(Ophelia's Point of View)
I view everyday as a new day, but lately I have been pretty down in the dumps. I know it's due to all the pressure at my jobs. There have been a lot of quote unquote Karen's coming in on both jobs, plus going home, knowing my father is constantly drunk off his ass brings me down knowing that I don't really have a home.
My coworkers know very little of me, that's how I prefer it. My work best friend knows my favorite color, my middle name, and my favorite meal; that's it. I haven't even dated before, because I'm terrified that they would want to meet my father eventually and that is a big no, because of his alcoholism and one of the rules he set for me is no dating.
Today, I got up at 0400 so I could leave at 0430 so I could get to my job on time. My father tells me to sit down at the table as I attempt to walk by, and I do as I'm told. "I called your work and told them that you wouldn't be able to come in today, and said that you were sick." My jaw dropped, he's never done that before. "Why? That's approximately $110, not including tips that I won't bring home today." He shrugged and said, "You will be meeting someone very important today. He has seen your photo and knows what you look like. He's willing to pay one million dollars to have you marry his son. You know that I will be getting that money. So get dressed now, something nice, dial down that makeup on your face, you're not a goddamn clown, and if you don't do as I ask, I will beat the shit outta you. You have one hour." I gave a firm, "Yes sir." Then I went upstairs to change.
My mind was moving a mile a minute. I didn't think my father would auction me off like he's doing. But money is money to him, he'll spend it all on liquor and drugs, he'll lose the house within a year or so once I'm gone. I get dressed in skinny jeans with no holes or rips, then a plain burgundy shirt, black Nike shoes with black socks. I put a hair tie on my wrist, then headed downstairs. My father looked at me, then gave me one nod, meaning I didn't look good, but it'll do. I made myself kashi go-defy crunch cereal with oat milk and sat down across from my father. I ate, then cleaned my dish and put it in the drying rack.
There was a knock on the door and my heart stopped for a moment. My father opens the door. A middle aged man in a black suit comes inside. "Good morning Mr. Kirby, thank you for responding so quickly." My father shook his hand smiling like a lunatic. "Please call me Anthony." The man smiled, and said, "Of course Anthony, Now, Where is Miss. Ophelia?" My father led him to me, and he shook my hand and said,
"Hello Miss. Ophelia, my name is Leonardo Espinoza, You can call me sir, Mr. Leo, or Mr. Espinoza. I am here to make sure you are tracking everything, and to make sure your father didn't catfish you. Now, he will get $250,000 once you leave with me, then another $250,000 when you sign. He will receive the next $500,000 when the contract is completed. My son has already fallen for you, and has already signed. Do you understand?" I nodded. "You will meet my son when you get to his property and he will be with you as much as possible." I asked softly. "Should I go pack a bag or something, sir?" He shook his head no, and said, "No. We have clothes for you already, and hygiene products as well." I nodded and put my head down. Mr. Espinoza put his hand on my shoulder. "Time to go, Miss. Ophelia, would you like to say goodbye to your dad?" I shook my head no and said, "Could we just leave, please?" Mr. Espinoza nodded and escorted me to the vehicle. I got in and buckled myself in. My father stepped outside to see me off, to make sure I didn't run so he'd get all his money. As the car drove off, my father, his petty ass, flipped me off. He's lucky that I was compliant.
We were in the car for three hours, before we stopped. My stomach was growling, but I just ignored it. When we stopped, we were in the parking lot of a diner. I was told to get out and wait at the front of the car. I did as I was told. Mr. Espinoza took me by the arm and led me inside. We sat down and Mr. Espinoza ordered for both of us. "While we wait, I want to know more about you, so I'll be asking you some questions." I nodded. O-Ophelia E-Espinoza
