What We Became

Chapter 1

I brushed slender fingers through thin blonde hair, evaluating my scuffed face with its red irritations from being dragged across a dirty training floor. One high cheekbone was a little swollen, causing the skin around my eye to squeeze a little shut, obscuring my light blue eyes. A small sigh left my lips, and I leaned my short frame over the basin of water, splashing away the dirt to avoid infection. Irritation pricked my skin as I recall my mistakes, my guard falling in training, resulting in my face in the dirt.

My name is Sadie Lee, and I got that name from the only man that cared enough to offer me an identity after countless years of being nothing more that property, an object to fulfill all kinds of wicked desires. I only knew the man as Mr. Ackerman, he was tall, rugged, and always wore a dingy black bowler hat. He was important to many high ups, I knew that much, though it was clear he was as much of an outsider as I was. I think back to him whenever I find myself on the failing end of a training session. It hasn't happened in quite a long time; I try my best to keep my reflexes and fundamentals as sharp as possible. It took me far too long to master the skills I had to slip up and cost me the life I had worked for. I think of him and the way he would shake his head when I missed a mark, his black hair that brushed his nape would fly free, then a harsh remark would follow, callousing my young heart to the words that once would have burned a hole through me.

I owe Mr. Ackerman everything. He saw a young eighteen year old girl that had been conditioned to stay hidden away, groomed to obey the commands of the men that had enough coins in their pockets. I had been taken from the Underground when I was just six, to settle the debts my mother accumulated trying to support us both. I was told that I was lucky, that I would feel the cool breeze of spring against my skin, and understand the warmth of a summer sun, and it was all true. I felt all those things and so much more, I also felt the sting of a wooden cane, and heard the shouts reminding me that I was nothing more property and that I should be grateful to be allowed to serve them. Years passed and once I reached the age of womanhood, the cane disappeared and was replaced with the cold hands of men that paid for the opportunity to feel just what had developed and the shouts turned to husky drunken whispers saying they had waited for that moment for years. During those years I couldn't help but wonder how much better the Underground seemed, how the dank walls and musty air couldn't be as bad as everyone made it out to be.

Mr. Ackerman's sharp eyes would scan any room he entered, as if he was calculating a speedy escape at all times. But one day those eyes fell on me, his voice was just as rugged as the rest of him.

"Who is the girl in corner and why is she necessary to today's dealings?" His eyes didn't leave me, it was like he was reflecting, and in deep thought.

"She is very good company; thought you could use someone like her. You always go around with such a stick in your ass. Its time to enjoy yourself." The Minister was reclined on a fluffy red sofa and sat across from Mr. Ackerman, his chubby hands were wringing together in his lap clearly nervous, and it was made all the worst when his eyes met Mr. Ackerman's cold and calculating ones.

There was a stretch of silence as The Minister's eyes bore into me, telling me to not dare embarrass him in front of an important guest. I stepped forward; the only sound were my slip shoes against the marble floor. The room truly was grand, made of fine white marble, and with windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling almost twenty feet up, the room was practically sparkling. As I reached Mr. Ackerman's chair, I plastered a small smile to my lips and bowed low to him.

"It would be my pleasure sir, truly." My words were not received from the man, aside from a dismissive wave, he was seemingly not interested. Which was a great relief to me.

"Wait for me in my quarters, there is no need for you here and now." There was a pang of disappointment, that I quickly concealed as I glanced to the Minister who shooed me on and I took my leave. This was not uncommon and frankly I had lost my ability to feel anything about the situation I was in. It was certainly unsavory and left me feeling dirty all over, but I had learned that dwelling on it all only made things harder and that if I had any hopes of one day leaving all of this behind that I would need to be steadfast in my determination of making it through today.

~~

My eyes were fixated out to the city through Mr. Ackerman's window, the birds were taking flight to the painted sky, and I could hear the echoing of the people at the market. Something I had never been able to experience, the sun was setting low and it was one of the few moments I cherished. Being alone, seeing the beauty of the sky and being able to imagine what it would be like to be on the arm of a respectable man picking out fabrics and foods to bring back home to a real family. It was a peaceful moment that came crashing down as I heard the door creak open and shut. I took a deep calming breath and pushed myself to my feet, realizing that my five-foot height was nothing next to the man that was staring down at me.

"Grab a set of clothes, pants if you got them, anything better than what you have on," Confusion and disbelief spilled from my features, of all things to hear, I had not expected that. "Please can we save the questions for later? I would rather get the fuck out of here, and I am not leaving practically a child here with those pigs." His hand drug down his face, clearly seeing the utter confusion on my face and not wanting to deal with it. Luckily for him I had been taught to be nothing but silent for most of my existence.

"Uh, yes sir..." I trailed off deciding that if this is a real opportunity then I was not going to miss it. I glance down at my clothes, silk fabrics of pink and blue hugged me, it dipped low exposing some of my bust and was short enough that my legs had little coverage. I guess I knew what he meant when he said anything but what I was wearing.

Next thing I know my legs are throbbing, heart pounding, and blonde strands of hair stuck to my face. I would be bathing as soon as I could find water again. Mr. Ackerman led me through the massive building as if he had been here a million times, and there was little to any resistance as we left through a back entrance. Leading us through a few back alleys, I began to feel uneasy, not because of the man stealing me away, but because I could shake the feeling that we were being watched.

I gained enough courage to reach out and tug gently on Mr. Ackerman's coat, his feet slowed in the middle of the dark alley and his head whipped to look at me. "We don't have time for any nonsense, why are you grabbing me?" He batted my hand away from his coat as I finally remembered how to speak.

"I think we are being followed," I managed to whisper out, I knew I looked scared, my blue eyes were large and darted all around. Perspiration dotted my brows, and my breath was shallow, my body by no means was prepared for something like this.

His hand clasped onto my arm, and I was suddenly hauled to the other side of the alley and pushed into the crowd of people. Disoriented, I saw Mr. Ackerman duck under the blade of a hooded man, and his words finally reached my ears. Run. I ran and ran into the night pushing my way past people on the dimly lit roads. I hunkered myself down in a shop, hoping to be found by the man trying to save me.

I am not sure how much time really passed before Mr. Ackerman found me, hunched in a corner of a fabric shop with my hood pulled over my face hoping I could hide away from everyone. I couldn't even tell that he had been involved in an altercation, he was clean not a single thing out of place. I found myself wrapping my arms around his waist just for a brief moment, allowing myself to feel relief that he was okay and came back, but also to express the gratitude I felt for him helping someone he did not know.

"Alright enough of that you little brat, we have places to be, things to do. You understand me?" He placed his hand on my head and pushed me away, though there was a playful glint in his eye, I did not exactly want to push the boundaries with this stranger. I opted for a small nod and released my hold. I tilted my head towards him as he spoke again, the gruff tone still a little unnerving but quickly becoming comforting. "Do you have a name? Anything that you go by?"

"I assume that I once did, but I haven't been called by a name since I was taken from the Underground. You can call me whatever suits you best" My voice was surprisingly strong, and when meeting his eyes, I didn't shudder away I held my ground.

"Well.." He was clearly putting serious thought to it as we walked from the fabric store and back into the throng of people, his hand on his chin stroking a thin beard. "How do you feel about Sadie Lee?"

"I feel like that will do just fine." I replied as a smile formed across my features, and he nodded his head seemingly proud of himself.