Chapter 2 Five Euros

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The car ride dragged on, the silence occasionally broken by a hum of the tires against the uneven road. The night air held the faint scent of rain.

A warning that soon enough it would be pouring. I shivered when a chill crept in the slightly cracked window.

"Close the damn window!" Gerald snapped, his voice grating, eyes narrowing through the rearview. My eyes roll instinctively out of utter disgust as I let the window up.

As if on cue, the limo comes to a halt. My mother squealed in excitement as if we had just arrived at Disneyland, rushing out as soon as the door unlocked.

Gerald followed, and I silently trailed behind. I'm met with a very unsettling view.

There's a large iron gate in front of us, framed by the dark silhouettes of tall trees. No other houses, nor signs of life nearby. Great just when I want to try my luck and run away again.

We're in the middle of nowhere. Literally, isolated.

I stared at the gates that slowly opened. Revealing a tall young man. His face expressionless. He greets us, and motions for us to enter. Beyond the gate stood, a massive castle.

Its silhouette set against the night sky. We were led through the perfectly manicured, yard. The doors almost as tall as the gate at the entrance.

Two men escorted us in. I stepped inside, and for a moment, the grandeur of the place stole my breath.

Spiral staircases curved up from either side of the massive foyer, meeting in the center above. The white tile floors gleamed under the chandeliers, a soft glow bouncing off the brown patterns etched into the surface.

Every inch of the place screamed wealth.

I looked around in awe. My mom's elbow jabbed into my ribs, her voice low and venomous.

"Stop gawking. You're embarrassing us," she hissed, her eyes sharp. "If you screw this up, I'll tie you to a railroad track and watch the train run over you."

Her threat yanking me out of my haze. I forced my gaze to the tile beneath my feet. The weight of reality settling over me like a suffocating blanket.

"Patricia, Gerald it's about time you've come to visit," Someone said in the happiest tone. I didn't dare look up. I could tell this guy's age from his voice. Please tell me he is not the one buying me.

Finally having the courage, I slowly looked up at an old man with a grey beard and grey hair on the sides of his head that fell shoulder length. The top that sat under his crown just in the middle is completely bald.

He does know his crown doesn't cover that right?

He was wearing a dark grey suit with black dress shoes and a grey tie. About six feet tall "Oh don't be silly we've got much to discuss of course we shall visit,"

Mom said shoving me towards the elderly man. "She's not much, but im sure you can find a way to use her. Right?" she asked.

The man gave me a slight glance, before looking back at my mom and Gerald. "She's not for me.

He said with a venomous tone. As if he was disgusted with my mother's action. "I'm sure one of my sons will be very pleased. She is a beauty," he stated firmly.

"Who is?" A woman in a very beautiful black gown, asked as she made her way towards us. The lady wore silver heels that were very gorgeous. Yet, looked uncomfortable. I mean I'm guessing.

Hope she doesn't just walk that way. I thought as she made her way towards us with pep in her step in way too much sway in her hips.

It took everything not to laugh at how extra she was walking. Her eyes a bright blue, her hair neatly swept into a low bun.

She was almost the same in height as her husband. Her eyes widened after seeing me. "Oh hello you're finally here," she said.

Without warning she swept me into a warm embrace, before I could even greet her back. "It'sso good to finally meet you." She cooed.

"Did you want your sons to meet her first before we leave?" Gerald asked, causing her to end the hug.

"Oh no don't worry she'll be just fine. You can also leave her things with Shelby he's out front by the door"

The elderly man said. I was just so in shock at the situation that played out. Everyone's talking as if I'm not here.

Not one of them asks me what I want. Of course, I knew I had no say but still, this was unbelievable.

"Gerald, why don't we step into my office for privacy" The elderly man asked. looking at me as to say they needed to have privacy from me.

Yes, I still don't know his name. He never said neither did his wife. Gerald gave me a huge grin while squeezing my shoulder.

"Oh, no need, this isn't her first rodeo. She knows why we're here" He said, hand still on my shoulder. I pulled away from his grip.

"He's right, you can make the transaction here," My mom agreed.

Mom and Gerald wanted me to watch the transaction. The other couple looked annoyed. I don't know why. They can't be too much of a saint either, if they're buying me.

I rolled my eyes when the elder guy's wife handed Gerald an envelope. "Wow look at that a whole five eruos."

I looked at him eyes wide, as I stood frozen in place. I get that I'm not beautiful or a genius, like other girls.

Mom only reminds me every day. Saying you're ugly, fat, and dumb. I never liked my appearance either. I purposely avoided looking at my face in the mirror. I don't even have pictures of myself on my phone.

I have never been around anyone besides my mom, Gerald, the maids, and guards at home. Mom doesn't tell people she has a daughter. She said I'm not worth mentioning.

As far as I know, I have no family besides the lady that's supposed to be my mom.

To her I wasn't a person, I was a transaction, and five euros was all, I was worth.