Chapter One: Alana: A Day Out And About

“ Alana ! Get up here!“ I frowned as I sat my round cake pan on the counter before glancing around at the other basement girls as they glanced back at me.

I knew they were also wondering what was going on and some probably expected me to come back the way I did the one time a man couldn’t control himself, I was always paranoid that he’d return and while there wasn’t a complete bad experience with him anymore, I still had my accusations that there was no real meaning behind the second time. Perhaps, he didn’t trust my word that I wouldn’t tell anyone, something I told myself from embarrassment of the entire situation. It wasn’t fair that it was me but I suppose I can’t say it was all bad, and I also got my white bow back. 

I pursed my lips as I dusted excess flour off my apron from having to make a New York cheesecake under Edith’s order, I was nervous honestly and there was a small pit of worry in my gut, could it be something bad again? I occasionally stuck to myself as usual, I didn’t bother anyone as long as they didn’t bother me and because I only talked to Sandy, there was no reason for me to be getting into any drama or trouble. Without Sandy, everything was different because I lost my sister and my best friend, she was missed very much and I just couldn’t wait until I had the chance to see her again, even if it was in another lifetime. 

I missed her bounding down the stairs with her newest bag of various accessories that included clothes, scarves, earrings, and much more that Ronald didn’t hesitate to buy her if she asked. He was a good man honestly and I was happy she was happy with him. What’s unfortunate is that she had only departed with him two days ago and just this morning I shredded tears at the fact that she wasn’t returning this time, but luckily for me, my sobbing didn’t pull anyone out of their slumber. Though I had to catch myself as my cries did cause a few of the other girls around me to stir.

As of now, I felt alone and vulnerable to a sense, everything was so quiet and plain now because my best friend and sister’s presence was no longer near mine, and it was going to take a lot of getting used to. I quickly snapped out of my thoughts and walked toward the stairs, I glanced behind me as everyone watched me walk toward the stairs with their own thoughts swiftly swishing in their heads, what was the real reason I was being called? I was just hoping I wasn’t being sold again, the white bow didn’t stop Edith the first time and I was sure it wasn’t going to stop her any other time.

I stopped at the bottom of the basement stairs and glanced up at the dimmed lobby the best I could from the far distance, my head was racing but I suppressed the thoughts and took a heavy breath to mentally prepare myself for another soul-reckoning experience. I grabbed the railing and slowly ascended up the steps, I was cautious with each step to not stumble while walking, I looked down at the stairs and looked at the red patterned carpet designing while I took each step carefully. 

I finally lifted my head as I entered the lobby floor and came to a stop right above the last basement step, I was truly amazed by what I saw before me. Men were littered everywhere in the lobby, from tall to short, some men were fat and some skinny, some portly and some uncomfortably masculine. Some were even dressed to the nines in button-ups and suits for late dinners while some just dressed casually in a sweater or t-shirt. 

I was nervous as hell as I stared at the different types of men, there were so many varieties of them like there were also many varieties of women, every last person came in different sizes and shapes, something I never paid attention to before. Why were all of these men here, was it a special day? I continued to stare at all of them in shock, completely forgetting that I had been called up for a reason. That moment didn’t last long as I remembered why I was here. Well, I was up here to find out why I was here. 

I started glancing around the crowd for one person in particular, and I found her standing by the podium closer to the entrance of the large lobby with Jenny right beside her, holding a piece of paper and an annoyed frown on her face. Edith was wearing her usual pocket housecoat, her eyes looked in my direction just as she shoved a circled wad of cash in her pocket, they immediately turned into daggers as she curled her lip at me and quickly whipped around to stare at a man I barely noticed standing there. 

I glanced down at my feet, I hated the away she was able to make me feel so vulnerable and powerless with my own spirit, my own body wasn’t mine anymore and she made me realize that so easily, all for money. It was what made the world go around for her and that disgusted me so much. I took a slow step back, careful to not go toppling down the stairs as I had overstepped the territory of the basement and passed the yellow tape that we were supposed to wait behind. I then looked up to the man she was doing a transaction with and my stomach suddenly was turning and churning terribly, I was almost nervous to think of the reason I was called, I think I knew the reason . 

It felt like my heart had missed a beat in terror that I was going to be forced on my back once more and fucked ruthlessly, the man would show no mercy and treat me like some whore off the street because he had the right, because he had bought my body. I took the time to observe the man, noticing his oddly familiar, masculine shape as he stood in a pair of solid, pressed black slacks that sculpted to his masculine thighs and furiously long legs in the most delicious tautness known to humankind. His strong upper body was nicely adorned in a solid black button-up shirt that clutched to him like a elegant second layer of skin. 

His entire upper torso was barely visible because of the tailored body-length trench coat he left hanging open on his strong body. His recently shined black oxfords looked so expensive that he’d probably kill someone for making him accidently scuff them, and they probably glistened in the bright light. The trench coat did give everyone a tasty glimpse of his strong abdomen as the solid black button-up shirt sunk into the ridges of his chiseled abdomen, showing how sculpted his figure was under the top he wore. He even dazzled himself up with a sparkly diamond-face silver watch on his right wrist and a matching silver herringbone chain around his neck.

He looked incredibly delicious.

From a distance, and he should stay that distance.

Mr. Alther had one of his brown leather luggage bags sitting by his feet and his left hand was momentarily shoved in his pocket as he stood before the podium patiently. He stood so proud and manly, towering all the other men as Jenny stared at him with a flirtatious smile on her face, she remembered who he was. I took the chance to give him yet another once over, now noticing the brown bag with twine strings in his right hand, and there was a hawk symbol on the front of the brown clothing bag. 

The symbol immediately helped me identify the bag had come from

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, the very expensive store that only sold nothing but the most elegant of clothing pieces and not everyone could shop in that store because of the outrageous cost, at least that’s what Sandy told me. I was shocked to see Mr. Alther standing there as he stood with his shoulders back and his back straight, he looked like a business man and what scared me was how deadly he looked with just a stoic expression. It was also something that made me a little hot for him, he was so handsome and something about him made me crave him more and more.

I couldn’t help but stare at him with amazement as he slowly lowered his head to acknowledge my presence as the corner of his mouth quirked up a little, as if he was going to smile or something, did he realized that I was admiring him? I bit my lip nervously as I looked away from the sunglass shielding eyes that I knew were a dull green, where they still dull? Or where they brighter now? 

I could barely resisted the urge to smile as I looked over at Edith as she took yet another wad of cash and shoved it into her overflowing pockets before looking in my direction with a irritated visage, I resisted the urge to actually roll my eyes because Alther was here and I didn’t want him to see me acting that way. Something didn’t want him to see me acting like the other girls in the basement, I wanted him to see that I was different. I wasn’t sure why, however. Mr. Alther had actually came back but… why ?

“You’re going with Mr. Alther, go get ready.” Edith ordered, turning her back to me while I slowly nodded before turning around to go back down the steps. “Quickly.” She urged.

I glanced back at Edith as she turned to make a deal with yet another man in the room just as I caught Mr. Alther moving out the corner of my eye, causing me to immediately turn toward him in alertness. I stared at him with uncertainty as he moved closer with two giant steps and was standing before me in no time, I bit my lip as I craned my neck to look up at me before I timidly blushed as he craned his head downward to meet my eyes. He gently moved the

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bag towards my fingers and I unintentionally clasped onto it without looking away from the black sunglasses framing his face. 

Part of me wanted to take his sunglasses off just so I could stare at his eyes, I wanted to see them again, I yearned to see them again. He took a step back as I glanced down at the bag and the twine that I had laced between my fingers, he had actually gotten me a gift and I wanted to be upset… but I couldn’t find it in me. I slowly turned around while lightly glancing at him before taking my descend step by step but deep inside, I was growing impatient because I just wanted to rip the bag open and look inside. 

“ Truth !“ Edith yelled towards the direction of the basement and only seconds later, Truth rushed past me.

She aggressively bumped my shoulder and scurried up the steps as I stepped back into the basement, shooting daggers at the back of her head as she bounded up the steps eagerly, that little bitch . I looked up and nearly came to a stop as everyone’s eyes were trained on me, as if they actually expected me to look like last time, maybe they hadn’t trusted the process either. I desperately tried to ignore the stares but I couldn’t help but glare back at some of the girls watching me closely with judgmental expressions. 

It wasn’t any of their business anyway . 

I pursed my lips and moved towards my bunk, one of the girls named Delilah casually glanced at Angie with a knowing expression as I passed them before she released a chuckle that made me want to turn around and just punch her in her wonky nose. I hated her, I hated everyone in the damn hellhole and I couldn’t wait to go out with Alther so I could finally get some time away from them. Wait… what am I saying? Leave with the man who nearly destroyed my life? I’m going insane. Reaching my bunk, I sat the mysteriously large

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store bag down on my bunk and plopped down beside it drawlingly, I was a little scared because Mr. Alther was taking me to some unknown place, considering I’ve never actually went anywhere from the hostel. 

I was nervous to be going anywhere with anybody , let alone someone that had did something so devastating to me like he had. I knew I had to get freshened up and get ready soon so I couldn’t be piddling-around for too long or I’d miss my chance to finally take a step outside and stretch my legs. Rule was that whenever Ms. Edith gave us time off of the property with men, all girls had to leave the hostel in a small window of time but the women were able to return as soon as we wanted, as long as we didn’t go over the time the men spent on us.

“I think he’s really into me,” I glanced at Georgia’s bunk across from mine as I picked up on the conversation between her and Tammy, as well as Jennifer as they listened to Georgia ranting on about the rich man she was stringing along, “I just want all his money.” Georgia said as she slipped on her left pump heel, releasing a snarky chuckle as she wiggled it on.

“We went five rounds, I’ve never had sex that much.” I then looked over at April as she loudly spoke, it was as if she wanted everyone to know about her Mr. Louie’s stamina. “And it’s huge!”

I shook my head at the fact that these girls were like this, it wasn’t what I always thought ladylike meant, or perhaps they just weren’t a ladylike bunch. Megan swears like a sailor, April boasts about her man’s bed activities, Georgia’s only in it for the money, and at this point, I didn’t think any of them cared about finding love one day and finally being free. 

It was like this bunch was so naïve and only thought of the materialistic things of love, they obviously wanted someone to bathe them in something, whether it was pleasure or money. I was irritated about the things they wanted, why not want hope, or passion, or love? They weren’t trying to get to know their man’s in and outs, they wanted to just jump on the roller coaster and hold on for the ride, as long as that roller coaster stopped and they were able to receive an award for riding.

What a bunch of disgusting individuals.

“Well… I love Fred.” Tammy timidly muttered, nibbling on her lip as she looked down at her curled fists that sat in her lap, even she was starting to look sick to the stomach. 

Jennifer made a loud snorting noise, showing her disapproval. “And I love cash, so what?” She rolled her eyes as she ran a small comb through her gold hair that fell to her shoulders. “Plus, love gets you nothing, cash gets you everything .” Her eyes widened as if she thought of all the things she could get if she had all the free money.

I was at least proud that Tammy was defending her feelings, she actually loved the man she was with and wasn’t too afraid to say it, even if her voice trembled a bit because she was so use to their rebuttals aimed at her. Why did she hang out with them? She wasn’t idiotic and didn’t do dumb things, she didn’t even pick on people but it seemed she just managed to find herself in their clique. 

Fed up with listening to their loud conversation, I grabbed the twine ties to the

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bag and rose to my feet to go get ready for my night because I knew time was cutting close and I wanted to make sure I didn’t mess up my time away. It was going to be my first time stepping outside of the hostel and I wanted to be more than prepared, I wasn’t sure what to expect, I didn’t even know what the temperature was going to be like. Everyone was mostly getting ready at their own bunks, and it was a sizable amount of girls getting ready to go out and that meant the basement was probably going to be quiet again. 

I was going to get ready at my own bunk like everyone else but I needed to freshen up quickly, I ignored the looks I got as I passed because I had one destination in mind and I was determined to get there. I didn’t know why they were all in my business anyway and it kind of irritated me considering I was never in their business or worried about who they were leaving with. I bit the corner of my bottom lip as I made my way through the gigantic kitchen and all the way to the back of the basement where the ceiling tiles were caving in and you could hear one of the leaky faucets from a mile away. 

Luckily the back wasn’t busy just yet because all the girls were too busy running their mouths instead of getting ready, but of course some of them were already dressed because they knew how hectic things could get once everyone started getting ready. A small bowl with crumbled pieces of cheap soap about the size of baby carrots sat on top of a cubby table by the entrance to the bathroom, I made sure to grab three crumbly pieces and entered with my

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bag taut to my ample chest. 

The bathroom wasn’t very big, and it was always unsanitary, and also very crowded because there were only three sinks and five stalls that all twenty-three girls shared all day long. I walked to the furthest sink and sat my belongings down before turning the faucet on, I hated the smell of this disgusting soap but it was better then going smelling like sweat and funky from working all morning. I reached forward and twisted the hot handle on the sink, a sputtering noise was made and I could hear the gears cranking before dirty water sprayed viciously in the sink, making me grimace. 

I turned the handle slightly so the pressure wasn’t so high and waited until most of the dirty water drained before popping the drain stopper in place so the sink would fill up. I dropped the three pieces of soap in the water and watched them fizzle and bubbles slowly formed with the steam as I reached over and grabbed a towel off the supply shelf nailed to the wall by the mirror. I tossed the towel inside the filled sink before turning to faucet off and glancing around, I was nervous to strip down naked right now but I didn’t really have any other choice if I wanted to thoroughly clean myself. 

I fished my towel out of the hot water and rung it out before going to work and scrubbing at my skin roughly, I worked from my face down to my feet while also pausing to get between my legs thoroughly. I plopped the towel back in the sink before repeating the process as the smell of the soap stuck to my skin, it made me want to gag at it’s scent but I had no other choice, I wanted to smell good for him and I didn’t know why.

I was finished and sat the soiled towel into it’s rightful bucket before turning to my

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bag a little too eagerly, I was so fascinated by the cardboard texture of the bag with twine strips to add to it’s rustic appearance, who would of thought opening gifts can be so exciting. I was curious to know what he had gotten me from the expensive store, but what if I didn’t like it? Of course I was going to like it because it was a gift none of the less and no one has ever gotten me a gift before, not even Sandy but I wasn’t upset about that, it was nice to feel special to someone. 

Sandy always said

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was well out of anyone’s budget, their fancy pieces could run for a lot of money and the shoes were so expensive you usually only had money for one pair at the time. I was amazed that I wasn’t literally ripping the bag apart like I had once seen Georgia do once her guy had sent a gift, she was so giddy and smiling so big as she ripped the bag apart so desperately. Instead, I was taking my time to pull the opening of the bag apart and gently scrap the pieces of gold paper aside and look inside as a small smile came over my face at the sight of black fabric. 

I reached inside carefully and gently grabbed the fabric, almost scared that it would rip under my grip as I cautiously but urgently lifted it from the bag before allowing it to unfold itself. I was in awe as I stared at the dress while wondering what rock Mr. Alther had hit his head on to think I was worthy of this beautiful dress, it was solid black and came to a stop around the knees. The neckline was a scoop with the arms exposed completely, it even showed a little shoulder as it was made of stretchy material that would probably grip to every bit of my curvy form, and I was about to find out. 

I couldn’t help but look at Mr. Alther in a new light as I slid my arms into the silky but stretchy material before wiggling into it, I pulled the dress down the rest of the way before doing a spin while staring in the mirror. I was in complete awe as I stared at my reflection, I had never imagined I’d be wearing something like this and not to mention it had a very noticeable, sewed on jewelry brooch. I ran my fingers over the brooch in awe as well before doing yet another twirl as a smile came over my face, I was beautiful and I felt so amazing styled in this dress, is this how Sandy always felt? I was right, the dress definitely emphasized on my busty breast and clung to me like a second layer of skin, they look so gigantic in the solid black dress and I had a feeling that was how Mr. Alther wanted them. 

I reached up and pulled out the ponytail keeping the long mop of curly hair out of my face, my hair immediately swarmed my vision and I reached up to push the thick curly hair back before bit my lip as I tried to debate how to style it. Unlike the other girls, I didn’t have small hair pins to pin my hair back or cute ponytail holder colors that they always wore often. I wasn’t sure what to do with my hair at the moment, but I had to figure out something that looked good because I wanted him to be proud of my appearance. 

I wanted to look good enough that I had Mr. Alther’s and everyone else’s attention, but only his attention mattered the most and that was how it was going to be forever, what the hell am I thinking? Mr. Alther probably is only looking for some company for the night, nothing more and nothing less. I decided to just go with my hair curly and fluffy with it’s natural appearance, it was the one hairstyle I knew to well because it just happened to be the way my hair always fell when it wasn’t tied back. I was a little upset that I had such a bland hairstyle but I had no choice, and perhaps maybe Mr. Alther will like it.

I nibbled on my lip in agitation because I so desperately wanted to touch up my appearance for Mr. Alther, I wanted him to look at me and perhaps even nut in his pants at the first sight of me, maybe I was just thinking too hard about this. Deciding that there was nothing else I could possibly do, I looked back into the

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bag to make sure there wasn’t anything else inside and was surprised to find another box inside, it was a shoe box. I pulled it out and cocked my head as I attempted to read the designed scribble on top of the box, whoever made this note needed to work on their writing skills, or was it the person’s signature? I balanced the box on one arm before I lifted the lid of the box and scooted the black and gold papers aside, I nearly dropped the shoe at the sight that sat before me. 

I was in complete astonishment at the shoes nestled in the box so perfectly with the signature once against scribbled on the black and gold papers inside. The shoes were made slightly tall but luckily the heel was chucky so I would balance better, they were a solid matte black with white trimming along the top of the shoes, as well as a beautiful tied bow with white trimming as well, in the center of the bow was a sewn jewel. I gently sat the shoe box down on the sink before grabbing the left one and using the sink as leverage as I slid the shoe on, I then swapped feet and slide the right one on before taking cautious steps in them. I refused scuff them or get them dirty because they were so pretty and Mr. Alther had gotten them for me, Mr. Alther had gotten all of this for me and I was so thankful, and I was going to show him.

