Heart Of Gold

Chapter 1

When I was a little girl, I had dreamed of so many things, but a as I grew older I began to understand that life isn't fairy tales and good times. I understood that life was hard from an early age, that things you want or desire are not things easily attainable. People used and abused me throughout my life, whether it be for their own benefits or because they were bored with life. I learnt to shut down and keep to myself, to never trust a man with my life.

I gave a gentle sigh as I leaned against the wall behind me, my dark hair falling in my face. It had been another night of entertaining people with a few of the other girls, but this time it felt worse. I groan and rub my face, slowly rising to my feet as I collect my thoughts and make myself aware of my surroundings. I then stretched and rubbed the back of my neck before leaving for the kitchen.

While the others were worked over as sexual toys, I was one of the lucky women; cook, clean, verbally abused. I sigh as I tie my hair up in a ponytail and begin going over what the men would want for dinner; homemade tacos or a lasagna. I shake my head as I begin making both dishes, my mind wondering to whether or not I'd be able to leave.

"Aleja," Emilio, my friend and closest confidant, called.

I shake my head, sighing as I finished making the tortillas and began working on the noodles for the lasagna. He could be a big help when he wanted to, but Emilio was more of a distraction to me at the moment. I roll my shoulders, carefully laying the noodles into the pan, still ignoring Emilio. I wipe my sweaty forehead with my right forearm, hoping Emilio would take the hint.

"Alejandra," Emilio sighed, voice firmer.

I jumped, heart racing as I dropped the pan of lasagna on my left foot and the pain began shooting through my toes. I fight back tears as I carefully picked the pan, setting it to the side. I flex my toes, wincing, but thankful they weren't broke.

"Yes, Emilio," I soft call, "I was making dinner.".

I could sense Emilio's attitude beginning to change from annoyed to concerned, but I didn't let him see the worry in my eyes.

"One of the others needs medical attention," Emilio grunted, "unless you need it before them.".

I brushed off his statement, fixing the wayward noodles and putting the lasagna in the oven. I set the timer before I return my attention to Emilio again, "Take it out when the timer beeps, everything else is finished.".

As I subtly limped towards the stairs, I couldn't help but think if one day I'd escape this hell, despite being one of the lucky ones.

Would anyone be missing me? Is anyone still looking for me? For the other girls or not?