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This was unlike anything I’d seen before. The walls and floor were wood, the floor scarred from boots walking on them. The walls were what the First Minister had in his office and were called tongue and groove. They were covered in photographs. At least, that is what I heard the Fourth Minister call it. All around two walls were booths that could seat six to ten individuals, and in the middle of the floor were tables and chairs. One wall held a couple of cubicles that looked to fit twenty or more people in.
At the far end was a stage with various musical equipment. To the left was a long, wide wooden bar that Magic disappeared behind. I noticed four steps in the middle of the booths on the right-hand side, craned my neck, and saw three tables covered in green with balls on. I think it was called a pool table. There were rumours the Minister’s compound had them, but I’d never seen them. No woman had. The only people allowed to clean the Minister’s home were the Recruits.
But I recognised the equipment on stage. We had instruments in church, too. The ceiling had hanging lights that dimly lit the bar, and I could see sunken lights buried into the plaster. Each booth had a wall lamp offering a cosy atmosphere. Barstools were placed neatly at the wooden counter, and I loved this.
“Come on, Alexis, do you want a coke?” Magic asked.
I cocked my head.What was that?
“Huh?” Magic sent me a stare that I couldn’t interpret.
“Coke’s a fizzy drink. The bubbles go up your nose,” Magic said slowly.
A smile crossed my lips.
“That sounds exciting!” I exclaimed and hurried over to the bar. I hopped on one foot as Magic stared again.
“What you waiting for?” Magic inquired.
“Permission to sit down,” I replied.
A scowl descended across Magic’s face as soon as the words left my mouth, and I stilled. Immediately, I bowed my head, curled my shoulders inwards, and placed my hands over my belly. All signs of submission that we’d been taught. Magic drew in a sharp breath, a finger tucked under my chin, and lifted my head.
“Never do that again, girl. Never! Wherever you came from, whatever you’ve fled, you’re free, and you don’t defer to no man!” Magic stated hoarsely.
“But the church says women must submit. It’s their role to serve and worship men. Except there is something wrong with me because I escaped.”
“Ain’t nothing amiss with you, sweet girl, but whoever taught you that shit needs an ass beating. Now try this,” Magic said, placing a glass of black bubbling liquid on the bar. “Can’t believe the kid’s never had a fuckin’ coke before,” Magic muttered as he turned.
I picked the drink up cautiously, as if it would explode in my face, and sniffed. Not smelling anything nasty, I sipped, and my eyes widened as my tastebuds exploded. Oh wow. This was nectar. I took a huge swallow, and the fizzy bubbles tickled me. And before I realised it, I released a burp. My eyes enlarged in horror, and I placed the glass down and instantly assumed the apologetic pose. My head ducked down to my chest, my arms bent at the elbows, and my palms faced upwards. A smack from Magic would hurt, but my manners had been lacking.
Two rough hands grabbed mine, and I froze in fear. My palms were only touched when the punishment was going to be severe.
“Alexis, look at me. No, right now. Lift your head. The bubbles made you burp. Why are you cowering and offering me your hands?” Magic asked, confused.
“Because I displayed bad table manners. I should be punished. Usually, it’s a ruler across them to remind us to keep ourmanners in front of God,” I explained, and fury crossed Magic’s face.
“No one will punish or strike you here. Not me or any of my patrons. I’d put a bullet in them first. Bring your coke and come with me to the kitchen,” Magic gritted out.
Obediently, I followed and waited in the doorway as Magic bustled about. Was he making me food? Blast, I was confused again.
“Sit your ass down there, and tell me what meat you like in your sandwich,” Magic demanded.
“Don’t know,” I replied, and Magic stopped moving.
“Huh?”
“For breakfast, we get gruel, although sometimes we have eggs, but rarely. Or we have toast. For lunch, we have bread and butter with salads. And for dinner, we eat stews or soups,” I responded, as Magic’s face displayed disgust.
“Darlin’, I’ll make you a sandwich,” he muttered while preparing food. “Try this,” Magic said, handing me a pickle.
My nose wrinkled, and I went to bite into it before he snatched it from me.
“Sorry!” I exclaimed, leaning away.
“Starting to get the idea that your life has been full of bullshit rules and regulations. My rule number one, I ain’t gonna hurt you and will kill anyone who does. Number two, if you dislike it, you don’t eat it. Three, if you want something here, drink or food, you help yourself. You’re fuckin’ skin and bones, girl!”
Oh wow. I looked down at my frame. We were told by the Ministers that extra weight was an offence to God. Now Magic was telling me differently. I should have been confused, but somehow, I knew Magic was stating the truth. Because some of those Ministers were fat and had horrible wobbling bellies. Only the women had to remain slim.
