1 Prologue

I might be living in hell but at least I get to live it with the one I love. His name is Thomas. He brightens my day and reminds me that this isn't all there is to life and that we can get through it together. I do not want much, except to marry the love of my life and settle the way we have. He protects whenever he can. He is everything I could ever want in a man. He is patient and kind with me. My brother approves of him, not that I would have stayed away from him if he did not. My love for him keeps me going everyday. It grows every single day, he has a clean white smile that makes my heart skip a bit. He might have very little to ponder on but he always looks fresh and well groomed. He is strong built and works really hard. Everyone at the commune adores him, he is always helpful to those who need it.

My earlier life... I do not quite remember how I ended up at the Cunningham Plantation, I was only four years old when my brother and I were sold off away from our parents. My earliest memory is being touched by different people passing by. Being told to raise my arms and legs to show that I was able bodied. Being asked to jump three times, to test my obedience and hearing. Being asked to run back and forth. At the time, I did not understand what was going on but as I grew older the memory made much more sense.

'Four year old girl and Seven year old boy all for the very cheap price of ￡48. Fully able-bodied, no disabilities. They fully understand English and do not speak any other pathetic negro language. They already have English given names but you're welcome to change them to your liking. Welcome to separate if you do not like the other. Only for the price of ￡48. If separated the price goes down to ￡30 each.'

A blonde woman then knelt down. "What's your name sweetie?"

Scared, I only held onto my brother for my dear life.

"Darlin, I found a good deal that side." A tall man approached.

The blonde woman gave me a smile. "Walter, I'm really fond of these two."

"They seem quite young, I presume we came here to find able-bodied workers."

The blonde woman gave the man a smile then turned back to me. "What's your name? I don't bite."? The overseer who had been taking care of the sales with the whip then knelt right behind me making sure to give my brother a hard push that he fell to the side. Pretending to give my back a soft rub, he pinched me under my armpit. I squealed.

"What's your name sweetie? Won't you answer this stunning lady." He forced a smile. I did not say a word, he pinched me again. To everyone else it looked as if I was not mentally well and maybe having a seizure or slight stroke.

"Merrie." I whispered. "Merrigold."

"Like the flower.." the blonde woman smiled, then she stood up straight.

"Darling, you're too kindhearted." The other man spoke to the blonde woman.

"Walter, can we take them in?"

"I could never say no to you milady." The man pulled her close giving her a kiss on the cheek. The overseer was pleased with another successful sale.I could only be glad that the overseer had left my side. Mr and Mrs Cunningham took us home that day and that's as far as I remember. Holding my brother's hand tight, I could only be glad that we had not been separated.

The thought that I'd never see my parents again or have any sort of relationship with them... hurt. I would ask my brother every single day that when would we see mama... frankly he was just a seven year old with no answers either. I have always had my brother always. My life seemed somewhat normal after that. I was grateful to the Cunningham's from what I had heard, it was

much worse out there and we had it better. I would much rather be here than the hell hole that I had heard too many stories about. That was the Gallagher Plantation.

I thought I was already living in hell being a slave but honestly my hell started when Mr and Mrs Cunningham moved to Birmingham in their old age leaving us with the lunatic monster called Austin. I fought and fought until I could not do it anymore. I would have taken anything to go back to the way things were or at least far away from him. He hated me for reasons, I did not know. He ruined my life. He broke me to the point where I thought death was the only escape.