Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65094 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 325(@200wpm)___ 260(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
It’s pointless to argue so I shrug out of my clothes. There a large mirror that covers one side of the wall, and though I haven’t seen my reflection in weeks, I take a proper look at myself of the first time and barely recognize myself. My vibrant dark brown skin which used to glow with health seemed dull and washed out. The spark in my eyes was now absent and they stared back at me lifelessly.
Since the raid on the commune, I’ve lost a significant amount of weight. My once round face is thin, my now hollowed cheeks almost gaunt. My crowning glory which I once took so much pride in was gone and in its place was short course curls. I shudder as I remember how my long hair was brutally chopped off as punishment for some offense I didn’t realize I’d committed.
Despite gaining a few pounds since coming to the manor, I’m still thin enough to see my ribs. My breasts were always large for my petite frame, but even they’ve shrunk, not a whole lot but enough for me to notice. I run my hand over one of my hips, feeling bone.
My last assignment had practically starved me and my body still showed the effects of those nightmarish months. There were still some abrasions around my knees and legs where I’d been ‘punished’. I didn’t dare turn around to examine my back because I would probably start crying.
The family beauty indeed.
“Miss Jamie, your bath is ready,” Maggie calls out of to me.
My shoulder sag in resignation as I walk toward the in-ground tub. It’s the type of luxury someone like me could have only dreamed of when I was younger. But now as I sink into the hot bubbly water, it no longer matters. Maggie discretely averts her gaze until most of my body is submerged.
“I’ll scrub your back and wash your hair. This shampoo has done wonders for Miss Noah’s hair. It’s so healthy, and thick now.”
I don’t bother to reply because nothing I say right now matters.
My mind drifts off to a place where I allow no thought to enter. It’s best when I don’t remember the horror I experience, the screams, the pain…the blood.
I squeeze my eyes shut and take several calming breaths to stave away the images I’ve fought desperately to rid myself of. I focus on the gentle pressure of Maggie’s fingers as they massage my scalp. A pleasant floral scent mixed with honey wafted to my nostrils. Whatever was in the shampoo made my skin tingle but it wasn’t an unpleasant sensation.
It felt nice and for the first time in weeks I found myself relaxing ever so slightly. “Mmm.”
“Feels nice doesn’t it?”
“Yes. Good. I’m going to rinse this out now so keep your eyes closed.”
Maggie pours water over my head and repeats the process a few more times.
“Now, I’m going to wash your back.”
Seconds later, my ears are met with a loud gasp.
I open my eyes, fully aware of what she’s seeing. “It’s okay. You don’t have to wash my back. I can take care of it.”
“No, it’s fine…but…does it hurt?”
“Not really. It used to bother me a lot but not anymore. When I first came to the manor, one of the doctors gave me some ointment to help heal it but I didn’t want him to apply it. I said I’d do it myself.”
“But clearly you haven’t. Tell me where it is, and I’ll apply it after your bath. I’m sure there are spots you aren’t able to reach properly.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it but could you do me a favor?”
“Of course.”
“Could you please not mention this to my sister or parents? They would freak out if the saw this or even knew about it.”
Maggie doesn’t answer right away and for the first time since I’ve entered the tub I turn to look at her. I grip her hand. “Promise me you won’t say anything.”
She opens her mouth, closes it and then sighs. “You do understand you’re putting me in a difficult situation, don’t you? Miss Noah is the Sector Leader’s wife which makes her the second highest ranking official in the entire sector. To lie to her would be tantamount to treason.”
“I’m not asking you to lie. Just don’t say anything about what you’ve seen. Besides, you and I both want her to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. If she knows, it would cause her undue stress and I’m leaving anyway. Even if she knew there wouldn’t be anything she could do about it because I’d be gone. Knowing my sister she would make herself sick worrying about me.”
Maggie purses her lips and furrows her brows. After a pregnant pause she bows her head. “Fine. I won’t mention this but maybe you’ll tell her one day when you’re ready.”