Back to slavery

Chapter 5

It was a few weeks before I ever saw Mr. Smith again. By that time, I was beginning to wonder if I had dreamt him up.

I also started to miss Poi-Mei. She was the only person besides the Chairman that was nice to me. I started to dream about what life would have been like if things were different. If I were born with money, then I would not have to worry about keeping men happy. I could get married to someone who loved me and have lots of babies.

Then I started to wonder if Mr. Smith had a wife and kids. Did he want to be with me? Was that why he asked if I would leave? The more I thought about it, the more I got confused.

It got so bad that I started daydreaming in the middle of my session that Pi slapped me a few times just to get my attention.

“Wake up stupid girl, what you do not think I don’t know what you are thinking about. Stupid, stupid girl, no one would ever marry a girl like you. Let it go and just be glad that I took you in. There are far worse out there for your kind.”

With that, she left.

No matter how hard I tried, I could not get Mr. Smith out of my head.

On the days that Mr. Smith came to pick me up. It was the best day ever. Even if it were out for a few hours, I was able to get a little bit of freedom.

As we were walking down the street, he asked “have you thought it over yet?”

Startled, I just looked at him dumbstruck.” Did you really mean it?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “Yes, silly girl, I meant it; I will never lie to you.”

With the biggest smile on my face, I said yes. I think I even did a little twirl. And then reality hit. I started thinking about all the men that I had been with and felt disgusted with myself. I wrapped my arms around me and slowly started walking.

Stopping, he looks down at me and says “Oh Sumaira, whatever am I going to do with you?”

Shaking my head, I tried to keep walking, but he grabs my arm gently and pulls me to a stop.

“Well, just think about it, you will be in a new land where no one will know you, and you won’t have to please men anymore. How does that sound?”

“It sounds like a dream that I can’t even imagine.”

“Well, it is more than a dream. I have to know what you decide next week. If it’s yes, then my man can help you escape and bring you on his boat.”

I do not remember what happened the rest of the night. I felt like I was in a dream come true.

When he dropped me off, I turned to him and told him yes, I wanted to leave.

Good I will be back next week. Don’t worry about packing anything, I will take care of it.

With that, he gave me the most wonderful kiss ever. Tuns and leaves.

I didn't know that I had just walked into my own personal nightmear.

Later that night, I lay in bed just thinking about all the wonderful things that were going to happen. I could not wait to see him, not even the dirty looks I got from the other girls could get me down. I turned over in bed and fell asleep quickly, morning could not come soon enough.