Aiko opened her eyes at first light, which had not reached Aiko’s bedroom window. She lay motionless beneath a scratchy blanket, a cold reminder of her new reality. A sense of dread washed over her like a river of pain. It had been a week since her court-appointed sentence started with a woman she knew in passing. Paige was a close friend of her mother’s. Aiko’s excitement faded into melancholy after the first night with her captor, who forced her to eat plain rice with bland tofu. The next morning’s meal offered no more variety. Just more of the same. White rice and tofu. A familiar creaking of the floorboards and bedroom door announced Paige’s presence.
“I want to go to school?” Aiko said.
“I have received permission to home-school, you child.”
Paige disguised her contempt with a fake smile, glaring down at Aiko. Fingers tapping on her clipboard, waiting for Aiko to speak. Her face was cold and unwavering. While Towering over Aiko, the woman’s body language made her feel insignificant.
Paige’s smile wavered as she fixed Aiko with a steely gaze. “You will learn what I teach you when I teach you. Do not question my authority.”
A shiver went down Aiko’s back, but she remained steadfast, giving the woman a scornful glance.
“What about my physical training? My uncle promised to continue my training in Aikido.”
Paige’s eyes narrowed as she studied Aiko’s defiant expression. A flicker of annoyance crossed her features before she composed herself, adopting a sweet tone. “Your uncle has no say in your education or activities now. You belong to me, Aiko, and you will do as I say,” she declared, her voice laced with a veiled threat.
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Aiko’s heart sank at the realization that even her beloved uncle couldn’t rescue her from Paige’s clutches. But a spark of defiance ignited within her, fueling her determination to resist her cruel guardian’s attempts to break her spirit. “I won’t give up my training. Aikido is a part of who I am,” Aiko stated, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling beneath the surface.
Paige’s facade of patience shattered, replaced by a mask of rage. In one swift motion, she lunged forward and grabbed Aiko’s arm in a bruising grip, causing the girl to wince in pain. “You will learn to obey me, Aiko. Or else,” Paige said as her face contorted with malice.
Aiko’s heart raced in response to her guardian’s aggressive actions. She reminded herself of her lessons and took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry if I spoke out of turn, mistress,” Aiko said, head lowered.
You’ll be sorry!
Paige released Aiko’s arm, satisfied with her display of submission. Her smile returned as she straightened her back, projecting an air of authority. The sting of her bruised skin was a painful reminder of her captor’s power. But she refused to let it show on her face.
“As I was saying, Aiko,” Paige began, her voice calmer now. “You are under my care, and I am responsible for your well-being. You will follow my rules and instructions without question. Is that understood?”
Aiko nodded, her eyes downcast. She was well aware of the consequences of disobedience and knew the best way to survive this ordeal was to bide her time and plot her escape.
“Good, now we will begin your lessons. I expect you to excel, Aiko. You are a bright girl with a bright future ahead of you. Don’t disappoint me.”
Aiko knew she must be careful. She had to maintain the facade of obedience while plotting her escape. Her unwavering patience would be rewarded when the right opportunity presented itself. For now, she would endure Paige’s tutelage.