A Million Galaxy Away

Perspective of Lalanie.

After negotiating with Scottie, I decided to move in with my "owner" for two years. In no uncertain terms. Then I could go about my business as I saw fit. I didn't know what kind of life that would be at that point, but I knew I had to keep my optimism.

Two years was a small price to pay to make sure my mom and eventually my dad got some time together.

The club music from upstairs throbbed through the walls and took control of my heart rate, but I fought tooth and nail not to envy those revelers who had no idea about the hidden club underneath their feet.

Something else was washing over the women below. We walked past the doorman who was checking names off a clipboard. He recognized us and our purpose, so we were immediately permitted entry.

Walking past the line of women blocking the hall nearly made me lose my composure. They seemed like a diverse group, with some bearing an air of royalty and others appearing to be veterans of the big leagues for the first time.

They were all standing naked in front of a wall of mirrors with a number taped to their stomachs.

A "two-way mirror," as Del put it. "Every customer tonight has a full synopsis of every girl up for auction. Then they are herded like cattle into this area to be exhibited to the high rollers. This allows them to scope out the offerings and determine which destitute young lady might be worth placing a bid on."

"Wow, you're helpful, Del. Nothing about that makes me feel bad."

"Oh, hush. I didn't mean it that way," she said, trying to reassure me. "You are far too talented to be engaging in such nonsense. You are not like them." She pointed at the other female students in the corridor. "That being said, I do understand. I don't know of anything more selfless than what you're doing for Fate."

As I avoided making eye contact, I thought, "Those other women could have very well had their own Fate at home." As we neared the end of the corridor, Del rang the bell.

A voice yelled for us to come in, but I became anxious when Del stepped aside and pointed toward the door. I knew that the onset of full-blown hyperventilation was imminent.

"Hey, look at me." Del made me look at her directly. "You needn't enter that building. Right now we can turn around and leave."

My voice shook as I said, "No, we can't," despite my best efforts to calm down.

"I'm unable to accompany you inside. It's up to you from here on out," she said, her regret and concern barely concealed.

As tears threatened to spill over my cheeks, I nodded my understanding and lowered my head.