I slowly leaned down and picked up my maid uniform where I had dropped it urgently, I folded it and dropped it into the empty

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bag before gently nudging the bag aside and I reached my hands into my hair with another desperate attempt. I bit my lip as I pushed the left side of my curly parted afro back and stared at myself before deciding that look wasn’t so good and releasing my hair once more to fall back in it’s old position. Maybe leaving it down in it’s natural parted afro wasn’t a bad idea after all, it was so full and healthy and maybe that would make Mr. Alther see that I took care of myself no matter what. 

I took a deep breath and got ready to face the crowd as I crouched a little and grabbed the twine strings of my

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bag before rising and pulling the drain stopper out. I then turned and walked to the door of the bathroom just as it swung open and three girls entered, I casually slipped out behind them as they moved toward the sinks but they were too busy talking to even pay attention to me. Eyes watched me every step of the way back to my bunk so that I could put my belongings away and I wanted to be confident, but something about me told me to just hold my head down and walk faster. 

I reached my bunk and went to slide my

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bag into my cubby. 

“Y-You look good.” I was startled and quickly turned around to look at who had scared me. 

Tammy stood in her outfit for the day, her blue day dress was sheer at the top and showed off the swell of her figure, she even put a pretty necklace with it for added bling, as well as a pair of dazzling blue pumps that gave her extravagant height that she didn’t need, is her Mr. Louise is tall? Tammy looked rather simple today and I couldn’t even blame her because everyone needed a break from the outrageously bedazzled dresses that did nothing but make you sparkle outside, some days she walked out with the prettiest dresses that looked so expensive. Her hair was cut into a even brown bob with a pretty blue clip holding her bangs out of her face, she had dashed a little powder on her face but that was mainly it, that was her simple look. 

“Thanks, you too.” I complimented back as I turned back to putting my belongings away.

I took the chance to see what other people were wearing and was pretty amazed at the many variations of dresses and shoes that everyone was dressing into slowly, some girls had their clothes sprawled on their bunks so they could change after they freshened up. I was so happy that it was almost time to go see Mr. Alther, I needed to see him and I needed him to see and notice me. I was a little nervous about walking in these heels, but I was going to put on my best smile just for Mr. Alther because it would be something I knew he wanted, and he obviously is confident in me since he bought the heels for me. 

I turned around as I looked at Georgia while she obnoxiously smacked on a piece of gum and every so often popped a bubble while rubbing the cheap scrub deodorant under her arms, but worst of all, she was completely naked other than a garter belt. She was confident about her body, there was no questioning that, but how she was so open towards the other females made me uncomfortable for her. I looked over at April as she stood in a solid white day dress that stopped barely past her knees, the dress was decorated in pink flowers with a sheer covering that hung from the silver belt around her torso. 

She wore a pair of solid, clean white heels with a uncomfortable sharp point at the end to finish off her elegantly white attire and it made me question where she was going, did she even know? I looked towards Tammy to see her already departing from the basement, she was obviously eager to go as she took the stairs step by step until she disappeared pass the wall. I bit my lip and watched as Truth sashayed her way toward the steps next, Liz and Yandy were right on her tail as the three ascended up the steps and I finally said it was my turn, Mr. Alther was waiting on me after all.

Chapter One: Alana: A Day Out And About, Continued

I took a deep breath as I smoothed out my dress before moving to the stairs and slowly taking them step by step as usual, my heart was about to literally beat out of my chest but I definitely didn’t want Mr. Alther to get the wrong idea so I worked on keeping the panic off my face. I used the railing for extra balance as I made way up to the lobby and came to a halt as it seemed that the lobby was only more packed with manly bodies, a few basement girls lingering as well. It was almost suffocating as I uncomfortably brushed aside and neared the wall as the crowd seemed to only move with me, I didn’t like this one bit because it was too many people.

However, luckily Mr. Alther naturally gave off a deadly vibe, so most people steered clear of him and moved out of his way as he made his way to me through the middle of the crowd. My eyes widened and I could only pray there wasn’t a scary look on my face, I didn’t want him to think I was getting cold feet suddenly. He still wore his sunglasses and I just wanted to take them off his face but I easily knew he would refuse to let me if I tried, so I settled with sheepishly smiling in his direction as he looked me up and down openly with his mouth slightly agape.

“Beautiful.” He whispered, reaching up and brushing a strand of curly hair out of my face, making me only smile harder as I nibbled on my lip to try and hide it.

I analyzed him over once more and he still looked just as delicious before. “T-Thank you, y-y-you do too.” I had finally managed to strangle out of my throat, and it was embarrassing.

I averted my eyes while mentally telling myself how stupid I was, I couldn’t believe I had stuttered through an entire sentence, and let’s not even get started on the fact that I can’t look him in the eye and talk to him, he had that authority over me. I was still mentally beating myself up when I felt a soft brush on my temple, I snapped out of my thoughts as Mr. Alther leaned back from planting a soft kiss on my forehead, and it sent butterflies right into my tummy. I smiled a large cheesy grin as he took my hand and laid it on the inner side of his elbow, I grabbed onto him and part of me never wanted to let him go ever again, he’d have to even take me to the bathroom with him. 

“So beautiful.” He softly complimented again, making my heartache just to be held tightly in his arms and it was as if he sensed it and pulled me tightly against his side, and I melted. 

I embraced him tightly and his cologne was so amazing, his scent encased me and I wanted to smell him forever as he maneuvered us so that we were patiently waiting to be released whenever the doors officially unlocked. I realized that Mr. Alther was rather affectionate and I was happy to know I was something he didn’t plan on hiding, he was actually proud to have me on his side, it seemed. I looked up and just happened to catch Riley, a red-bowed girl staring at me with a strong sneer, and not to mention the other people that were casually glancing at us repeatedly, it was uncomfortable once more. 

I stayed inside of Mr. Alther’s scented embrace as he glanced at his sparkling watch before looking at the doors once more, I was surprised he could actually read the watch with all those encrusted diamonds. I glanced back at Riley as she nudged Kerry, who looked at her with a questioning look before Riley gestured her head to Mr. Alther and I. I couldn’t stop the glare that came on my face they started to whisper to each other, I glanced in another direction and made eye contact with Jenny as she openly stared in what appeared to be a trance.

“Everyone’s watching.” I whispered while nervously nibbling on my lip, they were judging us.

“Let them.” Mr. Alther replied stoically while continuing to glance at his watch and look at the door, it was slowly nearing time for us to go.

He again gave me a gentle kiss on the temple that gave me a sexual shiver that had me ready to jump on him right then and there, but I kept my composure as I licked my lips while thinking of his rock hard body above mine, he was so damn fine and I wanted him all to myself. I felt a moist caking below as I bit my lip while fighting the urge to plummet his hand under my dress so he could feel it as well, I was craving for him and I have never craved for a man so much before. 

My body ached for him, my heart cried to be near him, and my soul stretched towards him and all it would take for him to reject me for my world to end abruptly… I was in love. Does he feel it? I felt his muscles constrict slightly as they tightened around me in a sort of way that made me feel so protected and love, maybe he did feel something for me without me knowing. I looked up just as Truth glanced my way before appearing to do a double take as she stood with a look of shock on her face, she hadn’t noticed me dressed nicely earlier when I was by my personal bunk.

A smirk slowly lined her lips as she turned around to face forward once more, she stood in a yellow dress that came to a stop just below her bony knees. It had a diamond necklace attached to it with fluffy lines in the skirt part of the dress, it looked good if it wasn’t on such an ugly person, how could I call someone ugly when Mr. Alther called me ugly? I bit my lip while hating myself for remembering something like that, he was trying his hardest to right his wrong and it wasn’t going unnoticed. 

Truth had finished her attire with a pair of solid black buckle shoes that still were designed to clasp on the side, she had powdered her face as well and pulled her hair into a tight bun that only made her forehead huge. She circled her hand around a slender, but slightly built man’s as he was busy talking to another Mr. Louie hanging around the area, his other hand was occupied with what looked like a business card. He looked no older than thirty, a few peeks of grey hair lingered in his beard whenever he slightly turned to conversate with the man across from him. 

He seemed to definitely be Truth’s type, more quiet and probably willing to get her anything, as long as it made her stop bitching. I felt bad for him in a sense, Truth could definitely be a bitch and she complained constantly about the most dumbest things. She’s dumb. Truth had muttered something toward the man, causing him to pause and glance back toward Mr. Alther and I like everyone else was in the lobby. 

Believe me when I say that man’s face paled as if he had saw a monster, a ghost perhaps and the color drained from his fast drastically as he seemed to noticeably gulp. I glanced over to Mr. Alther and wished he didn’t have those sunglasses on once more as I finally noticed his lip curling up in threatening disgust as he stared in the direction of the bunch watching us further up. I looked back at them with a strike of proudness rushing up my spine, I fought a smirk that I wanted to sprout toward them so hard, seeing Mr. Alther obviously make the man uneasy made me feel so pleased. 

I wasn’t the only one that sensed Mr. Alther had a his dangerous aura, perhaps everyone did and maybe them seeing me standing in his embrace would show them I wasn’t someone to come near or provoke. The slender man gently tugged Truth’s hand and I cocked my head to lean against Mr. Alther’s chest while watching as the man whispered something close to her ear, she immediately grew upset while snatching her hand away and folding them over her small chest. His arm tightened around me and I looked up at him while never moving my head away from his chest, his heart thumped heavily and I was growing fond of his warmth as I patiently waited in his arms. 

He again placed a small kiss on my temple and another shiver ran through me, causing my eyes to droop slightly as I stared up at him, admiring his kissable pink lips as he gave me a tiny but promising smirk. I sheepishly turned my gaze away before smiling as Ms. Edith rounded the front of the crowd and started to move the lock on the door, I was excited as my heart started to beat faster and my adrenaline had me ready to run at my fastest speed to the now open exit. 

I fought the urge as I perked up in excitement while thinking of all the things waiting on me, I wonder if everything Sandy used to say was true. 

Were there really shops for food or shops for shoes or shops for jewelry? 

Did people really walk up and down the street all day? 

Where did the stores sit? 

Were there windows all over the store so we could see inside? 

Can people of any status walk inside all the stores?

Will some of the stores be cheap or are all of them expensive?

 Many questions bumbled up and down in my mind and I had an answer for each one of them, and that answer was I didn’t know but I was going to find out from Mr. Alther. Would he buy me something that I want? It was finally time as we slowly filtered out from the door and it was almost endless as we slowly made our way to the door and the closer I got, the more I saw. 

The sky was a bright and healthy blue, scattered with gigantic and fluffy, pure white clouds that did nothing to block the sun that lit the green grass brightly. It was a beautiful day with a tiny humid breeze that whiffed into the opening of the lobby but it wasn’t chilly, instead it was warming and I got a feel of the air outside, I was eager and was ready to push everyone aside. I remained polite while glancing over at Mr. Alther as he walked with a stoic expression and before I knew it, we were stepping onto the porch and I quickly reached up to block the bright sun. My eyeballs stung but it was worth it as I waited for my eyes to adjust, wishing that I now had sunglasses but it was okay, maybe I’ll find a worthy pair in the city. Were we going to the city?

These were the type of days when the basement was barely filled with any girl in sight because usually they were out and about with men that bought them for a certain amount of time, whisking them off to the many shops and destinations of Lovell, Tennessee. It was finally time for me to be whisked off, even if it was just for the day and it would end with me laying beneath Mr. Alther before he would leave and never buy me again. The thought of this being the only time I’ll ever see the daylight instantly sadden me but I was going to make the most of the day so that it would be something to remember. We reached Mr. Alther’s car and I was in awe at how it glistened in the sunlight and shined so brightly, it was solid black Lincoln with heavily tented windows that you couldn’t even peak inside. 

Mr. Alther, being the sudden gentlemen he was, reached and pulled the door open without even loosening his grip on me. I smiled as he gestured for me to get in and I was a little afraid, what if I accidentally rip his leather seats? Or dirty up his car floor? Would he get mad at me? I had never rode in a car before and I was a little nervous about doing so but I didn’t want him to think I was getting cold feet on him, so I remained quiet and carefully climbed in while glancing at him. His gaze was covered but I could still feel the intensity as he watched me climb in, and it was probably hilarious to him about how careful I was being as I sat in the leather and looked at him nervously.

“You’re so adorable.” He said in an amusing way, making me bit my lip and sheepishly smile while looking away from him. 

“Thank you.” I giggled but quickly clasped my hand over my mouth in embarrassment, I’m such an idiot and I just showed him how ugly my laugh was!

An actual smile came over his face and caught me in utter surprise as he immediately gave me butterflies with his white teeth flashing in my direction, he had actually smiled at me and that was a huge jump from before. While his tiny smirks were so sexy, they were nothing compared to the way his smile definitely lit a fire inside me and I was almost quivering in the seat as he shut the door and circled around to the driver side. I carefully stretched over the console and lifted his lock just as he grabbed the handle and pulled the door open, I was rewarded instantly as he dove his head in first and planted his lips against mine. 

A moan crept from inside of my throat as I returned his kiss, a smile came over my face as we parted and he closed the driver door behind him. Even though Mr. Alther was dangerous, something about him was also so lovely and comfortable, while he was scary to them, he was relaxing to me. He inserted the key and the car roared to life as he turned it, the loudness obviously caught me off guard and I flinched as I looked at him with alertness and he easily caught my reaction to his car. 

“You’ve never rode in a car before.” It wasn’t a question. 

“No.” I whispered in embarrassment, averting my eyes cause he was probably judging me. 

“That mean you have never drove one before either, correct?” He asked, glancing at me as he turned the car onto the road and started to accelerate at an unbelievable speed, making me nervous as my heart dropped in my stomach and I grabbed the door fearfully.

“N-No!” I yelped as he slowed and I took a heavy breath to calm myself, he’s trying to kill me already.

I held tightly as I worked on breathing, I took slow, deep breaths as he simply drove and kept his eyes forward, I bet he’s glad he wear sunglasses everywhere right now cause the glare of the sun hurt my eyes. I reached up and shielded them as he drove in the direction of the sun, and it seemed like only minutes later the distant buildings started coming into my view, and my excitement triumphed my fear. I smiled over at Mr. Alther as he glanced over at me and actually returned it just as big, I melted at the sight of his sexy dimples as he turned back to watch the road while slowing to a reasonable speed. 

I stared in awe out the window as we started to enter more and more into the small town that seemed so gigantic and I never would of thought

Ms. Edith’s Hostel

was so far away from the main population. No one could escape because it was such a bare wasteland, you could’ve easily been found and there was no where to hide, not even behind a large boulder. I stared at each store front and read from

Lovell’s Sport Mart

to

Auntie’s Bakery

,

Uni-Hosiery

to

Love Ice Parlor

,

Joy’s Cafeteria

to

Lovell’s Jewerly

and many, many more. 

I was in complete awe still as Mr. Alther pulled his car parallel to the front of a rather busy building called

N’Y Burgers

and from the car, I could tell they were quite popular because of the average townspeople. It was slightly more upbeat for it’s appearance, it was just a average building with sparkly lights that flashed obnoxiously, just your regular burger joint but everyone was dressed rather well while they ate. Women had their hair styled fashionably, men dressed in rather extravagant attire that looked too expensive to spill cash on, and even children were dolled up for the day… or did people dress up like this often?

“N’Y Burgers?” I asked, looking over at Mr. Alther as he simply stared at me through his sunglasses, a tiny smile spread across my face as I stared at him while also amused at how cute he was. “Not Your Burgers?”

He released a throaty chuckle while pulling his key out the ignition, causing the car to cut off as I smiled and turned to look back out the window while watching a group of three women enter while happily chatting with one another. 

“New York Burgers.” Mr. Alther corrected me, gently reaching across and nudging my cheek, as if I was adorable to him or something… was I adorable to him?

I bit my lip as he opened his door and shut him behind him, he walked around the car and open my door for me and I smiled as I slowly climbed out while making sure not to damage his car in anyway, I definitely didn’t want this handsome man upset with me. He offered his hand and I eagerly took it, perhaps a little to eagerly and he obviously noticed, causing me to sheepishly hide my embarrassed expression behind my hand while averting my eyes.

“You’re perfect.” He chuckled, gently kissing my temple before shutting my door for me and tightened his grip a little more on my hand, and it didn’t hurt so I wasn’t afraid.

I had never been called perfect before, and to hear it in his baritone voice send shivers raking through me… I was perfect, I was just perfect. I wasn’t sure what made me want to rip his clothes off and take him right in front of everyone, but I was staring to care less about being watched the more time I spent around him. 

Perhaps I was just so needy for him that I didn’t care who saw us having sex, even if it would happen to be an eleven year old boy sitting by the window and happily playing with a action figure. I nibbled on my lip as Mr. Alther’s large hand fell over the lower of my back and he held it there as he guided me to the front door with an “OPEN” sign hanging in front. He grabbed the door and allowed me to enter first, I was anxious to be stepping into this place and it immediately felt like the room got quiet as everyone’s eyes fell on Mr. Alther and I. 

Every single conversation fell silent as I stood there nervously while glancing over at the waitresses and waiters staring at us in terror while huddled together, what the hell was everyone’s problem? I understood that Mr. Alther gave off a ‘fuck-off’ vibe but did it seriously cause everyone to drop everything they’re doing and stare like they saw a ghost walk into the building, maybe they believe Mr. Alther is a ghost, or the boogieman. The huddle of workers all looked at each other in horror while pointing at each other on who was going to serve us, I pursed my lips while glancing at Mr. Alther as he also seemed fed up with their behavior. It was shocking to watch Mr. Alther’s face expression turn to anger as he looked so deadly and unapproachable, his fist balled and he was more than upset with them for having us wait for a server to assist us. 

