The bustling city of Ridgedover was a successful place in these early 1920's. Many people were still working their jobs, going to restaurants, or at home with family. In the East side of town lived the more richer families; in this century just having over $5,000 considered you a wealthy person. They had bigger home, more fancy cars, and threw parties where everyone drunk champagne while bragging on their success.

Meanwhile on the West side were more of the...less fortunate people, the ones you would call low or working class. Those families had to work more than 1 job just to get by, mainly cause most couldn't finish grade school. Whenever adults got too old or sick; they sent out their children to work, they had to be 11 and up.

They would work after school for the town stores, delivering groceries or milk cartons. While the older children who were above 16 worked the more dangerous jobs, in the factories. It made money to get them by for a good day..maybe even a week if they could do more than one position. The boys did the harder jobs while the girls would work in candy shops, be maids, or sadly have to dress up and dance for the older wealthy men.

It made them money even if they hated the pinned up looks they had to do for magazines, thankfully those girls were older than 18. If they weren't working or in school; then they would be getting taught how to be a good wife by their mothers. 1 young lady at the time; she couldn't stand being raised up this way. Why did she have to be learn how to cook, clean, and raise children for some man she wouldn't even care for?

Yes women could date any man they wanted...well not in all cases, the pin up girls were the ones who got arranged the wealthy. They were the pretty girls who got noticed; so available bachelors would contact their parents and immediately court the woman. Some were against but chose not to speak up since it would go against their tradition, while the rest loved it.

A young woman named Florence Porter was against the tradition and wasn't afraid to voice her opinion..even if no one cared for it. She was a 19 year old pin up girl; she would wear makeup, get her hair curled up, throw on some dress and kitten heels then pose. All while doing some job most women weren't allowed to do or the ones they "specialized" in from training. Little parts of their dress would be raised to show some thigh to get the men going, it did bring in good money....and men.

Some fathers would bring their spoilt sons to pick a girl for marriage, not even a date...just an immediate wife. A woman who'll submit so easy, one who would do anything they say while they sit back drinking champagne. Yeah men jobs may be hard but being a woman was 10x tougher! Having to deal with rude idiots, getting attacked, having to raise children while cleaning behind them and making sure dinner was ready for a worthless man.

Florence couldn't stand it; she wanted to be able to do what she wanted without waiting for some man. The other girls in her town thought she was crazy, maybe even gay for wanting to be 'different'. But she just wanted to be heard...

I sat on the small stool while the cheerful woman in front of me dolled my face up "You're so lovely darling!". Her teeth were so white that I swore it held a sparkle; she was short with smooth milky skin. Her hair was a bleach blonde, eyes were a forest green, with thin pink lips that were drawn to look bigger than her natural ones.

She was one of our stylist who also known for her old pin up days, she was the most famous model in Ridgedover. Her name was Rose; it was the only flowers she accepted and the only perfume smell she would use. "Why aren't you smiling hun?" Her accent was thick, Rose was from Tennessee before moving up north with her family. She would tell many stories on what happened....saying they wanted a new environment and came north for better opportunities.

Yes...she was apart of the wealthy cause her father was a successful lawyer and mother was a housewife to 8 kids. They didn't have pin up dolls from where she lived so she didn't know how to get a man quicker; when they moved and learned about it, they immediately put Rose in the workplace. She quickly gained suitors from all over the East side because of how beautiful she was, her accent topping the cake.

"I don't want to mess up my look.." I responded quietly; I was naturally quiet but knew how to speak if need be. My black hair currently held large rollers; my tanned skin looked a golden bronze from the shine of makeup. She did a natural look with a red lip to gain attention from suitors....we were going to a party on the East side. All the pin up girls were rushing to find their flapper dresses; I was already wearing mine before putting on makeup.

"Oh hun! You won't mess it up...smiling will catch more men! Especially with those beautiful dimples of yours and that cute gap!" Her accent was smooth as her skin; she acted as smooth as water while I was as thick than bourbon. I wasn't that slim; I had hips and thighs so my dress hugged them like my underwear, while my breasts were larger than most.

I wasn't smiling because I was upset, I didn't want to attend this party and definitely didn't want to marry some strange guy. All the girls around me consisted from ages 18 to 21; the older women were considered the black sheep since they've had failed suitors. The men either died or found younger women, but these girls didn't stop trying to become a house pris...I mean wife.

Rose finished me up then lightly sprayed perfume over me; I saw the large diamond upon her left ring finger. When she first got engaged; she ran around the studio telling everyone how she about to live out her dream...more like our mothers dreams. "You like it huh?" I snapped out my thoughts to see her smirking as she moves her ring around, she was a bit too happy to stare at it. "2 years...married to a lovely man and soon to have our first child!"

