Page 16 of Virginity Sold

The questions go on and on and I guess at some, not sure what to put. “Edward, it’s asking for a picture. Do you want me to send it back?”

“That won’t be necessary. Just stand up real quick.” He picks up his phone, snapping one of me. “I’ll upload it for you.”

Sitting back down, I look over my answers before handing the folder back. My hands are shaking so much I almost drop it.

“Elena, I want you to know this isn’t normally how I handle these events. I’ve only ever given out three personal invitations in my life, and you are one of those. I think this auction can change your life, even your perspective on things.” It’s like he’s trying to tell me something, but it’s in a code that I don’t know.

“Then why me?” My eyebrow raises as I look at him curiously.

“All things in good time, caterpillar. For now, we are done. I know you took a break from work to come, so I don’t want to keep you any longer. Be on the lookout for an email.” He winks at the end.

I stand slowly, nodding, before turning and leaving. It’s not until the door closes behind me that I can breathe normally. It’s out of my hands now whether he picks me or not. I’ll still have a roof over my head by the end of the weekend or I’ll be packing, living out of a box somewhere. Maybe I can get my car towed somewhere to live in it. Like one of those parking garages you pay by the day to park in.

On the way back to the diner, I take a few extra minutes to go by the electric company and take care of the bill. With the tips I made yesterday and today, added to the cash I just happened to have on me the day Mama disappeared, I’ll be able to keep the power on.

Mama!

She still hasn’t come back and I’m getting worried. Most children of an alcoholic would see this as a relief and I wish I could, but I can’t. She’s been my responsibility for so long I don’t know what else to do. I don’t have any grandparents. Both sets passed away before I was born.

Mama is the last person I have, and if she’s gone, then I’ll be all alone. I don’t know if I can handle that. Am I truly that bad that no one wants to stick around? Maybe Daddy was right when he screamed all those hateful things about me.

I lift my hand, wiping the tears sliding down my cheek, not wanting Betty to see me crying. She’d have questions, and I don’t want to answer them right now.

Stepping up to the front door, the house is dark and quiet. But there’s still a sliver of hope swarming in the pit of my stomach that Mama’s inside, just asleep. That she’ll wake when she hears me, hugging me tightly as she begs for forgiveness.

I’d give it to her in a heartbeat and beg her to go into treatment.

But when I open the door, she’s not hanging half off the couch, there aren't any empty bottles or a puddle of vomit on the floor. No, instead the house is just as I left it. Nothing’s been moved.

Where is she? Stepping inside, I shut the door and lock it before sitting down on the couch, trying to soak in any remaining essence of her left on it. Her familiar smell of malty beer fleeting, and it saddens me since it’s all I have left to remind me she was here.

My phone vibrates, and I pull it out of my apron pocket. It’s an email.

Nervously, I click on the icon, seeing it’s from Edward at A Night to Remember Auction.

I take a deep breath, then open it.

Elena,

I am pleased to announce you have been selected to participate in the Night to Remember Auction held on May 10th at Club Lust. A town car will pick you up at the address you supplied and return you back there at the end of the event.

My heart races with excitement as I look at the address. I got in! This means I’m guaranteed money. Looking back down, I finish reading the rest.

You are to ensure that you are free from Friday night until Sunday night at midnight. Once purchased, you, the merchandise, will spend the weekend with the winning bidder. At the end of the weekend, you will be returned to Club Lust and compensated with payment.

You will wear your best lingerie on stage. Hair and makeup will be supplied, courtesy of the club. To keep identities private, you are to choose a name to be called for the weekend.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Lingerie. Fuck, I don’t have anything worthy to stand in front of someone with. What the fuck am I going to do?

My phone dings again, and I see it’s another email.

Elena,

I have picked out an outfit for you and a name. I hope you don’t mind. It will be waiting for you at the club on Friday. Let’s just call it a way to amp up your bid while playing on your virginity. See you then, Virtue.

Edward.

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