Katherine's POV

I woke up with a slight shock when I realized that I wasn't in my own bed. This bed was comfortable but not as soft and springy as my own.

I liked it.

Rubbing my eyes, I gave a small yawn before running a hand through my tangled hair. I ran my hand through a couple more times so most of the knots could be removed as it wouldn't give me much discomfort.

The room was silent as only the sound of my breathing filled my ears, my eyes squinting as they looked out of the small gap in the curtains at the window, the sun shining through. It looked early and it seemed like I was at Nick's house again.

I sighed as a small smile touches my lips.

How he's managed to deal with me so many times, I did not know.

Even I would get mad if I had someone like me coming in every week.

I swung my legs over the bed so my feet touched the icy cold wooden floor, making me shudder slightly as I began to navigate my way through the house. Once I reached the living room, I saw my shoes placed messily on the floor near the couch and a note placed.

Dear Katherine,

I have had to go to work today so unfortunately, I couldn't stay.

There is food in the fridge and books on the shelves if you wish to entertain yourself.

Please don't feel like you're intruding because that's the least you're doing.

Take care of yourself and if you're still here by the time I get back, see you soon.

Nick.

I smiled lightly before taking the piece of paper and tucking it in the pocket of my dress. I stayed in the living room for a few minutes before walking out and heading towards the kitchen. The house wasn't all that big. It was something that a single man or woman would since it only consisted of two bedrooms and a small living room and kitchen. But it was cosy and nice and I probably would have bought it myself if I hadn't been taken in by Gatsby.

As I walked into the kitchen, I stopped by the window and looked towards the big mansion that I had lived in for so many years. I knew the place like the back of my hand though it did take me time to figure it out since the place as huge.

I still remember the very first day he had found me.

My hair was a mess and my skin had finally turned into pitch black from all the soot and smoke. I hadn't had a shower in days and I'm still wearing the same clothing that I had scavenged from the trash. A nice woman had put up with me for couple of nights.

She had given me food to eat and water to drink. She kindly let me wash my clothes so they no longer stank of what I truly was.

Trash.

But her husband had to arrive soon and she couldn't him see someone like me.

Even at my tender age of 14, she told me that I was a pretty thing with my long dark brown locks and light brown skin. She told me that if her husband saw me then he would leave her for me. And she couldn't let that happen.

She was kind about it as she packed me a small sack of food before pushing me gently out of the house, slamming the door closed once I had exited.

I never saw her again after that but somewhere along the line; I heard that her and her husband had ended up divorcing after all.

So here I was now; 6 months later only living off scraps and showering when the rain came or if a generous inn-keeper would allow to use his facilities.

How my life had ended like this, I didn't know.

But I wished for it to come to an end even if the ending included me dead.

Then….my light of hope arrived.

The sky had turned a dull grey and soon rain began to pour heavily on the earth. People rushed around me the big city, opening up their umbrellas and hailing taxis to take them home. I don't how I ended up in Manhattan but I guess your feet take you places.

I walked slowly among the rushing people, my clothes soaked and my hair dripping with the cold shaking through my bones.

Oh cruel life, what do you want to do with me?

Haven't you played with me enough?

I continued my slow walk without purpose before bumped into someone; a man by the feel of it as the chest was flat and broad.

"Hey watch…! Well, hello." The man was about insult before he got a good look at me and a leer appeared on his face. I couldn't tell for that moment since I was too young to understand but if that man had gotten his way that day, I wouldn't be where I am now.

"Hello sir. I'm sorry for bumping into you." I apologized quickly with a slight unneeded bow and I tried to make my way past before his arm grabbed my forearm. "Oh darling, don't worry." The man said sweetly but the sweetness was too thick. My alarm started beeping slowly as if to tell me that this wasn't a good sign and this man did not have good intention.

"Wow, you look as if you haven't eaten in a while." Mystery man continued and he knew exactly where to hit because my stomach did grumbled. "How about I take you get something eat and then you…return the favour." He said, smiling sickeningly as he pulled me closer to his body and his arm wrapped around my waist, his hand lying just above my backside.

"I'm fine, sir…really." I tried but he wouldn't have it. The next few minutes were him trying to convince me to get food with him and me polite objecting even though my stomach was telling to just go with this man.

"Sir, I would not like to go! Leave me!" I shouted finally in anger but soon, my head snapped to side as a pain blossomed in my left cheek. Quite a few people stopped when they heard or saw the slap and began murmuring among themselves.

Most shaking their heads in a disproving manner.

"You will not talk to me like that you whore!" He shouted loudly, anger radiating through his body as he made to grab my hand to drag me away but soon another hand with a softer touch pulled me away from him.

I was soon put under an umbrella and the whole scene flashed before my eyes.

I all I remember was being carried by a pair of strong arms and pair of electric blue eyes staring back into mine, a warm smile on his face.

"You're safe now. This life you have is over." A strong and calm voice said.

He was only 18 at the time but he was much more…

So much more.

Gatsby…

Jay Gatsby

I stared out of the window before bowing my head and leaning over the counter.

The life I had before was over…

But do I really want to live the life that I have now?

I ran a hand through my hair once again before taking a seat at the dining table, watching the sun rise slowly.

A bit about Katherine's past and how she came to meet Gatsby. Hoped you enjoyed it!