Suddenly, the swinging door in the back of the restaurant forcefully swung open and slammed into the wall beside it as all heads turned to look at the sudden commotion, including mine, as a portly man shuffled his way out with a agitated scowl on his face. He wore a chef hat atop of his bald head that glistened with sweat from him standing over the stove all day, his face was beet red and his eyebrows were lowered to show he was angry. He glared at his staff as they continued to have a shouting match in the middle of the restaurant, I watched on in awe while casually rocking on my heels before glancing over at Mr. Alther, who was only growing more frustrated.

“What the h…” The cook halted just steps from the aggressively swung door that still rocked on it’s hinges. 

His face paled just like everyone else’s as his entire body froze in place, his mouth fell open in shock as he slowly stepped closer to the group of staff that was still arguing about who would be serving us today. I reached and touched Mr. Alther’s stiff forearm, his muscles had mostly relaxed under my hand and I turned back to the group of people as someone finally mustered the courage to say they would do it. I looked at the pale-faced cook as he pulled off his chef hat and wiped his sweaty palms on his chef coat while staring at Mr. Alther and swallowing audibly, making me lightly cock an eyebrow at his behavior, why was he so afraid and I wasn’t? 

“T-T-T-This way, please.” The cook stammered, grabbing two menus and guiding us toward a mostly secluded area for privacy. “T-This is our privacy a-area, no one comes back here usually.”

Mr. Alther gently guided me pass the stuttering cook and picked the seats for us instead of allowing the cook to lead us, he had picked a booth in the further corner from everyone and he picked one with no window beside it like the other unoccupied booths had. I sat across from him as the cook sat down the menus with trembling hands, he immediately shoved them in the pockets of his chef coat while nervously glancing around and scratching bald head. 

“Um… d-drink? Would you like s-something to drink?” He stammered onward, making me glance at him worriedly. “We’re told we have t-the best… b-best of the best s-sweet tea. Yes, and un-unsweet perhaps. B-Best… whatever you l-like.” 

I reached and grabbed a menu that the cook had stacked on the table as he seemed to be shaking in his working boots, his face was so pale that I thought he was going to faint right before me, and I hope he wouldn’t. I pulled the menu closer to me as it was only one large sheet, I bit my lip while wondering what I should get before looking up at Mr. Alther as he stared at the cook, who was trying his hardest to avoid looking Mr. Alther’s way. 

“Sweet tea?” I asked, glancing over at the cook, who eagerly nodded before finally looking at Mr. Alther and cringing fearfully under his gaze. 

Mr. Alther’s lip jerked slightly and it almost went unnoticed but it was luck I saw it, and I was curious to know why he had done it but I guess it was supposed to scare the cook, and it seemed it had as his eyes widened and he again went to avoiding Mr. Alther’s deadly gaze. 

“What c-c-can I get y-y-” He finally spoke once more, trembling ferociously and it only scared me more because he already looked rather unhealthy.

“Water.” Mr. Alther responded, cutting the scared man off and waving his hand to dismiss him while turning to look at me.

I stared at him as he finally reached up and pulled his sunglasses off in the dimly lit private area, I couldn’t help but stare at him as he slipped his sunglasses away into a pocket of his trench coat before giving me a once over, his eyes lingering on my chest a moment too long. I sheepishly turned my head while glancing my eyes at him frequently as he licked his lips hungrily before his eyes met mine and I couldn’t help but blush. He eyed me so hungrily, as if he wanted to strip me and have me right on the table and we probably could get away with it because we were in the private area. 

“I apologize for everyone’s behavior.” Mr. Alther spoke, causing me to look into his dull green eyes as he sat across from me with his hands clasped together above the table.

“It’s not your fault.” I replied, lightly nibbling my lip once more. 

Mr. Alther remained silent but I could still feel his gaze on me as I went back to looking at my menu, it was mostly a burger joint but they served pizza, fish sandwiches, and hotdogs. I looked at the hamburgers and they had a cheese decker that had immediately caught my attention because of how much the menu emphasized about the stacks of cheese. I love cheese. I mentally cursed myself as I saw that it cost five dollars and seven dollars if you wanted it as a meal, and that was five to seven dollars didn’t have because I didn’t have a penny to myself. 

“I don’t have any money.” I whispered loud enough for Mr. Alther to hear, but only for Mr. Alther’s ears only. 

“My father once said: The man provides anything, the woman harvests everything.” Mr. Alther replied, lowering his menu and going back to the way he was sitting before. “Order anything you want, beautiful.”

“Even a cup of fruit, it’s fifteen cent.” I whispered, glancing up at him while hoping I hadn’t upset him by asking for something that I couldn’t afford. “I can try to pay you back.” I whispered. 

“Yes, beautiful, even a cup of fruit.” Mr. Alther said, making me sheepishly smile and I buried my face in the menu. “We also know that Edith will not give you any money.”

“I know… but I can figure out another way.” I muttered, lowering my head in disdain, I knew I’d never touch any money in my life, but I will figure out a way to pay him back.

“I didn’t say that to hurt your feelings.” Mr. Alther said as if he immediately picked up on my emotions. “It’s only the truth.” 

Luckily the cook had returned with our drinks, his hands were still trembling and he still appeared to be ill as he sat my sweet tea before me and sat Mr. Alther’s water before him, he shakily wriggled his fingers against one another while his eyes danced around the private area. I wasn’t sure exactly what he was waiting on until Mr. Alther slid his menu toward the man’s direction and I followed suit, not sure exactly what was happening as this was my first time eating out before, let alone with a man. I grabbed a provided spiral straw and slipped it into my tea before taking a small sip, delight slipped my lips as I took yet another sip and it seemed to please the cook as he gently lowered his head in acknowledgement, he didn’t lie about the sweet tea. 

“Cheeseburger?” I asked, not exactly sure how to order food, I never had to do it before because I always survived on leftover scraps from

Ms. Edith’s Hostel

buffets.

“Of c-course.” The cook scrambled to speak before nervously glancing at Mr. Alther. 

“Same, both meals.” Mr. Alther spoke, his voice easily carried with such a demanding tone, it made me want him eagerly. “And a cup of fruit.” He added, I had forgotten about my fruit.

I smiled at Mr. Alther as the cook scurried away and went to prepare our meals for us, I was thankful that we were alone once more as I went back to admiring Mr. Alther’s masculine features. The way his chin was sculpted so perfectly and his cheekbones so sculpted, he was the finest man I had ever seen and I haven’t seen many, but I knew because I believed that he was. He was so buff with broad shoulders and strong arms that I couldn’t help but feel protected in whenever he held me near him, he could probably beat someone’s head inside out if he wanted to. I turned my vision away from him because I didn’t want to stare too long, would he get uneasy under my stare? Would he think I didn’t like being near him because I was staring so much? Does he think I’m curious about him? 

“You’re beautiful.” Mr. Alther suddenly spoke, making me look back at him and blink owlishly for a moment before a large grin spread across my face. 

“T-Thank you, Mr. Al-”

“Richard, call me Richard.” Mr. Alther interrupted me, making me realize something that I hadn’t before. 

“I’m Alana.” I introduced, he blinked before a tiny smile spread across his face and I matched it. “Nice to meet you.” I mumbled nervously, nibbling on my lip once more.

“Nice to meet you too, beautiful Alana.” Oh, he does something to me that I just can’t understand.

The cook returned once more and it sort of broke our connection momentarily as we looked at him and even I couldn’t help but glare lightly as he sat our plates down with a clatter that made me think he was going to faint. I immediately felt guilty and averted my eyes while waiting for him to correct our plates and sit a small cup of cubed fruit with a lid on top beside my warm plate. Our burgers looked almost identical with loads of fries on the side, I smiled as I picked up one before biting tenderly at it, steam rolled from it as I dropped the fry and fanned my mouth urgently. Mr. Alther chuckled as he pointed to my drink, encouraging me to take a sip and I immediately did as he requested and felt relief at the cold flush of liquids that soothed the aching that lingered on my tongue, but it was no real damage. 

I decided to work on my burger as Mr. Alther started to dig into his plate as well, he grabbed a squirt bottle of ketchup and put a little on both of our plates as we dug into our food and I was amazed that it wasn’t so bad. I definitely knew that

N’Y Burgers

could top Nancy’s sloppy attempts at making a cheeseburger on one of her best days, a lot of the basement girls only went out on a limb when they cooked or asked for others to help. I moaned as I ate yet another bit of my burger without realizing that I literally was shoving bite after bite of fries in my mouth, basically eating as if I was starving until I had to stop myself so I could actually swallow. I looked up to see if Mr. Alther… Richard, had noticed and of course he had, he notices everything and the look of concern on his face made me lower my head, he definitely noticed. 

“When’s the last time you’ve ate?” He asked.

“I ate a leftover waffle for breakfast.” I whispered. “That was yesterday.” I tagged, embarrassed to tell him I didn’t wake up early enough to get breakfast scraps.

Richard remained quiet and aggressively shoved a fry in his mouth without even flinching at the heat of the fry as he chewed with a stoic expression, he was upset and I knew it was because of me, it was all my fault. I couldn’t help but lower my head in anguish as I nibbled on a fry while making sure to not touch my burger again, I didn’t want to appear greedy or just here because I needed a meal. I wanted him to know that I enjoyed being around him, even if most of the time he was quiet and drew nothing but attention, and I enjoyed being in his embrace. His gaze was deadly but exotic, his cologne was intoxicating, and I loved the way his body felt whenever I touched him or when I had laid my head on his chest and heard his rhythmic heartbeat.  

“I’m not angry at you.” He spoke suddenly, making me look up at him nervously but I could only look so long, I don’t believe him. “I’m angry because of that bitch .” He cursed, his anger obvious as he stared at me so hard. 

His swear made me flinch and if I didn’t know better, I’d think he was mad at me but he had already told me that he wasn’t, I nibbled on my lip while hastily dropping my fry back in my plate and staring at my lap, no longer having an appetite. I reached up and softly toyed with the hem of my dress while feeling his strong gaze baring into my chest, he was so angry and I hated him being angry, even if he wasn’t angry at me, I still didn’t like it. I finally got enough strength and coaxed myself to meet his gaze to find that he was looking down at his plate and continuing to angrily shove fries in his mouth, one had was positioned just a few inches to close to my plate. I gently reached forward and placed my hand over his, watching as his entire body stiffened and he went completely still before he slowly raised his head to look at me with rather wide eyes. I realized I had probably only made things worse and slowly pulled my hand back to me before averting my eyes and deciding the floor was rather decorative, taking the time to count the black and white checkerboard pattern.

“Finish eating, beautiful.” He suddenly spoke, the anger in his voice only moments ago and suddenly vanished. 

I looked up and grabbed a fry to eat because I didn’t want him angry again, I didn’t want him to get mad if I didn’t listen to him so I took the chance to nibble on a fry and pick off a piece of meat of my burger to munch on as well. Richard laid his hand palm up in an inviting manner and I didn’t hesitate and I placed my hand into his palm and stared at how small they were compared to his large ones but they fit together so perfectly. We sat like that for the remainder of the time until the cook had returned and took our plates away, thanking us for coming and saying that the meal was on the house because of the way his staff had acted. Richard had just swiftly dismissed him and allowed me to curl up beside him and lay my head on his chest as I had switched to his side of the booth so I could be closer to him, I needed to be near him. I wanted to smell him, to touch him, to kiss him, to make love with him, I wanted everything that he had to offer and more. 

“Let’s go back.” Richard whispered huskily into my ear, causing a shiver to rake through me, he’s so intoxicating to me. 

“Okay.” I eagerly said in a moaning tone, sliding from out the booth and he followed suit, grabbing my hand and leading me to the car. 

The sun was now dipping below the horizon, making the town slowly grow quieter as the time went by more and more. Richard held the door and allowed me to step out before he put his hand on my lower back and guided me directly six steps forward and we reached his car. He was a gentleman of course and pulled the door open for me, holding it and even giving my backside a ginger squeeze that was more than promising, it was fulfilling. It had me eager to be able to have some alone time with him, did he purchase some alone time? Did he really want some alone time? What all would we do if we had alone time? 

I pushed the thoughts aside as Richard climbed in the car and I immediately glued close to the console between us so I could be near him, smell him, touch him, kiss on him and hopefully before the night was over, make love with him. He put the key in the ignition and his car roared to life, but this time I was ready so it didn’t scare me like earlier this morning, or when he started to speed back toward the hostel, I was already prepared for it. 

We hit the dirt path in no time, much to my displeasure as the hostel appeared in plain sight and was getting bigger and bigger as we were getting closer and closer, I wasn’t ready to return back to that lifestyle yet. I tightened my hold on Richard’s arm without realizing it as he looked over at me and must of caught the look of sadness on my face as I thought about the way this night could end, he could leave if he wanted and not have to worry about me. He wouldn’t worry about me anyway . 

“I purchased you and a room for the night.” Richard said, putting his car in park and pulling the key out the ignition as I looked over at him with a small smile. “I take it that you don’t mind.”

I happily shook my head as he slowly leaned forward in a coaxing but questioning manner, and I replied without making a sound but instead, leaning forward in and meeting him halfway as our lips touched and it sent sparks through me. I placed a hand on his chest and rubbed along his torso while feeling the ridges of muscles as he deepened his kiss and slipped his tongue into my mouth, only causing a horny moan to rip out of me. 

I needed him. 

He pulled away and smirked while gently pecking my lip before slipping out of the car as I felt so flustered that I was going to burst. I reached up and fixed a few curls atop of my head as Richard opened the car door for me, I smiled sheepishly as I was attempting to correcting my breast in the dress as well, I wanted to look good just for him. I stepped out without a single thought about his seats as he shut his door and didn’t even bother to lock them as he swooped me in his arms and started to grope my butt again, making me moan as I melted and felt so weak in his strong embrace. 

His cologne only made my blood flame as I reached up and grabbed onto his neck, we stood there mouthing in the middle of the parking lot until Richard whisked me away to the room he had rented. He lead the way to Room V, a room that just kept giving and giving in my life and pushed it open, I knew that Ms. Edith gave keys to the rooms for people out and about but maybe he didn’t need one.  

Room I through Room X where known as the suite rooms and they were rather expensive, just because they were pretty extravagant and easy accessed to the door. Richard guided me inside and a smile came across my face as I looked around the room, above a King bed was a decorative window that slid left and right, the King bed had a solid black comforter with two separate white and black throws stretched along the bottom of it. Many pillows adored the top of the bed with lit candles lingering on the shelf headboard, they flickered in the dimmed light and the sweet smell of an incense lingered in the air. 

Rose petals littered across the bed and the carpeted floor and it caused my heart to beat faster as I realized that Richard had done this for me, he put rose petals and candles in the room for me. I turned to him and smiled tearfully at him as he moved closer and circled his arms around my waist while pulling me taut against his chest. 

“I’m sorry, beautiful.” He whispered while giving me a kiss on the top of my head. “I’m so sorry.”

I immediately knew what he was apologizing for, he still felt guilty for how we had met and I didn’t blame him, it was the past but who was I to act like it still didn’t hurt, I did what I could but I didn’t hate him. I couldn’t hate him. I lifted my head to look up at him and grabbed his head to bring to mine, I pressed my lips against his and he responded by giving the most sincere kiss I never knew a man could muster. His lips sent butterflies into my guts and caused my blood to rush as I again felt weak in his embrace and didn’t hesitate as he guided me backwards to the bed. I fell backwards as my knees found the bed and he followed, I moaned as he trailed his lips down to my neck, sucking hard and causing me to gasp in so much hunger and need just for him. 

“I-I love you.” My mind hadn’t thought about it and my voice trembled as it slipped out, Richard immediately froze and met my eyes with a look of disdain in his. 

Holy fuck.

Chapter Two: Alana: I’ve Missed You So Much

I pulled my stiff eyes open as the sun blinded them immediately, causing me to squint and groan as rolled away from the bright rays of the sky and reached out to feel for Richard, only to find the space cold. My eyes flew open with disbelief as I completely forgot about the sun’s beams and frantically looked around the room for the man that had stolen my heart, had he ran off with my heart too? I slowly sat up and listened to see if maybe the shower in the bathroom was running, it wasn’t. 

I glanced around the room for any trace of him but even the silver watch he had taken off and sat on the nightstand last night was gone, my heart sunk in my chest as I realized that I had ran him off. I shouldn’t had let something so important slip and even I could pick up on his distant mood as he had laid beside me last night, I had made him uncomfortable and now he was never coming back. He had ran off and left me to mourn over my heart feelings, he was disgusted with me. He hated me. I felt sick as I curled up and pulled the comforter over my head, stretching my feet out while deciding to take advantage of the bed while I was laying in it already. 

My foot kicked something and I frowned and I pulled the comforter back from over my head and looked at the end of the bed to see a rectangular cardboard box sitting on top of some folded fabric of the sorts. I reached down while once more glancing around the room while hoping to find something that told me Richard was going to come back to see me again, I hope I haven’t gotten attached and he wants nothing to do with me any longer. 

I pulled the items closer to me, noticing a slip taped the to the top of the box with some cursive writing:

I have business to take care of this morning, I will be back to take you out again tonight, Richard

. I smiled as I pulled the note to my chest and clung onto it like it was him, I was happy to realize that I hadn’t ran him off, I guess I just made him a little uneasy or nervous. I love him. I grabbed the folded fabric and smoothed it out before me to get a good look at it, it was made of shiny silk with a blood red tone to it, I smiled as I got an idea of the diamond neckline and the stretchy torso. 

It was a beautiful dress and I just happened to see the stitched necklace to the neckline with rubies dancing brightly, it was beautiful and it was mine. I looked at the cardboard box and gave it a hefty shake just to hear many pieces hitting one another before deciding to have a peek inside but it was prevented by a piece of tape keeping the rectangular cardboard box shut. Maybe waiting until I’m situated back in the basement is a better idea. I rose to my feet and dressed back in last night’s dress before I grabbed my new belongings before taking a few steps and savoring the feeling of the man-made gap between my thighs. 

