Anna
Before I knew it I was being waved off from my home in my village outside Osaka. Neither my parents nor indeed any of my family were able to come with me to the airport. We had no extra money to pay for transport there and back for anyone other than myself. This made me even more determined to work hard and make lots of money to send home to my family.
I made my way to the airline check in desk and was handed not only my airline ticket but a further envelope with my name on it. Inside held a sum of money I had never before seen in my life...approximately 100,000 yen. (almost £500 pounds sterling). This actually worked out to more than a whole month's wages for me. There was also a note from David telling me that this was mine to do as I wish. So, before I checked in I put half of it in another envelope and posted it back to my parents.
It took almost 11 hours to fly from Osaka to England. However, it didn't seem that long. I had been booked in the first class seats and enjoyed luxury like I had never experienced. The flight attendants couldn't do enough for me...so much so that I felt very embarrassed. I wasn't used to being treated like this!
My flight touched down all too soon and I began to feel a little apprehensive about where I was going to work and live. However, the first thing I saw as I walked through the doors was a large placard with my name on it. A uniformed young man led me outside to a waiting car...a large silver Jaguar with a personal number plate RA1.
As the door opened I was surprised to see another young man in a pin striped suit sitting inside and holding a large arrangement of flowers. "Welcome my dear Anna. My name is Edward and I am here to welcome you to England and show you to your new home."
He was so handsome and exactly how I imagined an Englishman to be.
We travelled for around 20 minutes; all the time his crisp, cut glass accent asking me how I felt and showing such an interest in my well being. Suddenly we pulled up outside a beautiful large building. Stepping inside I couldn't help but gasp as I saw the splendid surroundings.
"I hope you like it Anna. This is where you will be staying and most of your training will be held here, so treat it like your home for as long as you are here" said Edward.
However, as I turned to say thank you I saw that he was looking a little uncomfortable.
"I know it's very tasteless to talk about money Anna but it is the custom here that as you're introduced to the main members of staff working here you pass them some money as a gesture of goodwill. Unfortunately I do not carry any cash with me but I know David left you some money at Osaka airport. The usual cash sum would be around £100 for each of the 5 key staff members. I do apologise for being so crass but it will certainly ensure you have a smooth transition to the ways of our country."
Edward smiled to himself. 'She was so naive' he thought. 'Doesn't she realise this wouldn't be the way we work here in England? But, as the boss said, I have to get her indebted to us straight away."
I was looking a little embarrassed now. "I'm s sso sorry Edward" I stammered. "But I don't have it all now. I sent some back for my parents."
I could see he was a little annoyed but all he said was "Well, never mind Anna. I'll sort it out and perhaps we can deduct it from your first month's salary. Is that alright with you?"
I nodded my consent. I was so embarrassed and vowed to make sure that I paid him back as soon as I received my salary.
"I'll leave you with Ms Grant here. She is the housekeeper but will also help and support you every step of the way. Please do exactly as she tells you Anna. She will have to complete a weekly report on your progress and don't worry" he continued, placing his hand on my cheek. "You have much to learn pretty one. To put your mind at rest, if you ask me to, I will make sure your parents are informed of your progress regularly."
Well, on hindsight and probably being a little naïve, I promised my support and vowed I would work hard and do anything they ask of me.
From then on, things moved so fast. Firstly, Edward sat down with me to work through my contract of employment. He saw the blank look on my face as I looked at the reams of paper on the desk.
"Don't worry Anna, it's a standard company contract. The only difference with yours is that it includes a clause whereby you accept the lead role in Richard's next production, subject to satisfactory auditions and a further part will be found in his next 6 productions.
I couldn't believe it! My dream was about to come true. I hastily signed all copies and handed it back to Edward.
The following week Ms Grant whisked me off to the best shops and bought me huge amounts of expensive clothes. I was measured for every type of clothing...even my intimate parts were measured and inspected. I had tried to ask her why they needed to do that but was told not to ask questions. I began to get used to being naked in my bedroom as one after one, sales assistants and clothes directors brought more and more items in for me to try on. After a while the flow of people slowly stopped until I was left with almost a houseful of beautiful clothes. Some were more revealing than I had ever worn before but I was assured I would need them soon.
My days were spent either shopping for more new clothes, jewellery and shoes or helping Ms Grant in the office up on the first floor. I was surprised with the number of male clients visiting the office however Ms Grant seemed to brush off my questions. Little did I know that I was being sized up, checked out for potential clients requirements.
For the first time in a long time I enjoyed my days and was happier still, knowing I would have a full bank account. I knew the money would keep coming in and I would be able to send more home to my parents. I was so happy.
One day Ms Grant began fussing over me even more than normal. "We must have you looking your best today Anna. You will be having a visitor this morning."
"Who" I asked, hesitantly.
"You are about to welcome your benefactor...the CEO of Artemis Productions...Richard Andrews. So we need to make sure you look your best, dear."
It seemed minutes but it was most probably more like an hour later when the door opened and in walked a tall, fair haired gentleman. He was also accompanied by both David and Edwards. They just stood there – watching me. I felt a little uncomfortable being stared at but as I had never met Richard, my new boss, I knew he needed to see if I was suitable for his film.
