- An Admirer

Of all the days for it to rain, it had to pick my only day off. I usually work at the diner on Sundays, but Patrick closed it down for the day, due to the flu hitting three of the five workers at the diner, himself included. As much as I need the money, the time off is much needed, as well. I have been running myself rugged and need a little reprieve. I allow myself to sleep in until ten in the morning, and then I drag myself out of bed just to sit in front of the television for a few hours, drinking coffee and eating Cocoa Puffs out of the box.

By one o’clock the rain has slowed to a drizzle, and I make the decision to visit my mom. Maybe I’ll get lucky and Dr. Hildreth will have a day off. Just once I would like to visit my mother without him accosting me about taking her off life support. I am so thankful that Mr. Sanders fixed the plumbing by the time I got home early Saturday morning. I make quick work washing my body and hair. I do spare a few minutes to shave my legs and lady bits, which were really needing it, after not doing it in over a week. Once I’m done, I dry myself off and step out to lotion up and get dressed. Applying only a little mascara and lip gloss, I throw my mass of wavy hair into a high ponytail and call it good. Looking in the full-length mirror to make sure I at least look put together enough, I grab my jacket and leave my tiny apartment, locking my door behind me.

Jogging to the bus stop, I am relieved to see that there is only one other person waiting for the bus, so I am able to duck into the small seating area to get out of the drizzle. The other occupant sitting on the bench is an elderly woman with a cane. She smiles up at me as I enter and pats the seat beside her without saying anything. Smiling back, I take the offered seat and we sit there in silence until the bus arrives. The woman struggles a little to stand up, so I gently help her to stand, and we make our way to the bus. I stand behind her while she climbs the steps, just in case she needs more help, but she’s able to get herself up into the bus and into one of the front seats. As I pass her to head back to my usual seat, she catches my wrist, drawing my attention down to her.

“Thank you for all your help, dear. You are too kind.” She smiles sadly, “I wish there were more people like you in this world.”

I pat her frail hand and smile back, “You’re welcome.” I’m not used to people showing me gratitude, so I don’t really know what else to say. The woman nods and releases my wrist, letting me continue to the back of the bus.

Aside from the normal beeping coming from the machines, all is quiet as I step off the elevator onto the floor that my mother’s hospital room is on. The desk nurse looks up and gives me a warm smile as I pass. I return the smile and keep going. If there are any concerns with my mom then she would have stopped me and went over whatever it is, so I’m relieved that she did not call me over. The whole staff knows my feelings on letting my mom go, so most regard me with sympathy and smile, while a few others think I’m being selfish, and they try to avoid me as much as possible.

Being only five foot three inches tall, I have to stand on my tippy toes to look through the window on the door, to make sure no one else is in the room with my mother. I do not like disturbing the doctors or nurses when they are in doing their rounds. Slowly pushing the door open, I creep inside the room as though my mom is only sleeping, and I do not want to wake her. It has been a habit of mine ever since she was admitted here. I walk over to the chair that I always sit in and bring it to her bedside. Just as I’m about to sit down, I notice a bouquet of flowers on her nightstand. I reach over and remove the card from its holder so I can see who they are from. I am the only one that has ever brought flowers to my mom. My forehead creases as I read the card…

You are missed!

My thoughts and prayers

are with you!

‘Who could have sent this?’ I think to myself. “Do you have an admirer, mom?” I ask her jokingly.

It doesn’t matter. It makes me happy knowing that there is someone out there that is thinking of my mother. A warm feeling comes over me at the thought, and I look down at my hands absently, as I twirl the piece of twine around my finger. Not knowing why I’m choosing this moment to think of Knox, but it helps to give me peace and calms the little bit of anxiety from not knowing who sent my mom the flowers. That’s what Knox always did for me. He calmed me when I needed it and brought peace when there was chaos. I really wish that he were still in my life. I could use his presence during these dark times.

Placing the card back in its holder, I sit back and begin to recount everything that has happened since I last visited. Laughing as I give a play by play of the fiasco at the Morrison’s house on Friday. It’s laughable now but horrifying at the time it took place. I know mom would find it amusing and I hope that she can hear me and is laughing on the inside. I let my laugh fizzle away when reality starts rushing in.

I grab her soft hand and bring it to my lips to kiss, “Oh, mom, it’s so hard. I need you so much. Please, please wake up soon!” A single tear rolls down my cheek, “I’m not going to lie, mama, I’m scared. I feel all alone, no matter how many people I’m around each day, it doesn’t chase away the loneliness inside.” I swipe the tear off my face, “I don’t know how much I can go on like this. I am wearing myself out, so you need to wake up. Do you hear me? It's not time for you to go, and I won’t give up on you!” The last breaks me, and the flood gates open. I sit there for a while just letting it all out, until there is nothing left.

