Monster

The cab ride was very short, but took many turns. We stopped in front of a diner resembling an old-fashioned salon. Swinging wood doors, the works. Strange thing was, green pillars stood to the sides. I had a feeling of forewarning, but I ignored it. 1

Almost the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a gruff-looking man. He had little hair, extra weight, and wore leather. My initial thought was he resembled an elephant.2

Rather, he greeted Harold. I was affronted at first, then ignored him to take in the interior. It was big inside, with dim lights, crowded tables the diners were able to fit in to somehow, and red walls. 3

Harold spoke to me, "Ramina, I want you to please seat yourself at one of the tables. I wish to speak to this man for awhile."4

Fine. But only because you said that... so nicely, I thought.5

It turned out that the tables weren't crowded at all. Only the long table clothes created that image. I pulled out a chair and sat. But almost immediately something nudged my feet.6

I peeked under, and a hand grabbed me under!7

Another hand covered my screams, and whispered in my ear, "be quiet. If we're caught, we're dead. You shouldn't be here."8

Using their other hand, he..or she, turned me around so that I could face them.9

It was a boy, in his mid-teens. His hair was straight, and grew to his chin. He didn't have a shirt on, which made me glad I was clothed. His skin looked rough.10

He didn't remove his hand, but talked low and fast. "I'm Liam. I was brought here by Edwin, you know, the elephant guy. He's not a bartender, he's a slave-owner. And this isn't a diner, it's actually a brothel."11

My face flushed at that.12

"Whoever brought you here, they must be intending to sell you. Who accompanied you here, anyway?"13

Liam removed his hand, and waited for me to talk. I breathed deeply, and said, "Harold King, my boy--"14

I stopped short. Surely I wouldn't call him boyfriend, if he was going to sell me! I was about to correct myself, but Liam spoke,15

"Harold King. God damn that bastard," he said with a sneer. "He's in arms with Edwin. No, he's Edwin's boss. King's rich. But he thinks he's not rich enough. That's why he's in the black market, too.16

"He tore apart my family, Harold did. I was from the Bronx."17

Bronx. New York, my brain immediately responded. America.18

"I'm so sorry. I'm from Wales. My family died in a fire."19

He nodded. "That's infinitely better. Better than not knowing whether you're the only one living, wondering if the others are alright, wondering if you'll ever meet them again. You got a better deal than me."20

"What do you mean," I asked, but was cut short. Harold called out, "Ramina. Ms. Jenkins, we need to talk to you."21

Edwin said, "Mr. King, my way will be faster." The sound of a whip filled the room, and he yelled, "all right, you groveling slaves! Come out!"22

We heard bodies running hastily out from underneath the tables. Only Liam didn't. He looked grim.23

Edwin counted out loud, and shouted, "Liam! Get your ass out!"24

Liam didn't move. An aura of determination surrounded him, and I felt braver than I ever had before.25

But then, loud footsteps came towards us. The streak of courage I had felt escaped, and I was filled with cowardice. 26

Edwin's footsteps echoed in my ears. I'm so terrified. He picked up the table, and smashed it at the wall. 27

The warmth that was trapped beneath the table escaped, and with it every line of truth I'd known.28