The Handmaids tale.
We've all heard the stories, the realities.
The sinners, gender traitors, adulterers.
The bad ones. Though some are seen useful and in the case of Gilead worth something.
But this is the story of one gender traitor who had option...
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I stood holding my cup of tea as I stared out the window of the living room. I watched as the girl was escorted out of the black van. "Is she here?" Serena asked coming over to the window squeezing my shoulders softly before turning and running out to the hallway to wait for the new hand maiden.
"You can sit, I don't make a habit of it. But just this once." I smiled at the small form of kindness she was showing the girl. She smiled softly after looking at me. Seeing how I appreciated the small form of decency to the probably terrified girl.
"So, old what's his name didn't work out?" "No ma'am" I knew that voice. The voice that sang to me after my lessons. Every time I limped back to the beds with a new mark. "Tough luck, this is your second posting them?" She asked her "Yes ma'am."
The voice that would sing me to sleep when I was in pain. "Good, our last one was brand new. It was like training a dog, but not a very smart one." I looked down hearing the comparison. "I expect you know the rules." "Yes ma'am."
I watched her cringe saying "Don't call me ma'am, you're not a Martha." Soon after the door opened both of them shooting up straight like I had been. Uncle walked through the door slowly. "Well, look what the cat dragged in. This is the new one." She spoke softly explaining to him.
"Hello, blessed be the fruit." "May the lord open." Serena watched the interaction with intent trying to see any ill will from June. "I'm commander Waterford." "Praised be to you, may god make me truly worthy."
I listened with my head down as she recited the only words handmaids were ever really meant to speak to the commanders. "Right well, nice to meet you." He went to walk out but she spoke again "You too." My eyes shut tight.
Why couldn't you keep your mouth shut June. Why. He walked out slowly hearing this and as June went to sit back down my aunt spoke quickly "Stand up. I want to see as little of you as possible. Do you understand?" She spoke harsher than before. "Yes ma- Yes."
"Mrs. Waterford." She answered for her. "He is my husband, till death do us part. Don't get any ideas. Because if I get trouble believe me I will give it back." I watched her asserting control. But what else could she do in a setting like this. "Come Veronica."
I watched her shoulder tense hearing my name. I walked infront of her giving her some sort of confirmation of who I was.
~~~
We sat at the table drinking tea in a comforting, soft silence. She held my hand avoiding the evident scar of my palms. I smiled seeing some sort of calm in her presence but that was lost seeing Rita walk into the kitchen with the same look I see every time I'm over.
"Mr. Wilden wishes for you home, Mrs. Wilden." I nodded slowly standing up. "Thank you for having me Aunt Serena." "Of course my beautiful girl. Tell Jackson we look forward to dinner next week." I nodded kissing her cheek, before heading out of the house.
