Her day was spent as usual, waiting on those around the cafe. She kept up the smile, putting on a pretense of happiness to hide the ache she felt inside. She felt as though ueverything had been a kind of blur. Her attention shifted to the ring that adorned her finger as she wrote out the reciept for the couple at table eight. She gave a sigh, recalling the events from 2 weeks earlier. Nothing had felt quite the same since her breakup with Nathan. When they'd learned of the impending law, decisions were made. He knew that she wouldn't be free for long. And he also knew there was nothing he could do to stop it. He'd come from a poor family and hadn't the means to buy her freedom. The man couldn't take the thought of losing her to someone else and decided that it would be best if he gave her up on his own. She hadn't felt quite the same since, like a piece was missing. She still wore the ring that he'd given her when he promised he'd care for her when he'd saved enough money to support them both, almost a year ago.<br/><br/>She turned her attention to the family at the fourth table, taking their orders after she'd dropped the receipt off with the couple. She'd put in their orders and was once again distracted as a man waved her over. He was a regular at the cafe and went by the name Sebastian. He was friendly with her uncle, often chatting with him when he visited.  She approached the table, nodding as he requested a cappuccino. "Of course." She offered a small smile. "I'll have it out in just a second." She dropped off a few more orders at other tables before she brought back his beverage, placing it gently on the table. "Let me know if you need anything else, okay?" She smiled once more before heading back behind the counter.<br/><br/>A few more hours passed before it was time for closing. She removed her apron, hanging it on the hook that hung behind the counter. Harper finally had the place to herself and spent the next hour or so cleaning up, wiping down tables, sweeping, and whatever other tasks needed to be completed. Once everything was done, she closed up and began the walk home.<br/><br/>She finally arrived home, exhausted and ready to collapse in bed. She unlocked the door, and entered the house. "I'm home." She called out. She entered the living room and found her grandmother sitting on the couch, a book in hand. "How was work?" The woman questioned, a warm smile on her face. "It was fine." Harper nodded. " I'm gonna take a quick shower and head to bed if that's okay with you." Her manner was calm and quiet. "That's fine, Honey. Just try to cheer up a bit. I know your trying to ignore everything. But it will all be fine. Trust me with that." The woman's voice was soft, genuinely concerned. "I'm  fine. Just fine. I wish you wouldn't worry about me." Harper made an attempt to assure her grandmother that she was fine. "If you insist." Was the reply she recieved. "Goodnight. I love you. I promise I'll be fine."  She gave her a smile, twisting the ring on her finger before making her way up the stairs.<br/><br/>She entered the kitchen the next morning, dressed for work. "Hey." She smiled. The woman turned her attention to Harper. "Harper. How about you sit down? There's something we need to discuss."<br/><br/>Harper stared in shock. She could feel her stomach drop. "I've been purchased? I'm somebody's property now? And you agreed to this. The tears began to fall, a mix of anger and a feeling of hopelessness mixing within her. Her plans for the future were gone. She wouldn't be able to have the family she so desperately longed for. No Prince Charming. Oh, how she longed for children. All of that was out the door. "Honey. Don't be like-" Her grandmother began. "Don't. Please don't. The tears fell faster. I need to go to work." She quickly excited the house, phone and keys in hand, the door vlosing slightly harder than she'd anticipated. She colloapsed onto the brick step that sat in front of the door, sobbing. Her freedom was gone. Anything she'd had envisioned for her future was gone. The thought crushed her.<br/><br/>After awhile the tears calmed, and numbness began to set it. The following two days passed by in a blur. She felt nothing. She didn't want to feel anything. When she arrived home Friday evening, she went straight to her bedroom. There was a slick burgundy dress laid out on the bed and a small packed suitcase sitting in the corner of the room. She removed her clothes from the day. She'd been given a few details as to how she was to be dressed. She clipped on the lacy black bra and slipped into the rather cheeky lacy black panties. She pulled up the dress, a low cut strapless dress that hugged her figure, ending around her mid thigh. It was definitely out of her comfort zone. She pulled her hair into a low bun and put on some burgundy lipstick to match the dress. Next to that, she only put on mascara, keep hing her freckled cheeks and nose uncovered. She looked tired, she knew. The smile had faded and was replacwd with a stoic expression. There was a pair of strappy black heels by the wall that she slipped on before giving herself a quick once over in the mirror. It would have to do. She grabbed the suitcase, heading downstairs.<br/><br/>The past two days had been rather quiet. She hadn't conversed much with her grandmother, only really speaking to obtain necessary information relating to Friday evening. Harper stopped at the bottom of the stairs, gaze meeting that of her grandmother who was seated on the couch. "I think it's time for us to head out." She said quietly.<br/><br/>The car ride was silent, neither daring to speak. It passed by quickly, and before Harper knew it, they were parked in front of the house. Her stomach sank. She felt a hand on her own hand. "I love you so much, my Darling. This is for your benefit. Oh, If I could only make you understand." Harper could feel the tears rising once more. But she choked them back, only able to nod. "But I do believe you should head in. He'll be waiting for you. And it's already eight o'clock." Harper nodded once more openig  the car door and removing the suitcase from the car as well. She turned to close the door and leave, but paused. " I love you too." She said befor shutting the door and heading up the walk way. She took one more deep breath before knocking on the solid wood door.<br/><br/><a class="username" data-user-id="104" data-username="@nicarush" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/104/">@nicarush</a>