you are saying thank you, friends don't say thanks, okay? And spare me the sad story!" Cassie rolled her eyes and got up, leaving Barbie a bit stunned.

"You haven't changed, Cassie," Barbie chuckled, realizing that, despite the time apart, some things remained the same between them.

Cassie walked towards the kitchen as Barbie stared at her. She returned with two glasses filled with orange juice and placed them on the table. "Why would I change, huh, love?" she said, glancing at the drink before locking eyes with Barbie. "Thanks, but I'm not in the mood for juice," Barbie admitted, making Cassie laugh.

"What's so funny?" Barbie asked, a bit puzzled.

Cassie handed a glass to Michael, who was standing behind Barbie, before taking the other glass. "Do you think the juice was meant for you? I brought it for me and my small Boo here. If you need a glass, you know where to find the kitchen," Cassie teased with a smirk.

Barbie was momentarily stunned but shook it off with laughter. "Uhm, Cassie, I'm feeling sleepy," Michael yawned, tapping Cassie with his little hand. Cassie smiled before picking him up and looking at Barbie. "I'll be back; let me take him to his room," she told Barbie before leaving with Michael in her arms, walking towards the staircase.

Barbie watched as they left, still sitting on the couch. A few minutes later, Cassie came back, and Barbie gave her a questioning look. "Yes, Barbie?" Cassie uttered, smiling.

"Uhm, how have you been? I've really missed you..." Barbie said, feeling a bit more comfortable.

"I've missed you too, love. You have no idea how happy I am that you and your brother came to stay with me," Cassie said, smiling brightly.

"I was even thinking that we were a burden to you?" Barbie muttered with her face down. Cassie lifted her head up and hugged her. "Will you stop this, Barbie? You guys are not a burden. I would like to thank your evil aunt for kicking you guys out—at least I won't be alone again," Cassie reassured, holding Barbie in a comforting embrace.

Cassie countered, pushing Barbie away. "Ever since we were both small, the only thing we have in common is that we both hate hugs," Barbie stated with a smile before standing up from the couch. "You taught me how to hate hugs!" Cassie's laughter filled the room, and Barbie rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, tomorrow I will go and look for a job," Barbie sighed, and Cassie rolled her eyes. "You need to rest first," Cassie suggested, making Barbie frown.

"No, my brother has only me. Now I have to provide for him," Barbie scoffed.

"A correction, he has both of us," Cassie added, which made Barbie smile.

"By the way, what do you do, Cassie?" Barbie asked out of the blue, causing Cassie to choke a bit. Barbie patted her back. "Are you okay, Cassie?" Barbie asked, worried, and Cassie lifted her hand, signaling that she was fine.

"Now tell me about what you do?" Barbie repeated. Cassie's eyes scanned the room, avoiding eye contact with Barbie. "Come on, Cassie," Barbie whined, a bit annoyed at her silence.

Cassie took a deep breath. "Promise you won't condemn me," she said, pulling out her pinky. Barbie rolled her eyes but locked her pinky with Cassie's. "Why would I condemn someone who gave us a roof over our heads?" Barbie countered.

"Promise you won't," Cassie repeated.

"Fine, I promise," Barbie crossed her heart.

"I'm a stripper!" Cassie revealed with a low tone, catching Barbie off guard.

Cassie, expecting a gasp or a shocked expression from Barbie, was surprised to find her best friend unbothered. Barbie's response left Cassie taken aback as she listened to Barbie's mature and accepting perspective.

"Is that why you thought I would condemn you? Look, Cassie, in this life, people need to mind their own business. Whatever you do is not important as long as it isn't illegal or you don't get hurt in it," Barbie asserted, prompting Cassie to look at her with amazement before hugging her. Barbie, however, didn't let the moment linger.

"Okay, that's enough, Cassie!" Barbie yelled, pushing her away. Cassie teased, "Wow, Barbie, when did you mature?" Barbie's response reflected a newfound maturity stemming from the challenges she and her brother had faced.

"It's been ever since that witch stole everything from me and my brother!" Barbie exclaimed angrily, and Cassie frowned, expressing her solidarity. "She will get what is coming to her," Cassie uttered, and Barbie smiled appreciatively.

Cassie shifted the conversation to a more sensitive topic. "By the way, I heard about your parents. May their souls rest in peace." Barbie responded with a nonchalant "It's cool" but expressed uncertainty about how to break the news to Micheal. Cassie offered comforting advice, "When the time is right, okay? Let him rest for now," and Barbie nodded, appreciating the wisdom in her words.

"Will you join me for my job?" Cassie inquired, but Barbie gently pushed her away, replying, "Nope, I'm in the market for another job." Cassie wore a puzzled expression. "I thought you were fine with it," she said, her brow furrowed. "Sure, but being a stripper isn't my thing," Barbie retorted with a scoff. Trying to persuade her, Cassie stood up, saying, "Finding a job for you won't be a walk in the park, and besides, the pay for this stripping gig is pretty sweet." Barbie, maintaining her stance, reassured her friend, "Don't stress, Cassie. I'll find a job, promise." 

"Alright, gotta run," Cassie declared, and Barbie shot her a questioning look. "My job starts now," Cassie added. "Now? At this hour?" Barbie queried, struggling to grasp the timing. "Yeah, it's just 8 pm," Cassie responded, wearing a reassuring smile as she headed toward her room for a quick change. Barbie raised an eyebrow, remarking, "Only 8 pm?" in a somewhat dismissive tone. A few minutes passed, and Cassie descended the stairs, adorned in a short black gown paired with elegant heels. Barbie, somewhat unimpressed, had half-expected a more revealing ensemble. "Is this your outfit for stripping?" she chuckled. Cassie clarified, "I'll strip down to my bra and pants, you know." Barbie, caught off guard, stammered, "Oh... okay."

"Anyway, you'll be staying in my room. Just go to your right, and you'll see our room," Cassie pointed in a direction while grabbing her car keys. "When will you be back?" Barbie inquired. Cassie halted in her tracks and turned to look at her. "Around 12 pm, or I may not come back today. Okay, don't wait up and lock the door. I'll take a spare key," Cassie admitted before leaving. Barbie watched as she entered her car and drove off, then locked the door behind her and headed to the room.

Barbie couldn't help but feel pity for Cassie as she watched her toil away through the night just to make ends meet for herself and Barbie's brother. It stirred something inside her, a sense of responsibility and determination. Barbie knew she couldn't remain idle, she couldn't burden someone like Cassie who was already carrying so much on her shoulders. She had to find a way to contribute, to lighten the load for both Cassie and her brother.