04

WILLOW

The moment I stepped outside, it started raining, transforming from drizzles to a full-blown storm. Hastily seeking refuge in a nearby subway, I checked my phone and noticed it was 09:45 am. Unbelievably, I had just been fired, but my second job started at 10:00 am. I normally snuck out the cafe to meet up, at least I didn't have to do that anymore.

I can find another job, and besides, I never liked that cafe. Waiting for the storm to ease a bit, I braved the cold atmosphere and made my way to my second job.

Arriving at Greenwich Village East, I was struck by the peace and quiet, with a variety of houses dotting the landscape, each resident minding their own business.

There's a positive vibe here, a sense of being home. It struck me as an ideal place for Dad to find a positive mindset, perhaps even quit his drinking habit and prioritize his health. Last year, I made a decent amount of money thanks to tourists in the City. Volunteering for tours proved successful, even though most guys seemed more interested in staring at me than the actual tour. Nonetheless, I earned enough to clear Dad's debts and with a bit more, I could become one of the first adolescents to buy a house in Greenwich Village – maybe something simple like a cottage.

I got to a hill where a huge mansion was built I am the gardener, and by the look of the flowers I was doing a great job for Nana Sloane, that's the name of the old lady I garden for.

Her son owns the house so I've heard but I've never seen him, and she always talks about his success.

Anyways, I knocked on the door and pressed the bell, incase Nana doesn't hear me again.

The door swung open, revealing a robust gentleman in his robes. He shot me a grin, and his gaze lingered on my chest as he licked his lower lip, unapologetically bold.

"Uh, I'm the gardener," I mumbled shyly, a bit self-conscious under his persistent gaze.

Is my outfit really that bad?

"Come in. Nana isn't here at the moment; she went shopping with my fiance," he said politely, guiding me towards the couch.

"Shall I get you anything" he gestures as I shook my head in disapproval.

"Not even a drink? " he still gestures, maybe he's just trying to be nice like Nana. It wouldn't be bad if he got me something to drink.

"I would like water or maybe orange juice" I said as he heads to the kitchen to get me my drink.

"There you go, orange juice. " he hands me my glass as I sigh and play with my glass.

"Why aren't you drinking? " he asked bringing me back to reality.

"It's just my other job, I got fired and I'm looking for a job now... " I said taking a sip of my juice as he just watches me drink the whole glass and explain what happened this morning.

"That guy is a jerk who does he think he is if I wasn't engaged I'll probably want to be with you... " he said as those words made me uncomfortable but I just ignore maybe it's just a misunderstanding.

"I know, and how will I be able to save up now.. " I yawned feeling sleepy as my eyes grew heavy and the unnecessary yawning didn't stop there, I know I've been sleeping late but I've never been this tired.

"Are you feeling ok? " he asked with a smile,with the glass still in the grasp of my hands.

"Maybe we can work an arrangement." He said coming close as my head kept aching.

"Sir you are too close....." He takes the glass away from me and drops it on the table not too far as he pulls me under him and he takes off his robe.

He made his way to my top as I tried struggling.

"My mother always told me you were beautiful but she didn't tell me you were the full package I would have dumped that flat chested bitch a long time ago" he says, I don't have control over my head again any moment from now he will have his way with me.

"Sir we can't do this I'm not your lover " I yelped weakly trying to struggle but every matter of energy was depleting from me.

"I'll be gentle, I promise " he smirked as I tried to scream I felt cold air splash against my chest, he finally made his way to my top.