Chapter Nine

"Step back, Rosa. This isn't your fight." The man snarls at my savior, Rosa, who just scoffs at him, rolling her blue eyes in a way that just screams 'fuck off'.

"Honestly, you're kidding right? Once you decided to mess with this poor girl, you made it my fight. I may be in my late thirties, but I'll still kick your ass, Johansson." I can't see what the guard does next, but I do know he ends up catching a stone a mere centimeters from his face. My eyes widen in shock, I can't believe she really threw a stone at him. Is she suicidal?

"You, bitch!" He throws the stone back and it lands on her arm, she winces in pain; otherwise, makes no move to react. I have to do something, I can't just let her get punished because of me. That could be someone's mother or daughter. I take a step forward only to be stopped by her commanding voice.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." A smile crosses her face as she walks up to him, standing on the tips of her toes. I watch as her lips move against his ear in a whisper. She backs off and his head bows in submission.

"Of course. My apologies, ma'am." Rosa smirks and drops the rest of her stones. She struts to me with an extra pep in her step, taking my hand, guiding me away. I look over our shoulder at the sneering guard then back at Rosa.

"What did you tell him?" I question. Her gaze focuses down on me, a warm smile stretching to her golden-brown eyes. Waving her hand she dismisses my question. "Please?" With a heavy sigh, she quickens her step.

"I merely said you were already spoken for, darling." She smirks and my eyes widen. I stop walking, she jolts at the sudden stop and looks down at me.

"I am? By whom? When, but why? I don't want to be sold." Her warrior gaze softens as she grabs my shoulders.

"I know, but it's already been decided. There's no going back. The path that has been decided for you is no easy one. You will face hardships and troubles, trials and tribulations." I frown, my brow furrowing in distaste.

"Is this supposed to make me feel better? Because it's not." Rosa squeezes my shoulders and gives me a stern Look.

"My point being, no matter the challenges you have to stay strong. Not for you, but for the people around you and that will come after you." My shoulders slump.

"That doesn't make any sense." She smiles and shakes her head, gathering up my hand to guide me passed the lines of people once more.

"You're right, what do I know? I'm only a thirty year old woman that just saved your life. This stuff I am talking about is totally nonsensical. Ignore me, darling." I stay silent the rest of the walk. In front of the lines of girls is a large, super pink, building. "I know what you're thinking, it's too big and tries too hard to be grander than it is." I look at Rosa like she just escaped from an asylum.

"No, it's just-it's very pink," Rosa looks at me and blinks. Five seconds pass, and she bursts out laughing. Despite my situation, I can't help but crack a smile. Rosa has the laugh that, no matter how crappy your day is, how much you hate your life or yourself, you will smile or laugh with her. At this moment, I don't know if I love it or hate it. I just know it reminds me of my mother. Just like her, soon Rosa will disappear from my life as well, this beautiful stranger I just met.

"I wasn't expecting that answer. Not that it matters, you won't be here for long." Leading me inside the building, Rosa pats my arm. Inside isn't as pink, it's almost lavish. The walls are decorated with golden-brown wallpaper, the ornate ceiling is seemingly supported by swirling pillars that tie the place together and make the inside seem ultimately larger than it truly is. Each doorway larger than the next, I've never seen anything like it. "I found it breathtaking my first time too. Just wait, it's all for show." My brow furrows as I follow her through a doorway and down long corridors.

"Where are we going?" The halls don't match the design of the entrance, the walls are yellow in color and are achingling bare, save a few pictures that we pass by, too fast for me to focus on any.

"We are going to fit you for your gown and take a couple of pictures for the auction." My heart sinks, realization dawning on me that with each second that passes by I'm another minute closer to my untimely fate. Even though I didn't ask, Rosa explains the process I'm about to go through. Probably, to fill the suffocating silence in the air. "We will also do your makeup and hair. You'll most likely be forced to take a bath. After all, you're covered from head to toe in dirt and blood."

I look at my feet gliding across the floor. "The pictures are for the file we'll be giving to your future master, if you get one." My head perks up at that one word: if. That's all I need to here, that one little word sparks hope in my chest and spreads a flame across my body. "Yours truly will design your dress." I lift my head up to see her looking at me, a smile on her face.

"You're a seamstress?" She smiles more and looks away, turning a corner and stopping at a plain looking door with a golden knob as it's only decoration.

"I am." She lifts her head and juts out her chin, confidence oozing from her body. "Anyway, when we enter that door, the process will get started. Whatever darkness you're holding onto you need to let it go. After this, your life will never be the same. It will be hard work, and everyday will be a test of your bravery. You can't afford to be held back by things you can't change." I can feel tears swell in my eyes as she grabs my shoulders and squeezes. "Take a minute, breathe, then try to move on, because you'll need everything for what's in store."

I nod, letting the tears fall down my cheeks and the pain to overcome my body. If only it was as easy as she makes it out to be. How can I just let go? My mother, my people, they are all gone in a blink of an eye and she's asking me to act like that never happened, to simply move on from everyone and everything I've ever known. I can't do that, I'm not strong like her. "It will get easier. Come on, let's go." I nod and Rosa grabs the golden knob, opening the door to my new life.