The Empire

ChapterTwo.

Author's Note:

Heyyyy! So just a bit of a warning before you read the chapter. If you are in anyway uncomfortable about lesbian relationships and sexual settings, maybe it's not a good idea for you to go on further. In case you're okay with it, I encourage you to keep reading and leave me your thoughts. Haha 

Don't forget to vote! :)
Kbye!

- kriwiyum

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Two years ago

The Caucasian man collapsed on top of me, his pungent sweat dripping over every inch of my tired body. He was the sixth today and I was already too numb to feel the pleasure. After a few heavy pants, he stood up to put on his clothes.

"You're amazing, Lena, as always," he said without looking at me. "I'll be back next week." He places a chocolate kiss beside my head, a reward I would request from every one of my regulars. Once my customer left, I grabbed the kiss and put it in the old shoebox I kept under the bed. I have gathered eleven pieces since yesterday, barely touching it so that it wouldn't lose its shape. I was saving it for this night, or technically morning.

Within a day, the prostitutes of each district were usually given a couple of hours in between their "appointments", enough for a little rest, meals, and retouching of make-up. After twelve hours of this routine, five hours were given for a time off, just as long we stayed in the compound. The intervals had varied, not sharing the time with the same prostitute; but on this early morning, I was finally spending it with her.

I walked out of the musty room, in all my naked glory, leaving the clothes I wore for the help to pick up. My room was situated at the dead end of the long, windowless hallway of a former boarding house in Manhattan. There were about twelve single rooms on this floor. Most of them were occupied, the relentless moans and rocking of beds indicating it. For the longest time, I have grown not to cringe at the noise, had even learned to sleep through it; but hearing it all at once feels so suffocating. It's a miracle I could still pull myself together after all this time.

At the end of the corridor, I make my way upstairs to a large attic, which was where the clothes and cosmetics were stored. Dozens of clothes racks were set up by columns, resembling that of a thrift store you would see downtown, and tables set against a mirrored wall on the east side.

After a quick shower, I put on some clothing, one of the more sensible outfits that have been provided for me: a glittering sky-blue halter top, and glossy black leggings. My box of chocolate kisses was in a knapsack, I hung it on my shoulder as I readied myself for a lift. I opened up the window behind the rack of kinky sixties outfits and held onto the metal ladder, hoisting myself up.

"You're late," I was greeted as I made it on to the roof. I turned my head towards the melodic voice that had soothed my sorrows for the past five years. She was beautiful as always.

"Yeah sorry, I took an extra..." I stood watching her comb her long silky, brown hair. As the rising sun lit up her face, she closed her eyes, looking relaxed as she always has, despite all the things she was going through.

I sat a short distance from her, almost afraid of interrupting her moment of peace, when she spoke again, "I've missed you, love," putting her hand over mine. I let out a breath I didn't know I held.

"I missed you too, Ava. You don't know how empty I've felt this past month," I said lying down on my back. Ava had lain beside and we watched the sky turn a light blue. It was in these moments I was able to find myself again. For a split second, I wasn't a prostitute, a slave held against my will. I was Lena, not the same one from my childhood, but one that was whole; whenever Ava was near, only when she was.