Trampled Yet Stronger

EMERALD STROLLED IN the hallway humming in rhythm, her hum could be mistaken for a rephrase of modern music.

Just as she was about unlocking the apartment door, a familiar voice called her out.

"Sweet Emerald" and she turned without hesitation.

It turned out to be the landlord, Ken.

"Good day sir" she greeted politely and continued to unlock her door.

He approached her.

"Didn't you forget something?" He questioned.

"Not... really?" she answered quite unsure.

"My rent or your body" this time he was so blunt and desperate.

She swallowed nervously with her eyes wandering around the hallway, unfortunately, if anything were to happen; there would be no one to come for her rescue.

"I will pay the rent, sir" her voice resonated in the quiet atmosphere and he nodded vibrantly.

"Very good, very good. I will send you my account details immediately" he stared at her in disdain and left.

"Ooff!" she exhaled in relief.

In the hospital, Deborah arranged Felicia's belongings. As soon as Emerald paid the hospital bill, she was asked to be discharged. Due to the pressure from Emerald's employer, she had to call her friend to assist in bringing her mother back home.

The bandage has been removed and Felicia looks healthy, she gradually stands from the bed.

"Are we done here?" she questioned politely and Deborah nodded.

"Yes ma. The cab is waiting for us downstairs" she informed.

The two bedrooms are properly equipped and perfectly neat. Every piece of furniture was kept where deem fit.

Emerald gradually sorted through her wardrobe, she placed some clothes in her blue box.

"I can't wait to see how marvelous my new working place will be" she said to herself happily as she continued arranging her clothes.

Soon, her mother entered the room.

"Mum, you are here" she said looking surprised.

She heard no sound from the living room or was she too drawn to her new job?

"Emerald, must you leave? I can't stay without you in this big house" her mother yawp sadly.

"According to my new boss, I will be allowed to come for holidays during the weekend" she sighed.

"Don't worry mum, I will come visit you" she assured happily.

"Are you sure? You know recently there are scammers everywhere. What if something bad happens to you?" her mother said in a petrified tone and she laughed.

"You're being over protective. I will be fine. This job was published online and everyone knows about it, no harm will happen to me" she explained meticulously and her mother nodded.

She still doesn't look convinced but she had to accept it since her daughter seemed to have made a final decision.

"You have my approval, dear, as long as it will make you happy," her mother said.

"Thank you" she smiled.

She finished arranging her luggage in a minute with the help of her mother and soon, a message dropped in her phone. It was from an unknown source.

"Good evening, Miss. Emerald, I'm your driver for today. Please come downstairs so we could start our ride to your new home. Thank you. P:S: Blake Family booked this ride" small smile crept out from her lips as soon as she finished reading the message.

××××

The Blake mansion. It is one big giant mansion with gleaming lights, a waterfall with glimmering lights at the side of the yard and large gardens on each side. The round was tiled and had a long pole lamp that lightened the way. 

This mansion and its setting is crazily perfect. 

She clicked on the button and soon, the strong security door wide open.

Turning to the left and right side of the house and admiring the wonderful art works and design, Emerald entered into the living room.

She reacts startled when she almost bumps into an angry looking woman.

She is in her middle thirties and also the wife of Mr. Blake.

Behind her were some other minor maids, Emerald subtle.

"You must be the Miss. Emerald" Mrs. Blake, Shirley yapped.

"Yes ma" she nodded.

"I'm the Madam of this mansion and I set the rules" Shirley said, lividly.

Emerald almost thought she had some past issue with her, as her attitude was too alarming.

"This is your orientation, Miss. Emerald" Shirle rolled her eyes annoyingly.

"Firstly, you have to wake up by 5:00AM and go to bed at exactly 11:00PM" Shirley said.

"Secondly, you must wake up by midnight if ever I, my daughter or husband request for a midnight meal" Shirley continued.

"Thirdly, you can only use the car if you ever want to go shopping to restock the house," Shirley said.

"Fourth, aside from the east part, you are not allowed to step on the west part. That part is for only the Blake's family" Shirley sighed.

"Fifth, you have no holiday and can't go out without my permission. Cut off every family or relationship affair because you can only meet during Christmas holidays" Shirley said.

"And last, do not wear seductive dresses. My husband remains mine, forever" Shirley snorted and crossed her arms.

"Understood?" Shirley asked.

"Ma'am, I reckon some of the rules you just started" she paused.

"I was told that I can visit my family during the weekend" she informed me politely.

"It seems you don't want this job, you can leave. After all no maid has served here for long" she blabbed.

"I can fire you anything. You don't expect me to give you a break when I'm paying you more than usual" she said dreadfully.

 "So, are you taking this job or not?" she questioned.

"I... I didn't come here to look at your face, did I?" she said bluntly in a dignified tone and Shirley smirked.

"I thought as much, take her to her room. Your duty starts tomorrow" Shirley reminded, gave a last look at her and left heading to the west section.

"What is in that West part that maids can't reach?" she ruminates in silence.

"Hey, let's go. I don't want Madam to meet us here" one of the small maids urged.

"Sure, sure. Lead the way" she nodded sheepishly with her eyes still having a dekko at the west part.