Richard was inside of there for most of the night, taking his time and bringing me into a climax before he brought himself to one, the entire night was all amazing and all fantastic. I slipped my feet back into my heels while smiling at the thought of Richard once more, he was going to be on my mind all morning and I wasn’t upset about that, I couldn’t get enough of his presence. I pulled the door open and stepped out of the room that Richard and I spent the night in before shutting the door behind me and gliding myself toward the lobby with my mind in a trance. 

Richard was the only person I could think about, I wanted to see him right now. I wanted to be near him right now, I was obsessed with him. I didn’t even look up as I entered the lobby and made a direct beeline for the basement as my mind was so wrapped around one thing, Richard , I wanted Richard back so bad. The morning felt so bland and cold, even with the sun glistening a promising day, it wasn’t the same because I hadn’t woke up beside Richard or better yet, I hadn’t woke up in his embrace like I had hoped. 

I was glad he was coming back to me tonight, that meant he wasn’t upset about me saying that I loved him and I hadn’t ran him off, he just had business to attend to, I wonder what business it was. What did Richard do for a living? Sandy always said that Ronald owned multiple companies and that’s what kept him afloat in the most promising ways, so what about Richard? What kept Richard afloat? 

I was still trapped in my thoughts as I entered the basement and made yet another direct beeline to my bunk with my new belongings from Richard taut to my chest, I wanted him so bad. I needed him so much. I plopped on my bed and just stared momentarily, my mind was replaying the sight of Richard atop of me with his hands on each side of my head and the way he was hammering inside of me and hitting the best spots. 

I felt the sudden sensation of him still inside of me and had to push the thought away as I bit my lip and squeezed my eyes shut, I was obsessed with Richard already and I barely knew anything about him, I didn’t even know how old he was or where he was from. 

“Hey, short stacks.” I looked up as someone came to a stop in front of my bunk, it was Paula. “New girl here.” 

Paula was probably five-foot-five and she had the most beautiful auburn hair I had ever saw on someone, her eyes were a crystal green with freckles dancing along her pointy nose, she had a elegant smile with a single dimple on one side. Her pale skin tone told me that she really didn’t get out much but I knew she was also seeing a man and I think his name was Trey, she was always boosting about him coming to see her and bringing her small trinkets of places he’s been. 

I knew it bothered her that he wasn’t able to take her whenever he went on trips but I bet he would one day come and rescue her from this hell and I hope I’m already gone when that happens, would Richard come get me for good one day? Paula nudged her thumb behind her to gesture to the crowd that had formed around Jewels and whoever this new girl would be by the basement entrance, I wasn’t too big on meeting someone new because I knew they were replacing Sandy’s position. 

“Back the hell up.” I heard Jewels snap at the other girls, they didn’t hesitate to disobey her order. “Go to your bunks, damnit! You’re all in my damn way, move!” 

I watched onward as the crowd pushed back and Jewels finally became visible, she had her hair pulled back in a tight bun with a crystal hairpin pushing her bangs back, her sharp green eyes openly glared at Kerry in disgust, who returned one of her own. She wore a solid white dress that had sheer fabric only along the shoulders of her gown, it fell along the entire length of her body and clung to her swollen abdomen. Her shoes were invisible from the length of the dress as it drug along the basement and like I have always said, Jewel’s always dressed to impress no matter the occasion. 

She was beautiful until she opened her rude mouth and said whatever she felt, anyone could pick up her vibe that she thought she was better than us, and we tended to bow down and let her think like that because we didn’t wanna get punished. Her pregnancy only made it harder on us, she was a total bitch before but her behavior was outrageous now and she didn’t care who feelings she hurt. I looked over to finally see what the new girl looked like, as everyone was no longer crowding her and Jewels and just as I had thought, she was definitely going to fit in with the rest of the crowd. 

The new girl was slightly shorter than Jewels with jet black hair that was wavy while also chopped into a shoulder-length bob that moved at the slightest motion, her eyes were a pale blue as she glanced around at everyone staring at her. Her face was doused in powder with her thin lips painted a bright red, she wrung her fingers along one another as her wide eyes traveled around the basement and she took everything in as she observed the many feminine faces looking at her. 

She was just like all of us had been the moment we stepped into the basement, afraid and nervous about the entire place, and she knew we were nervous about her as well. Everyone was going to try to get her on their team so they could have someone to talk to, or make their clique bigger than the other cliques around. When I first arrived, everyone was so talkative but I was so closed off and anti-social that they just stopped trying to talk to me, all but one person had given up on being close to me, and that was Sandy. Only Sandy was my real friend. 

“This is Helen, she’s the new girl.” Jewels spoke up, gesturing to Helen, who gave a very shy wave while glancing around at us fearfully. “She’s going to help with prepping dinners.”

Prepping dinner responsibilities belonged to Kerry, Maggie, Yandy, Georgia, and occasionally Truth whenever Angus Fried Tilapia was on the menu and that was very rarely because fish wasn’t common around her, and Tammy always ended up being stuck helping her season the fish. I stayed on my bunk while everyone tried to hold a conversation with her, feeling her out and getting to know her more but I didn’t wanna get to know her more, I didn’t care about her just like I didn’t care about this place. 

I hate it here. 

I swapped my dress with my uniform so I could put it back on, I was upset that I had to put this stupid outfit back on instead of wearing the dress Richard got me but I had no choice, it was a rule. I started to change right in front of everyone but nobody was really paying attention so I didn’t mind, they were happy to finally see a new face around here but I wasn’t, and not just cause she was replacing Sandy. 

This Helen girl was bought by Ms. Edith like the rest of us and she was the reminder of my situation, I owed Ms. Edith money and I was going to be here until my debt was paid off. Most women paid there debt by having multiple men buy them at a price ranging from fifty dollars to hundreds of dollars, and that was expensive. And, of course, a woman’s value depreciated with the more men she slept with, making her revenue decrease and the debt she owed to be paid slower and slower. 

I bundled my sheet around me while wishing I was back in the luxurious bed in Room V, it was so much bigger and comfortable than this hard bunk that I was sleeping on whenever it was nighttime. Now situated in my bunk, I grabbed my rectangular box I had sat near my single pillow and peeled at the stinky tape until it gave way. I lifted the box to see what was inside and a hearty smile came over my face at the sight of chocolate truffles of different shapes and different sizes settled inside. 

Some were square, some were triangular, some were circular, and some were even rectangular but most of them were milk chocolate and a few were white chocolate, which I was curious to try. These luxury chocolates were beautiful, some had zig zag designs and a few had powdery substance all over them, Richard was a gentleman and a romantic at the same time, I love that about him the most. I reached in while randomly picking up a milk chocolate, circular one with zig zag white chocolate on top of it. I slipped the chocolate truffle into my mouth, amazed at the assaulting flavors of cherry and chocolate along my tongue as I chewed it, it was definitely something I never tasted before. 

I smiled at the thought of Richard buying me luxury candy, these truffles were a sign that he cared for me and I hadn’t realized that he scribbled something on the inside of the lid at first:

Beautiful

. I smiled sheepishly while trialing a finger over the scribble, butterflies settled once more in my stomach as I thought about his sexy smile. I wonder where Richard got these decadent chocolates from because they seemed to luxurious to be from any ordinary store, maybe he had gotten them from a luxurious candy store that many statuses couldn’t afford, they tasted like it.

“Hi.” I looked over at Helen as she carried her belongings and nervously stood beside Sandy’s old bunk.

Sandy was now gone and the bunk had been empty for so long that I had forgotten it once belonged to her, did she think of me? Or was she busy living her new life? I couldn’t knock her for that, why not enjoy the freedom that you deserved for so long? I gave Helen a little nod as a piece of chocolate occupied my mouth at the moment, she sat her things down and plopped on the bunk that made me cringe a little. The same sound it used to make when Sandy would plop down on it and release an agitated sound whenever Truth pissed her off, I missed my best friend so much, but did she miss me? 

Sandy was probably shopping or eating lunch with Ronald, or maybe Ronald had whisked her onto a boat and they were in the middle of the ocean with dolphins around their boat, sight seeing the wonders of the world, or dancing to music, or enjoying an exotic cuisine. It was a beautiful thought because I knew she deserved those things. Perhaps my boat will finally come along the ocean and cruise me out of here next, and I knew exactly what my boat was, Richard . 

“Hey, new girl.” Helen and I both looked up as Truth and her clique of five girls crowded Sandy’s old bunk that now belonged to Helen, I better get used to thinking that. “I’m Truth, that’s Riley, that’s Parker, that’s Maggie, that’s Kerry, and that’s Liz.” 

Riley was the shortest of all the girls with a fishtail braid in her head, matter of fact, all of the girls had fishtail braids in their hair today, but Riley had went a little in a different direction and allowed her bangs to hang into her cold brown eyes that looked at Helen with annoyance. If Helen decided to join Truth’s clique, Riley would no longer be the new girl and I guess she was upset about that. Truth’s entire clique wore red bows on their uniform, as they were all selling themselves to pay their debt to Ms. Edith off and because Truth’s nasty attitude towards anyone that wasn’t part of her clique, she tended to get into arguments often. 

Parker had sky blue eyes that were circled in eyeliner to give her a badass appearance but it didn’t work, she was the sweetest of the bunch and while everyone didn’t like Truth’s clique, Parker got along with everyone. Her face was so thin you’d think she was ill and didn’t eat many meals a day, but she kept her figure right with a flat stomach and occasionally watching how many sweets she downed. 

Maggie was the second smart mouthed one with Truth being the first, Maggie also started a lot of drama in the basement because she was always snitching to someone else, or just starting rumors that ended bad. Her eyes were also as blue as a beautiful day with eyeliner circling them also, her face was powdered heavily and her height was almost matched with Truth’s. Maggie was the one who went around saying that Jewels was cheating on her husband and the child she was carrying wasn’t his, and to this day, Jewels despises of Maggie and Kerry, who helped spread the rumor. 

Kerry had red hair that the girls had helped her dye that way, it was pulled into a fishtail as well and her bangs were tautly pulled back to mingle into the braid. Kerry was the laidback one that didn’t argue because she enjoyed getting physical instead, she always got into a physical fight with a basement girl over the stupid things like someone moving her belongings into another spot. She had a purple hairpin randomly shoved in her fishtail braid with sparkly brown eyes that had mascara on them, her favorite color was purple and she was more of a diva than anyone out of the entire group. Jewels couldn’t stand Kerry’s presence, and no one else could either, not even Truth and she was supposedly Kerry’s friend. 

Lastly was Elizabeth but we called her Liz for short and she was the talkative one that could talk your ear off all day and there were times when everyone had to tell her to shut up in unison before she would go quiet. Liz was a smart mouth one but not as bad as Truth and Maggie, instead, Liz was just following in their direction and tried to act like them from time to time. Even Kerry and Liz came to blows before and that’s why they tended to keep a distance from one another under Truth’s orders of her clique. Liz had blue eyes and bright blonde hair that had darker highlights, her face was also pretty thin and her lips always in a scowl because tried to appear unapproachable, it didn’t work her though.

“I’m Helen.” Helen replied, surprisingly not offended by the girls crowding her personal space.

Kerry and Maggie had posted beside her cubby while Truth sat on Helen’s bunk with Liz stationed right beside her, Parker was standing at the end of the bunk to block the exit so that Truth can have a conversation without anyone trying to interrupt them, not that anyone would. 

I popped a milk chocolate triangular truffle into my mouth and crunched on the almonds inside as they spoke to each other and it was obvious that Helen was going to be part of their clique, Maggie had even started braiding a fishtail in her hair as she and Liz conversated about Liz’s boyfriend. I mentally rolled my eyes as I watched Maggie aggressively shove a hairpin in the front of Helen’s hair, tacking her bands from her eyes. 

“Thanks.” Helen muttered to Maggie, who gave her a careless shrug before wandering off and muttering about something to eat while rubbing her growling stomach. “I’m not that good of a cook, but I’m a fast learner.” 

“It’s cool, we’ll teach you what you need to know.” Truth said while fanning her off, and she wasn’t even a good cook herself. 

I grabbed a white chocolate truffle and bit halfway into it to find a crisp wafer, I put the other half inside my mouth and crunched on it while watching people come and go to conversate with the new girl, I didn’t wanna conversate with anyone but Sandy or Richard, and neither one of them was here. Someone suddenly plopped down on my bunk and I was ready to tell Truth off when I looked up and saw it was Paula, I wasn’t too friendly with her because I didn’t really know her no more than Sandy ever shared with me. 

Sandy always kept me updated on everything because of the fact she was always around Ms. Edith, she always heard the latest gossip of the town and the hostel. If a man was coming to buy a basement girl soon, Sandy would know. If Ms. Edith was purchasing a new girl for the basement, Sandy would know. If something devastating was going on and affecting business, Sandy would know. Sandy always knew everything, and without her here, I knew nothing.

“They’re annoying.” Paula muttered, shaking her head as Truth and her friends started to lead Helen to the kitchens to showing her the new station she’d be working in. “What did you do last night?” 

I rose an eyebrow while wondering how she’d realize I wasn’t here last night, I figured no one would notice that little, quiet me had disappeared the entire day and night or that I had snuck down here this morning. Mainly because they were so tuned into the new girl that they didn’t even think twice about me coming down in my dress from yesterday and some new belongings in my hand. I remember when Sandy used to return, she’d always be carrying something that Ronald had gotten her or that she had picked for herself so that he could buy it. 

Everyone would look at her with such envy, they wanted her position and that’s what they hated most. No one had realized I was back but Paula, and unlike Sandy, I wasn’t social with everyone like she was so people knew when she came and went, it would get too quiet when she wasn’t around. I missed those days most, when Sandy would appear out of nowhere and tell me how much she enjoyed herself with Ronald. I wish she was here so I could tell her about Richard and how he was being so kind and so different, Sandy wouldn’t be judgmental like everyone else if I tried to explain my emotions about Richard, my…

rapist

. 

I placed a milk chocolate rectangular truffle into my mouth and bit halfway into it, surprised to see a caramel string attaching from my lips and to the other side of the truffle before the assault of deliciousness started again. Paula looked over and made a frowning face as she peeked into my box before frowning her face up more and more. 

“Eww, chocolate.” She muttered before shaking her head and tightening her ponytail in the back of her head. 

“You don’t like chocolate?” I asked as I swallowed the sweetness, Paula shook her head. 

“No, not a big fan.” Paula responded, stretching her legs out before her before waving at Hailey as Hailey entered the basement from the staircase. 

“Hey guys.” Hailey said to us as she stepped closer before taking a seat on my cubby table. 

“Hey.” I replied.

“Hey, Hailey.” Paula replied after me. “What did the old hag want?” 

I looked over at Hailey, who simply shrugged before shaking her head as she waved it off like it was nothing important, Hailey was always kind and helpful to anyone who needed it and for that reason, I’ve seen her taken advantage of constantly. She had blonde hair and pretty sparkly blue eyes that even glittered in the darkness somehow, her pretty teeth made her smile so pearly and perfect, and her body was to die for with a washboard stomach and decent enough hips. 

She must of been upstairs and I hadn’t seen her because I was focused on something else, that sexy, dangerous man named Richard Alther, and I couldn’t to see him again so I can get to know him more and more. Smell his cologne more and more. Touch him more and more. Have sex with him more and more. 

“Where did you go yesterday?” Hailey asked me, knocking my thoughts aside as I blinked owlishly before realizing she was talking to me. 

“Oh… just out.” I said quietly, it came out more timidly than I wanted but it was no one’s business anyway. “Where did you go?”

“Just out.” Hailey said, giving me an unconvinced glance before she looked at Paula. “What about you Paula, you left yesterday, right?”

“Yeah, Trey took me out to eat at some Chinese restaurant, I never had Chinese before and it was pretty good. They had fortune cookies, I’m gonna have to bring you one next time, they supposed to predict your future. After that, we went to the shopping market and Trey picked out this necklace for me to wear tonight when he takes me out again. We had also got a room for the night and…” Paula talked while Hailey and I remained quiet, and the more Paula talked, the more I lost track of the conversation. 

I subconsciously was eating my truffles, crunching on wafers and sucking the chocolate off the almonds until they nestled on my tongue alone, I wanted to be alone for some reason, I was too anti-social for the basement. Everyone always seemed so friendly and social but I just couldn’t be that, I was so used to being to myself all my life, it wasn’t easy to become social. I was so closed off that I was surprised Richard had managed to wiggle his way inside, but somehow, he had managed to do it and I didn’t regret putting up a stronger wall towards him.   

“… you think that’s true?” I zoned back in before looking at Paula questionably. 

“What happened?” I asked, confused about what she was saying.

“Kerry’s saying Truth slept with Ryan.” Paula whispered to me, pursing her lips in thought. “You think it’s true?” If Ryan, Jewels husband, did sleep with Truth, Jewels was definitely not going to be happy. 

“When?” Hailey whispered in return, glancing over to where Truth was still guiding Helen around the station they shared for dinner preparations. “I don’t know, Kerry’s always spreading rumors.”

“I don’t think it’s a rumor, I think it’s true.” Paula quietly muttered, shaking her head with disgust all in her expression. “Truth sleeps with anyone, and not just because she’s in debt.”

“Shit, well I heard he was sleeping with Sherri too, that was before she left.” Hailey whispered, rubbing her forehead with a face of disdain. “But you’re right, I heard Truth tried to sleep with Ryan years ago but he turned her down.” 

“I heard that too.” Paula replied in a low voice. “If she tries that shit with Trey, I’m beating her ass.”

“I put her ass in a chokehold before.” Hailey said, shrugging before shifting around on the top of my cubby table. “She tapped out.”

“Seriously?” Paula asked in shock, her eyebrows lifting in disbelief. “What she do? Tell us what happened.”

“Dominic and I got into it, a big argument, in the lobby and later that night, she made a move on him and they both paid for it. I stop talking to Dominic for an entire week straight and he’d come everyday with presents to say sorry, I’d throw them at his feet. He brought flowers, chocolates, even begged me to spend time with him and to talk it out. He didn’t even tell me, I found out from Kerry’s big ass mouth, and the same day I caught Truth in the bathroom by herself and I tried to choke her out. She avoids him at all cost now.” Hailey summed up. “That was literally two months ago.”