I softly smiled.. I was happy for he cause at least she was happy but I didn't want it this way. "Would you do it differently?" I asked, she lifted her right brow "Do what?" I gulped in nervousness. "Would you get married in another way? Like actually finding someone you like...and not being forc-' she stopped me as she slapped the glass bottle on the dresser "You think I was forced? You think all of this is force on them...or just you?!" I shook my head as i stood up, forgetting I was a little taller than most with my heels on.

"No..no! I mean..it's just.." Rose lifted her head; she looked at me like she wanted to smack sense into me "Why are you so against finding a nice rich man to take care of you? Don't you wanna experience real life?!". I nodded; of course I wanted REAL life but I couldn't have that if I have to do this housewife business. "I do! But this isn't real life...I want to experience other things instead of being put with some spoiled man who brags about how much money he makes!"

I didn't mean to yell but when I speak on important topics, my voice tends to raise. Rose rolled her eyes before stomping off to help the young girls, everyone gave me rude glances before turning away. A girl my age walked up to me, she placed her hand on my left shoulder "I hate this too...but if I were you, I'd keep quiet and just go along with it". She said it in a whisper before walking out the room; I took a deep breath to calm myself down but it didn't work. "Ugh! I'm never listened to around here!" I threw down my brown wooden bracelet and stormed out the entire building.

The streets were a bit empty but a few people walked into shops or restaurants looking happy, many of them being couples. We were on the East side; everyone looked beautiful and rich, all were smiling as they walked past me. A young girl who wanted to be like that but not in the way they got there...I wanted to work something different than selling candy or makeup. I was tired of being dolled up to wait on a rich old man to tell my parents he was taking me away!

Where were the men who actually wanted to get to know me? The ones who would take me on many dates before giving me a ring? A man who didn't want to hop, skip to a oversized wedding and a dozen of loud kids. I leaned back on the brick wall with my arms crossed; the tassels on my dress slightly flowing with the evening breeze.

I was deep in thought until I heard someone running; I looked to my right seeing a young man around my age with books in his hand. His light brown hair was down to his cheekbones, in a middle part showing off his handsome facial features. He had tanned skin that glowed when a streetlight shined on him. He was a tall man with slightly broad shoulders; a slim but lean body shape, with an attractive neck.

He wore a brown plaid shirt that was tucked into beige colored pants and dark brown shoes to match, his long arms grasping around the worn out books. They looked very comfortable in his arms; even though he was running down the block to god knows where, he still looked attractive. His soft hair bounced with every step; it seemed like he was floating as his long legs guided him to his destination.

He slowed down as he huffed out heavy breaths; he placed his books on the ground then grabbed his knees to regulate himself. Something in me told my feet to move so I did, my heels clicked softly against the concrete towards the ran out man. I cleared my throat "Excuse me fine gentleman...but are you alright?" He looked up at me with large eyes before they settled down to a slimmer shape. His eyes were shaped a little different and he looked like he was from out of town. his deep sultry voice could make your ankles ache and knees wobble.

I nodded but paused when I noticed the 'Mrs' then laughed; he picked up his books and looked at me with confusion. He bowed deeply, I oh'd when realized he was from out of the country. "You're foreign aren't you?" He stood back tall nodding

I lifted my hand to stop his worrying talk. "You called me Mrs, I'm not married sir" I smiled and he smacked his forehead with his large hands that looked nicer than most. He didn't seem the type to work in factories or wasn't dressed like the milk men so what did he do?. If this wasn't a true gentleman then I didn't know what; most arrogant men would've tried to ask for marriage after knowing I was single.

I looked back at the brown door with a sign above it saying 'Dolls entrance only' and rolled my eyes, I looked back at the man with an awaiting look. I genuinely smiled "I'd love a walk sir.." he smiled and started walking towards an empty park. We walked around in peaceful silence; something I haven't enjoyed in the past few weeks before this party.

He spoke up while looking down at me; I tried to hold in my giggle "You shall. Only if this lady can know this fine gentleman's name as well?" He nodded with glee. "I'm Florence! Florence porter.." he aw'd at meHe stopped as he placed his books on a wooden bench. He reached for my smaller hand; he bent down with his other arm behind his back like he was some prince.

He lightly pecked them back of my hand I smiled as I grabbed a bit of my dress and dipped slightly. "It's mine as well Mr. Kim!" We both smiled and stared at the lake, speaking for many hours. I didn't realize how late it became till I heard the clock struck...a quarter after 10 "Oh my goodness! I'm late for supper!" I stood up from the bench dusting my dress off.

Tae stood up grabbing my arm I was going to say yes but I had to think; if anyone say him with me, they'd think he was my potential husband to be. I shook my head softly "I can not allow you to do that...people may think differently when they see us together!" His eyes saddened as he removes his arm. Tae noddedI could hear how down he was, I quickly wrapped my arms would his waist.

My front pressed against his; it felt so warm especially when Tae wrapped his arms around me. "I didn't mean it badly...it's just...they'll think you're my husband if they see you with me.." I looked into his deep brown eyes, they were soft and gentle. I already noticed how un inviting he looked whenever he didn't show an expression but once he smiled.

