Cover Story
Arabelle still can't believe that she finally got a job from the castle. Although it seems like the woman who talked to her seems to be dissatisfied, she still got the job. Aside from the generous salary of 100,000 a month, she also got a signing bonus of 50,000. Who can resist that amazing offer? Although there are some rules that she finds questionable, she just play along with it. As the new maid in that castle, she needs to move in. She can eat as much as she wants as well while working there. It means that she can provide more to her mom and sister.
Another rule is that she can’t tell anyone that she's working for the castle. She can't also approach the master without his consent. According to the woman, the master is not friendly. Arabelle didn't want to cross paths with him anyway. Her job there is to clean up the first floor and attend to the master's needs. The woman gave her a list which is also confidential. She decided to just look at it when she moved into the castle. The weirdest from the rules is that she can’t get cut or wounded at all cost.
Even if some of the rules seem so absurd or weird, she didn’t ask for a reason why. She's more scared to lose the chance to finally have a job than the reasons behind the rules. This job can change their lives for the best. It means being able to have food without asking for withered vegetables anymore. They can also pay the rent and bills on time from now on. She's planning to give all of the signing bonus to her mother. However, she just needs to buy a whole roasted chicken first. It's her promise to her sister therefore, it's meant to get done.
“Can I have one whole roasted chicken please?” she asked the vendor with a wide smile.
“Wow, not chicken neck this time? You must get lucky!” The guy teased her.
Arabelle just smiled at him and handed him the payment for the roasted chicken. She's very excited when she finally gets her hands on the plastic bag with what she bought. After saying goodbye to the vendor, she immediately walked back home. The roasted chicken shop is out of the way so she needs to hurry back. It's already 7PM and their place seems to get very dark at night. Maybe it's because the people who live there seem to have a lot of problems. It made the street look extra gloomy when the night fell. However, nothing can dim the brightness of her smile tonight. She's full of hope as she walks home.
She practiced her cover story about her new job. It's better to just do that than to make her mom worried. They will never find that kind of money elsewhere. If everything goes well, she might be able to save up and get back to school. Her sister Amie will also be able to continue to study and have a better future. She's already had plans about her salary after a month. It should be her focus rather than the rules of the job. Just make sure to save up and take care of the needs of her family. She couldn't help but smile as she passed through the dark alley.
A sudden gush of cold wind brushes on her face as she reaches the middle. It's pitch black but this is the short cut so she can be home in a minute. She's already used to the darkness of the alley. Although it seems like she's suddenly felt fear creeping into her brain. It's a long dark walk but once she reaches the end, it's already her house. Arabelle walks faster as she feels that someone is watching her from the darkness. She panics yet tries to remain calm so as not to become prey. There are many scary stories about that dark alley she can think of.
“I'm all alone. Just keep on walking.” she muttered to herself trying to be brave.
Arabelle didn’t notice a dark silhouette standing in a safe distance from her. Its red eyes seem to be observing her from afar. That figure can't be human because it moves so fast whenever she's getting a little bit far from it. As if he's following her but not planning to attack. Still, she can still feel its presence. She wanted to look back but she's too afraid that she will see something she didn't want to see. When she finally reached the first light on their street, she felt relieved. As if she was able to outrun something who might be afraid of the street light.
“Sis, you're home!” Amie greeted her and that made her jump.
“Hey, I have something for you!” she replied to her pretending as if nothing happened.
“A whole roasted chicken. Yhey!” Amie excitedly ran to the small living room where their mom is seated.
“Did you get it? Did you get the job?” her mother asked in a hopeful tone.
“Yes, I did! I'll start tomorrow.” she replied excitedly.
“Thank God!” her mom said, trying to hold back her tears.
She suddenly felt like crying as well because after such a long time, something good has happened to their lives. Finally, they will have whatever they need and can even get what they want soon. For now, her signing bonus can be used for their daily needs and pay some debts. Their lives will be better now that she will be working. She told her mom her cover story and that she needs to stay in her employer's house. Her mom seems to be worried about her staying in. She told her that she will call them daily.
“Just make sure that you're always safe!” her mom added after agreeing that she can stay in another house.
“Of course, I'll be safe! I'll call all the time so you will not be worried about me.” she assured her.
“Can you both stop being dramatic so we can eat the roasted chicken?” Amie complains that made them laugh.
The three of them went to the kitchen and had one last dinner together. Little did they know that the dark silhouette was still standing from one of their windows. When Arabelle suddenly looked, there's nobody standing outside. She can't help but to feel scared again but tries to look okay so that not to scare her mom and sister.