Chapter Two: Alana: I’ve Missed You So Much, Continued

I couldn’t believe that she had gotten away with choking Truth but it was probably because she had scared Truth enough to not snitch to Ms. Edith or Jewels about it, but that serves Truth right, she can’t just sleep with anyone’s man. I was glad to know that Truth was a slimy with how she moved, she couldn’t be trusted from a mile away when Richard was around and I had to make sure she didn’t get too close. I knew Richard wouldn’t go there, I at least hope he wouldn’t go there with her but I can’t be too careless but even Hailey’s man cheated with her.

“The bitch deserves it, she really thinks she’s better than everyone else but if she really did sleep with Jewels’ husband, Jewels’ gonna make her life a living hell.” Paula said.

“It’s already-” Hailey was cut off by a metal bell booming through the basement and many groans followed as it was a bell to signal cooking hours.

I slowly rose to my feet and stretched my back as Paula and Hailey walked ahead of me, I didn’t want to walk with anyone else because I didn’t want to conversate with anyone, I just wanna work and hopefully see Richard when he came to purchase me for the night. I grabbed one last truffle out of my cardboard rectangular box before securing the lid and storing the box under my pillow. 

I popped the truffle into my mouth and tasted the cherry inside as I chewed, I fought a smile as I fixed my top sheet on my bed before moving toward my station so I could start my prepping while Jewels stood nearby and watched. I noticed she as lingering mostly to the dinner preparation stations and I immediately remembered what Paula had said about Truth and Jewels husband, maybe the accusations are true after all. Almost in a trance, Jewels strutted over to the chalkboard tri-stand beside the table of hefty ingredients, she started jotting down the buffet menu.

Starting with breakfast, she scribbled Sausage and Biscuit, Scrambled Eggs and Potatoes, or Cinnamon Rolls that I would be making considering they’re a breakfast dessert. Lunch was choices of Grilled Cheese and Soup or Ham And Cheese Melty Sandwich, and dinner was were things always got complicated because the only choice you had to change was your protein. Today’s sides where the choices of Sweet Corn or Cole Slaw with the protein options of Sautéed Steak, Fried Tilapia, or Baked Chicken with dessert as Chocolate Cake, Cheesecake, or Toffee French Macaroons. 

I frowned at the sight of Jewels writing Fried Tilapia before glancing over at Truth, who curled her lip while rolling her eyes before crossing her arms over her chest aggressively. Everyone knew that today wasn’t Sunday and that’s the only time we ever fried fish but whatever, Jewels is the boss so she can do whatever she want, I just need to make sure the desserts are completed in time for the buffet so I can leave with Richard tonight.

With the menu written down, everyone started to slowly move while I walked to the ingredient table and started picking through the various ingredients there, grabbing items I needed as I spotted them. I found a closed vial of vanilla extract before seconds later finding a plastic bag of flour that no one had opened yet, I picked that up as well and propped it in my arms to take back to my station when I was finished picking over the table for items. 

I grabbed four large eggs before walking back to my station set everything down, I walked carefully so I wouldn’t drop anything as the other girls moved rather casually in their own place. This was how the basement always started, everyone would be doing their own thing and not keeping up with time before the girls would realize that they were cutting it close on time and speed up to finish their orders.

I worked skillfully but swiftly because I didn’t want to miss the chance of seeing Richard tonight, a privilege Ms. Edith could take away if I was to not do my job correctly. If we so much as didn’t put out an order in time, we would get our privilege take away and I couldn’t afford to mess up anything because I was determined to see that handsome man I was in love with, I had to see him tonight. I mostly worked off memory but when it came time to start preparing my Toffee French Macaroons, I couldn’t remember how to do so and it bugged me drastically. 

I walked to a drawer and opened it to find my small, sealed metal box and grabbed it out before whisking through the tiny slips inside until I found what I was looking for, a Toffee French Macaroon recipe. I started working on all of my deserts, making Cheesecake after Cheesecake with slices of strawberries on top before moving to making multiple Chocolate Cakes with flour covering my entire apron while I worked steadily. Lastly where the Toffee French Macaroons and I prayed inside that I made enough as I put the mostly finished product over the fire to cook, plopping down to watch the dry wood burn in the open oven. 

I grabbed the fifth pan of Cheesecake and sat the appropriate amount of Cheesecake on top before setting it aside and checking on my Toffee French Macaroons because I knew they wouldn’t take long. Almost finished, I let them sit there a little longer before moving to go through the metal box that I kept hidden from everyone else. When I first arrived, it was handed to me by Ms. Edith as I was the sole dessert cooker and I didn’t mind, she ordered me to memorize the most basic ones and to only pull it out when absolutely necessary and today, it was necessary.

“Buffet opens in ten!” Jewels snapped angrily as impatiently tapped her foot, glaring over at Truth as she pulled her fifteenth Fried Tilapia out of the hot grease and cursed to herself.

She needed at least fifty pieces of Fried Tilapia and because she was so busy trolling everyone else in their stations, she started too late and was going to be suffering the consequences, I knew why Jewels had chose Fried Tilapia for the buffet, she knew Truth struggled with cooking. I bit my lip while counting the five Strawberry Cheesecakes, the five Chocolate Cakes, and seven trays of Toffee French Macaroons all sitting atop of the counter to be served, my last tray of Toffee French Macaroons would make it seven trays and definitely enough for the buffet. I pulled the last tray out and grimaced at the sight burn in them, I could fix it by covering it up, so that’s what I did. I filled them with the toffee icing before sprinkling confection sugar over the top of them, problem definitely solved.

“Truth, what the fuck have you been doing this whole damn time!” And there it started, Jewels was ripping Truth a new one in no time. “You’ve cooked fifteen fucking fish!

Fifteen

!“

“You, you stupid bitch ! You wouldn’t let Tammy help me!” Truth rebuttal shocked everyone, no one talked back to Jewels and got away with it, no one that didn’t have a powerful boyfriend.

We watched on in silence as the table girls came down and grabbed all the food for the buffet, leaving a few trays behind just incase they didn’t need them, I stayed completely still as Truth and Jewels with back and forth, and neither were ready to back down. Picking up on Jewels emotions were obvious, she was ready to strike Truth and the way her hands were moving up and down in the air, it wouldn’t be long before they came to blows. Even pregnant, Jewels was feisty and obviously didn’t give a damn about her child, and that was what had me upset about the entire situation. 

The rumors had to be true for Jewels be targeting Truth out of everyone, as she usually picked on Kerry the most but today, she was gunning for Truth’s throat and had gotten what she wanted. She wanted to get Truth riled up and I stayed near to watch everything go down because I also wanted to know if she slept with Jewels husband, did she really stoop so low? All the single men out her but she’d rather sleep with a marry one, could that rumor had been true all along?

“… then stop sleeping with women’s husbands!” Jewels yelled, her hands flying in the air and I knew it would come sooner or later. “You’re a whore!”

“Shut up talking to me or I’ll do it again!” Truth threatened and the sound of Jewels hand coming across her face caused everyone to go still, even Kerry, who was once laughing at them argue.

Luckily, Maggie grabbed Truth to keep her from striking Jewels back, who looked down at Truth with so much disgust that I even had to shiver in sudden excitement, she was promising Truth hell from this day forward and I might just like being in the basement after all. It was nice to see Truth getting a taste of her own medicine, as she was always causing drama and fighting people but now it was coming back to bite her in the ass. 

I glanced over at Paula, who wore a smirk on her face as she crossed her arms over her chest and leaned against the counter of her station to watch the altercation, her eyes never leaving the center where the drama was unfolding. I couldn’t wait to fill Richard in on what was happening with everyone in the basement, I couldn’t wait to vent to him about everything. I couldn’t wait to be near him, I need to get ready so I can see him.

“We’re going to have a good discussion when I finish my business, don’t hide.” Jewels threatened Truth, who flipped her the bird in response as she walked away.

“I’m gonna kill that bitch.” Truth threatened as she pushed Maggie off her, who pushed her back. “Don’t grab me ever again!”

“I won’t, next time I’ll let her kick your ass while she’s pregnant.” Maggie huffed, only setting Truth into an angry state once more.

“She can’t kick my ass! I’m sick of your mouth, Maggie. Show me some fucking respect.” Truth said, cocking her hip and lifting her chin toward Maggie, who made the funniest, rude noise ever.

“Respect? You sleep with married man. Who would ever show you respect?” Maggie smart mouthed, barely dodging Truth’s attempt to grab a handful of her hair.

Kerry quickly pushed them apart and I shook my head as I looked at the unstable clique obviously falling apart right in front of my eyes, I moved to my bunk while getting ready to go because I knew it was almost time to head out for the night. I grabbed the new dress Richard have gave me this morning before moving back through the kitchen to go freshen up in the bathroom, I was ready to see him and I couldn’t waste too much time. 

I followed the routine like before, grabbing the crumble soap and going to enter the bathroom but I halted at the sight of many bodies huddling around on the inside. All of the sinks were being occupied as at least five girls were already getting ready for the night, having miss what happened to between Jewels and Truth, but of course word spreads like wildfire here. I admired the fact that they’d rather get ready to see their significant others rather than watching some women go head-to-head, and I had to be like that next time cause I’d rather get ready to see Richard then watch two women beat each others skull in.

“… but they said it’s true, she’s sleeping with Jewels husband.” April informed, stepping into a pair of suede red platform heels.

April was mostly quiet but rather observing because she was also who always spread the word, but unlike Kerry, she made sure her information wasn’t just a rumor to start drama and that’s why I didn’t mind her presence. She had bleached blonde hair that was almost white from her failed attempt to get highlights but it looked better than anyone expected, and she would rode her hair up so it’ll be wavy and fall into her soft green eyes. She wore a solid black dress with long sleeves made of sheer material, she had put a red hairpin in her hair with a rose attached to it. The dress clung to her skinny frame rather well, since she was made rather lanky and had not a single curve.

“But what about her, didn’t she cheat too?” Paige asked, obviously on the husband’s side about this ordeal.

Paige was more on the quiet side if anything but she definitely stood up for herself whenever she had to, and she always was kind to anyone, no matter the occasion. Her hair was also blonde but unlike April, her highlights worked in her favor so she had streaks of darkness in her hair and she always pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail. Paige was dressed in multi-color gown that came just below the knees and feathered out whenever she made the slightest move, it was finished with a pair of black heels and a blue belt around her waist for added fashion.

“Yeah, but two wrongs don’t make it right, Paige.” Yandy spoke up next, standing in the mirror while sticking hairpins in her hair to hold her straight bangs out of her face.

Yandy wore a yellow sundress that was so beautiful that even I had to pause to admire it, it was decorated in beautiful white daises on a yellow background, making the flowers pop even more and she had found a pair of matching heels that she had already adored on her feet. She had streaky brown eyes with mascara that made her eyelashes really pop, her lips were painted a bright pink that looked really good. She moved closer to April to give me access to a sink, which I gladly moved to as the door opened and Georgia sashayed in, her belongings in her hand. 

I peeked behind me at her just as she noticed the sink I was headed to but I was lucky and got there before her while she rushed forward to beat me to it. I sat my belongings down and turned the faucet on, making sure to ignore Georgia as she scowled in my direction before shoving Paige aside and taking over the area. Paige shoved her back and glared at her before grabbing her mascara and lipstick and moving to the opposite side of Georgia.

“What you guys talking about, why it get so quiet?” Georgia asked, obviously knowing she was intruding on their conversation.

“Well before you walked your annoying butt in here, we were talking about Truth and Jewels duking it out.” April muttered while dabbing lipstick on her lips. “Still can’t believe she slept with her husband.”

“I can.” Georgia deadpanned with no emotion regarding the situation. “I would of slept with him too.”

We all turned to look at Georgia as she gave a careless shrug before starting to change out of her red bow uniform and instead of cleaning herself, she started to dress into what she would be wearing to score some money tonight. I dropped my crumbled soap inside and kept my head down as I worked on cleaning myself from head to toe with a provided towel, which were already running low so I’m glad I came when I did. Even looking at Georgia naked made my lip curl, she always felt like she was better than anyone else down here and she’d tell you in the rudest way how she felt about you, she had no filter. Her eyes were a sharp blue and her lips were always pinched tight in a pursed manner, as if she was always thinking or zoned out but most of all, she always kept her brown hair pulled out of her face in the same bun and hairpin.

We all turned to look at Tammy as she stepped out of a stall while fixing the halter neckline to her dress, she wore a white dress with peach colored trimming. The dress was on the looser side and just hung freely along her knees as she walked timidly from the stall, leaving the toilet stall door swinging open for the next person to enter. I did another head to toe cleaning before slipping my dress on and correcting it in the mirror as I turned to look at my backside, admiring how good it looked and I knew Richard would like it too.

“Why would you sleep with someone’s husband?” April said in disgust, glancing over at Georgia before shaking her head in distaste. “What happened to morals?”

“Morals don’t get debts paid.” Georgia said as if it was nothing, as if she was also okay with sleeping with someone’s husband as well, she needed to kept at a distance as well. “He paid her one hundred and fifty to sleep with him, just so he can get back at Jewels for cheating on him. Truth had every right to sleep with her husband, she’s one hundred and fifty dollars less in debt, idiots.” Georgia continued while slipping on a garter on her left leg after dripping scented oil onto her skin to make her smell better.

“That still doesn’t justify that that’s not Truth place and that she didn’t make their situation any better.” Paige huffed, shaking her head as she uncapped her own lipstick to put on next.

“Is it your marriage?” Georgia asked, blinking innocently as she paused between putting her other leg in her dress to look up at Paige, waiting on a reply.

“No.” Paige replied, capping her lipstick before puckering her lips together.

“Then shut the hell up about it.” Georgia ordered, going back to guiding her dress up her body, wiggling her hips to stretch the material.

“Gladly, you can’t get through to idiots.” Paige said before turning and exiting the bathroom, the door slamming shut heavily behind her.

“Dumb bitch.” Georgia muttered.

I returned to getting ready, no longer wanting to hear this conversation as Tammy moved closer and adjusted a few strands of her hair before glancing at Georgia and shaking her head in despair at her. It was sad that some of the women around here thought that way, they only saw men as a paycheck and a way to pay debts they owed Ms. Edith but that’s not how I saw it, and I refuse to ever see Richard that way. I wasn’t with Richard so I could be free of Ms. Edith’s hostel, I didn’t sleep with Richard because I wanted to pay of my debt, I slept with Richard cause I wanted to sleep with him, at least after the first time we ever met, it was willingly. 

I adjusted my dress a little while making a mental note to see if Richard can one day buy me a garter to wear, I would like to try and get sexy for him. I left my hair the way I had wore it the first time and fluffed it up a little before deciding it looked good enough and slipped into my heels before taking one last glance at myself. I couldn’t stand being around Georgia any longer as I quickly exited the bathroom and it was just in time as Paula and I nearly collided. Paula wasn’t dressed but I saw the contents in her hand as she held a folded blue dress, a pair of platform heels that where a little on the tall side like mine, and a black hairpin that had a spiral design attached to it. I smiled lightly at her as I held the door so she can enter.

“Thank you!” She called before pulling up short at the sight of Georgia with an annoyed groan, I gladly released the door and started back towards my bunk.

I was finally ready, or at least as ready as I was going to be as I was so impatient to see Richard that I didn’t wanna have him waiting too long, I wonder if he was up there already, is he waiting on me? Some of the girls were already upstairs and were waiting on the rest that would be leaving, I saw that Tammy was already gone, including April. I took a deep breath before heading to the staircase that led up to the lobby, I took each step slowly and looked up from the steps as I entered the lobby and of course it was packed with all the men around hovering around. I glanced around as I took a few steps past the tape on the ground, spotting Richard as he stood by himself with no one even daring to step more than five feet in front of him, he was mostly hidden in the corner with a phone against his ear.

I smiled and shiftily made my way to him while hoping I could go unnoticed, maybe sneak up to him and plant a large kiss on his face. Unfortunately, Richard noticed me and simply ended the call on his phone while making his way to me, I couldn’t keep my smile from spreading across my face as he wrapped me in his arms. He leaned to kiss my temple but I surprised him as I offered my lips and he didn’t hesitate to press his against mine, his tongue immediately followed suit as I slurped and sucked on his tongue hungrily. 

He pulled back before giving me a gentle peck on the lips that promised me that tonight was going to be fantastic, which I had already knew that it would. His sunglasses blocked his face as usual, his face was slightly stubbly but I love that even more about his deadly looks, and his attire was mostly the same as before. He wore a solid black button up once more with his black oxfords freshly shined once more, his watch glistened and sparkled in the sunlight as he placed his hands around my waist and squeezed me tight to him.

“Missed me, beautiful?” He whispered huskily, sending a shiver through my entire body.

“Yes, so much.” I moaned softly toward him. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Chapter Three: Alana: I Can’t Leave You

I Can’t Leave You        ~Aware: Long Chapter

I stretched while reaching to feel for Richard’s body and just as I expected, it was already gone and the spot was cold, meaning he’s been gone for a while. What time does he wake in the morning, he’s always gone so soon, too soon. I rolled over while still smelling the lingering cologne in the pillow he rested his head on in our time spent together, I clutched the pillow to my chest as a tear slipped out of my left eye. Many others bounced afterward as I sniffled and buried my face into the pillow, taking a heavy whiff of his disappearing cologne, wishing it’ll linger just a little longer. I was silly, more than silly, I was acting as if he was going to be gone forever and while I knew it wasn’t, I hated the thought of him going for just a few hours because I couldn’t get enough of Richard. Ugh, Richard. Hurry back, I miss you so much . I rolled back onto my side of the King-sized bed and stared up at the ceiling, it won’t be too long before I have to head back to the basement, but I had time because it was still mostly dark outside, probably around five in the morning. 

