(Paul/Mellie.)
A Slave By Choice
"I needed it," she told him. "It was a blessing."
"They stole years of your life from you. What part of that is a blessing?" Staring at her, he didn't even try to hide his disgust. The Dollhouse enslaved people and no contract, signed willingly or not, could ever make that an okay thing.
She raised her eyes to meet his. "I wanted it."
"You were a slave!"
"I needed to get out of my own head and this was a perfect way to do it. I appreciate your concern, Mr – what was your name again?"
He sighed. "Paul. Paul Ballard."
"Mr Ballard," she said with a nod. "But this is my life. It was my choice."
"Why would anyone choose to be a slave?" He cringed as soon as the words left his mouth, but didn't apologise or take back the question. Wringing his hands, eh took a step towards her.
She didn't move but surprise registered on her face – her eyes widened and her mouth fell open a little .There was a hint of pain in there too.
"Yeah," he said when the silence had dragged on a moment too long. "That's what I thought."
"No, I-"
"It's okay," he said. "I get it. You had to do what's best for you."
She nodded. "I did."
"And I have to do the same for me." Grimacing, he took out his cell phone and began dialling.
She watched him in confusion. "What's going on?"
He ignored her and talked into the phone. "Yeah," he said. "It's me. I'm done here. You're free to come get her." He hung up and tried not to look her in the eyes. "I'm sorry."
fin.