7

Rina

I pulled the kitchen door open and stepped inside. Down came the bucket on the floor; I plunged the mop inside. Pulling it out, I splatted it on the floor and began moping, my countenance, sullen.

The only thing playing in my mind was how I would tell Mammà I wanted out. Yes, I no longer cared we had a comfortable place to stay, didn't care we could afford to get three square meals. I just wanted to go home. Back to Baiadicenere. Back to my peaceful neighbourhood. At least, there won't be any macho guy staring daggers at me and threatening heaven and earth.

Granted, bullying was a usual phenomenon to me, but never ever had I been this insulted, and for what exactly? Simply because I'd said the truth?

I scoffed. Unbelievable. Rich people were nasty. They were…

I stopped myself. No, this wasn't me. As much as Luna's son had pushed me to the wall, I couldn't speak ill of the entire family. After all, the Alpha and Luna hadn't done me bad. It was just their obnoxious son. Why does he have to be this hostile? This was a question I didn't think I'd get an answer to.

I managed to keep the sad thought away and carry on with my chore. I took extra care in making sure the kitchen was spotless and that it smelled nice. Perhaps, if I was diligent enough, Signora Lucia would be pleased with me and I could bare my grievances to her. Yes, she'd then tell Luna who would call her son to order. May the moon goddess help me. That was all I could ask for right now.

Inserting the mop back into the bucket, I pulled the door open. I stepped into the dining room and was about to cross into the empty space when someone zapped across. The movement startled me. As a result, the bucket fell to the floor. Fortunately, it didn't topple over. That would have been pretty bad.

I looked up to find Mia sizing me up. Her dark brows were contorted by the thick frown on her face. I looked away immediately, intimidated by the once-over.

"I thought you should know by now, Rina Zante, that clumsiness isn't tolerated here."

"I'm sorry, Mia," I said, genuflecting.

She remained silent for some time and I had the urge to look up to find out what she was doing.

I couldn't bring myself to do so.

She muttered something under her breath, expressing bemusement about how timid I was. It didn't come as a surprise. I got that all the time.

"And where did you think you were going to?"

Huh? Unwittingly, I looked up at her. The scowl had reduced, but her stare was still cold. "Uhm…to the backyard."

"What for?" I was about to speak, when she continued, "Have you finished cleaning the kitchen?"

"Yes."

"You have finished the kitchen. As in, mop the floor pearl clean."

My brows pulled together slightly. I was confused. What was she getting at? "Si, Mia. You can check."

She took a step backwards and scoffed. Blinking swiftly, she spat out, "Did you just talk back at me?"

"What?" To say I was confused was an understatement.

"You actually talked back at me."

I didn't know how to begin giving my explanation. Didn't know how to tell her that she was overreacting. Why on earth would I talk back at her?

However, no word left my mouth. I was blindsided by my chain of bad luck.

"I see, you've grown wings. Heaven help you if I get into that kitchen and spot a speck, just a speck, Rina."

Shooting me one more glare, she sashayed into the kitchen. I didn't need to be told I had to wait for her. Somehow, I was scared. Scared that I hadn't been thorough enough and that she would find fault in what I'd done. I crossed my fingers, wishing that my stars were lucky.

Mia's footsteps echoed from the kitchen before she reappeared. I couldn't read the expression on her face. It was simply neutral. Flat.

"Looks like that was a piece of cake. Quite impressive." Out came her plastic smile. "I hope you channel that same energy in cleaning the toilets."

She took a step towards me. "Starting with Signoro Vincenzo's."

What! I couldn't help the fast beating of my heart and how dry my tongue went. Horror, pure horror was what this was.

I had to say something, anything. I couldn't keep quiet this time.

"Do you have a problem with that?" Mia asked before I could. Phew. Thank heavens. Yes, I could speak now.

"Yes. I… I mean no." I shut my eyes as the implication of what I had said blared. Oh no. "I'm sorry, no. No, Mia."

"Idiota balbuziente. That's what I thought. Now, run along. Hopefully you'll finish in record time as well." She air quoted the word 'record time' and huffed, walking off.

I remained standing, my heart slipping from its position in my chest and sinking down below to oblivion. I couldn't believe this. His toilet? I took my eyes up at the hallway that led to his room. Dear god. What I do for work.

***.

Saying one last silent prayer, I pulled the door open, coming upon this majestic room, chamber, suite, whatever the name it was.

It was a beauty! A white beauty.

I looked around, but couldn't find a bed. Two doors stood at the far end of the room. The bedroom ought to be behind one of those. Same for the restroom. As for where I was now, I guess this was a waiting room of some sort. The walls were pure white, and with the insane lightning, made this place look like heaven celestial.

I went deeper inside and came upon the rest of the room. There were ash coloured couches. The three of them, petite. They matched with the tiny rug under them. My eyes left them to rest on the surrealistic painting on the wall. It lingered there for some time before falling on the 32 inch TV. Wow.

I remembered what I came here for and tore my gaze away, chiding myself for getting carried away.

I walked to the end of the room and tried one of the doors. It wouldn't open. I turned to the other and it gave way. It was the door to the bedroom. Like the waiting room, this place was stark white. Although nothing much was going on here.

I'd have continued gaping hadn't it being for the squeak coming from my right. There was a door there and it was being pulled open. From the tiled floor, I could tell that it was the toilet.

Then, my heart stopped.