I knew that I was going to sleep for a while because I was rather sore from last night activities and not only was Richard creative last night, he was energized so we went for a while, but we both were pleased at the end of the road. He was a man that could go for hours and was harder than a brick at the drop of a dime, he was perfect for the bed scene, perfect for the dangerous scene, but was he perfect for a wedding scene? It was a question I pondered on, did Richard even see me that way? Obviously he saw me some type of way because he was constantly coming around, even when I knew that one day, all that would change. One day Richard will get bored and look for someone more interesting, because someone like me could only contain a man for so long, Richard probably didn’t even want me and I’m over here mourning like he’s gone forever.

Silly me

. No,

stupid

me. 

I reached up and wiped at the tear streaks that were slowly drying while rising up and glancing around, it was mostly dark inside the room but I still could make out the room rather well. It was put back together, considering Richard propped me from place to place, from the vanity to the bed, from the bed to the vanity chair, from the vanity chair to the floor, from the floor back to the bed. It was endless, the rounds we weren’t were so long that I stop counting after my fourth orgasm and I knew that he was probably going to be continuing after he had his fourth one with me as well. The vanity chair was pushed up taut to the vanity, the dresser drawers were all closed shut and not left array like we had left them before both collapsed into a deep sleep, and the bed was mostly made around my body, he had put the room back together before he left. I nibbled on my lip as I spotted yet another fabric folded at the edge of the bed, as well as another cardboard box sitting atop of it. I smiled lightly at the sight before slowly stretching down and grabbing ahold of the items, I smiled at the note that was written in Richard’s scribble:

Handling business, see you tonight, Beautiful

and I couldn’t fight my smile as it grew and spread from ear to ear.

There was definitely something Richard felt towards me and I was going to savor every moment of it, even if it was temporary. What hurt the most was that if Richard was to move on, what would I do? I’d be in love with someone I could no longer have. I didn’t want anyone but him, I didn’t see myself with anyone but him. Couldn’t no other man come in here and sweet me off my feet like him, no other man could make me smile or laugh like him. I would be devastated, utterly and completely shattered on the inside and I wouldn’t know how to pick up my own pieces. Deciding I had depressed myself enough, I slid out of the bed and cradled my new belongings to my chest before sliding out of the bed to exit the room. And the walk was like yesterday, head down and completely zoned out of the area around me. Richard had stolen my heart and left me speechless, clueless, and useless to any other man because I didn’t want to ever be in another man’s arms. I didn’t ever want to be held by another man or touched by another man, Richard was the only one that could be near me, no one else was allowed. 

“I thought I wouldn’t see you.” I was immediately startled by the sudden voice and barely avoided tripping over my foot as I looked at Paula, missing a small bunch in the rug and she nervously laugh while reaching to stable me.

“Thanks, forgot about the carpet right there.” I muttered, still devastated with Richard heavy on my mind, but something dawned on me suddenly. “Wait, what are you doing up here?”

I finally took a sweep around to realize that the lobby wasn’t as empty as usual, instead there were three men standing at the podium with an exhausted Jenna and an obviously agitated Ms. Edith that stood impatiently with her hands on her hips. I looked towards the three men and noticed that two of them was wearing a similar attire of solid black pants, solid black shirts, and solid black shoes that almost kept them hidden in the dark morning, they were bodyguards. The middle man standing between the two was no one other than Paula’s boyfriend, Trey, who was holding a metallic briefcase in his left hand and a heavy scowl on his face as he stared Ms. Edith down. 

“I’m going home.” Paula said softly, lightly smiling as she lowered her head before looking up at me in an almost apologetic way. “I didn’t feel like it was right.” 

It was as if she had answered a question I didn’t realize was running through my head, why hadn’t she told anyone? What wasn’t right about going home? It was a celebration none of the less and perhaps she felt many people would be upset and it’ll just turn into a one-sided celebration. In that moment, I felt incredibly jealous of the fact that she was leaving but I immediately felt guilt settle in as I realized that I was again being selfish. Everyone was going to come and go and it was part of life, definitely below the basement because people did fall in love and move on. I smiled lightly at her, finally taking the time to analyze what she was wearing as she wore a peach-colored cocktail dress that fell perfectly down to her ankles, it clung to her curves perfectly and she was fitted in Trey’s large coat to help with the chilled morning air. Her hair was styled in her signature curls and her lips slightly painted in a soft pink hue, she was just as beautiful as yesterday and she knew it. 

“It’s okay, just wish I knew so I could of made you a farewell present.” I whispered, feeling even more guilt that I didn’t even have anything to offer. 

“No. It’s okay, I don’t need anything.” Paula shrugged me off. “Tammy left last night, she was supposed to be leaving Saturday but…” 

Paula trialing off told me something bad had happened and that Tammy’s boyfriend hadn’t been happy when he came to pick up his woman, I had to know.

“What happened?” I asked, glancing over at Trey as he watched Jenna and Ms. Edith count the solid cash in the briefcase he once held.

“Well, Kerry had stole Tammy’s shoes to wear outside last night. You know the shoes that her boyfriend had just recently got her, still in the box and everything, not a single scuff. She had just taken them and Tammy confronted her about it. Kerry just… they all got to fighting. They all jumped on Tammy.” My anger boiled as I heard what happened to Tammy, she would never hurt anyone and for them to do her like that, it made me want to see bloodshed. “Tammy didn’t deserve that.”

“I know, Tammy didn’t ever hurt anyone, she was so nice.” I shook my head in defeat, that group was getting out of hand and they had did something so tragic. “Was she okay?”

“Yeah, a little scratched and bruised, things that will heal but she’ll always remember that, ya know. It’s pathetic.” Paula reasoned, making me nod in agreement as I sighed, realizing that Trey was now waiting on Paula and I to finish our conversation, Ms. Edith had finalized his order. “Well, this is goodbye.” 

“It sure is.” I said, smiling sadly at her as we embraced one another and again, it took everything in me to not shed more tears as she pulled away and quickly rushed toward Trey, who gave her a kiss on the lips before guiding her out.

I continued to the basement and made sure to get out of dodge before Ms. Edith came to harass anyone, she had lost two girls in the span of twenty-four hours and I knew she was definitely not going to be happy about it. I descended into the basement and looked at the dull lighting while trying to see if anyone was sleep but almost everyone was already awake as they were too busy talking about last night events to be sleeping.

“… was punching her in the head, not me.” I heard, causing me to look over at Kerry, who was trying to openly defending her actions to the ones listening, I didn’t wanna hear that bullshit. 

I moved over to my bed as Helen laid asleep with her book braced over her chest, her snoring could wake up a ship if she was ever close enough, I frowned as she made a weird wheezing noise before returning to snoring. I plopped down on my bed and sat my new belongings aside as I continued to listen to the conversation while stripping out of my dress from last night. 

“I told Liz to stop but I think she’s always felt some type of way about her, I think she’s always hated her. You need to be the one getting punished, not me.” Kerry pointed an accusing finger at Liz, who shook her head. 

“You hit her first!” Liz’s rebuttal made a the ones around us agree.

“It doesn’t matter, Tammy doesn’t bother anyone.” Paige spoke up from her bunk, as she was positioned between Kerry and Helen. “You’re gonna learn to pick your battles, watch.”

“Yup, and you’re gonna regret hurting Tammy, she had a cut over her eye. Shit, did you seen Fred’s face when he came down here.” Yandy said, sitting Indian style on her own personal bunk. 

“He came to the basement?!” April gasped in shock, to which Yandy quickly nodded to.

“Tammy stopped him and wouldn’t say who did it, he was so angry and he scared me shitless.” Yandy said, grabbing her chest as with a face that it was honest terror to see the angry man coming towards all the girls. “He ripped Edith a new one, though. You could hear him from down here, he said he was going to make everyone regret what they did. I didn’t do anything though, so I’m safe. Kerry, you better run and hide.” 

“Shut the fuck up, Yandy.” Kerry snapped, her glare falling onto Yandy, who casually shrugged. “I’m not scared of them!”

“Right, until they come back to bury you alive.” Paige muttered below her breath, but we all heard it and the others agreed once more. 

“S-Shut up!” Kerry said, gulping as she laid back in her bed and pulled her sheet over her head, showing she didn’t want to be bothered.

“You’re scared?” Georgia suddenly asked Kerry, who didn’t reply. “Hold on, Paula’s not back yet?” 

“Why you worried about Paula?” Yandy asked.

“Cause the bitch owe me a new mirror, she showed her ugly face and I cracked it.” Georgia said, rolling her eyes.

Fire curled in my blood as a few of the girls laughed at her joke, but I hadn’t found it funny at all because it was stupid that she was talking about someone that wasn’t here to defend themselves, and we all knew that Paula would rip Georgia a new one if she had the chance. 

“Oh, her face scared you and you dropped it?” Truth asked, cracking up laughing once Georgia had nodded.

What had me so upset was that they were talking about Paula so rudely, Paula had never really messed with anyone after she had met Trey because he had put her into a mindset that everyone noticed. She had become more reserved and quiet, her sentences and phrases had became smaller and instead of arguing, she’d just casually shrug someone off before telling them off. She had changed so drastically that not a lot of people around had noticed, but I had, and I admired that she became so careless of her old situation just so she could focus on her new situation. Paula knew she was going to be leaving and that no one would care, but I cared because I hoped to be like her one day, I hoped to leave this hell and move on with life with a lover that truly loved me back. I wasn’t going to sit back and let them do her like that, her nor Sandy.

“I fucking hate you two!” I growled angrily through clenched teeth as I balled my fist at my side, clinging to the skirt of my dress so I wouldn’t strike the woman before me. 

Everyone’s eyes came to stop at me as I glared at Truth, who’s face frowned before it seemed like it dawned on what I had said to her, she returned a glare in my direction as she rose an eyebrow at me. They seemed in complete shock that little me had finally said enough was enough, they were berating Paula and she probably wasn’t even out of Lovell just yet, and they had attacked Tammy. I’ve had enough of their bullshit and I wasn’t going to continue to let them treat people this way, and I didn’t care if I became the next victim.

“You mad?” She picked onward, folding her arms over her chest as she cocked her head and gave me a teasing smile. “All alone, and everyone’s just leaving you? You know why?”

“Shut up, Truth.” Paige warned, giving me an uneasy look as she scooted a few ways back on her bunk while Truth rose to her feet.

“No, tell her Truth.” Kerry pushed with a smirk on her face as her face twisted to disgust while looking me up and down.

“It’s because you’re

ugly

as fuck-“ Truth started, a sneer on her face as she spoke.

“Truth!” April huffed, shaking her head in disdain for me as I rose to my feet as well.

“-

fat

as fuck-“ Truth countered immediately, ignoring everyone as she slowly stalked toward where I was standing by my bunk.

“Stop it, Truth!” Yandy even tried to tell her to leave me alone, standing to her feet as she gave Truth a shove.

“No!” Truth huffed, shoving Yandy back before turning back to me. “And it’s because you’re

weak

as fuck. No one will ever love you,

no one

.“

“That’s funny, cause we think the same about you.” I replied quietly as we stood face to face, noses nearly touching.

She gave me a shove and I quickly caught onto my bunk while looking at her in anger, I wanted to strike her with my fist but I knew I’d get in trouble before she would so I took a heavy breath to calm myself. She wasn’t worth me losing my free time and not being able to Richard tonight, but I was definitely going to find a way to get even without putting my hands on her. I glared at her as she put her hands on her hips and patiently waited for me to make a move, which I didn’t as I squeezed my eyes shut and thought of the one thing that would calm me down, Richard.

“Put your hands on me again, you’ll regret it.” I warned, to which she scoffed while smirking again.

“You don’t scare me, fatass.” Truth taunted, swirling her finger in my face as I shook my head while willing myself to stay calm.

“I don’t want to scare you.” I told her softly, releasing my hold on my bunk and crossing my arms over my ample chest. “I’m warning you just like your guy did.”

Her face suddenly paled as if she remembered what he had told her and whatever it was, it seemed to avert her anger toward Kerry, who looked completely confused by what I said but I didn’t narrow in on it as I plopped down on my bed and pulled my cover toward my chest. In fact, Truth was right about it all, I was all those things she had said and much more probably. Maybe that was why Richard was always leaving in the middle of the night, because he didn’t wanna wake up with me beside him, maybe he didn’t want me around after all. April also laid down while muttering as Georgia climbed into her own bunk and made a loud chuckling noise, she was mocking me, I just knew she was. I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling, wishing I could ask Richard all these questions that were going through my head, and the first question would be: why do you leave every morning before I wake?

Because you’re ugly

. Would that be his reply?

Because you’re fat and you take up the bed.

 

I was only destroying myself and Truth was right about everything, I was too weak to be in love. Sandy was happy, Tammy was happy, and even Paula was happy but they were all gone now and happily moving onto a better future, and here I was… alone, and fat , and ugly … and weak . I sat up and grabbed onto the cardboard box once more, looking at the note that Richard had left, the beautiful cursive handwriting made my heart tug, and he had called me beautiful also… he always call me beautiful. Did he mean it? I bit my lip as I opened the cardboard box lid after ripping the tape apart, I looked at the many chocolate decadents inside and a small smile came over my face and graced my teary eyes as I saw

Beautiful

written cursively on the inside of box’s lid once more. What Truth had said shouldn’t had mattered to me but it did and that’s what made me realize I was indeed weak, the only people that I should care about is Richard and Sandy, but here I was, ready to cry because of her. I wasn’t going to give her that satisfaction.

“I’m surprised how quiet it is down here.” Jewels’ voice rung through the air as she strutted down the staircase with her hands propped on her hips, her eyes trailing over everyone as she came to a stop near the bunks. “No arguing, no talking shit, no… nothing. Everyone’s just quiet.” 

We remained silent, no one said a peep as we all watched to see what exactly she was up to, because Jewels never allowed anyone to have a good day and if she saw you happy and smiling, she’d do anything to piss you off. She didn’t like to see other people happy, and maybe that’s why Truth slept with her husband, maybe to get even with Jewels but little did Truth know, she was going to always have to watch her back. 

“ Anyway . I’m down here with you sluts because Edith shipment of wood didn’t make it this morning, they said something about the rain slowing them down or something. Whatever. You’re not going to be cooking today.“ Jewels informed us as she strutted back and forth along the center of the walkway, her fingers lightly brushing the bunks as she went. “Instead, you’re going to get the day off and get the hell out of my face, deal?”

She looked around the room as we all slowly nodded in disbelief, it was very rare to get a free day off but I guess Ms. Edith and Jewels felt like we deserved one, I feel like we deserve one. I smiled as I looked at the folded fabric on the edge of my bed before going to reach for it when Jewels hand immediately snatched it. I looked up at her in shock at her fast her ass moved to grab it, she unfolded the fabric in front of everyone and I was finally able to see what dress Richard had picked out for me next. It was a beautiful black knee-length dress with pink and purple flowers littering the skirt everywhere, the top was just a solid black with a sleeve that fell barely above the elbows and the neckline was a low scoop to show off cleavage, the midsection had a belt on it also.

“Heard your little friend Paula left last night.” Jewels spoke as she carelessly tossed the dress back on my bed in a disgust manner. “That pissed me off.”

I remained quiet, my smile had fallen the moment she took notice to me and now I was uncomfortable under her scrutinizing gaze as she upped her chin at me and curled her lip while giving me an up and down glance, why would Paula leaving piss her off? 

“First Tammy, and now Paula got to walk her ass right out the same night, how unfair for you.” Jewels smirked, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms above her giant belly. “Right?”

“No.” I replied, meeting her eyes before averting mine back to my dress and reaching to pull it closer to me but my action was halted as I noticed Jewels had put her hand back on my dress quickly to stop me, I looked up at her with a stern look now. “What do you want?”

“You to realize that you’re not going anywhere, ever .” I gulped quietly as I looked at Jewels, why was everyone targeting me today?

“I know.” I said, hoping I sound very convinced as I went to grab my dress again but she tightened her grip, balling the fabric as she did so to wrinkle it. “Stop!” I said in horror as it dawned on me what she was actually trying to do.

“Say it!” Jewels demanded, look of anger on her face as she balled the fabric up more by tightening grip even more.

“I-I’m not going anywhere, stop before you-” I started to grab my dress once more in a hurry.

“Before I what, whore!” Jewels growled, yanking my dress and a loud ripping sound flipped the air, causing me to halt in disbelief that she had did it… she ripped new dress Richard had gotten me.

A laughter suddenly filled the air as a tear slipped down my cheek, I looked up at Jewels as Kerry peeked over her shoulder before snickering as well, everyone was now laughing as I openly let tears fall down my cheeks. How could someone be so cruel, she had caught me smiling and had tormented me in the worst way, she destroyed my new dress and I hadn’t even wore it once. I hate her. I hate her.

I HATE EVERYONE.

I flipped over on my bunk and hid my face in my pillow as I cried, muffling my sobs as I wished that I knew how to sew, I wanted them all to pay for what they had done all these years. They were making fun of me, Sandy, and Paula and I hope they all reap what they sow. I was just ready to leave for good, that would be enough for me, to finally be able to walk out and never come back while they were still paying their debts by sleeping with multiple men. 

I laid there for some time as people slowly sauntered off to go get ready for their day out, I eventually would have to also get ready to go because I was going to see Richard, even if it costed my life, I will be with him. I slowly sat up as I kept my face down and my arms tightly holding me, I was upset with everyone because no one stepped in as she did that to me, no one stood up and said anything to her. I couldn’t blame them, Jewels could punish anyone who intervened and they’re not my friend so why would they stand up for me anyway, because I can’t stand up for myself… I’m too weak. I didn’t even bother to clean myself up as I patiently waited for it to be time to leave, I was so ready to see Richard and get away from this hellhole and I know he’s going to ask about the dress, and I’ll have to tell him. 

I sat for another five hours before the announcement that we could go to the lobby was made, I grabbed my torn dress and slipped my heels on before quickly making my break for it, I was literally the first person headed to the lobby. I wiped my tears as I raced up them to find Richard, I found him easily because as usual, everyone kept their distance and at the sight of him, I broke down in tears that seemed to make him nervous. I reached for him and thankfully, Richard only pulled me taut against him as I buried my face in his chest and openly cried as his lips only pursed but he remained silent.

