Duplicity

Sei

I stayed in "my" room for at least a good ten minutes more than I needed to, simply because I was too scared to face the girls downstairs. I saw them being raped while they were tied up and gagged, but instead of helping them, I selfishly ran away. They probably hated me and there's no way I could have blamed them, so I was very surprised when the door opened a gorgeous brunette looked at me with a kind smile.

"Hello, Mary, my name is Eleanor! It's very nice to meet you, love! I made some pancakes, so do you want to come down and eat a bit?" Her hazel eyes were warm and her smile was nothing less than genuine, so I found my muscles loosening as I gave her a tiny nod.

"Okay." She looked satisfied and held her hand out to pull me to my feet. I hesitantly accepted her offer and was caught off guard yet again when she pulled me into a tight hug.

"I'm sorry that you're here, but I hope that you'll see me as a friend someday soon, someone who could help you out when things become a bit tough. I know that Harry can be...difficult at times and I won't lie to you, you will probably be forced into doing some things, but just know that I'm on your side."

"Thank you," I said, squeezing her back. It had been nearly eight years since I've had a hug from another female and I couldn't help but savor that small bit of maternal attention.

"Of course, love. Now why don't you come downstairs to meet Sophia while you eat some breakfast. We've both been a bit curious about the girl who's gotten Harry to lift out house arrest." I looked at her wide-eyed and she let out a small giggle. "I'm joking, Mary. He doesn't trap us in here often, only when something dangerous is about to happen. Harry's not as bad as you think."

I gave her a tentative smile and followed her down the stairs, but I couldn't help but think that she was just trying to make me feel better. Not that bad can't be the way to describe the man who kidnapped me.

**

"How about this nice lavender? If we're painting your walls a sea foam type color, this will go great!" Sophia enthusiastically gestured towards the duvet and I gave her a small smile.

"I love that color, so if it matches, then sure. I'm not very good at this type of thing, guys, sorry. I've never decorated a room before..."

"Really? What about your room at home?" Eleanor asked, holding up to cream colored lamps to me, and I pointed to the one on the left before shrugging at her.

"I had the same furniture and wall color my whole life. My father never even allowed me to hang anything on the walls." They both gave me a sorry glance before continuing to walk down the aisle, me pushing the cart behind them.

After a few minutes of relative silence, in addition to a new carpet and some pillowcases, I finally got the courage to ask the question that's been weighing on my mind for a while. "Hey guys?"

"Yeah?"

"Hmm?"

"What job does Harry have? And the other boys?"