I own you, your body and soul

**Alex**

It was 2:00 PM. I stood up immediately, grabbing my files and documents, and walked down the lobby toward Kara's office. I had promised Ara I would have lunch with her after much persuasion, and she finally agreed. Frankly, I was still in awe at her refusal to talk to anyone about what was bothering her. She seemed off, closed off from the world. I think she's in real pain and has been avoiding everyone. I hoped she would open up to me.

"Hello, Ms. Alex," Gwen waved at me as I passed by her office. I returned her greeting with a smile. Gwen was my second-best friend after Ara. She had always been the nicest to me, especially when others taunted me for the color of my skin and how curly my hair was. She would tell me how much she loved and cherished the color of my skin and even wished her hair was as curly and shiny as mine.

"Going somewhere, Alex?" she asked, looking down at the files in my hand.

"Yeah, I have a lunch date with Araya," I replied.