Mine

Tate- 2

The first time I ever attended one of Hiram’s selection balls, I was sixteen. I was completely blown away by the outlandish displays of money. Husbands and Wives, even single men and women showed up in their finest clothing, jewels, and cars.

I wanted to be like them. I wanted to be them. I know now that The Order was gauging my reaction and interest in the ball. The buying and selling of women and young girls to the rich is a seedy and dark underbelly of The Order, but I flourished and prevailed.

What teenager wouldn’t? I wish I had known that I was sealing my career within The Order. To pledge my loyalty to the cause, they chose one for me. She was so much older than me, twenty-one years older, to be exact.

She was beautiful. Red hair, and green eyes. The stuff fairy tales are made of. She sat on my lap, giving me everything a young boy could want. Until she went too far, and she didn’t stop when I said to. Over and over again she didn’t stop.

Afterwards, The Order threw me a party. I got to try drugs and drink for the first time and I made everything that had gone on moments before a blur with Dilauded and other choice drugs.

I have to tell you though, that cycle of pleasure and pain never stopped. Not til she mysteriously went missing after I told my right hand, Ian, what was going on years later.

I tried to avoid attending every year after she went missing, now that I had a choice, so Ian rightly and absolutely confused when I tell him I’ll be attending tonight.

“What if Rebeca went through that, Ian? What if she was shipped here in a truck of her own feces and vomit?”

Ian shrugs.

“She probably was, dude but that’s not your problem. She was twice your age and you were a victim.”

Not much unlike any of the women who came in contact with the Bonemen of The Order.

I shrug.

“This is depressing, Tate. Why go? Do you miss her? I haven’t heard you talk about her in years.”

“No, I don’t miss her. I just… There were so many girls shoved into that truck. I just want to make sure the right ones go to the right men.”

“You can’t control who buys them, Tate. That’s asinine.”

“I can try!” I say, holding out my arms as if to ask him how I look.

“We’re really doing this.” He says. Not a question, acceptance for sure.

“I’d get dressed if you’re coming. Hiram doesn’t like his guests to be late.” I smile.

Ian was assigned to me by The Order. He was recruited in, so his presence this close to the Bonemen is a rare and unusual occurrence.

Shaking his head, he leaves to get ready. I can’t shake the smell that still lingers in my nostrils. I’ve smelled a lot of foul odors but that one hit me differently.

Ian appears moments later in a navy blue suit. His skin complementing it nicely; the white of his collar reflecting against the umber melanin of his neck. Ian is a handsome man, even I can admit that. Despite being in his own suit, he looks like he belongs here.

We head out of my condo, locking the door behind us. There’s no one about as we make our way down to the courtyard where a sleek, all-black suburban awaits us. The driver is a younger kid. He doesn’t look at us directly, but I still catch Hiram’s initials emblazoned on his lapel as he throws the vehicle into gear.

We head out to one of the southern compounds. It’s much larger than ours and is where other compounds of The Order’s members hold their events. This one is secluded, up in the mountains.

My ears pop as the elevation becomes more intense. We pull up to the tall, dark gates. The security detail grants is access with a nod, not needing to verify us. I pull out my phone as the gates open slowly. Not a single text from Hiram.

The center of the courtyard is adorned with a large fountain in its center. A marble carving of a woman stands at the core, a shawl or some piece of fabric draped gracefully over her extended arms, that does nothing to cover her naked form.

In the past, it made me full of awe. Today, it makes my stomach churn because I know that’s not how these women are actually viewed. At the front steps, I spot Hiram laughing with some of his guests. A fat man in a dark purple suit laughs, his pink cheeks standing out against Hiram’s golden complexion.

His round belly pressed into Hiram’s flat one as he leaned in, and if it were even possible, his cheeks pinked even more as he pulled away. Hiram gestured him inside as he waved to and greeted the next couple heading in.

“You ready?” Ian snaps me from my stare.

I nod as I push open the door, Hiram taking notice of my presence immediately and abandoning his spot on the stairs to approach me.

“It’s been a long time since you’ve attended my selection ball, Tate. To what do I owe the pleasure?” He smiles but it’s for those around us, not for me. Appearances.

I try to maintain my expression.

“We wanted to come out and support you, Hiram.”

His ebony eyes flare and he smiles, flashing his pearly white teeth at us. I can feel Ian’s presence harden next to me.

Hiram holds his arms out to embrace me and as he does, his hot breath caresses the tiny hairs on my neck.

“Do anything stupid, and you’ll regret it.” He whispers as I pull away.

I clap him on his hard bicep.

“Come on now, Hiram. What kind of man do you think I am?” I laugh, loud enough for those close to us to hear and walk past him. Ian follows, not taking his eyes off Hiram, who is now drilling holes into my back.

We ascend the stairs briskly, but not so quick that Hiram gets the sense we are running from him. Inside, the hall has been decorated in finery that screamed Hiram. He spared no expense. The main hall contained dozens of small tables draped in vivid white cloths with sparkling gold runners. Only just large enough so a few people could stand at each one comfortably.

The lights are off, leaving the candles on each table as our only source of illumination. Ian takes the lead, finding us a booth in the shadows with a perfect view of the stage. We watch, ordering a couple drinks from the waiter as Hiram’s guests slowly fill the room.

There are sconces along the walls that provide no real light, yet they dim anyways as Hiram finally takes the stage.

“Thank you, thank you.” He smiles as everyone claps.

Once the room is quiet, he smiles, shuffling some cards.

“Welcome to my annual auction! I am so pleased to be surrounded by many friends, some new… some not so much.” The room chuckles as if that was actually funny as I exchange glances with Ian.

“Without further ado, let’s get on with the auction! Have fun!” Hiram exits the stage as more applause follows him.

“What’s she look like?” Ian murmurs leaning over only slightly.

I shrug.

“I’ll know her when I see her.”

Hiram’s right-hand man hops onto the stage, directing the helpers around him as they lead a line of women onto the stage. All of them are eons from where they were in that truck. They are dressed as if they are in the running to become Miss America.

Each one is in a long gown of a different color, hair done up, and make-up on. Some even have smiles plastered on their faces. I search each one, but none of them are the brunette girl I saw on the truck.

Hiram’s bidding begins, at some point my hearing floods with the sounds of bids, and claps and bells are happening exceptionally hastily. These girls are sold left and right, and within minutes, the stage is once again empty.

I turn to Ian, ready to get out of here when another line of girls prod onto the stage, one after the other. I scan each of them, but again, none of them are her. The bidding begins to start up once more, just as the waiters bring drinks out to all the tables.

“Anything?” Ian eyes the stage frantically.

I shake my head, keeping my eyes glued to the stage. My heart skips a beat as another line of girls comes out and there, right in the middle is her.