Once a Slave (chapter One - A New Father)

Chapter One – A New Father1

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“You,” I looked up to see the Master pointing at me from where he stood on the porch, “what are you doing?” I still clasped the rake in my hand as I stared at him; he’d hardly ever spoken to me before. He glared at me waiting for an answer.3

“I-I was just returning the rake to the shed…” I trailed off. He nodded and then looked away for a moment. I’d been told to stay until he dismissed me by the servants on his estate.4

“All right, put the shovel—I mean rake—up then return here.” I nodded briskly and whipped away. I didn’t like it when he spoke to me, not one bit. I shoved the rake neatly into place in the shed then walked at an even pace to the porch.5

When I arrived the Master was speaking with the chef. The tall, chubby man shook his head, said something, and then went back inside; leaving me and the Master alone. I swallowed hard as he turned to me. He gave me a quick look-over then waved me over.6

I obeyed.7

He placed his hand on my head and tilted my chin up. I didn’t look him in the eyes, it didn’t seem appropriate. He nodded yet again, as if impressed then spoke up, “Go inside and wash up. You’re my daughter as of now.”8

I blinked in surprise. His daughter? Could he just name his daughter? I wasn’t his daughter—he only had three, and I was not one of them. He watched me, without a word as I pondered this. I didn’t get it, why me? I’d been working for his for a year and now he decided to name me his daughter?9

“Well? You going or not?” I nodded quickly; I didn’t want to pass up the chance. I obeyed his order and slipped into the mansion. It was bigger than I could have imagined. The floors were polished to a shine, the ceiling rose high above my head, towering up to the second floor, the marble in the kitchen looked s if no one had ever set foot in there…10

Astonishing.11

He had so much money to do this, and he made the slave quarters look like they did? Shame on him; that was rude. Then I heard the door push open and turned around in surprise, as if ready to apologize for being inside.12

It was Jessica, probably entering from her ride on Spice—her stallion. I was about ready to say I was sorry when she smiled and came over. She rested her hand on my back, “Loosen up, it’s all right.”13

I tried to obey her, but I was still very tense. She shook her head and guided me farther into the house. She’d always been nice, but it was still strange. She was like the exact opposite of her father. I gnawed on my lip.14

“Calm down Rae.” I was surprised that she even knew my name, but I said nothing. She pointed to a door beside the kitchen and spoke again, “That’s the bathroom. I’ll bring you some fresh clothes and you can take a shower.” I nodded and did as I was told.15

I slipped into the bathroom and looked around. The floor and counters were marble, and the bath tub gleamed in another kind of stone. It looked like opal, but I doubted it was real. In the back was a huge walk-in closet, filled with little treasures. The shower curtain draped just about an inch above the floor, and the design looked wonderful.16

I moved cautiously toward the shower. It was placed at the far left corner and the glass was specially figured to look outstanding. The door open and Jessica placed some clothes on the counter. Our eyes met for a second, and then I instantly looked back at the floor.17

“Rae…” she trailed off and sat on the leather recliner by the door, “come here.” I hesitated then did just as I was told and went to her. She sighed and stood back up, then wrapped her arms around me and gave me a delicate hug.18

It surprised me, considering I was so filthy and she was so clean.19

“I know you’re not used to this, but this is your home now. You don’t have to listen to every order; you don’t have to be told what to do every single second of every single day. You’re your own person. 20

“I know you’ve had it rough and this is different. But Dad chose you to come in here because he thought you didn’t deserve to be out there. No one does, in my opinion, but that’s not my choice.21

“You’re here now, and you’re going to stay here.” She sighed, “Now get in the shower and wash up, you stink like horse crap.” I smiled a little, but kept it hidden as she left. I locked the door.22

Maybe she was right.23

Maybe I was here to stay.24

But it didn’t make sense. Why me? Why now? I grumbled a bit as I started the shower, stripped my clothes, and climbed in. The hot water burned my skin for a moment, and then the gentle pitter-patter soothed my tensed muscles and relaxed me. I placed my head beneath the drizzling water and let it soak me from head to toe.25

Maybe things would change. 26

Maybe I would be okay.27

Jessica could be right, after all, she was the daughter of the Master. Oh boy, calling him “father” was going to be hard. I couldn’t even picture it in my mind. When I finished bathing, I stepped out and snatched a towel. I scrubbed it against my pale skin until it dried me completely. Then I took the clothes that Jessica had brought me and pulled them on. I brushed out my hair then stepped out.28

Jessica was waiting for me in the living room and smiled as she saw me. I felt a little embarrassed, if I’d known she was waiting I would’ve went a lot faster… but she didn’t seem to care. She put her pencil and paper down and stood up, stretched her back, and then walked over to me.29

“Hey there Rae.” She rested her hand on my back, just like she’d done before then guided me to the living room and let me sit on the couch. Her caramel eyes glowed and hone in the dim light as evening began to cast over the windows. She rested her hand on my shoulder and pulled me close, “I’ll give you the grand tour tomorrow.” 30