The sky is beginning to darken, so I look at the time. Not realizing how long I have been sitting here, I give my mom back her hand and stand up, stretching the kinks out of my muscles. Putting the chair back into its place, I lean in and kiss my mom goodbye. I sneak out the same way I sneak in, very quietly. The same nurse is at the front desk, so I stop to inquire about the flowers. Unfortunately, a flower shop delivered them, so there is no way of knowing who sent them. Sighing, I head to the elevator and hit the down button.

It has been two days since the diner has been shut down, and I just received a text from Patrick that we will be closed tomorrow as well. Apparently, it’s a really bad virus, and now Beth has it too. I am beginning to freak out because I need that pay that I’m missing out on. I guess I can go on social media and put an ad up that I am looking for housekeeping work, but that isn’t reliable. I check my bank account on the mobile app and feel my stomach drop. There is less than two hundred in my account and rent is due next week, along with my electric and water bill. The tip money I got from Man Bun and Faux Hawk went straight to the hospital bill. Losing the job at the bar was irresponsible of me! I do not know what I’m going to do!

I toss my phone on the couch and grab the dirty laundry, “Pretty soon I’ll have to wash these by hand because I’ll need the money.” I mumble aloud. I make sure I have my house key and then head downstairs to the basement where the laundry room is. I hate coming down here because it is so creepy. A single bulb that hangs down from the middle of the ceiling is the only lighting. It’s not even an LED one, at least those are a little brighter than the cheap ones the manager uses. Trying to hurry so I can get out of here, I throw all my clothes in one of the machines and insert the coins. Just as I’m about to start it, I remember that I didn’t empty out my pockets. Frustration runs through me as I rummage through every item of clothing. The only thing I find is an empty gum wrapper, which is weird because I don’t even remember the last time I chewed gum, and the business card the customer from the diner gave to me. Shutting the machine door once more, I start it and then sprint all the way upstairs, and to think that I have to go back down there two more times.

- Scarlett's Treasures

Back in my apartment, I let myself drop to the couch face first, “Ouch!” I fumble under my hip and produce my phone. I just lay here in the silent space listening to the traffic outside. A clock is ticking somewhere, not in my apartment, but in a neighbor’s. That is how thin these walls are. There is a cat fight going on somewhere down the street, and a baby crying somewhere. “I hear you, kiddo. I feel the same way.”

I realize that I am still holding the card in my hand, so I turn it over and examine it. It is matte black, but the name Scarlett is written in the middle of the card with a phone number below, all in a glossy blood red color. It is sexy in kind of a dark way. I remember the woman telling me that if I ever needed extra cash that I should contact her. I debate on whether or not I should call the number. What if she’s a loan shark? I can’t afford to pay any kind of money back. I can’t do anything illegal either, like sell drugs or be a mule. I shiver at the latter. No way is anyone putting drugs into my body! Then I think it could be legit like an assistant job or running errands. “Seriously, Aria, you watch way too many crime shows.”

Before I can chicken out, I dial the number listed on the card. It rings twice before a woman’s voice answers, “Hello?”

I think I was hoping that nobody would answer, but they did and all I want to do is hang up. ‘Shit, my number probably popped up on the caller id!’ I think to myself.

“H-hello. Is this Scarlett?” I ask timidly.

“Yes, it is. Whom may I ask, is calling?” she inquires.

“It’s Aria. Aria from the diner.” I don’t know if that is enough for her to go off of, “From Friday night, or I should say early Saturday morning. You came in for coffee with another woman and gave me your card before you left.”

I hear her throaty laugh, “Yes, of course! I was hoping you would call.”

“You were?” I ask surprised.

“Yes. You are exactly what we like to look for.” She muses.

“I see. May I ask what it is that you do?”

“I own an auction house.” She states and then quickly continues without letting me say another word, “We have auctions every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Why don’t you stop in, say eight tomorrow night, and I can show you around and get you settled. Ill text the address to this phone number, okay?”

“Well…” I’m cut off once again.

“Can’t wait to see you! Bye, now.” The line goes dead.

That was the weirdest phone call I’ve ever had. I’m not sure if I even want to check this job out. My phone pings with an incoming text from the number I just called. Opening the text, I read the address that Scarlett sent. There isn’t a name, just an address, so I decide to g****e it. The address pops up as a business called Scarlett’s Treasures. The building looks pretty decent, and it has a five-star rating. I go in to read the reviews to see if I can get a better picture of what she sells. All I can tell is that the buyers seem to be extremely happy with their treasures and that they highly recommend Scarlett’s Treasures for all your unique and personal tastes.’

