The Arrangement

Conversation

My father wanted to see me and give me the few clothes that I had brought over. I begged Andrea to let me put my make up back on but Tyler had told her, after she'd asked for his opinion, that he wanted her father to be fully aware of their knowledge. I was afraid.

When my father pulled up his smile immediately faltered. Tyler was standing next to me but it brought me no comfort. I wasn't afraid of Tyler, I was afraid of my father. Andrea clears her throat and wraps her arm around my shoulders, holding me close.

"I brought your belongings." My father nods at me, licking his lips apprehensively. I give a small smile.

"Thank you father." I lower my head to acknowledge his action. Tyler glared at me, stepping in front of me. He turns his face to me, talking so low I doubt even Andrea heard him.

"Don't speak." Tyler orders. I feel as though he is abusing my submission to men, yet I don't disobey. My father clears his throat at Tyler's action of standing in front of me but doesn't say anything.

"Well, Jasmine, I must leave." He finally says. I slip past Tyler and give my father a hug goodbye. As he hugs me he pushes on the bruises he knows are there and whispers in my ear as I grimace. "If they knew how you acted they'd know why I did this. Don't misbehave." His voice hisses in my ear. I close my eyes, hearing the threat and knowing in my heart this wasn't right.

"Yes father." I say back the routined answer. He gives one more squeeze, reminding me of his painting on my skin. Then he leaves the house, leaving two suitcases and my journal on top. I grab my journal and I as I reach for my suitcases Tyler moves me to the side and takes them. Andrea won't look at me. "Would you mind if I went for another ride on the horses?" I ask. Andrea silently shakes her head.

Once I'm out of everyone's presence I let my tears fall. The emotions were too pent up for me to hold them in any longer. I felt so worthless. My hands ran over my journal and I looked at the river in front of me, marveling at its smoothness, how beautiful the crisp water was. I heard two sets of footsteps coming along the trail.

It was Tyler and Victoria. I held my head in my hands, not even bothering to wipe at the falling tears. Tyler walks down to the river and never turns to face me but Victoria sits down beside me.

"I heard about what happened." She says gently. "That's awful. I wouldn't have said those things if I would have known. To think that your father beat you, and that you thought you deserved it. That's horrible. I can't imagine how messed up your life must be." She continues to elaborate on how disturbing the situation was, but what made me angry was that she'd only be nice if I was less fortunate than her.

"I love my father Victoria, this is difficult yes, but I don't need you looking down on my father." I stand and go towards my borrowed horse. She was the same beautiful mare I had this morning. Her name was Beauty, and she was a magnificent shiny black.

"He abused you Jasmine. He's evil." Victoria is standing and only now is Tyler looking at me. I turn my face down. Who was I to intrude on their love? Who was I to take Tyler from someone who knew him better than I? Who was I to be here today?

"Aren't we all?" I ask. Victoria remains silent. Tyler starts towards me but I get on the horse and turn to leave. He doesn't pursue me, and that makes me feel relieved.

I don't return to the house until hours later, and it was only for Beauty's comfort. After I'd cooled her down I stayed in her stall for a few minutes, just watching her. Horses were such amazing animals. I sigh and turn to leave.

Richard meets me outside the stable. He gives me a small, pitied smile. I give him an honest one back. His eyes move to my bruise and I don't mention it. Neither does he. We walk in and he offers me food. My stomach growls in response and I eagerly agree.