Ahh! Once he smiled it was the most precious thing possible...the way his smile has the shape of a box. You could see all his pearly whites when he smiled and his eyes would disappear into tiny eye smiles. his deep hushed voice whispered the last sentence but I heard it clearly. It was quick of me to think that way but something about the foreign man made me want him to stay in my life.

We separated our ways; not before setting a date on meeting again, I was going to have my first real date! I giddily skipped home with a real smile across my face; most of the girls walking by figured I finally accepted our tradition. Well they were wrong because I didn't care if they threw me out like last weeks trash, my life was going to go the way I wanted it. I opened the door to my family home that smelled like fresh supper "Mother! Father! I have great news..." my loud voice slowly died down as I saw my parents at the table with an elder man.

He sat with pure elegance; the top of a shiny cane beside him rested on the table in all its glory. He looked near my fathers age; wore a dark grey suit that seemed to have cost our entire home. His thinning hair was pushed back showing his wrinkles forehead, a mustache upon his lips that a bit dry. He turned to look at me with a leering way that gave me the chills, my mom had clapped as she waltzed over to me. "Mr Knight! This is our daughter we told you about..." she put her hand on my lower back, pushing me closer to the dining table.

The man grunted as he stood up; he slightly bowed and spoke in a deep English accent "Hello my dear! I am Albert Knight...your future husband...". My world turned a 360, flipped about 10x, then split in half before blowing away in a dark dust. Did this prude of a man say he's my husband? "I'm sorry what?" I finally said, my mother chuckled while she grabbed my hips "She's perfect! She's a bit tall but knows how to clean and cook many dishes! I mean look at her hips...perfect for child baring huh?"

I looked to my mother in the most appalled way possible, did my mother just say those words! "Mom! Child baring? Are you obsessed with me getting pregnant so badly?!" My voice had arose but this time I meant it, I wasn't caring about the old man who stood shocked. My mother pushed herself back "Florence behavior! You're getting older and girls younger than you are even getting married before!" I laughed at her words.

After so many years I could barely tell that my mother was fattening me up, so I could have the body to make a man impregnate me. I crossed my arms as my tear threatened to fall "Is this all I am to you? A girl you can throw off to any bastard man with money just so you can have grandkids!" I was furious, I wouldn't be surprised if our neighbors could hear me.

My father waved his hands around "Everyone everyone! Look Florence...we just want you to live better than...this" he looked around our small home, but it was just fine to me. I didn't need a large house, a fancy car, and definitely didn't need to pop out children at such a young age just to make others happy. I shook my head "I don't need this old ass man to fulfill your childish dreams! I...I already met someone!" I lifted my head up high as they gasped.

My mother covered her mouth but her eyes lit up "You met a man! Tell me everything...what is he like? How much does he make? Is he the son of a CEO?" I blinked at her fast pace of questions. My dad had to sit her down but her small body jumped around in excitement, I stood there thinking if I should bring up Tae. I gulped and looked them in their eyes "His name is Taehyung...he's very handsome and the sweetest of gentlemen I ever met!" My mother giggled but stopped when old Albert laughed.

His cane thudded on the ground as he laughed out like a hyena "Y-you think that man is a gentleman?! The ole bastard boy works under me in one of my many libraries I might add...I do have 20 in different countries!" So that explained the books he carried. My father paused while my mom eyes went back dim, she looked down but I knew she was disappointed. "He works for me yes...he helps keeps books updated and delivers them to a few people! But the man isn't wealthy as I...but he definitely isn't poor like this side or town or terrible like the southern parts!"

I could feel my hands tremble; I balled them up as this Albert thought he could just shake my Taehyung like that! I raised my hand to slap the man, his head flew to the right with a bright red print on his left cheek. "No one! And I mean no one will speak bad on Tae like that! I don't care that he isn't some rich spoiled man who wants a little slut of a woman to be on her knees whenever he snaps!" My parents were dearly shocked at my attitude.

I dusted my dress that was getting slightly uncomfortable "Now..I will be going to bed! By tomorrow I will be Florence to all of you...not your daughter" I pointed at my now disowned parents "And nowhere fucking near your wife!" I finished while spatting to the man who kept his head to the right. I stormed into my room for the night, I was upset...truly was! I've always defended 'friends' but never did such a thing for a man I just met...

Hopefully this was the right deed to do.

It's been a while since I left home; I had left early in the morning...even before a few of the men in town who worked under the milk company. I quickly searched one of the libraries under that foul man and found the real man I wanted to see. His soft smile glowed with his aura; I told him about what happened to me, he felt so bad for me but also angry at his boss.

Well ex boss. Tae had told the man off when he came to do his monthly visits then quit with a smile, knowing the man's cane had dropped to the floor after being cursed at...especially in another language. I was worried about Tae wondering how he would get work; he was considered middle class who tend to stay more in the city or northern parts of Ridgedover.