Lottery 1
Christine sat and looked at the pamphlets for a two and three bedroom apartments. Her mother took the kids out to the park, and she had a few moments of quiet to herself. It was the perfect excuse to call Aston. Maybe he would even see that she got a raise so she could afford a three bedroom instead of a two.
She rummaged around in her purse and pulled out her phone. She dialed him and listened. The phone rang and rang, then it switched to voice mail.
Christine’s voice was shaky and nervous, “Hi, this is Christine.” She paused, she wanted to hang up. Fear was starting to take hold of her. She thought of her children, she thought about how he had threatened them. He would do the same over this, and make her watch. Her hands began to tremble.
“This is so silly.”, she nervously laughed. She had to say something now though, didn’t she? After all, now it would look suspicious. She had been on the line too long. She had to make this look more natural.
“I don’t even know why I called you.” She gulped dry air, and looked at the pamphlet in her hand. “It’s just I.” she paused and tried to put the words in order. Her voice then began to even out and become a little more normal, “I was thinking of moving out of my mother’s place, but I don’t think I can afford it right now. Not.” She paused again, “Not on these wages I mean, and I know I haven’t been working that long. It’s just that. Well. I’m not used to living under my mother’s thumb for quite some time, and it’s just. Well, it’s difficult at times.” She paused again. “Well maybe I shouldn’t have bothered you with this. I mean, this is not your problem at all. I just,”, she paused again. “I just don’t have anyone else to call. I’m sorry.” She hung up quickly and tossed the phone in her purse as if it were too hot to hold.
Her heart was beating out of her chest, her hands were shaking. She brought her shaking hand up to her mouth. Her mind thought nothing, this was just all too much to even think about.
Aston returned to the restroom after hearing the flushing, then the faucet turned off. He opened the bathroom door and picked up Lucy carefully.
As he carried her back to the bed, Lucy felt his phone vibrate in his upper inside jacket pocket. Her heart skipped a beat as she had finally felt a glimmer of hope. His phone. All she had to do was somehow manage to gain his trust, and get the use of her legs. She could phone someone, anyone for help.
Aston set her down on the bed and looked at the phone. He switched it voicemail, and pulled the covers back over Lucy. He left the room and returned with a warm dark colored soup. He fed Lucy the soup, gave her a bottle of water, and watched her go back to sleep.
He walked out of the room and played the voicemail.
“This is so silly” the woman on the recording nervously laughed. Aston chuckled in return.
Lucy knew at once, he was attracted to the woman.
After the recording was done playing, Aston called Christine back.
“Christine?” he questioned. “You should never feel bad about having to call me for anything. It’s my duty to make sure you are well taken care of, and your kids. No, no, no it is fine. That wont be a problem. I will send an email about it right now. It’s not a problem, Christine. Alright, take care.” He hung up and began emailing Lou to take care of Christine’s new problem.
Lucy who had only feigned sleep, listened intently. Whoever that woman was on the other end, maybe she could help. He seemed to like her, at least he spoke to her in friendly manner. Maybe she would be able to talk her captor into letting her go home. He could have the money, if that was all he wanted. He could have all of the money. She just wanted to live.