The Slave Trader's Girl

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

“Hey, Laynlie, come over here and help me!” my dad yelled. I was sitting in the house, trying to tune out the world. This isn’t exactly easy; it’s loud at the Slave Market. I hated going outside, but I hated being inside, too. Then I decided I should go outside while my dad will let me.

“What do you need?” I asked. My dad was over by a teenage boy. He had dark brown hair and soft brown eyes. He looked about my age, just taller. “Who is this?” I said, addressing my dad as the boy looked me up and down.

“This is Jason. He has come here to help me. I really can’t explain more to you right here, right now. Laynlie, you’ll take him to the sitting room,” my dad explained slowly, looking at me. Of course, I understood. But why is this boy here?

“Hi… Jason. How are you?”

“I’m fine. It’s Laylie, right?”

“Laynlie,” I said, leading him down the stairs to the basement. Yes, the house looked very, very small from the front but the real stuff is underground. I sat down on the earth and Jason sat near me. He sat annoyingly close. I didn’t like it. No, I didn’t hang out with boys, or girls for that matter. It’s always, always, always been just my dad and I.

“Who are you?” I asked, plainly.

Jason looked at me for a little while before answering.

“Who are you?” I asked again, more firmly this time.

“My name is Jason. I’m a slave. I sold your father information. Now you have to protect me. I’m just like you now.”

“What? How are you just like me?”

“I’ve totally figured you out! It’s not hard. Obviously, you’re not a slave because your dad is here and he knows your name. He loves you. No real dad would leave their son... or, or daughter," said Jason, pausing for a second before regaining his grin, although it didn't extend to his eyes. "And you're hiding, you're afraid. You're an open book, sweetie."

"No I am not!"

"Really? I've just read your entire life in a matter of minutes. Try to guess who I am," Jason said, already standing up and heading towards the stairs. He stared at me for a few seconds. I had nothing. He smiled at me again and left.

"Hey! Wait! Jason! What did you tell my dad? Jason! Hey?"

I ran upstairs, annoyed at him for being so difficult. I ran outside looking for him. 

"Jason, where are you?" I said quietly, knowing yelling would do nothing in this already very loud area. Why did it suddenly seem so loud?