“Hmm, seems legit enough to me.” I shrug, “What’s the worst that will happen? I get there and decide it’s not for me? I don’t see a problem with checking it out.”

Making up my mind, I reply to Scarlett with a quick question.

Me: Is there a special dress code?

Scarlett: We will provide your attire for the evening. Just come in whatever you like.

Me: Okay. See you tomorrow at 8pm.

She doesn’t respond after my last text, but that’s okay, my question was answered. Now that it’s settled, I feel a little bit better. I should finish my laundry and then head to bed early, since I have houses to clean in the morning. I also need to run over to the bar and find out why I haven’t received my last check yet. Frank better not fuck me over. I need that money and I will get it one way or another!

Monday morning came and went with no mishaps while cleaning houses, thank God. I also didn’t have to face the Morrison’s because no one was home while I was there. They were my last house for today and relief washed over me as I locked up as I was leaving. Now, I’m headed somewhere that I don’t really want to go, but I have no choice.

Kat is behind the bar when I walk in, and she gives me a small smile. I liked Kat, but she was always calling in saying her kids were sick. A few of those times I caught her lying about it but never called her out on it. Usually she is very talkative and would start talking my ear off as soon as I walked in. It is a good sign that Frank is here if she is containing herself.

Just to confirm, I point toward the back, “Is Frank in his office?”

Nodding her head, “Yes, but I’m warning you now that he isn’t in a very good mood.” She smirks, “Apparently, one of his bartenders walked out on him, and he can’t find anybody to replace her.”

And there it is! I knew it was only a matter of time before she brought it up. I figured he would lie about what happened. Rolling my eyes, I head straight back to his office. I see that the door to his office is open a crack, so I just push it open all the way and walk in. He doesn’t even look up to see who came in uninvited. I wait until he does finally look up. He does a double take.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He leans back into his chair, “Do you plan on begging for your job back?”

I want to slap the smirk off his face, “Actually, no. I came because I have yet to receive my check in the mail.” I cross my arms over my chest, “you know, like you said you would.”

“Did I now? Well, I guess it slipped my mind. I’ll get one in the mail right away.” He sneers at me.

Now I’m pissed! I place my hands on his desk and lean in, “No. You will get your checkbook out right now and write me a fucking check for the hours that I worked!”

“How dare you talk to me like that in my own establishment?” His face is turning red with anger.

“How dare you think that you can get away with not paying for a week’s worth of work?” I continue before he can say anything, “How about I get the cops involved. Let them know about your little side hustle that you have going on back here?”

His eyes widen, “I don’t know what you’re talking about! Get the fuck out of my office!”

“Okay,” I pull my phone out of my back pocket, “I will just call them now and wait here until they come. You know, so you don’t try and get rid of the evidence from your illegal bookie side hustle.”

He jumps up, “Okay, okay! I have your check,” He reaches into his desk drawer and brings out an envelope, “it’s right here. I swear, I was going to mail it. I really did forget.”

Yanking the envelope from his hand, I open it to make sure he didn’t cheat me out of any money. I nod when I see that it’s the correct amount, and then turn to leave. Frank calls out to me before I make it out the door.

“Aria, you wouldn’t want to have your job back, would you?” His tone sounds hopeful.

Blinking in disbelief at the audacity this guy has, I chuckle, “I will have to think about it, but most likely not.” I walk out without another word. I hear him call out that I am to call him if I change my mind. As much as I need this job, it isn’t worth the headache. Not unless it’s my last option.

- Can't Do It

The bus drops me off a block away from Scarlett’s Treasures at seven-thirty, so I have plenty of time to walk to the auction house and calm my nerves. I don’t know why I am so nervous. I have started new jobs plenty of times in my life. This one should be no different. Maybe it is the unknown part of it. Scarlett wasn’t clear on the phone what the job details are, so I would think anybody would be nervous in my position.

The building comes into view. It looks a lot nicer than it did when I googled it. It looks like a really big warehouse except it’s made of brown stone. There doesn’t seem to be any windows in the front of the building, and there is no signage. There are quite a few cars in the parking lot, though, so that can be a good sign, I guess. I see one door at the front of the building, and there is a huge guy with a bald head standing by it, as though he is guarding it. When I walk up to the door, he literally puts his hand up to stop me. I look down at his hand that is pressed against my chest.