Chapter Three: Alana: I Can’t Leave You, Continued

I Can’t Leave You, Continued        ~Aware: Long Chapter

“Stop crying.” He whispered softly into my ear suddenly, but I knew he was uncomfortable. “Tell me what’s wrong.” He coaxed softly.

I pulled my face out of his chest and looked up into those sunglasses that blocked his eyes so no one could look at his face, I looked down at my dress then back into his eyes as he grabbed the dress and looked at the large tear in it. He gave me the softest, tiniest smile but I could tell from the way his eyebrows had lowered behind the sunglasses that he was furious, he leaned down and gave me a soft kiss on the temple and pulled me tight to his chest once more. I tried hard to keep my composure but it was a futile fight as I started to cry into his chest once more, I was so upset that I wasn’t able to stand up to Jewels and tell her off, instead I had got weak and did as she said. I was fat, ugly, weak and a crybaby and no wonder Richard didn’t want to be with me forever, no wonder he hadn’t came to take me away and I understand I only knew him for a few days but being with him in such little time has been the best thing that ever happened to me.

“Stop crying, we can get it fixed, Beautiful .” He whispered, grabbing my hand as I pulled from his chest and nodded slowly, reaching up and wiping my tear streaks. “Stop crying.”

His voice was surprisingly filled with such concern and remorse that I knew he was actually careful with how he was talking to me, his tone was gentle and soft to tell me that he wasn’t actually mad at me. He put his hand on my lower back and guided me toward the door, the men in the lobby abruptly made way for us as I sniffled and glanced at him in curiosity until I realized he was leading me out of the building.

I frowned as I reached up and wiped a stray tear. “Richard, we’re supposed to wait for the bell to go off.”

“Fuck that bell, Beautiful. I want you in this dress so we’re going to get it fixed now.” He said, continuing to guide me out the door and I couldn’t help but give him a tearful smile as he said that to me.

Richard pulled the Lincoln door open and I quickly climbed inside as he slammed the door shut with force that caused me to jump, he was in complete rage as he walked to the driver side of the car and I couldn’t do anything but stare at him in fear. He slammed his door shut heavily as well and the glass rattled as I flinched and it seemed like he had caught my reaction to him, and he looked over at me before his stiff body seemed to go lax momentarily. He reached over and gently caressed my cheek, I reached up and cupped my smaller hand over his while leaning into his promising touch. He pulled away and put the key in the ignition before starting the car up and driving us down the same dirt path that paved into a road as we moved closer to town, the sun glistened and caused the car to shine once more. I reached up and wiped my last tear as it fell before a small smile came over my face when Richard reached over and grabbed my hand gently, coaxing me to hold his. I clenched his hand tightly as I looked around at the same scenery, it was so damn hot on the open landscape that it seemed like the plants were melting under the sun’s gaze.

I looked over at Richard to analyze him as well, he hadn’t shaved and was growing a sexy stubble, he had adored a button up that was baby blue instead of the usual black and a pair of black slacks that looked just as good as usual. He was such a fine man, he was my man and I was in awe at the fact that he was here just for me. If he hadn’t wanted me for this long, he would of found someone else to talk to but he was still talking to me and was still taking me out. My smile widened as we slowed down while entering Lovell once more, I smiled at the sight of

N’Y Burgers

with the reminder that Richard and I had went to eat their once. I looked over as Richard pulled his car into a parking spot with a lot of many other cars, I looked to see that Richard had parked right at the entrance of

Hawkeye View

and was now getting out the car. I was in complete shock at the sight of the store I heard so much about, while most stores were tan or brown,

Hawkeye View

stood out for it’s bright pink color and many women coming and going.

“Come on, Beautiful.” Richard said softly, grabbing my attention as I looked over to see that he was holding the door open and had his hand out for me to grab ahold of.

I grabbed ahold of his hand and he helped me out the car while still clutching my dress in his other hand, I glanced at the dress before looking up to see the exact same one on display in the boutique’s window, making me smile lightly as Richard pressed his lips against my temple. He then corrected his hold on my hand so that we were comfortably holding hands with each other and guided me in the store, nearing the entrance, he grabbed the door and allowed me to enter first and I did so while never releasing my grip on his hand. I was scared to release him, I was finally able to be with Richard today and I wasn’t going to let him go so soon, I wanted to stay with him forever and ever. Richard led me to the counter of the boutique where a middle age lady was standing near a sewing machine and threading with a pair of glasses sitting on the crook of her nose in concentration. He remained stoic as the woman noticed him and immediately rushed to the counter to help us, I looked at her as she wore a face of panic while quickly moving to a large book on the counter near us.

“I-I apologize, M-Mr. Alter!” She said in between sharp breaths, her eyes falling between Richard and I as I looked at her owlishly before Richard rose an eyebrow behind his sunglasses. “Did you not like the last purchase?”

“Actually, I loved it.” He replied, lifting the dress to the counter for her to see. “However, someone ripped it before my woman could wear it.”

“I’m s-sorry, I’ll get you a new one for free.” She said hurriedly before rushing off, she immediately came back with a bagged dress before handing it to Richard hurriedly. “I’ll take the old one, I-if you don’t mind, Sir.” She muffled, her fear-filled eyes trained on Richard as if she was scared he’d make a sudden move.

Richard slipped the dress to the woman and grabbed the new one before turning to me as I looked up at him, he reached the new, package-wrapped dress to me and gestured to the fitting room. I smiled lightly and took it before slowly making my way, I glanced behind me to see Richard fingering through a few pieces and almost laughed at the mountainous man as he frowned suddenly at one of the clothes he saw on the rack. I shut the door behind me before pulling off my dress from yesterday, I folded the fabric and sat it aside before grabbing the package-wrapped dress and ripping the paperbag open with a little force. The dress immediately came into sight and I got butterflies as I remembered the way it looked, a smile came over my face as I quickly tugged the dress on before looking in the mirror on the back of the fitting room door. Unlike the mirror at the hostel, this mirror was completely clean and reflected perfectly and I could see myself clearly, I looked down at my shoes then back up at myself in glee, I was beautiful. I grabbed my older dress and held it to my chest as I exited the fitting room and looked at Richard, who looked up and hungrily licked his lips at me as he slowly stalked closer for a better look. The scoop showed more than enough of my ample breast as I looked at Richard, who gently reached up and cupped my waist, he then pulled me tight against his body and I melted at his embrace, his scent was again intoxicating as I snuggled up to him happily.

“I missed you.” I whispered, closing my eyes and gently kiss his chest, right between his pecs.

He released a shuttered breath as I looked up at him before getting to my tippy-toes, Richard met me halfway and our lips touched, sending fire rushing through my entire body as I moaned against his soft lips.

“I’ve missed you too, my beautiful Alana.” He whispered while never moving his lips more than an inch away from mine. “Who ripped it?” He asked while looking down at the dress on me.

“Jewels, Ms. Edith’s daughter.” I whispered, averting my eyes as he probably was wondering why I didn’t stand up to her.

“Hmm.” Was the soft sound that left Richard’s mouth as he grabbed my hand and twirled me in a slow spin.

I smiled at his face of approval as he paused to stare at my backside before spinning me the rest of the way, a small smile came over his face as he leaned down and pecked my lips once more before stepping back and leading me to a nearby rack. I was amazed at all the beautiful dresses that ranged from simple to simply elegant to completely elegant, they were all so different in their own way and I wanted them all. I picked up a simple day dress and smiled while turning to show it to Richard, who showed his approval immediately, the dress was a soft pink color with an off-the-shoulder neckline and ropes of sheer over the actual fabric, it was gorgeous. Richard took the dress and took the chance to get a better look at it as he held it in front of me, I smiled sheepishly as he walked over to the counter and I immediately followed. I twirled in fingers before me as he sat the dress atop of the counter and looked over at me questionably, I shook my head because I already knew he was wondering if I wanted anything else. The moment I shook my head, I spotted something that caught my eye, I moved closer to get a better look at the pink rose hairpin that could go along with my expensive dress from Hawkeye View. It then dawned on me that I didn’t even check for a price, I just handed it over to Richard and I immediately felt guilty and selfish because of it.

I moved back towards Richard. “… and would you like anything else?” The middle aged woman hurriedly asked.

Richard pointed to a hairpin I hadn’t noticed, it was a white hair ribbon with pink flowers all over it and I was pretty satisfied with Richard’s fashion taste as the ribbon was gently passed to him and he turned to me. I turned to face him as well and looked up at him with a soft smile as his sunglasses shielded his gaze but I could still feel him staring at me and it gave me butterflies, I couldn’t wait to truly be alone with him tonight. He reached up and gently tied the ribbon into my hair, his scent was so strong that I was ready to pounce on him right here, right now and when he had nearly finished, I didn’t want him to step away. I reached up and gently touched his chest as he allowed me to rest my hand there, his muscles stretched and loosened as he worked on tying the ribbon in my hair gently. He finally stepped back seconds later before twisting the mirror on the counter for me to see, I reached up in awe and tweaked the ribbon before looking over at Richard with glee in my eyes, he’s so amazing and filled with so many mysteries. He looked at me with question as his eyebrows slightly rose up but I simply smiled and shook my head, reaching up and caressing the growth on his chin, it made him look even sexier.

“Beautiful…” Richard whispered before turning to the woman at the counter, who eyes widened and she suddenly looked ready to run away, Richard went to speak but decided against it.

I grabbed his hand and Richard clenched mine back, and as he squeezed my hand, he had squeezed my heart and all my blood rushed to my head as I felt on a lover’s high, I loved Richard so much and if he ever left my side, I’d be done forever. I’ll never want to be happy, I’ll never want to move on, I wanted Richard and I wanted him to want me back.

“Let’s go.” Richard said, gently tugging me to the entrance and I immediately followed, happily trailing behind him as he held the door and allowed me out first, he’s such a gentleman.

We started down the street instead of heading back to the car and while it seemed rather pack on the sidewalks, everyone sort of parted as we walked and I could feel people nearly backing away as they cautiously went around us. I had no idea what it was about but I felt more than safe with Richard by my side now, he was here with me finally and I couldn’t wait to have him hold me tonight. I simply walked with a bounce in my step, my shoes lightly clicked as Richard walked with his hand and mine and we enjoyed the stroll under the sun’s rays, it was hot but it was a blissful hot because Richard was here. We passed

Oui’s Dairy

,

Portland’s Memorial

, and from the other day,

Love’s Ice Parlor

, which we stopped at and it was rather odd how it was made, but in a neat way, none of the less. Instead of a store you could enter and exit like the rest of the buildings around it, Love’s Ice Parlor was made of some solid, red metal with a sliding box window in the center, a large menu nailed beside it swung with the coaxing breeze. I touched Richard’s chest simultaneously as he had came to a stop in the line, but oddly enough, people started finding other things arresting and stepped out of line until we reached the window. The man behind the sliding window wasn’t truly paying attention until he glimpsed over before taking a shocked stare with a gasp slipping his lips. He stammered around in his working station, clanging filled the air as he desperately tried to grab for the things hitting the floor, he wasn’t so successful as he gulped fearfully at Richard.

“G-Good evening, Mr. Alther.” The man hesitated to say, he looked incredibly ill as he blinked owlishly before taking a heavy breath to calm himself. “What can I-I-I g-get ya?” He was trying hard to get it together, I could tell he was completely in shock about seeing Richard right now.

I was curious to know what always made people stray away from Richard, and that was a question I was going to ask him before the night was over, there were many questions I was going to ask him before I fell asleep tonight. I knew that right now was definitely not a good time, and it was nice to see everyone fretting, I wonder what face Jewels would make if she saw Richard standing beside me whenever I came back, did she know? Of course she didn’t know, or should of taunted me about that as well. I’m dating my rapist, how silly would that sound to the average person?

I looked over at Richard as he started ordering. “Vanilla with gummy wears and caramel on top, same for her as well.” I shuttered at a thought, he was definitely a dominating man but not only in bed, I like that.

I glanced around as the man made our order, most people buzzling from and to areas around wasn’t familiar to me but a few people did stand out from the hostel, I had spotted Paige with a stocky man but he was more flabby than stocky it seemed. Next person I spotted was Georgia, who was chalking it up with a woman that didn’t look familiar one bit, which meant she wasn’t from the hostel but was probably just curious to know what it was like there. I turned my attention back to the stumbling man as he nervously moved back to the window and allowed us to watch him put an enormous amount of caramel on both orders, nearly dousing them but I didn’t mind. Richard reached into his pocket and pulled out a wad of bills, making me looked at him as I realized I didn’t know as much as I thought even more, was Richard rich? I had never paid attention because most of our meals were usually free, he never would have the chance to pull out anything before someone would hurriedly say our pricing was taken care of. I grabbed the offered dessert as Richard passed me one then took the other one for himself, I smiled lightly at him but it felt forced for once as I felt uncomfortable with the fact that I didn’t know him. I didn’t know Richard Alther. It was suddenly unsettling as Richard moved us to a bench and I sat down opposite of him instead of beside him like I always would, he noticed of course, Richard notices everything.

“What’s wrong?” Richard asked, reaching to the umbrella on the table and opening it.

I wasn’t sure how to explain it, should I just come out and say everything or do I coax him through it? I wanted to know everything about this man like he knew everything about me, he knew my financial struggles, my favorite things, my disliked things, my future plans, and most of all, my sacred thoughts… but I knew nothing about Richard Alther, and that needed to chance.

“Who are you, Richard?” I asked, watched as he paused before reaching and grabbing two spoons out of a nearby cup on the table provided by

Love’s Ice Parlor

. “Who is Richard Alther?”

“Where do I start?” Richard asked, and he made a face I never saw him make before, and that made me nervous… it was a face of distancing.

“The beginning.” I replied, reaching forward and grabbing Richard’s hand as I used my other hand to take the spoon he was handing me.

I then released his hand and dove into my ice cream, moaning at the caramel assaulting my tongue before looking up at Richard to show him that I was listening and he had my undivided attention.

“Well,” Richard muttered, rubbing at his chin in thought,“ I was born in Oklahoma, my mother’s name is Gertrude-Mary Rider, my father’s name is Joshua Alther. A few weeks after I was born, my mother called quits on the marriage and left to be with a lover, Stephen Rodgers, causing a war between the Alpha Althers and Alpha Rodgers when she did so.“

I was confused by Richard putting Alpha in front of the last names, but obviously there was tiers in the family and I was curious to know everything Richard was open to sharing with me, I wanted to know every single detail.

“The war has gone on for years now, probably going on a decade actually. I was fifteen when I had went on my first mission with my father.” Richard spoke up before falling quiet momentarily, as if he was pausing to relive the moment, I bit my lip as part of me regret asking him to tell me his past but my curiosity kept me silent. “It was the mission that killed him and put me Alpha Alther.”

My mouth fell open in disbelief as Richard had reached up and pulled the sunglasses from over his face, his pale green eyes looked at me but they seemed to have a dull glow to them that expressed how he was feeling as he thought back into those days. I hated asked him but again, my curiosity got in the way and I wanted to know who was truly sitting before me, I reached over and grabbed onto his hand and he grabbed mine surprisingly tight, making me looked at him with fear suddenly. It was as if he was in a trance that scared me, he was reliving it all.

“Ric-” I tried to pull my hand back for a moment before reaching with my other hand to hold his large one in both of mine instead.

“He had stopped fighting cause I had gotten pinned down-” He had continued, his eyes tearing up even more.

“Richar-” I went to tell him that it was okay and to not tell me anymore, I had a clue in that moment that he blamed himself for his father’s death.

“I tried to warn him that Mr. Rogers was behind him but it was too late…” I remained silent as his teary eyes looked so empty, he was just a little kid at the time. “I will kill him, even if it kills me.”

Richard was promising death to this Stephen Rodgers man, he then slipped his sunglasses back onto his face to shield his eyes and paused before taking a bite out of his caramel-covered ice cream. I looked at him with weary as I reached across the table, lifting from the seat slightly just to do so, and caressed his cheek, feeling the stubble before lightly smiling at him while nodding. It seemed that Richard’s father was his everything, and it was only understandable to want to get revenge on him, I didn’t blame Richard for that. But was it a revenge he was willing to let go, of course

not

.

“I know you will.” I said, making Richard purse his lips as he reached over to me and gently ran the pad of his thumb over my bottom lip, I smiled lightly. “I believe in you.”

It was like watching a butterfly be born or watching a long-lost lover return home, and right before me, I watched Richard’s hard wall crumble as he leaned forward and I felt the wetness of his tear as his posture sunk and he couldn’t fight the tears starting to stream down his face. I wiped them quickly for him so no one would see them cause I knew he didn’t want them to, he wanted to keep that stern appearance that he wasn’t to be fucked with. However, what Richard didn’t realize was even the strongest get tired, they get tired of taking the world on their shoulders, they get tired of holding onto the past, and they get tired of being strong. Richard was tired of hiding his emotions, but I knew he had a reason to, he couldn’t be caught messing himself up or it’ll be bad for him, I completely understand and I respected that. Richard constantly had to move smart and move righteously or it’ll be the end of everything for him, he rarely had the time to wine down cause his guard was always up, he wasn’t allowed to make mistakes.

“Is that why you’re always gone before I wake?” I asked softly, everything was starting to make sense now. “Cause you don’t want anyone to see?”

“No.” Richard replied, taking another bite of ice cream.

“Oh…” I wasn’t sure what to say, then why did he always leave every morning before I could wake up and see him? “Then why?”

“I…” Richard trailed, as if it had dawned on him that he wasn’t exactly sure why he’d leave before I’d wake. “Do you hate it?”

I nodded slowly, thinking it was probably the answer he wasn’t hoping for from the way his face sunk slightly. “B-But it’s okay.” I quickly rushed to fix the error.

