The Childhood Friend, Lisa

Lisa had just finished delivering her last pizza for the night and breathed a sigh of relief that her shift was over for the day. She’d been working non-stop all day and wanted to go home and sleep. However, her day wasn’t done yet despite it approaching midnight. She still needed to get started on some of her assignments tonight before heading to bed. If she worked fast enough, she may be able to get five hours of sleep in before waking up again. Lisa mulled over her lack of time when she felt her phone vibrate.

She checked it to see that she was getting a call from George. She winced as she answered the call knowing that ignoring it was not going to solve the problem.

“Hello George, if it's about the money, then...”

“Of course, it's about the money. Why would I call your stupid ass for any other reason?”

Lisa balled her fists but held her tongue, “I’m sorry to hear that, George.”

“You better be. I was going to give an expensive escort I hired a tip until I realized that I didn’t have the money because of you. I had to send her home crying. The poor girl.”

Yeah, the poor girl. The fact she was **** to spend time with this asshole was a real crime in and of itself. He always blames me for every little thing. I know he has the money too. Fucking prick.

She couldn’t say those words, so she swallowed them and responded, “That sounds terrible, George. You’re too kind for this world.”

George laughed, “You’re right. I need to make sure this doesn’t happen again. That’s why I need your next payment by tomorrow.”

Lisa felt horror hearing those words and replied, “George, that’s too soon. I get paid this Friday. If you just wait until then, I can pay you back the money like we agreed.”

“No, I need to man up and take responsibility for that girl. I need to have the proper pocket change to do that. I know what we agreed on, but who cares? You are still over 100 grand in the hole, and while it was fun to see you scramble to make the minimum payments, I’m getting tired of waiting. However, I may be willing to extend the deadline if you’re willing to spread your legs a little.”

"FUCK YOU!!!”

“Exactly, baby. Now you’re getting it. Now, be a good little girl and...”

Lisa couldn’t bear to listen anymore and hung up on George. She stared at the phone in shock at what she had just done. George was going to be livid. He was already calling her back, but she didn’t dare answer it. Tears started rolling down her face in fear of what would come next. Even if she could get the money, there’s no way George would take this slight lying down. He’s been trying to get into her pants for months, and she’s just barely been able to pay him and distract him enough from not doing it.

She put her hands on her face and slunk to the floor. Not noticing that her consciousness was fading until there was only darkness.

Max watched as a short, black-haired girl magically appeared in the room they were in. Unlike the other contestants, her brown eyes instantly shot wide open in horror as she gazed around the room. He noticed that her eyes were puffy and bloodshot as a few more tears dripped down her face. She was wearing a red pizza uniform that consisted of a red crop top, some black shorts, and a matching red hat. Her black twin tails swayed back and forth as she scanned the room repeatedly only to find no one but Ann and the other contestants. Max couldn’t help but think that she looked somewhat familiar.

She calmed down a little as she asked, “Where am I?”

Ann seemed briefly put off by her behavior before she recomposed herself and said, “Welcome to Harem Hotel. You are our third contestant for the evening.”

“Contestant? Are you related to George?” she asked with some fear in her voice.

“No, you were specifically chosen because of your relationship with the master of the show,” responded Ann as she gestured towards Max.

Lisa locked eyes with Max, but there was no look of realization on her face. She only looked more confused as she turned to Ann with fear.

“I don’t know him.”

Lisa wondered if this meant that they were kicking her off the show. She didn’t want to go back. George would find her, and who knows how long she’s been missing. If she missed the deadline, then...

Ann smiled dropped at the overwhelming fear coming from Lisa, and went over to touch her shoulder.

“Lisa, we’re not going to send you back. You belong here for this season of Harem Hotel because you’re the childhood friend of the master. Until the season is over, I can promise that you will not be sent back.”

“Childhood friend?”

Ann frowned, “Yes, you were friends with Max until you humiliated him and abandoned him to become a popular girl.”

Max's eyes widened as he recognized Lisa. She was his only friend for a long time since people were put off by his expressionless or bland personality. Well, until she humiliated and insulted him to join the popular crowd. She was always so confident and fearless that it felt kind of wrong to see her like this.

She looked over at Max and asked weakly, “Was this for some sort of ****?”

Max shook his head, “I was kidnapped just like the rest of you. I didn’t ask for this.”

Ann spoke up again, “That’s right. However, as a contestant, you have a chance to turn your life around. The winner of this season gets a wish that’ll grant them whatever they want, barring some restrictions and exceptions. It’ll easily be able to get you out of the debt you have if you win.”

The other contestants perked up at the mention of the wish while Ann went back to comfort Lisa. Meanwhile, Lisa’s eyes filled up with hope.

“This isn’t how I was planning this to go, but could you tell the audience a bit about yourself.”

Lisa nodded, “My name is Lisa Hall, and I’m 21 years old. I work three different jobs consistently and sometimes take extra odd jobs here and there to pay my mother’s debt. I have a full college scholarship, but my multiple jobs make it hard to get passing grades, so right now I’m at risk of losing that scholarship. I like partying and listening to music in my free time. Right now, being free from George’s debt is my highest priority.”

Ann snapped her fingers as another chair appeared.

“Please sit down. I’ll explain all the rules after I summon the rest of the contestants.”

Lisa nodded and sat down next to Max’s mother. She was still glaring daggers at Ann as she began speaking again.

“Sorry to bring down the mood. Hopefully, our next contestant will brighten things up.”

Lisa