In for a long ride

In for a long ride
ROSA’s POV

I was in the room where I was instructed to go, to sleep, and all, I was there with 2 other ladies who looked like they were hurt or something, well everyone there had a story. They looked like sisters and they didn't say a word to me since I arrived and I didn't bother to talk to them either. There were 3 beds, 3 wardrobes, 3 towels, one king-size TV, and a big alarm clock in front of us. It also looked like it had an alarm. I wasn't so sure about it and couldn't ask. The girls looked like they were not in the mood to talk and they kept consoling each other.

‘I guess they are new too.’

I said to myself as I sat on the bed and stared at them. I looked around the room and I sighed heavily. 

‘Is this my new life? Is this our new life, Rosa?’

I thought and I didn't know when tears rolled down my cheeks and I just kept staring at the wall. Only if I could disappear, I would have. Barely a day in Dante’s mansion and I was so tired already. I was exhausted. I missed my peaceful and sweet life. My very peaceful life back at home. With Nana and Pearl.

“Pearl!”

I thought about her and I quickly picked up my phone to call her.

“Pearl.. Pearl, my sister.”

I said and they both stared back at me and looked extremely shocked, but I wasn't sure why.

“What?”

“I asked and placed my phone back on the bed, and focused on them.

“Your sister? They didn't take your sister when they took you?”

One of them asked and I shook my head.

“Why would he do that? I mean.. I.. I was the only one who accepted to come over here, why would he bring my sister too? I mean.. It makes no sense, does it?”

I chuckled, and they stared at each other and looked back at me.

“You had a choice and agreed to come here with Dante? Were you under duress?”

I nodded, and they sighed.

They are both Blonds and looked so much alike too. 

“Are you both sisters?”

I asked and they quickly both nodded.

“Ah.. Why.. I mean why does he always take some as collateral whenever something goes wrong?”

I asked and they cried out.

“What is your name?”

“Rosa is my name and yours? What are your names too?”

I asked.

“Mine is Grace, my sister is Ella.. She is my youngest sister.”

I smiled at Ella and she smiled back.

She looked the same age as Pearl, 22 or so.

“What is your story, Rosa?”

They asked. I narrated it to them and they did too.

“Dante, didn't need us as collateral or whatever my Dad needed money, he either sold us out or willingly gave us out as collateral.. I wonder why so many people ever go to him for help when they know what they stand to lose in the end, and he has no mercy.”

“What does he do with so many ladies though?”

I asked and they bowed their heads.

“Some become slaves.. Some become his toys to use for sex, but with Nelly always watching, all the ladies must try to avoid Dante or getting on Nelly’s bad side.. Getting on her bad side is worse than Dante punishing you.”

“Dante, punishes some of the ladies?”

They nodded.

“But if Nelly is always so watchful how does he still get his way with the ladies then?”

“Dante, doesn't give two fucks about Nelly, well I mean he does, but he doesn't see her as someone to stay loyal to, he still has his fun. The ladies just try their hardest to avoid him. If you ever get down with Dante and Nelly or her cohorts find out then that lady somehow ends up missing or her life becomes unbearable in the mansion.”

“This place is worse than I thought.. Dante, isn't the only devil here, I see. Nelly appeared to me as a wise and smart lady, but I am highly disappointed..”

“Oh, I see she got to you already, right? She came to you so fast already?”

I bobbed my head.

“She does that to every lady?”

They chuckled and I shook my head.

“Why is she fighting so hard to keep him? He doesn't even want to be kept, why doesn't she give it a rest then?”

“She is scared of losing her powers and title in the mansion. Being addressed as the Queen of the mansion is her biggest strength here, and she is forever ready to keep it no matter the price.. She is scary.”

I shuddered and flinched when the clock made a very loud sound. I placed my hands on my chest and gasped heavily.

“What the hell is that?”

“10 pm. Don't worry you will get used to it.. It is the time when we need to go get dinner and gather down the hall for a little meeting with you know who.”

She quoted with her hands I grinned.

We stood up from our beds and began to change our clothes.

I noticed a little mark on Ella’s back and asked what happened to her.

“She was burnt.. Though the person who did it said it was a mistake, I know it wasn't, but there is nothing that can be done.”

Grace said and tapped on my shoulders like she was trying to give me some strength.

“No way.. She was burnt? How?”

“A hot stone.”

She said with a lazy smile as she went naked.

I couldn't believe my ears and just focused on getting changed.

“You will get used to it, Rosa. Stay away from Nelly, and most especially stay away from Dante.. Stay away from Dante, for your own good, okay? He can be sweet and..”

I quickly looked back at her, and frowned at her words.

“Sweet? Dante? That same man who.. Fuck!”

I couldn't complete my words and just groaned angrily.

“And, I'm sorry Grace, but I never wanna get used to this hell of a place, never! I want to leave as soon as possible! I never want to get used to it, please. I will be leaving soon anyway..”

They stared at each other and looked back at me with self-pity as if I was in denial.

“Everyone here had hopes of going back and leaving this place.. Some have been here for months, Rosa.”

I staggered and fell on my knees.