Episode 3

“Hi my name is Jackson Hue. Nice to meet you,” he says kindly although “Dad” gives me a glare only visible in the corner of my eye for interrupting him. “To you as well. My name is Lily,” I say rushed hoping that “Dad” wouldn't get mad later. He nods quickly smiling realizing my intentions and returns to his conversation. Soon later the sun has fallen and it is night fall. As everyone has finished eating. “Dad” seems pleased with the deal that he and the Hue’s family had enclosed. As we exit and enter outside it was pouring rain. Even so I follow through with the plan as usual. I follow them to the car and then once the guest leaves I then go and ride my bike. I do as expected but once I get to my bike I stare down at my seat in irritation. “Of course my bike seat has to be like a sponge,” I say while pushing my hands down on the seat watching the water pour out. Just as I am about to get onto my bike, I hear a horn blare nearby. Out steps a man in the distance with a towel in his hand. I look behind me thinking he is mistaken but he comes up to me. “It was Jackson Hue,” I think to myself surprised. I accept the towel nodding my head in thanks. “Here let me give you a ride” he says while nodding back in return. “I’m fine,” I tell him although my dress and hair has become soaked. “I insist,” he responds with a pushy but caring tone in his voice, smiling. “Thanks,” I say, giving in. The back seat to the limo opens automatically as I place myself down in one of the seats. “Are you okay?” he asks in a soft tone with a smile that compliments every part of his face. “I'm fine, thanks.” I say briefly, not used to interacting with others. He then gives me one quick last glance and moves up to the front seat while he talks just above a whisper to the driver. In the meantime I simply gaze at him, it's been quite a while since I've seen someone who appears to be my age. I continue to stare, envying how he has become  so successful in his life. How he was born into a good family that loves him, or do they. Whatever lies past the smile on his playful yet secretive face? The curiosity begins to eat me up inside. As I open my mouth to ask something, he turns around and catches me staring at him. “Enjoying what you see?” he says in a joking tone. My face turns bright red and heats up as I look away quickly towards the window. As I look outside the window I realized this is probably only the second time I’ve driven in a car. First time was getting picked up from the orphanage, although I was too young to clearly remember it back then. I gaze out the window seeing the rain race down the windows, staring as each tree seemed to fly past us, as though for once I was superior to the world around me. I continue to look outside the window until I notice in the glimpse of my eye Jackson staring at me. “What is it?” I ask confused. “You act as though you’ve never been in a car before,” he says with a smirk. Before my lips part to say something the driver calls out to tell us we have arrived. I look out and see “their” house. Disappointment swallows me whole. But what was I expecting? This is the place where I am forced to stay put each night and day. “Thanks for the ride!” I say while faking a smile. “Anytime,” he replies as he hands me his business card. “Call me if you need anything,” he adds.

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