“Uh, excuse me. Can you please remove your hand?” I ask in the nicest way possible.

He doesn’t seem bothered by the fact that he is practically groping me. He even ignores my request. Raising his other hand, he brings a radio up to his mouth, “Miss Scarlett, there is a woman here by the name of…” he raises his brow at me in question.

“Aria Kramer.” I respond, rolling my eyes.

“Aria Kramer, who is trying to come inside.” He holds the radio closer to his ear, but when a woman’s voice comes over the speaker, “I’ll be there in a moment,” it is loud enough for anyone in a fifty-foot radius to hear. Baldy pulls it away from his ear quick, and I snicker. ‘Serves him right!’ I say to myself.

The door opens a few minutes later and Scarlett materializes from the darkness within. She smiles at me and gives me an unexpected hug. “I’m so happy that you made it tonight! Come with me, sweetie, and I will show you around.” She takes my hand and pulls me through the door and into the darkness beyond.

I mean it literally. Beyond the door it is pitch black until she opens another door. We step into a hallway with multiple doors. Black carpet covers the floor and helps make the purple walls pop. I’m thinking that these are strange colors for an auction house, but I guess I’m not the owner, so I shouldn’t judge. We don’t stop until we come to a wide doorway closed off by black curtains.

“This is where the auction block is, or stage as some people call it. This is where our treasures get auctioned off.” She pulls the curtain aside, giving a glimpse of what looks like a shiny black stage, with lights that are in the front, facing the back of the stage. I can hear talking on the other side of another curtain that is closing off the front of the stage. I am assuming that they are the buyers for tonight’s auction.

“Um, so where are the items that are getting auctioned off kept?” I look around, “Is that what I’ll be doing tonight? Bringing the items to the stage?”

Scarlett chuckles, “Oh dear, they are going to love you!” Taking hold of my hand once more, she pulls me back down the hallway, “We need to get you properly dressed before the auction starts. We don’t have much time.” I am pulled through one of the doors in the hallway and told to sit at the vanity. Scarlett tosses material at me, “This will be your attire for tonight.” She stands in front of me and places a hand on her hip, “Tell me Aria, are you a virgin?”

Scarlett asks me just as I start to hold up the material that she gave me, and I stare at her in shock. “W-what does that have to do with anything?”

The woman stares in amusement at me, “So we know what to start the bidding off at, silly girl.”

Confused, I ask another question, “What item are they bidding on and what does it have to do with whether or not I’m a virgin?”

“Aria,” there is an annoyed tone to her voice now, “They are bidding on you. You are the treasure that will be standing on the auction block.” Her eyes roll as she explains all this to me, “Bidding for a virgin always starts at five hundred thousand dollars, and you stay with them for a month. Bidding for non-virgins starts at twenty-five thousand. The house gets twenty percent, and the rest goes into your bank account. Treasures always leave with the buyers the night of the auction.”

My mouth is literally hanging open. I am trying to wrap my head around all of it as she’s explaining. When I don’t hear her talking anymore, I look at her, “So, you are telling me that I am supposed to walk out on that stage, and stand there in this,” I hold up two pieces of scrap material, “while men bid on who gets to take me home for a month?”

Scarlett nods her head.

“And we are expected to sleep with them?” I choke a bit on my own saliva trying to get the words out.

“Sweetie, for the amount that they are paying, you are expected to do whatever they want. We vet all buyers to make sure there are no sickos who will hurt any of you. You really have nothing to worry about.” She grins, “Except falling in love with them. It happens sometimes.”

I jump up out of my seat, “I’m sorry, Scarlett. I can’t sell my virginity!” I throw the material onto the vanity, “Selling myself would be so wrong on so many levels, and I’m not keen on letting a man that I don’t know do whatever he wants to me. Thanks for the opportunity, but no thanks.”

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that. And to think, I thought I was helping you out.” She gives me a sad smile, “You can let yourself out. Oh, and feel free to talk to the other girls behind the doors before you leave. They all have been here before and can tell you what it’s like.” She starts walking away when she raises her voice, “Text me when you change your mind, Aria. I’ll be waiting.”

I just stand here, dumbfounded. What the fuck just happened? Do women really sell themselves on an auction block? I can’t be here any longer. Just the thought of giving my virginity to a stranger gives me chills, and having to stay for a whole month? I guess if what Scarlett says is true, and the women come back for more, they wouldn’t have to work. That just sounds too much like prostitution. I cannot do it. I look back and forth between the stage door and the door to the outside. I don’t need long to decide, I turn and head toward the door that is going to take me home.