Chapter Five: Lola
1019 Words
Walking has never felt more painful than it does now. The day after Carlos violated me, I tried to get out of bed, only to collapse onto the floor as sharp pain tore through my body. My bruised cheek stared back at me when I finally made it to the bathroom mirror, prompting another flood of tears. Ever since, I’ve confined myself to my room, avoiding any interaction except with Rose, whose presence is a small comfort.
It’s been three days, and Carlos hasn’t come near me. Perhaps he’s realized his mistake and feels regret—or maybe he’s simply waiting for me to heal. I don’t know. Each night is torture, spent wide awake in fear of his return. Even locking my door doesn’t feel like enough. What if he has a master key? What if there’s a hidden entrance I don’t know about? I need to reach my father. Maybe he can find a way to hasten up and pay what he owes Carlos so I can gain my freedom back. I decide to take a chance and ask Rose for help.
One afternoon, as she clears my dishes, I muster the courage.
“Rose,” I say softly.
She pauses. “Yes, Miss Lola? Do you need something else?”
I hesitate, then nod. “Actually… yes. I was wondering if I could speak to my father.”
Her brows furrow slightly as she sets the tray down. “What do you mean?”
“Carlos took my phone. I was hoping I could use yours, just for a moment,” I plead.
She stands abruptly, her expression hardening. “I’m sorry, Miss Lola, but I can’t help you with that.”
“Please,” I beg, desperation lacing my voice. “It’ll be quick. Carlos doesn’t have to know. I just need to hear my father’s voice.”
Her lips press into a thin line as she picks up the tray. “I’m sorry. I really can’t risk it.”
“Please, Rose,” I plead again the next day, my voice breaking.
She sighs heavily. “Miss Lola, I wish I could help, but my job is on the line. I can’t take that kind of risk.”
Tears spill down my cheeks. “Carlos won’t find out, I swear. I’ll be quick.”
Her gaze softens briefly, but her response stings. “I shouldn’t say this, but… don’t you think it might be better this way? Calling your father might complicate things.”
I snap, my voice rising with anger and despair. “I was r***d, Rose! This wasn’t part of the agreement! I can’t sleep at night without fearing it’ll happen again. How is this better?”
Her face pales. “I’m so sorry, Miss Lola. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
I shake my head, swallowing my frustration. “Forget it, Rose. I won’t put you at risk.”
Still, I vow to find another way to contact my father. He needs to know that I’m not okay.
A week passes without any word from Carlos until one evening when Rose enters my room without a tray. Her expression is tense.
“Mr. Carlos wants you downstairs,” she says softly.
Dread pools in my stomach, but I rise and follow her to the dining room. The pain in between my legs is still there, but I manage to keep my composure.
Carlos is already seated. I greet him stiffly and sit down. He grunts in response, his usual greeting, and the table falls into silence.
I pick at my food, appetite nonexistent until he speaks.
“You’ll be going to the mall tomorrow to shop for an event on Saturday,” he announces.
“I can wear something from my closet,” I suggest timidly.
His gaze sharpens. “That wasn’t a request. You’re going to the mall, and Alex will assist you.”
I nod, resigned. I don't even know who this Alex is but I do not ask him.
The next day, I’m driven to the mall, where I meet Alex—a stark contrast to Carlos. He’s bubbly and full of energy.
“Oh my, you’re stunning!” he exclaims as he approaches me.
I manage a small smile. “Thank you.”
“Let’s find something perfect for you, shall we?” he says, diving into the racks of clothes.
After a moment, he pulls out a black halter-neck dress with intricate silver embroidery.
“This is the one! Try it on.”
In the fitting room, I slip into the dress. It hugs my figure perfectly, the silver detailing catching the light and highlighting my brown eyes. I step out, feeling a bit shy.
Alex gasps, clapping his hands in excitement. “Gorgeous! Absolutely stunning! You look like a goddess.”
I try on several more dresses, each one met with his enthusiastic approval, before leaving with multiple shopping bags. Carlos had given me his black card, and though I don’t care for his money, I don’t want to provoke him either.
Back at the house, Rose inspects the dresses, her smile bright, but I can’t share her excitement.
“Is something wrong, Miss?” she asks, noticing my quiet demeanor.
I shake my head. “No.”
“You seem troubled,” she presses gently. “You don't like the dresses?”
I shake my head again, releasing a sigh, "No, that's not it."
She narrows her brows, "Is this about your father?"
I nod hesitantly.
She glances at the door, and then locks it before pulling out her phone.
“Be quick,” she whispers.
Hope surges within me as I grab the phone and dial my father’s number. It rings twice before he answers.
“Hello? Who is this?”
“Dad, it’s me—Lola.”
I hear a sharp intake of breath from his end before he speaks again, "Lola...how? How are you, my child? Are you okay? Is Carlos treating you well?"
A single tear falls from my eye before I answer, "I want to come back home."
- Writer
