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“You won’t have a say. Look around you. This isn’t a democracy, Emily. Men don’t come here to hold your hand and talk. You’re just a piece of ass like the rest of us.”
“Why are you being so mean, Elena,” Maria snaps at her friend.
“Would you rather Emily find out the hard way? We could help you get rid of the kid. I know someone who will arrange it,” one of the other women suggests.
“No! I could never,” I say quickly.
“Suit yourself. But, trust me,” Elena says, “nothing good will come of this pregnancy. Besides, Paolo will never let you keep the baby, even if you do carry to term and deliver.”
I haven’t thought that far ahead, but Elena’s words ignite a new fear inside me. This is no place for a baby. How will I take care of a child in this hell?
“Please, Elena. You have to help me. Please. I swear I’ll come back for you all. I swear it.”
“Oh, really?” she scoffs. “And how will you do that? You have no money, I’m guessing you don't have a passport, and your boyfriend has clearly forgotten all about you and your petty-ass problems. How are you going to help us?”
She’s right. Even if I escape this club, how will I get back home? I’m an illegal alien. They’ll throw me in prison if they catch me.
“Oh, and if you’re thinking of asking the cops for help, don’t bother. Paolo has them in his pockets. They’ll drag your skinny ass right back here before they help you,” Elena reinforces her point.
“Then why do you keep running?” I ask her.
“I’m a local. I know this town better than any of you. I have connections on the outside.”
“I have money, Elena. Back in the US. My boyfriend is loaded. I know he’ll help us if he knows where I am.”
“Pfff! Wake up, Emily. You’re on your own,” Elena says, getting up. “I’m going to hit the sack. It’s been a long night.”
“She’s not as mean as she appears,” Maria says after Elena has left the room. “She’s just had a hard life.”
“Will you talk to her, please, Maria? Please?”
“Sure. Thank you for tonight.”
“My pleasure, Maria.”
The women leave me alone with my thoughts. Have I accomplished anything? Who knows? At least I tried. And I’ll keep trying until I find a way out of here.
I touch my belly.
“I’ll get us out of here, baby,” I whisper before I turn off the lights.
I know I’m dreaming, but I can’t wake myself up. Lucas is standing in a field, and I’m running toward him. But no matter how fast I run, I cannot get to him. David is standing next to him. He has tears in his eyes, and his arms are open, beckoning me.
Paolo and Damon are chasing me. They’re so close now that I can hear their labored breathing. My legs are lame as I run. I’m slowing down, and Lucas and David seem to be moving further away with each step that I take.
“No! Wait for me!” I hear myself screaming, but it’s no use.
Lucas is gaining on me. He’s right behind me now. I turn just as he reaches for me. He grabs me by the arm and shakes me.
No! Please. No!
“Emily! Wake up. You’re screaming.”
It’s Maria. She’s standing over me. I sit up, drenched in sweat.
“Are you okay?” she asks me. “You were having a nightmare. I heard your screams all the way down the hall.
“Oh. Maria. I had a terrible dream.”