Maid for Each other

Terra looked through the window of the car, the raindrops showering down heavily on the pavements, she sighed as she took a breath of reprieve ... the sun which seemed to shine brightly had lost its gleam, it had been two weeks since she lost her parents, and she had been relieving the same turmoil since then, deep in thought as the car came to a stop......

"Terra!! we're here" The middle-aged woman pressed her hand against Terra's gently giving her a glimpse of reassurance,

"Okay I'll get my things from the trunk," she answered in what sounded just above a whisper...

"If there's anything you need don't delay to reach out okay" Daisy insisted, it weighed heavily on her conscience... knowing full well this was not right, but there was no other choice left, daisy owed it to her mum to cater to her daughter as her old-time friend, but the realisation was that she was financially incapable of doing so.

"Alright dear, I'll be off now..." "Go on in, I'm sure the security man will direct you inside" Daisy commanded in a desolate tone, barely looking her in the eyes as she drove away.

Terra stared blankly at the gate of the huge mansion, .... a tear slipped down her eyes as she brushed roughly, pondering on whether to knock or stand still and wait.

"Come with me!" A harsh voice rang out. Startled, she looked up to see a wrinkly old woman looking at her with a sign of sympathy displayed on her face. The realisation dawned on her that she had been crying, with a puffy face she sniffled, brushed her hand against her face, and grabbed her luggage ready for the new life that awaited her

"This is your room," the woman said... snapping Terra out of her daze, she gestured towards the room facing them

"Settle in and put on your uniform, I'll have your lunch sent to you in two minutes" "Once you're done you can take the back door through the same way we came and meet me downstairs". She ordered.. Terra nodded obediently "And yes! You may call me Priscilla"

She slumped down on the bed passively. .. "This is your new life," she said to herself fighting back the tears from falling down her cheek. She got up took a shower and changed into the uniform which was folded neatly in the closet

She walked down the stairs to find Priscilla talking with a radiant and mature woman who looked sophisticated. She guessed that she was the owner of the house.

"Ahh is she The new maid Priscilla?" the woman asked placidly "Yes Mrs. Graystone, she just resumed some hours ago".

"Hmm, She looks a bit young don't you think?"

" I'm sorry Mrs. Graystone, should I not have hired her?" "Daisy replied apologetically... " No, it's okay! As long as she does her job properly then I have no problem with it"

Terra watched the two women talk about her like she wasn't standing in front of them, .....it made her wonder if she was invisible as she chuckled slightly.

"Young girl, may I ask what your name is" " Terra" she answered in a hummed tone

"And how old are you Terra" the woman questioned again "Um I'm 18 miss" Terra stuttered lightly, she hoped Mrs graystone wouldn't fire her because she was too young, as much as she didn't want to work as a maid, she also had nowhere else to go.

"Are you still in high school?" the woman asked sharply "No ma'am I graduated high school a few months ago"

"So why-" Before she could finish her sentence, Priscilla whispered something in her ear, cutting her off.

Terra stood there blankly. She knew exactly what Priscilla whispered about, the fire outbreak and how it destroyed both her home and her parents.

"Well Terra this job isn't an easy task!, I need someone who's gonna be dedicated to their work" Any slip-ups and I won't hesitate to send you packing ... am I understood?" "Yes Mrs Graystone" Terra replied showing no emotion whatsoever.

Mrs Graystone gave Terra one last glance before she walked away.

"Alright, Terra I'm going to give you a tour of the mansion..... you can feel free to ask any question while I show you around" Terra nodded.

"Now this right here is the patio" "The north wing is where the workers and security stay" .... "But why don't I stay there?" She asked curiously "Because you were assigned specifically to attend to the greystone's terra" she replied tiredly.

"Alright" "Now this is the kitchen ..Mrs Daisy mentioned to me that you can cook a variety of dishes is that true?" "Yes ma'am my mum taught me".... "That's good cause you are mandated to cook for the graystones occasionally" "Okay ma'am" she replied

"Now we are in the west wing..... Terra, this is where you'll find Mr and Mrs Graystone's room" Priscilla pointed towards the room facing both of them, " and adjacent to your room is Damien's room" ..." Who is that?" She asked

" Damien is the son of Mr and Mrs Graystone, he is currently away on a business trip but he'll be back in a couple of days,...that is his room adjacent to yours"." okay" Terra replied she didn't think too much of it.

"Now write this down terra!" Pricilla instructed, "On Mondays, you'll make pancakes, Mrs. Graystone likes the rooms tidied three times a week", "You mean all the rooms in the west wing?!!" Terra asked a little ruffled, "No Terra just these two, like I noted before you only need to attend to them and no one else"

"Also note that Mr. Damien prefers to eat in his room, so you'll have to bring his food up there", "That would be all for now", "Uhm Mrs. Priscilla?" Terra retorted slightly. "I would like to be informed on when I'll be getting paid ", "At the end of the month, is that all?"

"Uhm M- Mrs" Terra stuttered, "I do not have a bank account, you see I just turned eighteen and--" "You'll be paid in cash then" Priscilla retorted, cutting Terra off harshly.

The next days were like a whirlwind, Terra served diligently, did as she was told, and was dedicated to her job.

"Terra!, make sure to get the jewelry I ordered from the mail immediately when they arrive," Mrs. Greystone said hurriedly " "You know where everything needs to be kept right? I don't think there's any reason to remind you ".....

"Honey We need to go or else we're gonna miss our flight!!" Mr graystone said handing his and his wife's luggage to the driver, "now we're only gonna be gone for a week, you know the rules" Mrs graystone said sternly" "yes ma'am" she said as she watched them get into the car, and drive away, she took a breath of relief as she headed inside the mansion.

"Finally some peace and quiet," She said to herself, she was the only one staying in the west wing of the mansion, aside from Priscilla, but she also took a short leave to stay with her daughter for the week, so Terra was all alone, she collapsed on her bed and closed her eyes.

Terra woke up in the middle of the night her body aching, she strolled to the kitchen to get a glass of water, "as she turned on the light, she jumped upon seeing a tall figure standing in front of her"