Chapter 3: Sold and Sent Away

The sun slowly moved across the sky. I didn't think much of it. I finished cooking and set the food on the table.

The kitchen filled with the smell of frying pork, something we hadn’t had in ages. I set out three plates, unsure if I was supposed to join them or not.

For once, he spoke again: "Jessie, you've worked hard all day. Come eat with us."

I was stunned again, letting my mom pull out a chair for me. My little brother was eating happily in her arms. I hesitated, then sat down.

It felt strange, sitting at the table like a real family. I kept my hands in my lap, eyes on my plate, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I didn't dare take the meat. I reached for a slice of melon, but before I could eat it, my dad poured himself a glass of whiskey and took a big gulp.

The sound of the liquor sloshing in the glass made my stomach twist. He set the bottle down with a thud, staring at me with a look I couldn’t read.

"Your mom and I have arranged a marriage for you."

The words landed like a slap. I felt the room tilt beneath me, my fork slipping from my fingers.

My mom tugged at his sleeve: "What are you saying? Didn't we agree to let her eat first?"

She tried to soften the blow, but her voice was thin and tired. I could tell she already knew what was coming.

"What do you know! Get out of here."

He pushed her hand away and refilled his glass.

His eyes were glassy, his jaw set. I knew better than to argue, but I couldn’t help myself.

"You know Tom Ray from over in Silver Hollow, right? He even held you when you were born."

He pointed his fork at me: "He offered thirty grand as a dowry to marry you. I think it's a good deal, so I've agreed."

Thirty grand. My head spun. I’d never seen that much money in my life. Suddenly, my whole future had a price tag.

I couldn't even swallow my food. I suddenly stood up.

My chair scraped the floor, loud and jarring. I felt my heart pounding in my chest, my hands shaking.

"Dad, I won't marry!"

He scowled.

His face darkened, the vein in his forehead pulsing. I braced myself for the worst.

"Hey, what's wrong with you? Why won't you listen to your dad!"

His voice rose, echoing off the walls. The baby started to cry, but nobody moved to comfort him.

"Would your dad lie to you? The Ray family is much richer than us. If you marry over, you'll live well!"

I yelled, "Live well? Then why don't you marry over and enjoy it!"

The words slipped out before I could stop them. The room went silent, the air thick with shock.

He pressed his lips together, eyes wide, hands dropping.

For a split second, I saw something almost like fear in his eyes. Then it was gone, replaced by rage.

I knew he was about to hit someone.

My mom must have noticed too. She put my brother down and desperately grabbed his sleeve to stop him.

She held on tight, her knuckles white, whispering something I couldn’t hear. I stared at the floor, waiting for the storm to pass.

He smashed his whiskey glass, shards flying, and pointed at me, cursing:

"Ungrateful brat, how dare you talk back to your dad! Did I raise you just so you could argue with me? Who do you think you are! If you hadn't tempted him, would Tom even want you? Worthless!"

His words hit harder than his fists ever could. I felt my face flush with shame and anger.

He ranted, spit flying.

"If you won't marry, then get out!"

His voice cracked at the end, raw and desperate. I wiped my eyes, refusing to let him see me cry.

My eyes filled with tears. Furious, I stormed toward Penny's pen.

The cold night air slapped my face, stinging my cheeks. I leaned against the fence, trying to catch my breath, Penny’s snout nudging my hand.

My mom grabbed me.

Her grip was tight, her nails digging into my skin. I turned away, biting my lip to keep from sobbing.

Tears fell instantly. I stiffened, refusing to look back.