Page 2 of Unbreakable

“You sold me.” It finally dawns on me what my father is saying. He sold me like a piece of property. The worst thing is that if I don’t agree, my family's lives are at stake.

“You said when I turn twenty-one. Does that mean until then I’m free?” I ask, tears welling up in my eyes. I struggle to hold them back not wanting to show any sign of weakness to my father.

“That’s correct.” he replies sternly.

“I will agree if until then my life is my own. I can go and do whatever I want without being under your control. Then on my twenty-first birthday I will return.”

I watch as he ponders my request for a few moments then an evil grin crosses his face. “Agreed, on the condition that you check in weekly. Do not make me regret agreeing to this Arianna and don’t make me drag you back here, you will come freely.”

I’m curious as to why he agreed, but at this moment I could care less. I’m just happy for the brief freedom I’ve bartered for. Does he think I’m going to come running back without his financial support? Nodding, I stand up and leave my father’s office, not once looking back at him.

I will make the most of the freedom I have left before giving up my life to save my family. A family, that I learned today, sees me as only an object to sell for their own purpose.

I make the three hour drive back to Jameston and begin to pack up my room. My suitemate, Ro, walks in while I’m stuffing things into a bag with a curious look on her face.

“I take it the meeting didn’t go well.” she says as she plops down on the edge of my bed.

“No, it didn’t. Apparently the letter was accurate. My dad is not paying for my college. Not only that, he’s forcing me into a marriage when I turn twenty-one. So until then, I can live freely but then I have to fulfill my duty as he says.” I watch as her mouth drops at all the information I just threw at her.

“So you’re going to have an arranged marriage, is that even something they do now?” she asks, shocked.

“Apparently it is. So, I decided on my ride back here that I’m going to load my stuff in the car and head somewhere to live an amazing life until I turn twenty-one. Maybe there will be a community college or something where I can afford a dance class.” I say to her, suddenly feeling the weight of everything. I drop down on the bed beside her and fall backwards, my back making contact with the mattress as I blow out a deep breath.

“Wait, hold the phone!” Ro screams out excitedly.

“I have an idea of where you can go. My cousin is leaving to go overseas for a year and has been looking for someone to sublet her apartment. She hasn’t had any luck yet. You can take it. I can have her send the key and internet passwords overnight express mail along with any instructions. It's in Memphis though.” she tells me, the last part brings a slight twinge of sadness to her face.

I don’t even have to think about it, I know the answer. “Call her and arrange it. I can work a couple more nights then head out.”

Within thirty minutes we have everything arranged. The rent is paid up for another two months and then I’ll be responsible for the payment and she’s going to the post office tomorrow to overnight everything I need. After having a definite plan in place, I decide to take a break from packing and enjoy a nap before heading into work at States tonight.

I dread having to tell my manager that I’m quitting, I really love working here. Walking in, I see her at the bar giving instructions to one of the new hostesses she hired last night. Knowing she may be a minute, I head back to the locker room to go ahead and change into my costume for tonight. It was game night, the rivalry between Jameston and Norchester football teams, so we were dressed as players from each team and some as referees, which was what my costume was. It consisted of knee high black socks with black ked sneakers, black booty shorts that looked more like thongs with the amount of ass hanging out and a striped cropped top cut down the front to show a heaping amount of cleavage.

Heading out I throw a wink at Ron, he’s one of the bouncers and in his thirties, but that man can eat a pussy like no other. Some of the other dancers were going on about it, so of course I had to give him a try. That stockroom sexcapade will live in my memory forever. I’m going to miss his tongue when I’m gone, hopefully I can convince him to give me one last goodbye.

I head to the bar where I see her still talking with the hostess and sidle up beside her giving her a bump with my hip.

“Hey Sarah, I need to talk to you. I have some bad news.” I tell her. Man, I dread this conversation.

“Jana, we will finish this conversation later. Do we need to talk somewhere in private, Arizona?” she asks, stepping back from the bar. Before I even have a chance to answer she walks away, waving at me to follow her.

When you’re hired as an employee at States you have to choose an actual state for your name. Arizona was the only one I liked out of the ones that were available. After two years, it’s grown on me and now everyone I consider a friend calls me that versus Arianna.

I follow Sarah to a booth in the corner and sit across from her.

“So, what do you need to tell me?” she asks again.

“I’ve had some unforeseen family issues and obligations arise. My shift tomorrow will be my last before I have to leave. I want you to know I’ve enjoyed the two years I’ve been here and I wish I was able to give you more notice of my departure.”

She stares intently at me for a few moments before responding. “I’m going to miss you Arizona, you’re one of my best dancers. If you ever need anything don’t hesitate to call me. Shit, if you come back, stop in, you’ll always have a job here.” She reaches out, clasping my hands in hers and gives them a squeeze. “Now go get that ass of yours in the cage and show these people what they’re going to be missing.”

I give her a smile before standing and heading over to the cage where I’m assigned to dance for the night. As I’m raised up into the air off the floor, I look around the club, soaking in everything and committing it to memory. This is the first place I was actually able to show part of the true me without any judgment.

The night passes quickly and I do indeed get that last opportunity with Ron, hopefully it can hold me over until I see what Memphis has to offer.

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