Now and Always

Chapter 3

Isabella POV.

Mia's question caught me off guard. I couldn't tell her the truth so I had to make something up.

Nothing really. I'm from a small town so I came here to explore the big city, " I said, which was partly the truth anyway.

Mia and Aiden nodded their heads, smiling in response to my answer, as we all soon went ahead to eat our breakfast.

Isabella, so what is your game plan? Are you going to get a job, ” Aiden asked, downing his coffee?

Yes definitely, I have to find a job, I can't live here rent-free, " I answered, smiling as I savored the taste of his delicious French toast.

Isa, I know you have to find a job and all that other boring stuff, but first, you have to see the city and have fun. You just got here.

So I would do you a favor and be your tour guide. What do you say, "Mia smiled, loving her idea.

Giggling a bit, I was so amused by Mia's sense of humor, so I just couldn't say no to her even though I could see Aiden rolling his eyes at her.

Yeah, Mia, I would love that, ” I said, smiling, and I could see how excited Mia was as she jumped up and down her chair.

Finally, someone to impact my wisdom on. I'm f*****g going to teach you how to have fun.

So hurry up with your food, because your lesson starts today.

“Mia said, urging me to hurry up.

Aiden didn't buy the idea at all, because the scowl on his face said it all.

Mia...”Aiden wanted to protest but was shut down by Mia immediately.

Relax Aiden, why do you always have to be such a party pooper, ” Mia scolded him.

I'm not... and you know that, Mia. I just think she should find a job first. That's all, ” Aiden tried to reason with Mia

.

Yeah right, ” she said, rolling her eyes at him.

If you don't want to come with us, then just don't spoil our fun, " she said, throwing some leftover food in his face.

Fine, you win, Mia, I would come along with you guys, just to keep Isabella safe,” Aiden said, smiling at me.

So that was how I spent my past few weeks here, getting to know this city and everything in it.

I also got to know my roommates a little better.

Mia is a struggling musician and a dancer trying to make it here in the city, and Aiden is an artist who is managing his art gallery.

We all had fun together as they showed me places, nightclubs and restaurants, everything looked all so new and exciting, and for that little time I allowed myself to forget.

To forget about everything and all the pain that brought me here, I was in my little bubble just enjoying seeing the city with my wonderful roommate.

But every good thing had to come to an end at some point, and that was when I had to start looking for a job.

Finding a job here was harder than I thought and it was worse because I didn't have a college degree.

And finding a job without a college degree was next to impossible in this city, so I had to wait patiently hoping I would find something soon.

I couldn't keep relying on Mia and Aiden anymore even though they kept on saying that it wasn't a problem.

...........................................................

It's been almost four months since I moved here and I still couldn't find a job at all. Not a single place wanted to hire me.

I wrote applications to every place I could think of but I kept getting rejected.

Maybe coming here was a mistake. Maybe I should have just stayed back home and dealt with all the pain and sorrows that it brought.

Maybe this new start wasn't for me after all, ” I sighed out, frustrated.

Isabella... " I soon heard Aiden's voice call out to me, bringing me back to reality as I looked up at him smiling.

What are you doing up so late, ” he asked, taking his seat beside me.

Nothing, just checking my emails, to see if any job would pop up, " I said rather slowly as I tried my best not to break down in front of him.

Oh yeah, so how is that going, any luck yet?” he asked with concern laced in his voice.

I didn't know what happened. Maybe it was the way the question came out from him, but I just couldn't hold my emotions anymore as I busted into tears crying my eyes out.

There is nothing anywhere, Aiden, I'm still looking for a job. It's been four months, I just can't take this anymore, ” I cried. None stopped letting out all the frustration I was feeling inside.

I didn't know when, but Aiden soon pulled me to himself, holding me tight in his strong arms as he stroked my hair in a comforting way, trying to calm me down.

And just like that, it was like his hands were made of magic because my breath immediately leveled, which made me calm down in an instant.

I reveled in the surprising peace and comfort Aiden's arms gave out, as being in his arms made me smile and relax.

Isabella....” my name came out again smoothly from his mouth, sending sparks of fervor through me.

You don't have to get like this, okay, the city can get you all worked up, you are too beautiful to cry like this, " he said with me still in his arms.

Hearing those words made me get up from his chest, in an attempt to look into his eyes. I wanted to see if his eyes showed what his lips were saying.

Did he find me beautiful....” I asked myself,

And just like that, his eyes held even more than what his lips did, as I was captivated and drawn in by the look of desire and want I saw in them.

I was so consumed that I just couldn't look away, as I moved closer to him, closing the gap between us.

His gaze moved from my eyes down to my lips as it lingered there endlessly.

I knew he wanted to kiss me, and I longed so desperately for it, but was he brave enough to do it, ” I asked myself , as I waited in anticipation of his next move.

Aiden stared endlessly at me, but before I knew it, he lowered his eyes, moving back from me as he let out a low cough.

Don't worry Isabella, you will find a job soon. Please go to bed. I don't want you to worry," he smiled at me as he stood up, pulling me along with him, holding me comfortably in his arms.

Waking up the next morning. The morning was as bleak as ever. I felt so depressed that I didn't want to get out of bed.

The only thing that made me smile was Aiden and our encounter last night.

We had a special moment and I didn't want to trade that for anything.

I was about to get up to go have a shower at least, hoping that maybe that would make me feel better.

When, all of a sudden, my door busted open and Mia came running in.

“What's good, girlfriend, ” Mia screamed at the top of her lungs, jumping on top of the bed.

Hey Mia, good morning, ” I greeted her lowly as I was not in the mood for her cheerful mood this morning.

Isa... What has you so gloomy this early in the morning, " Mia asked, looking at me quite worried.

Nothing Mia, it's nothing, ” I said, getting up from bed.

You can't tell me it's nothing and you look like you have just lost your favorite pet.

So tell me, what's going on with you," she urged me to speak.

I just can't find a job no matter how hard I try, "I yelled out my frustration to her.

Oh, Isa... Is that why you are like this? Don't worry, something will definitely come up, " she said, trying to comfort me.

But, Mia, I'm desperate, I'm running low on cash. How would I survive here without a job, ” I said, disheartened.

Silence... Took over the room as none of us said a word to each other.

Suddenly, Mia looked up at me, saying

I might have the solution to your problem, but I don't know if you would like it, ” she said, looking at me curiously.

Mia, out with it already, what solution do you have, " I asked eagerly, ready to know the solution to my problem.

What do you say about becoming a Stripper? ” Mia let out and I froze.