First Day
“Are you sure you didn't forget anything? Make sure to eat and sleep well there.”Arabelle's mom asked as she walked out of their door.
“Yeah, I guess everything is here mom. You don't have to remind me about eating and sleeping well.” she replied while showing her travel bag and a smile.
“Sis, I'm gonna miss you!” Amie said and gave her a hug.
“I'll be home every Saturday. Don't be dramatic!” she forced a giggle while tears started welling in her eyes.
Honestly, she feels a little sad about having to leave them behind. It's her first time living in another place without her mom and little sister. But she has to take one for the team and make some sacrifices. Nothing good will ever happen if she will stay with them. She's sick and tired of eating withered vegetables or frozen fish. At least they don't have to beg or ask for free food anymore. As long as she has this job, they can all eat well. They no longer have to sleep on an empty stomach. It's what they have to face when she can't get anything from the market stall.
“Wait, Ara. Make sure to wear this at all times.” her mom suddenly remembered to give her a simple necklace.
“What's this for mom?” she asked while looking at the necklace made of string and beads now on her hand.
“It's nothing fancy but it will protect you from anything bad around you. You're grandma gave it to me first and now, I'm giving it to you.” her mom explained.
“Thanks mom! I will never take it off.” she promised and let her mother help her wear it.
Arabelle's mom has been very superstitious ever since she can remember. She never allowed them to leave home during Friday the 13th or look in the mirror at midnight. Everything seems to have a meaning to her even when she sees a white butterfly inside the house. She never believed superstitions but she knows it's important for her mother. After all, the necklace is from her grandmother. It might hold some power somehow right? She dismissed the thought and started to walk away from her only family.
Her grandmother was a well known witch doctor while she was alive, according to her mother. It’s a shame that she's no longer around when her mom gets sick. Maybe she will be able to cure her. Her mom's illness seems like an epileptic attack at times. Although whenever they bring her to the hospital, doctors can't find anything wrong with her medically. Her mom just gave up getting her check ups since nobody can find what's causing the seizures. All she knows is that she's not fit to even get a job.
Arabelle brought back herself from the past when she saw the tall gates of the castle. She felt the excitement of living in that huge place. Her room will be the one on the ground floor. Although she's forbidden to go up from the third floor, she didn’t question it. After all, her boss stays on the second floor according to the woman who talked to her yesterday. She forgot to ask for her name so she decided to ask her about that today. It's impolite not to know her name especially when she will see her daily.
“Are you sure it's her?” the woman asked while standing in front of the 2nd floor window.
“Yes, I can feel that's definitely her.” Ralph replied in conviction looking outside the castle.
They are both standing beside the tall window facing each other. Ralph was unsure when he was stalking Arabelle last night. Now that he saw her during the light of the day, it confirms that she's the one he's looking for. He's not planning on welcoming her to the castle though. It's Cassie's job as his assistant to take care of his human matters. The same woman who talked to Arabelle yesterday about the job as a maid. Ralph needs someone to keep the place neat in case he gets some company.
When they both see Arabelle enter the castle door, Ralph just leaves Cassie standing alone by the window. She didn't mind since she's used to his behavior. It's her job to give instructions to the new maid. She goes ahead and walks towards the staircase to greet Arabelle. It doesn't have to be a welcome party but she needs to stay polite. Dealing with humans became her job when Ralph hired her. She was just an orphan when she met him. Without any family to turn into, she needed to work at an early age.
Cassie became Ralph's assistant when she was 9 years old. She knows what he is but never asks nor confirms it with him. They seem to have a silent understanding that they are not the same. Instead of asking questions, she just does Ralph's requests. In return, she gets everything she needs and all the luxury she wants. She looks up to hom like a father even if she looks older than him now. He didn't even age a minute from the first day she met him. She's 25 years old now and just waiting for him to turn her like him. It's been her dream ever since she was younger.
“Hello Miss!” Arabelle greeted her as she saw her going down the grand staircase.
“It's Cassie. Welcome Ara!” she replied in a casual tone.
At least now Arabelle knows her name and she promised herself to remember it. She's bad with names especially for people she just met. Cassie is now wearing a different black dress now with black pumps. She looks very elegant and black really suits her. Arabelle thought and hoped to learn how to look that pretty. She's beautiful but with her ragged jeans and shirt, she looks average compared to that elegant looking woman. Cassie signalled her to follow and she immediately did. Without her knowing, the same set of red eyes followed them as they walked around the castle. Observing her closely.