The streets were bustling with the regular weekend traffic. Trams galloping to and fro, horses neighing and mules leaving their dung at every square inch possible. Yep! this is my beloved city. For all its faults I bask in its warmth, noise and beauty, Cairo- the first place I ever called home. We sidestepped to avoid getting knocked over by a psychic driver with no control on the reigns and drew to a halt outside Monginis one of the most prominent bakeries in the city. I studied our reflection, distastefully. Luke looked so bold, so strong in a crisp white shirt and cargo pants, his perfect complexion retaining its usual glow even after days on the road. His face was that of a god. Except the scar. It ran from just under his eye, drawing a slash upon his beautiful features. He never told me how he'd received it and when I asked he always – usefully – managed to divert topics. I sighed. Besides him I looked the image of what I truly am. A plain boring servant girl. My unkempt blonde hair was piled in a messy bun, my small petite body – never mind lacking in curves – it was lacking a good meal and bath. I was outfitted in a dinky little white mini I had nicked off the rail in the market. The rich were too fat to wear it and I knew they'd never do it justice, so by all means I acquired the dress – and another bruise above my knee-. Yes, I was the servant girl. Except my eyes.
Grey stormy and dangerous, there was no way they were bending to anyone's will, ever!
'Annie come on we're going to be late' he detached his hand from my and thrust them in his pocket. Ouch. He'd been like this ever since we left our hideout. Cold, distant, broody. I tried sweet – talking to him, praising, singing, but nothing would divert his attention from his very important role as moody chaperone. Great nothing makes for a better trip than a mute companion. But Luke will be Luke I guess – (and you thought only girls got hormonal!) I followed his back through roads and alleys, noting how the plain empty lands were transforming into high smoke spewing towers right before my eyes. And then we saw it! The market place!
'We did it Luke! We did it' I whooped beaming euphorically. He gave me a tight-lipped smile in return.
'Looks like we did Annie' I was so excited I didn't even stop to berate him for the stupid name he called me. Honestly was it so hard to call me Annabeth? He wound his way through the crowd pushing through people as he went with murmured sorrys and excuse me. So, after 15 minutes when we drew to a halt, I was loaded with free samples desperate sellers had thrust upon me. Socks, oranges, nuts, plastic bags, posies you name it. The freebees. I looked over to Luke to see the reason for the break. There was an empty platform before him, where a guy in a wheelchair and a hug the centaur t- shirt was leisurely surveying the scene. Luke grabbed my hand roughly and strode up to the bearded centaur man and bowed his head in respect.
'Mr Chiron' he said 'My names Luke'
Chiron gazed at Luke with lopsided smile on his face. Did those two know each other? And how did Luke know his name?
'I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting, Luke.' Luke nodded animatedly
'No sir, you see I sent you a letter a week ago signing off under the name of Kronos—'
'Ahh I see, and the girl you mentioned?' Just a minute the girl? Did that mean me? And why did Luke correspond with a dealer without first consulting me? I turned to glare at him, but he intentionally averted me gaze. Jerk. He pulled me forward eyes still fixed on the bearded dude.
'Luke?' I asked. Predictively he ignored me.
'Her names Annabeth chase, born here in Cairo. Chiron studied me closely. And not like a friend or even a dealer. He encircled me like a hungry predator ravishing his next meal, his next prey. Me. His microscopic examination ended when he wheeled himself directly in front of me. When he addressed me his voice was soft and soothing? Not at all like the animal snarl I was anticipating.
'How old are you, - Miss Chase?' I stepped back, momentarily shocked.
In all my life I'd never been addressed as Miss Chase. My masters called me animal, brat or slave girl, my neighbours named me slut, or slum girl, even my fellow servants in suffering called me slum-born or virago or frump. But never Miss Chase. Never respect, never dignity. This was a definite first and I liked it. But I didn't like was how the situation was spiralling out of control. What is Luke planning?
'16, Mr Chiron' I mimicked his tone, but not in an unfriendly sort of manner. He raised an eyebrow but didn't comment.
'She's a fine looker Luke, she'll bring all the boys running, give me one day and you and I will be rich people.' One second! Am I hallucinating, or did he say you and I. Luke I am going to kill you!
'We've got ourselves a deal Luke, I'll take her, cash up front.' He put forth his hand
Wait, What? Luke wouldn't, I know he wouldn't. He's going to come up front and explain that no, we're both on the market and only together. He's going to stand up for me and reprimand Chiron for his derogatory talk of me. We're going to be alright, escape together, fall in love and live happily ever after. I know Luke. He loves me. He as good as told me. As a sister anyway. There's no way he's going to do what I dread will. I'm alright. He won't.
Luke outstretched his hand to the man and shook his hand.
'We've got a deal man, give me the cash and take her.
