The Hope of Eden

Heard

1912
Sacramento, California.

"Come in," He called gently, surprising her.

She still wasn't used to his kindness and welcoming manner.

Though he sent fear to her core when they met, Mr. Naid was far from what she expected.

Still, her senses told her things weren't as they seemed.

It'd been two weeks since Mr. Naid took her from her parent's home. He had yet to raise a hand or his voice at her.

Something had to give.

Shaking her head, she pushed open the door.

Mr. Naid stood from his chair and a smile settled on his face.

He always smiled around her.

It was a far cry from what she was used to—sneers and chortles, rejoicing in her suffering.

"Good afternoon, Eden." He extended his hand, she took it hesitantly. "How was your tea?"

She swallowed her nerves and forced a smile, still scrambled inside about his motives. "It was well, sir. Thank you for allowing it,"

A soft chuckle left him and he motioned for her to sit.

She obeyed.

"You're a wonderful young woman, Eden. Beautiful," He crooned, admiring her shamelessly. "This evening, some of my colleagues will have dinner with us. I want you to sit with me,"

His tone was sweet, but she knew better than to defy his request.

He could break her hand in a moment.

Mr. Naid was a big man, of brute strength and height.

A wolf in sheep's clothing.

"I will, sir." She lowered her eyes, unable to hold his heated gaze any longer.

His rough thumb stroked the back of her hand as he hummed. "Wonderful, Eden. My colleagues will be entranced by your angelic appearance. Don't worry, I will protect you." He lifted her hand and kissed it, causing her stomach to clench.

She wanted to scream.

She was shuddering inside and out.

Make him let me go, Lord. Please.

"Oh, don't be afraid," He whispered, noticing her shuddering. "I won't harm you, Eden. I'm as harmless as a flower,"

His bright green eyes danced with something she didn't like.

Her breath was stuck in her throat.

"With time, you will see."

-

1921
Lynchburg, Virginia

Rosalie ran around her for the fourth time, singing a strange song she'd made up.

It was special and odd, but Eden would never fault the girl.

She supposed that if someone had saved her at Rosalie's age, she too would've danced circles around her savior in part, singing a song of sweet freedom.

That was not her story.

But thank God, it was Rosalie's.

"And when the light shines, we will twirl and jump! Happily to the house in the hills, yay, yay, yay, and fun,"

Strange as it was to Eden, the song was catching.

"Oh! Edennnn!" Rosalie stopped abruptly, spinning for a few seconds as she caught her balance.