SOLD

Wrapped in Silk

It was a long and quiet drive to the place that was supposed to be my "new home." My so-called husband sat next to me but it felt like I was riding with a stranger. He didn't look at me, didn't speak, didn't even flinch when my dress shifted and the lace scratched my skin raw. His eyes never left his phone screen. Not that I wanted him to speak but the silence was loud enough to strangle me. Married against my will, trapped in a car with a stranger with my heart beating so fast it hurt.

When the driver finally pulled up to the gates of a massive house, my stomach turned. It was the kind of house people dream about owning, clean walls and tall glass windows. The driver got out and opened my door.

Driver: you may get out ma'am

Otha: thank you

My feet hit the pavement and the chill from the stone crawled through my shoes. I stood there frozen, like if I didn't move maybe time would stand still too.

Husband: come, let's go in

His voice was calm, like this was normal, like he hadn't stolen my entire life.

Otha: my... my bags

Husband: he's gonna bring them in. Just come

Every step I took behind him felt like my legs belonged to someone else. The house smelled of expensiveness. Everything was neatly placed, too perfect and too cold. No laughter on the walls, no messy couch cushions and no warmth. Just silence. He led me upstairs and he stopped in front of a room and pushed the door open.

Husband: this will be your room

Otha: thank you

Husband: good night

And just like that he walked away. No instructions, no comfort and no attempt to make me feel human. I collapsed onto the bed with my heart heavy and my body numb. I hadn't bathed and I didn't even know where the bathroom was, my bags were still in the car. "Screw it"I whispered to myself before letting the mattress swallow me whole. The next morning, a knock woke me. He stepped in like he owned the air I breathed.

Husband: hi

Otha: hi

Husband: how'd you sleep?

Otha: I guess it was fine

Husband: you should take a bath or something you look horrible

Otha: thanks

Husband: it's the truth

His words stung like glass. I wrapped my arms around myself.

Otha: and my clothes

Husband: your old clothes?

Otha: umm... yeah

Husband: I burnt them

The words slammed into me like a slap

Otha: what do you mean by that?

Husband: the bathroom's behind that door. I'll bring you something to change

And just like that, he walked out. I sat there stunned as to why he burnt my clothes? My history, my memories, the little pieces of myself I still had were all gone. Who even does that? I dragged myself into the bathroom and had the quickest shower of my life, scrubbing my skin until it was red like I could wash away the shame. I brushed my teeth, put on lotion I found on the counter and prayed he wouldn't walk back in.

Husband: here's your dress for today, this was the only decent thing I found in your things

He threw the dress on the bed and lingered in the doorway.

Otha: what the f**k?!

Husband: what f**k?

Otha: I'm naked!

Husband: and we're married

Otha: can I have some privacy?

Husband: okay

Otha: please

Husband: don't take too long we have to go

Otha: go?

Husband: I'll be waiting for you right outside

The dress was short, silky, revealing. It was everything I wasn't ready for but I had nothing else. I slipped it on, hating how it clung to me. We went to the mall. He ordered for me at a restaurant, his voice sharp and controlling. I barely ate, after breakfast he dragged me grocery shopping, told me to pick things that would "make the house a home." But how could I make a cage into a home? He picked my clothes too. Chose every outfit, every shoe, My style, my choices were all gone. Back home I kicked off the heels and let my feet breathe. My phone buzzed and it was Kimberly. Relief surged through me as I answered the call. Finally a piece of normal life.

Kim: Otha!

Otha: hi

Kim: are you okay?

Otha: yeah

Kim: and your new husband?

Otha: I guess he's okay

Kim: nothing weird yet?

Otha: nah

Kim: so you're really gone, huh?

Otha: yeah

Kim: and school?

Otha: I don't know

Kim: the trial exams are coming up soon, you know that, right?

Otha: yeah

Kim: so what are you gonna do?

Otha: look Kim, we'll talk later I gotta go

I ended the call and spun around only to slam right into his chest. My heart dropped at the thought that he had been listening.

Otha: uhmm... sorry

Husband: you're in matric?

Otha: yeah

Husband: do you wanna go back?

Otha: I'd love to

Husband: okay

Otha: so...?

Husband: leave everything to me

And he walked away, already on his phone. Just like that my fate was sealed again. Monday came too fast. I put on the new school uniform he had gotten for me, styled my braids, laid my edges, put on lip liner and too much gloss. My books and stationery were ready like magic. A driver waited for me.

School felt... strange. Everyone else's lives were moving on like normal while mine had been flipped inside out. Nobody questioned why I'd been gone. I guess he must've handled it. I sat with Kim and Mandisa at break, laughing weakly until Jaden showed up.

Jade: Otha, can we talk?

Otha: uhm...

Kim: we're going to the bathrooms

Otha: sure, I'll catch up with you

He pulled me aside, his eyes sharp and full of questions.

Jade: why'd you sit on Kim's desk today?

Otha: uhmm...

Jade: I heard you got married

Otha: yeah that's basically what happened

Jade: why?

Otha: Jade, come on you know I had no choice

Jade: I gave you a choice, Otha

Otha: your choice wasn't good enough, Jade. We never could've worked out

Jade: but I... I love you

Otha: Jade, sometimes love ain't enough

His jaw clenched.

Jade: we could've figured things out together, I could've gotten a job, I could've asked my parents to help us...to help you

Otha: it's a little too late now and I couldn't live with myself knowing I was the reason you sacrificed your childhood

Jade: do you still love me?

Otha: Jade, come on it's over

I tried to walk away but his hand clamped around my wrist.

Jade: I asked you a question

Otha: I heard you

Jade: and?

Otha: I... I...

Jade: tell me you don't love me and I'll leave you alone

Otha: Jade, please

Jade: tell me!

Otha: I don't...

Before I could finish, his lips crashed against mine. My heart split and for one reckless moment, I kissed him back. Just once then reality tore through me and I slapped him hard across the face. The sound cracked the air. I ran with my chest burning, my head pounding and tears threatening to spill. What a way to start my first day back at school. I don't have time for exes. I'm a married woman now whether I want to be or not. I have to make this work because I have nowhere else to go. Exams are coming, my heart is heavy, my plate is overflowing and I can't afford to spill.