Array Ashley - Murderville

“This is a waste of time,” she shot back with an attitude.

“Maybe, but at least you get to wash your ass for the occasion,” Trixie stated. She knew that she would never be one of the girls to be handpicked for the brothels… she would never be more than a street walker. Lack of beauty was not the issue for Trixie because she was more than gorgeous. Her flawless looks rivaled those of any world-class super-model. It was the tool between her legs that kept her at the bottom, but she still welcomed the selection process… using it for what it was, a chance to take a real shower. Something as simple as that was a luxury.

They were herded into a large communal bathroom and one-by-one, pushed into the shower stalls. They stood still, arms outstretched as soapy water was poured over their heads and the workers washed them from head to toe with a coarse sponge. Like livestock they were processed until they were standing side by side in only their undergarments, shivering, as wind filled the drafty warehouse.

The doors were opened as two black limousines pulled inside. Liberty already knew who sat behind the tinted windows. They had only had one conversation, but over the years she had seen her come and go, each time choosing a few new girls but always leaving Liberty behind. The door opened and all that could be seen was the six-inch, red-bottom heel that emerged from the car. Finally Abia stepped out, looking more glamorous than ever before in a short mink jacket and a mini-dress that had come straight off the runway. Her eyes flew down the line quickly as she immediately pointed out a couple girls that appeared valuable. Her beauty was so intimidating that even the most arrogant of the streetwalkers became unsure. Those who covered themselves were instantly written off Abia’s list of hopefuls. There was nothing she could do with an insecure young girl… she needed the sharks… the arrogant ones out of the bunch who were well-versed in the business of sex. She only wanted the bad bitches in her brothels because that’s what it took to play the game at her level.

Liberty stood indifferent as she rolled her eyes slightly as Abia passed her. Liberty had been through this process many times before and her nerves were non-existent. As Abia was about to move onto the next girl, Liberty sucked her teeth causing Abia to halt mid-step. She looked sharply at Liberty and returned to stand directly in front of her. She smirked slightly, sensing a change in Liberty. Abia had purposefully bypassed Liberty over the years because she was soft. Liberty hadn’t been ready. Her emotions had always betrayed her sensitive heart, but as Abia stood before her, this time she sensed a change. The streets had finally accomplished the act of hardening Liberty.

“I want her,” Abia said as Liberty looked at her in shock. Abia kept it moving down the line as she chose more girls. Just as quickly as she had come she left.

“She picked me,” Liberty whispered. She turned to Trixie in disbelief, but when she noticed the dismal look on her friend’s face she realized what that meant. For the first time in eight years they were about to be split up. The devastation on Trixie’s face caused Liberty’s lip to tremble from grief as her heart broke in half. She hadn’t felt this in so long, and as she gripped Trixie’s hand her thoughts drifted to A’shai. She had thought of him often during her time on the streets but she always forced him to the back of her mind because she knew that she would never see him again. It was easier to just not think of him at all. A’shai had been her first love and best friend, but Trixie had been her only friend since him. She loved Trixie with all of her heart. They were brought together by circumstance and now they were being forced apart by a system that ranked Liberty higher simply because she was a real woman. She felt the same feeling of loss and the familiar hurt filled her as she looked Trixie in the eyes.

“I’m getting out of here, Lib. I’m not staying here without you,” Trixie whispered as she shook her head from side-to-side. As Liberty was pulled from the line, she reached for Trixie.

“No, I’m not leaving her here!” she protested as she lunged away from the men while crying hysterically. Flashbacks of being torn away from A’shai ran through her mind. It felt as if she were reliving the same hell all over again. As Liberty was dragged towards the second awaiting limo all eyes were on her as the shepherds attempted to calm her down. Amidst the chaos Trixie grabbed one of the AK-47’s from one of the men and began firing. The hair trigger caused bullets to fly as everyone ducked for cover. Trixie ran full speed towards the exit and out of instinct, Liberty snatched away from the men and took off after her. The screams of the other girls and the array of gunfire caused everyone to panic. It was the chance of a lifetime… the chance to flee and every girl took the opportunity. Scantily clad women and men ran in every direction, causing Liberty to lose sight of Trixie.

“Trix! Trixie!” Liberty called out into the crowd. She didn’t see her girl, but she had to keep running. She was already too far gone to turn back now. Liberty ran in the opposite direction of the crowd, while covering herself as best as she could. It was broad daylight outside and she knew that she wouldn’t get very far without any clothing. Once she was a few blocks away she ran down a deserted alley and cowered behind a dumpster. She would have to wait until nightfall before she could run any further. In the meantime she looked up and down skid row, making herself aware of her surroundings just in case she needed to find a quick escape.

Liberty burst into the corner store, causing a scene, as she pushed past the customers at the counter. She knocked on the bulletproof glass causing Juan to look at her like she was crazy.

“Liberty? What the…?”

“I need the key… the key, Juan, please,” she said desperately as she looked around nervously. She knew that she was taking a risk by coming to collect her stash, but without it she would be stuck. She had gone all day on E, and her body was craving a fix so badly that every part of her ached. He passed her the key and watched as she frantically headed to the bathroom. Once inside she locked the door and rushed to remove the back from the porcelain toilet, but when she looked inside and saw nothing but clear water the contents of her stomach came up. The money was gone and although it had not been much, it was all she had to get by. There was only one other person who knew where her money was stashed.

I trusted her, Liberty thought, knowing that Trixie had gotten to the money first. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. “Just a minute!” she called through the door.

“It’s Juan!”

Liberty unlocked the door, and he opened it slightly. “I’ve got some clothes for you. Nothing fancy… just some sweats,” he said.

“Did Trixie come here?” she asked as tears fell down her cheeks.

“I don’t know. My shift just started not too long ago,” Juan said. “You need some help a’ something?”

“No… the clothes are enough… thank you.” Her voice cracked as she spoke and he wanted to press the issue, but decided that he didn’t want to become involved in whatever problem she had gotten herself into.

“Lib, I don’t mean to put you out but the customers…”

“Don’t worry. I’m leaving,” she whispered as she wiped her nose. A shiver ran down her spine. She quickly dressed and dropped her head as she headed towards the exit. She didn’t even see the black limousine that was sitting curbside outside of the store until it was too late. She was snatched up before she could protest and stuffed inside the car.

“Don’t make a scene, Liberty,” Abia said as soon as Liberty’s behind hit the leather seats.