She put on the shoes and got up, to check out herself on the mirror again.
" Wonderful!" She exclaimed. " I look like a princess."
" Are you done?" Her aunt walked in and she turned to her immediately.
" Yes aunt!" Replied Ava. " But what is so special about today? You've never been like this with me before." Ava said In surprise.
" I am happy that you grow fast Ava." Her aunt began. " You see....." She drawled. " One day I won't be in this business again, and you will be the one to take charge of it." She paused to read her reaction. Then continued.
" You can't waste this......" She grabbed her shoulder and turned her around. " Figure of yours. You have to put it into use." She concluded.
" I don't understand aunt." Said Ava, confused.
" You will understand when we reach outside." Said her aunt. " Come with me, he's waiting for you." She added.
" He is waiting for me? What do you mean by he's waiting for me Aunt?" She asked.
Her Aunt sighed and stared at her for a while before answering her question.
" Do you remember what I told you last night?" She asked.
" Which.....Oh!" She exclaimed in surprise. "Yes I do. But Aunt......"
" There's no but Ava. You think everything I did was for free? The clothes I bought for you, the food you eat, the....... I am tired of feeding you Ava. It is time for my reward." She said angrily. " Except you'll pay for all my expenses, here and now."
" But I don't have the money Aunt. I'll pay you when I have enough mo......" Ava was interrupted.
" I don't have time for promises!" The woman yelled and stretched out her hand towards her. " I need it now!"
Ava couldn't control her tears as she allowed it to fall freely from her eyes. She's heartbroken.
" I don't- I don't have it." She said almost in a whisper.
" Then follow me. Don't keep him waiting." Her Aunt said and walked out angrily.
" Why me?" Ava asked herself as she tried to wipe her tears. She had no other choice than to oblige. Few minutes later, she joined her Aunt.
When they reached the sitting room, a young handsome man was seen sitting on a chair. He seemed to be enjoying himself as he kept his eyes fixed on the TV.
Ava's Aunt cleared her throat and sat down, in other to draw his attention. The young man turned to her, and immediately his eyes darted to Ava, who was stepping down from the stairs.
" Good day sir." Ava greeted as she stood beside her aunt, but the man seemed lost staring at the beauty before him. He couldn't say a word.
" Ava please sit down." Her aunt instructed and reluctantly, Ava sat down beside her.
She wasn't comfortable with the way the stranger was staring at her.
" Mister Arthur." Her aunt called and the young man seemed startled.
" Yes! I'm......" He drawled and chuckled. " I mean....she's good." He complemented.
" Yeah! I told you." Said Ava's aunt with a smile on her face as she glanced at Ava.
" Here." Her aunt said handing the paper to him. " 29 days right?" She asked.
" Yes." Arthur replied as he took the book from her.
" You will surely like her." Her aunt assured. " She's very tight." She added and he chuckled.
While the man was signing the paper, Ava drew closer to her Aunt and tried to whisper some words to her, but she prevented her.
" Shhhh....." Her Aunt cautioned and she quickly stood upright.
Arthur finished signing the paper and returned it to her Aunt. " Sign here." Her aunt directed Ava to do the same.
Ava signed the paper and her aunt signed as well as a witness. " Thank you very much Mister Arthur." Said her Aunt.
" You're welcome ma'am." Arthur replied. " She's ready now right?" He asked.
" Sure she is." Her Aunt replied.
Arthur stood up and hand her Aunt an envelope. " Have this in the meantime." He said.
" Oh! Thank you." Said the woman as she received the offer, with a wild smile on her face.
" Let's go." Arthur said to Ava.
" Huh!" The lady widened her eyes.
" Go with him and make sure you're a good girl." Her aunt advised.
Ava drew closer to her and whispered into her ears, " Aunt, I don't even know him."
" Shhh......" Her Aunt cautioned again. "When you reach there, you will know. Don't keep the young man waiting."
Ava's heart began to beat fast, as she glanced at the man. Yes! He's handsome, but she felt nervous. " Why is Aunt doing this?" That was the question she asked herself as she walked sluggishly to him.
" Thanks." Arthur said to her Aunt.
" You're welcome. Nice doing business with you." Replied the lady.
Arthur took hold of Ava's hand and together they walked out of the house.
As they reached outside, a guard opened the door of the car for them and they went in.
Few minutes later, they drove off.