My place, seven o'clock (Charity)

The past three days had been a wreck to put it nicely, November and December both had some sort of virus, spending most their days spewing sick into buckets next to their beds. Toby complaining of sore throat and even Ary hadn't been feeling her best. Yet, today was Wednesday, and Wednesday was Logan's day. It didn't matter what was happening in the Yearling house, she had to be there, they needed the money. Logan's day had been what had been keeping the house afloat for the past few months. He was the closest Ary could have to a steady job. It wasn't hard work, he treated her nice, took her out around the town, and he wasn't a bad looking man either. But he was still a John. He was still in it for the release at the end and the fact of the matter was she needed the money.

After giving a quick kiss to December she headed up and dug out the small suitcase filled with her "work clothes" and started the transformation from Ary Caris to Roxie. A short long sleeved blue dress with cut outs around the hips was pulled over her head, her hair was let loose out of its normal ponytail and the cosmetics she kept hidden were painted across her face. Glancing at the small silver watch on her wrist she new she was going to be late, Forgive me just this once Logan, I had to make sure the kids were okay. I'm not standing you up I promise. Blowing through and planting a quick kiss on Jan and Gus' cheek she called out. "Don't worry, its just Logan, I'll be safe and I won't even have to stay out later after him. Just keep an eye on the younger ones."

The walk to his house wasn't close, and the clack of her heels on the concrete gave her pace a frantic feel. Her eyes darting to the watch again. No no no! It can't be seven already! Swearing under her breath she pulled out the small stick of gloss slathering it across her lips as she turned onto his street. The lamp lights leading her way as she hustled up the steps and rang the bell lightly. Its chime ringing through as she fluffed her hair and put the finishing touches on.

A cool breeze floated on the night air as she knocked gently, "Logan! You going to let me in! Its chilly out here!"

No sooner than the words left her lips that the door opened and the big hulking bear of a man swept her into the warmth. "Of course, come in come in! You had me worried, I thought something might have happened to you." She gave a smile as his eyes trailed over her, taking in the peaks and valleys before settling on her face as he stepped closer, letting their bodies press against each other. "You look lovely as always, but something is not quite right. Have you been feeling well?"

Chewing on her lips she gave another smile. "Just fighting a little cold. Nothing would keep me from you. You know that." She nuzzled into his neck. Why can't you be Gus or Jan. Why can't they be lucky enough to have a job like this, where they could provide for everything. She let her lips brush against his neck before she moved out and smiled up at him. "I promise I'm fine."

Logan's hand flicked up brushing a few stray strands of hair out of her face and let their eyes meet. How come someone hasn't snatched you up. What secrets do you hide. Logan was so overly affectionate that Ary couldn't help but be puzzled as to why he had taken up with someone of her "type" instead of one of the women closer to his age, with a home, and a life...not 11 others waiting at home for some sort of stability that she nor Jan could ever truely provide. He had so much to offer, so why use a whore?

Suddenly he moved away and turned his back, moving to the closet, "I have something for you, I hope you'll enjoy it." Slipping her small hand in his much larger one she followed him with a blush teasing her cheeks. "You know you don't have to spoil me Logan."

His hands engulfed hers as he seemed to glow with anticipation, all the while Ary could feel a sinking feeling growing in her stomach. Please don't let this be how he pays me for the night. We need the money, we need food and the young ones are going to need new clothes for school. Even with the worry running through her she beamed a smile at Logan as he pulled a fancy bag out of the closet. "Who said anything about me spoiling you? They were practically giving it away, I would have been a fool not to get it for you."

Soon the bag was in her hands and she was pulling out a knee length fox fur coat. More beautiful and soft and special than anything she had ever dreamed of owning. The russet fibers like a cloud against her fingers. Jan's going to kill me if I bring this home. He's going to think that someone is buying me out. I can't turn it down though. It means so much to Logan. With a gasp she held the fur to her her cheek. Oh Logan!! You shouldn't have!! Its too beautiful! Its like something you'd see in the Capitol! She gushed slipping it on and spinning around to show it off. "I feel like a princess!" Logan moved as if he was ready to leave, "Are you ready to go, Miss Lovely? I have something special planned for tonight, I'm sure you're going to love it."

She grinned and snuggled up close to him, the musky cologne he wore was pleasant and inviting as she pressed herself a bit closer. "Where ever we go, as long as I'm with you, I'm sure will be fun." She giggled. To be completely honest spending time with Logan wasn't that bad. He didn't ask for freaky things, he treated her polite and was more than courtesy. She'd had her fair share of men who felt that she was trash and could treat her as such, leaving her battered and bruised in the alleyways. Logan had never laid a hand on her in a violent way, when they went home to finish the night he was never pushed the boundaries of their deal.

Lately though Logan seemed a little too over caring, and Ary didn't know if she needed to reset the limits. Tonight wasn't the night for that as she pushed Ary to the back of her mind and pulled on Roxie. "Just remember to make time for the finishing party. You know its the most fun we have."

"That's exactly how you should feel. You deserve to be someone's princess." he said with a smile that covered ear to ear. Whores don't get to be princess though, Logan. Everyone knows that. Their bodies stayed in close contact as they exited his building. Ary knowing that she had to play the part of the darling girlfriend, Logan didn't want just a whore, he wanted an escort. He wanted someone to play dress up and look the part of a nice young woman who loves and adores her boyfriend.

Sure, it didn't start that way, the first time they met it was a quick "On your knees, in the alley, here's 20 dollars" type thing. He seemed sad and lonely and the typical type of guy that Ary seemed to find. A few days later he found her again, and again, til eventually the backalley jobs weren't enough. Then it was too his house where she'd willingly lay back and let him do what he wanted. Soon he offered her a deal: Wendsday night, 5 hours, play the part of someone who cares about him, go to events and parties, dress nice and at the end finish him how he wanted. For 100$, enough to feed the family for the week, all Ary had to do was be his world.

Reaching down Ary laced her fingers though Logan's as they walked. "It is a very enjoyable experience, but I enjoy all of my time with you dear. It's almost bittersweet, because I know when the 'fun' is over, so is my time with you." Giving his hand a squeeze she replied "I always come back, and I always make sure to leave you happy don't I?" Her heels clacked along the sidewalk as she brushed the sadness of side. I hope the kids are okay. I hope December at least tried to eat something. She looked so pale.

"So where are you taking me? A movie? Dinner? The Zoo?" The last was a joke. There had been talks of a Zoo in the Capitol, but to imagine one coming to a place like District 6 was insane. She laughed at the though. "But really Logan, what are we doing toinght? Are you sure I look okay?"