“It’s already to leave your side when you’re asleep, I’d hate to know how it would feel when you’re awake and watching me get ready to go, giving me sad eyes and begging me to stay longer.” Richard said, earning a chuckle out of me because I knew that was exactly what would happen.

I decided to switch the conversation. “Is this your first relationship?” I asked before deciding to ask an even more important question. “ Is this a relationship?“

I imagine that my eyes were just like a puppy’s when it begged, I was scared to get an answer but from the way Richard smiled at me, I knew I was going to be satisfied with his answer.

“Of course, I need you.” Richard said softly, only loud enough for me to hear and I couldn’t stop the fire rushing through me. “And because of that, I can’t leave you once my mission is cleared.”

Wait… did that mean?

Chapter Four: Alana: A Lover’s Escape

A Lover’s Escape         ~Aware: Long Chapter

Electricity shot through me in waves at the feeling of Richard pushing inside of me repeatedly, I gasped as he reached so deep and caressed the inside of my walls so perfectly, he fit so perfectly inside of there. I was entirely awake but I was more than aware that Richard was atop of me and rocking my world once more, I wrapped my arms around his neck and he only hiked my legs higher while quickening his pace. His hips pivoted so flawlessly inside of me, carving at my guts as I moaned and whined for him to not stop and to hit that spot repeatedly, he always had me whimpering and whining by the time he’s climaxing. I reached up and brought his face to mine, his sweat dripped down on me and sent shivers down my spine as I pushed my lips against his and his tongue dove so deliciously into my mouth. I sucked on the muscle as it licked every corner and crevasse that it found, tasting me thoroughly and we didn’t even care about the morning breath from the night before. 

So entuned into Richard’s grunts, I hadn’t realized the bed was shaking ferociously with every thrust until I heard the heavy banging on the door, I bet it was the neighbor that was knocking last night. Richard paused as the person at the door released a tirade of assaults, saying something along the lines that it was too early in the morning and good people needed good sleep. As well as how Richard and I went at each other nearly until midnight until Richard hadn’t been able to rejuvenate himself, but he had woken up fully energized. I laughed as Richard gave me a smirk that was very promising that after he handled the person that was disturbing us that he’d finish rocking my world, I pulled the comforter to my chest and watched as Richard stalked naked to the door. He swung the door very hard and it nearly came off the hinges as I watched my badass as a man from behind, his back was so sculpted and butt cheeks were perfect, not too big and definitely not too small, he’s so masculine he can put any bodybuilder to shame. I could imagine Richard staring down at someone and the person in complete shock that not only was Richard a huge man but he was also completely naked. 

“O-O-O-O-Oh, Mr. Alther, I a-a-a-apologize, t-t-t-hink the w-w-wrong room.” The person stammered before they had scurried off without Richard having to say a single word.

Richard slammed the door shut again with a low chuckle I hadn’t almost caught, I happily and willingly laid back as he climbed back into the bed and laid right where he belonged, he sauntered between my legs and pushed himself back into my velvety folds. I gasped as my walls stretched to accommodate his gigantic size while I withered and thrashed underneath him at every blow he gave me to the gut. It was purely true bliss to have him here this morning, he didn’t even understand how much it meant for me to wake up this way, nothing could put my mood down. Nothing . I grabbed onto the sheets and arched my back as I neared a release, reaching up and clawing at his chest as he quickened his pace until I reached and he soon reached his climax after me. Heaving as he used his arms to brace himself barely above me, every heavy breath of fresh air I took caused my stomach to touch his until he gave me a gentle kiss on the temple and rolled off me. I turned onto my side to face him as he did the same, his hand came up and the pad of his thumb gently trailed over my bottom lip, I giggled and sucked it into my mouth when it came close enough. His eyes closed in pleasure momentarily before he opened them and gave me a satisfied grin, I released his thumb before moving closer and pecking his lips.

“Amazing, beautiful.” Richard whispered sleepily. “Good morning.”

“Mhmmm.” I muttered in reply and I pushed myself taut against him and he didn’t pull away, he only wrapped his arm around my waist and held me tightly to him, exactly how I loved to be held. “Don’t ever leave me, Richard.” I begged.

“Of course not, my beautiful Alana. Never.” Richard promised, pecking my forehead as I dosed off. 

“I love you.” I muttered purposely as Richard had worked on the untying the ribbon in my hair.

“I love you too.” He whispered and got a large smile out of me as the edges of my vision went black and sleep was coaxing me in. “I’ll be back before you wake, I promise.”

I reached over and felt the heat of Richard’s body as my hand neared his chest, a smile came over my face as he was now clothed and was probably busy watching me asleep, I pulled an eye open to peep at him and surely he was. A light smile came over his face as he noticed me looking at him before he leaned forward and pecked my lips again, he knew I was awake already. I couldn’t fight the smile coming to my face as he reached up and trailed his thumb along my jaw, I giggled as it tickled before reaching up and grabbing his hand to pull to my lips, kissing his knuckles that were freshly bruised. 

“Good afternoon, Beautiful.” Richard softly muttered, making me smile sadly as I ran my fingers over his stubble.

“You actually came back.” I whispered, curling up into his chest. 

“Of course.” Richard replied, gently running his large hand over my nude back. “I promised.”

“I’m happy, now we can cuddle until time is up.” I said, hating that soon I’d have to go back down to the hellhole beneath us.

Richard grabbed onto my hand and entwined our fingers and I smiled at the display of affection that meant so much in that moment, I tightened my grip as he did as well and he pulled my hand close to his lips to kiss the back of it three times quickly. I didn’t want to leave. I hate to leave him after the night we had, usually we’d have sex two to three times but last night, we made love. It was true and slow, warming to the core and most of all, it was more than fulfilling to my soul, Richard had held me so right and dug inside of me so perfectly, we made love. I reached up and played with a few strands of Richard’s hair before closing my eyes and nearly dosing off again, but he stopped me by raising into a sitting position and stretching his back. I opened my eyes and looked at the strong muscles with fresh scars everywhere, I reached and gently touched a fresh one but surprisingly, Richard didn’t flinch as he glanced back at me before rising to his feet. He had dressed into a pair of solid grey slacks but remained shirtless, where had he gone to get hurt like that? It wasn’t common for Richard to appear so beaten whenever he came to see me the next day, but today he was so scared that I knew it hadn’t went his way.

“What happened, Richard?” I asked, looking at him in concern as I slipped out the bed also and moved closer to him.

“He’s gone.” Richard said, picking up his suitcase and putting it on the bed.

I looked at him curiously as Richard unbuckled the suitcase and pulled the lid up, I stared at the array of items in confusion while also seeing the dress I picked out yesterday inside, I was confused about what he was doing until he grabbed the dress and sat it on the bed. I smiled sadly as I realize it was nearly time for me to go back to the basement and Richard to go fight more people, I hated that I couldn’t be with him but I knew he felt it was safer until his situations were all handled, so would I be here until his enemy was dealt with?

“Dead?” I asked, confused at his deadpanned sentence.

“Unfortunately, no.” Richard replied, pulling out a pressed solid white button-up. “He’s ran back to Wisconson.”

“What’s there?” I asked curiously.

Richard glanced at me before grabbing my dress to help me put it on, though I didn’t need any help but obviously he wanted to help me so I allowed him. He didn’t want to answer so I didn’t push it as I put my arms in the dress and put my head through the neckline, Richard pulled it to it’s desired length before happily groping my butt momentarily. I giggled and swatted his chest as I moved away to slip my high heels on but Richard easily swirled me back to him and I was confused until I realized he had a new pair of heels in his hand, and they were for me, of course. The high heels were tall also, they were probably six inches, but they were gorgeous with a platform on the bottom of them for added height and balance. Instead of the usual solid black I would notice, they actually were the color of my dress and I eagerly sat down so I could put them on but Richard ended up putting them on for me. 

“Thank you, Richard.” I said. “For everything.” 

“You’re my beautiful Alana, you deserve everything.” Richard whispered in response, pecking my lips and I quickly returned the kiss. 

Breaking the kiss, Richard stepped back and slipped his shirt on and I buttoned it up as he took the time to rub along my body, slowly memorizing every curve as he ran his hands up and down my sides numerous times in a hypnotizing way. His gaze was resting on my ample chest that sat proudly, the dress squeezed them and only made them look larger, and they would occasionally jiggle whenever I moved to button Richard’s shirt for him, he was hypnotized on me. I finished and looked up at Richard as his face told me he was probably picturing me in a very vulnerable position with him atop of me, pounding away as I whined for him to not stop. I smiled and got to my tippy toes while also pulling his face down to peck his lips before stepping away and looked at the mirror for a moment… when did Richard tie a bow in my hair? I guess I was so focused on buttoning his shirt and cuffs that I hadn’t realized he had grabbed a pink hair ribbon and had tied a bow around my thick, curly parted afro. 

“It’s nearly time.” Richard whispered, pecking my forehead.

I felt sad as the time dwindled down and Richard had grabbed his suitcase, he corrected his coat around himself before looking over at me and I could see it in his face, he didn’t want to leave me but he had no choice for right now. I grabbed his hand and allowed him to lead the way to the lobby and it felt like the slowest trek ever because I made sure I took the tiniest steps, I didn’t want to leave him and I definitely didn’t want him to walk out of those doors… but I didn’t have a choice. We reached the lobby and Richard pulled up short as I turned to face him and I hated for him to see the unfallen tears I had, I was upset that he had to see me like this and I knew he expected it also. I wanted to show him that I was strong and spending a few hours without him around didn’t affect me but then I’d be lying, I wanted him around every second, every minute, every hour of the day. 

I smiled sadly at him and then walked down the staircase, my instinct was to run back into his arms but I knew he was probably gone by now, so I just went to my bunk and sat down to mope there. I munched on a few pieces of chocolate Richard have given me from this past week of us meeting for a night, my three boxes were stacked on my cubby and I always paid close attention to make sure they never came up missing. I picked up a peanut-butter filled milk chocolate truffle and placed it in my mouth to eat, I chewed it while looking around the entire basement, I hate this place. I looked up as Jewels angrily stopped down the steps while looking around the basement for someone, she was extremely pissed off and I definitely knew to stay out the way. I pursed my lips as I watched her look at a few people while her face was cherry red, damn, someone really pissed her off. I picked up another truffle and popped it in my mouth, it was a milk chocolate truffle again but with caramel inside instead of peanut butter, my eyes never left Jewels as her eyes landed on me and she started towards me. Her face was so red that I felt bad whoever was going to be her next victim, I watched as she came to a halt only a few feet away from where I was sitting.

“You dumb bitch!” I blinked owlishly. “Didn’t I say you weren’t allowed to leave! Is that not what the fuck I told you! Who the hell do you two think you are? Huh! You hear me, you whore! Answer me!”

It then dawned on me that I was the target in this tirade, I was the one who caused Jewels’ to be beet red, and I was the one she was talking to right now. My confusion to her angry babbling dissipated as I realized something she had said, something so important that I was nearly ready to race up the steps of the basement. I gaped at her in shock as she covered her face with her hands and angrily screamed into it before turning and grabbing a pillow off Helen’s bunk and throwing it to the floor. She kicked the pillow before grabbing Helen’s mattress and attempting to pull it off the bunk as well, she was a mad woman at the moment. However, I didn’t care as I grabbed my belongings that Richard had give me, every last one of them, and used the large clothing bag I had kept from the first time Richard had bought me for the night, that same

Hawkeye View

bag was what I stored them in. 

Jewels tirade continued but I heard nothing as I tried to think back on when Richard had said today was the day, did he say today was the day? Is that what he meant when he said it’s nearly time? My questions seized the more steps I took toward the exit, Jewels screaming could still be heard but I kept marching forward to my freedom, he had bought me… Richard had really bought me. I grabbed the railing of the staircase for the last time and then something dawned on me, something I always knew I would never leave if that time came. 

I turned around and looked back to see Jewels still on a rampage, and so far she had took it out of Helen’s bunk, my bunk, and was now working on to Truth’s bunk, who was standing her ground with her arms crossed. Jewels yelling had then turned to Truth and the two were soon going neck to neck with each other, swearing and carrying on, but something else was on my mind. I stepped over the thin mattresses and thrown pillowcases and went to the Kitchen, I walked to my station and I couldn’t help but run my fingers along the counter as I came to a stop at a drawer and happily pulled it open, I couldn’t leave that recipe case after all.

“Who does that motherfucker think he is? Think he can just come and here and buy the best cook we have, HELL NO! NO! “ Jewels continued, throwing a pillow intentionally at Truth, who wasn’t so happy about it and started for the pregnant lady. “WHY COULDN’T NO ONE BUY YOU, YOU DUMB WHORE!”

At this rate, Jewels was going to be popping her baby and it wouldn’t be a healthy birth it seemed, she was on a huge tirade that was definitely rubbing everyone the wrong way, but I ignored her as I tucked the meal recipe box under my arm and started back to the stairs. I walked happily back through the maze of pillows, pillowcases, shoes, and even panties as I made sure to hold my head high and proud, I was finally gone for good, Richard has finally became my escape, and it was a lover’s escape. I bounded up the steps as the rampage continued behind me, I looked around hysterically for Richard and immediately spotted him as he stood patiently waiting for me. The smirk on his face said that he had won, Edith had her back to him and was looking oddly sick as she held a waste can. Everything felt weird at the moment, the way Richard was standing so dominantly, the way Edith was heaving into a can, the silence of the lobby for once, something wasn’t right.

“Fifteen seconds, Old Friend.” Someone spoke up, making me turn to look down the hallway of the lobby.

A man, barely close to Richard’s height came stalking down the hallway with his hand shoved his pants, his black hair was dreaded into thick ropes and swayed along his shoulders as he walked with such a calm and collected posture, and the tips of his dreads were white. He had a mostly lean body rather than stocky, his skin was nearly the color of mine, if not darker, and his eyes were a deep brown that twinkled at the sight of me. Who was this man and why had he called Richard “Old Friend”? I moved closer to Richard as he met me and a smile came over my face immediately at his attention, I craved him more than ever with the new knowledge that he had paid my debt to Edith in one day, how? Well, we already knew the answer to that, didn’t we. 

“I’ve missed you.” I whispered, reaching up and brushing his stubble as his smirk widened slightly.

“I’ve missed you more.” Richard replied, reaching up and grabbing my hand gently, he then pecked my knuckled before turning to the black man patiently leaning against the wall near the entrance. “Thank Ronald for me.” 

“Of course.” The man said before tipping his hat and parting out the door without a further word, and I watched him go before turning back to Richard in confusion. 

“What’s going on, Richard?” I asked in confusion as I looked over at Edith still retching into the waste can, she had fallen to her knees now and was foaming blood at the mouth. 

“This bitch -” Richard growled angrily.

“Richard.” I pouted.

“I apologize, Beautiful.” Richard whispered before taking a deep breath to calm himself. “I paid her in advance for you, two days ago to be exact. You were supposed to leave this morning but luckily I did come back in time to find out she was going to con me. Four thousand dollars, she would of had been able to truly rule the world. Always remember, Edith, perhaps in the next life that we run past each other… I will always have connections everywhere.”

It was obvious Richard wasn’t lying as Edith looked up at him with her pale expression, she knew she was caught and I wanted to know more but I knew more than enough to realize what was going on. She was probably going to hide me or truly sale me so that Richard couldn’t have me, but luckily Richard had realized what she was doing in time. I watched on as bloody foam dripped out of Edith’s nose, her eyes flared in fear as she reached up and wiped it, only coughing up the bloody foam into the trash can. Something was really wrong with her, what was going on with her body? 

“Perhaps, Jewels will rule with a better thumb.” Edith replied, coughing hysterically she breathed heavily through her mouth, looking incredibly weak and only seconds away from dying.

“Not if she’s dead, Edith.” Was Richard’s swift reply before Edith’s breathing stilled and I was in disbelief. 

She’s dead, Ms. Edith was really dead and I didn’t know what to think as I looked at Richard with confusion, what had he done? Why had he done that? I was completely confused on my feelings but nonetheless, I grabbed onto Richard’s hand and held it silently as he stared down at Edith’s lifeless body. I peeked over at him before looking back down at her body then back at him, I wonder what he had did to make her foam at the mouth and die, was it poison? I cocked my head lightly before looking over at the man holding my hand tightly with no intentions of letting it go. I looked toward the entrance before gesturing toward Richard, I wanted to get out of here as soon as possible, definitely before Jewels came because who’s to say she wouldn’t cause trouble and I don’t want to think as Richard to be careless enough to hurt a pregnant woman.

Richard lead me out the hostel, I smiled at the feeling of the humid air against my skin, the hot rays of the sun cooking my flesh, it was exactly like any other day but today was different because tonight wasn’t going to end the same. No, tonight was going to be the start of a new life, instead of coming back to the hostel with Richard, he’ll be taking me somewhere I’ve never been… and that’s anywhere. Richard had paused at the doorstep and grabbed my bag of belongings for me, and I wasn’t sure what came over me, but I giggled and took off running toward his car. I was free, I was finally free and this boring basement life was finally over, now I can truly be happy with my knight and shining armor. 

I smiled back at Richard as he wasn’t too far behind me because of his long legs carrying him fast and far, Richard opened my door and even I couldn’t miss the gigantic smile on his face, bigger than I’ve ever seen him smile before. The weight of the future was now off my shoulders because I felt like I had won, Richard and I had won and now it was time to reward ourselves with a future promised just for us. Richard climbed into the car and I couldn’t resist pecking on him as I rubbed his chest hungrily, a promise that soon will be time to enjoy some alone time. The car roared to life and excitement jumped inside of me as I watched everything roll past us at the speed Richard was going, it was finally happening. I was finally leaving for good and I couldn’t have asked for no better man. You might see him as a murderer, gangster, or even a rapist but me… no, I saw him as Richard, my future husband and the future father of my children. This was only the beginning for us, but I was more than ready to venture into a real life with him because this was it, this was what I have dreamed of since I started realizing that dreams meant something. This is what I have wanted since I realized that love meant something.

“I love you, Richard Alther.”

                                                                          End of Part Two