5
Gianna aka Ria (17years)
“Wait, let me get this straight. Your father sold you as a virgin bride to be delivered at the age of eighteen?” a wide-eyed Ishara asked me a week later. She was lying on the bed while I stood with my back against her closet. I often spent the weekends with her when she wasn’t working. Having just off-loaded the details of my mother’s visit, Ishara was having a hard time believing I was serious about my intentions.
I nodded, adding, “pinky swear secret, right?”
She bobbed her head in acknowledgment. “And your plan is to lose your virginity before then hoping it would deter your father.” She scratched her chin in that thoughtful way, I’d come to know.
Chewing my bottom lip, I moved and dropped down next to her. “That’s if he finds me by then.”
“Okay, if he finds you by then,” she clarified. “And how do you propose losing your virginity?”
“That’s where you come in.”
“I love you, babe, but I don’t swing that way.” She winked, glancing away as her boyfriend, Rex walked into the room, his eyes wide.
I immediately froze, hoping he hadn’t heard the conversation about my father selling me off. As if she sensed me tensing, Ishara gave my hand a gentle squeeze, reassuring me.
“Who wants to lose their virginity?” Rex asked.
Glad he hadn’t heard the part about my father, I pointed to my chest. “Me.”
“Why,” he probed, frowning.
“Apparently it’s the rage now at her school,” Ishara covered for me.
Laughing, Rex left his post by the door and plopped his tall frame into a beanbag with a soft swoosh. “Maybe I can help,” he offered. Ishara and I sat up to look at him. “I have this friend who travels frequently between here and Russia. He’s the shy type and not looking for anything permanent. Maybe he can help with your...you know.” He grinned.
Rex was a good-looking guy but at times I just thought Ishara was too beautiful for him. They were in love though and I respected her choice. He wasn’t a nerd as such but some biochemical engineer and worked for the government which meant his friends were probably in the science field.
Ishara looked at me. “That’s an option, babe,” she said then, “wait. Is he American?” Rex nodded. “Do you honestly want to give your precious gem to some guy you’re not likely to hook up with again, Ria?” she asked.
“That’s fresh coming from you,” Rex snorted, earning a scowl from Ishara who’d lost her virginity to a one-night stand a couple of years ago.
“I’m sure,” I quickly intervened. Ishara had a temper of note and she’d probably make Rex suffer all night just for mentioning that. “When is your friend in town, next?”
