CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
The next day, I woke up in the arms of my lovers. I felt safe and secure. The sense of dread I had experienced yesterday was gone. Maybe being in a harem wasn’t all that bad, especially if it meant I could sleep with both Lucky and a beautiful woman.
Soon enough, however, the two of them had things to do and I was left alone to explore the estate. I found myself walking around, sitting by the pool. I thought about going for a swim, so I went to my room and changed into my new bathing suit.
Outside, I was just about to jump in when I noticed a large hot tub on the patio. I quickly changed my mind, easing into the relaxing water. The jets blasted into my back, sending me into a state of bliss. I nearly fell asleep, thinking about my life. Living here could be something I could probably get used to.
I couldn’t help but think of Lucky. I was excited to see him that evening… maybe even Laila. I grinned, remembering the wild night we had spent together. My heart started to race just thinking about it. I sunk deeper into the water, a smile on my face.
***
After a day of pure relaxation, I put on a beautiful dress and went downstairs. Some of the other women were already there, enjoying a glass of wine and speaking with each other. “Where’s Lucky?” I asked no one in particular.
A darker-skinned woman with black hair turned and clicked her tongue. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She said almost cruelly.
“Huh?”
She shook her head and got up. “Lucky and Laila are in their bedroom. Alone.”
“Oh…”
“They don’t want any visitors.” She added, driving the point home. I stepped back and before tears could come to my eyes I quickly turned around and ran out of the room. I didn’t even bother with the elevator, I just ran up the stairs, my heart feeling like it was breaking in half. I just couldn’t stand the thought of Lucky being alone with another woman – of him picking one of them over me. I knew it was probably selfish… but I couldn’t stand it.
Inside my room, I slammed the door, leaning against it, the tears rushing down my cheeks. I felt completely crushed. I just couldn’t share Lucky with anyone else. Just thinking about it made me hurt all over.
Distraught, I started to pack my bags, throwing in all the clothes that I had bought myself. If he didn’t want to be with me then I didn’t need anything he had gotten me – trying to trick me into thinking that he loved me. I choked on my tears, trying to calm down, but my fingers were shaking.
I collapsed into the bed, my head in my hands. I didn’t belong here in this foreign country. Suddenly, I missed my mother so much that it hurt. I just wanted her to hug me – to tell me that everything was going to be okay. I wanted to go back to school, where I could learn about all the things that interested me – where I could build a career and never depend on anyone ever again.
This world was no longer a fantasy that appealed to me.
***
I cringed, hearing the noises coming from the master bedroom. With each moan, it felt like my heart was shattering into smaller and smaller pieces.
Quickly, I slipped my hastily written note under the door.
Dear Lucky,
I thought I’d be able to handle this. I thought I’d be okay with this kind of lifestyle… but I’m not. This isn’t what I want. I can’t bring myself to share you with other women, so I’d rather just leave.
-Estella
My handwriting was atrocious, but it was the best I could manage under the circumstances. Taking a deep breath, I walked down the hall, holding my luggage bag firmly in my hand. I had already booked a flight online and in two hours, I would be on a plane back home.
I walked onto the street, waiting for the ride-sharing service to pick me up. There were tears in my eyes. I couldn’t believe I was leaving Lucky. After only a few days, I felt like I had grown so close to him. Leaving him now was physically painful.
A white sedan pulled up and a man greeted me. Or at least I thought that’s what he did because I couldn’t understand a word he was saying. “Airport.” My voice cracked and he just stared at me. I cleared my throat and tried again. “Airport.”
This time, he nodded and motioned for me to get into the car. The interior smelled like smoke and overused ashtrays. I held my breath, looking out the window as he pulled away from the large gates that guarded Lucky’s estate. It had been fun while it lasted…
They faded from view as we got further and further away. It felt like I was leaving a part of my heart behind, but I just couldn’t live his life.
I closed my eyes, the image of my mother invading my thoughts.
I was standing at the door, about to leave for prom. My hair was an absolute mess, but there was nothing I could do about it at that point. My friends were already outside, waiting for me. They honked their horn, but my mom grabbed my wrist before I could rush off.
“Be careful, okay honey?”
I nodded. “Yeah, yeah, mom.”
“And if someone asks you to slow dance, make sure you’re the only girl he sees that night.”
“Mom, it’s prom. Everyone dances with everyone.”
She shook her head. “Listen to me. When a man truly loves you… he’ll make it known. You’ll be the only girl in his eyes.”
“Jeez, mom. Like I said before… it’s just prom. I’m not getting married.”
“I know honey… I know…”
I couldn’t believe I had fallen for Lucky and his tricks, despite everything my mother had warned me about. I should have known this would end badly. I should have listened to her…