Chapter 9 CHAPTER 9: Maid

I REALLY want to stay in this house that my parents lived. It has so many precious memories. That mean a lot to me.

And Mrs. Claudia would be back in several days. So I can suffer it, right?

I nodded, but suddenly, she threw me the hamper, making the clothes scattered on the floor.

“Who do you think I will ask to do this for?”

“We have the laundry—”

She cut me out. “I already sell the Laundry shop and some buyer already bought it today.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

I looked at her directly from the eyes, which made my eyes widen. “W-What did you say?”

She looks at me like I’m unbelievable.

She smirked. “Do you think, we can live with only one-third of the inheritance? While you had all the money from your dad? Don’t think I’m gonna suffer from hell, Angela. Just remember that I have all the rights same as you do.”

She even presses my left shoulder making me move down. “Take all these clothes and wash them. I want it clean and dry today. Then make lunch for me and Tommy.”

I can only squeal in pain but did not say anything.

“If you don’t have any plan to let Mrs. Claudia comes back, then suffer all the consequences. You are not going to your work unless you finished all the household chores. Understood?”

I look at her and trying to nod my head.

“And about the inheritance. I will request the current attorney to change it, half-half. Otherwise, I might change and replace him.”

I look down and started to pick those clothes and put them back in the hamper as she turns her back to me. She was about to walk when she stops.

“Oh, one thing, wash it in your hands. I’m sure you know how to separate whites from colored. I wanted it clean, don’t mix any colors on my favorite clothes.”

I stood up after stocking all the clothes in the hamper.

“What are you waiting for? Do you think you will act and feel like a princess? What are you, lucky one? Don’t make an illusion, Angela. That will never happen. Now go! Go!”

I don’t like moving, my feet are numb, my hands are shaking. My eyes… I don’t know if they dried fast. I wish there are no tears to shed.

Carrying the clothes, I went to the kitchen area where Mrs. Claudia usually washes the clothes and using the washing machine. But Auntie Amanda reminds me not to use a washing machine. If I used it, for sure she can hear it.

I have no choice but to follow what she wanted. I am living with her and I have no choice. I just prepared my water, pail, and some basin. I’m not good at washing but I wish I can make it.

It’s only fifteen pieces, not that much, including her undergarments but I felt like it was a lot. I just wish this is a dream—a nightmare rather. I am not tired but my eyes are.

“I don't know what is wrong with you, Angela?” Jenny and I were talking over the phone. She called me after she thought I am in the hotel.

“I was about to tell you that I can't come to work,” I explained but seems can't satisfy her right now. I don’t want to look like I am lying, I just wanted to make some excuses, not in a bad way.

“Angela, don't be so kind. I understand that you don't want to leave your house because of your parent's memory. But isn't it reasonable to stay there when your auntie is treating you like a maid?” I had no choice but to tell her the truth when she pushes me to explain. She caught me red-handed when she went to our house, paying a visit and checking me out and I’m in a not-so-good scenario. She saw how Auntie Amanda treats me. It was the time that Auntie Amanda told me that I need to cook food the other day. She was obviously my close friend and sympathize with me all the time.

But I’m not that good enough at household chores or even cooking. My frying is terrible, I burned the food and almost burned the house. I explained to Jenny that Mrs. Claudia isn't around that's why I need to make everything in exchange for Mrs. Claudia's absence. It is been more than a week now and I am wondering why she's not here and didn't inform me about how long she will stay out.

“God, Angela! I don't know what I am going to do with you? You are becoming a mess. First, your fianceè cheated on you with your stepsister, then next is your stepbrother that always giving you an indecent look and trying to touch the hell out of you.” I just let what Jenny wanted to nags at me. I know I am not a saint to accepts everything but I am not bad enough to let them like that especially when they are living in our house. “If I were you, just go and leave. You can stay with me for a while. Mom wasn’t here, she’s on a vacation with my grandparents.”

I blurted a sigh. I don’t know how many times I refused her offer. But still, my answer wouldn’t change. A flat. “No. I’ll be fine. Auntie wasn’t hurting me if that’s what you think.”

“Are you trying to defend your auntie? Are you that really martyr enough to let it passed? You are the owner of the house but it looks like you weren’t just a maid living in hell. Are you really that blind and trying to become deaf to everything that is happening? Come on, Angela. Open your eyes! I am trying to help you, to convince you to become strong and not letting anyone step on you.”

I just closed my eyes firmly.

Little Jenny did she knew that I wanted to stay here until my father’s spirit comes and will tell me who did that to him. I just couldn’t believe that I had become an orphan when I thought that Vincent is the least I have.

“Jenny, I have to end the call. Auntie Amanda is looking for me. I need to prepare the bath,” I made an excuse just to make the call ends. Then I put the phone on the top of my bedside table.

I had to admit that I become a rosy Angela ready to accept my fate. Except for the fact that I will let Maricar romanticizing what belongs to me.