Chapter 4 New Room

• Emma's POV
• Why were the other maids in the staff house, and I would be in the guest room? It was what I wanted to ask him but didn't. I took the coffee cup and headed back to the kitchen where I found Halley mopping the floor where flour had spilled.
• "Um, Halley," I began. She made me uncomfortable, like a tiger ready to pounce and attack at any minute.
• She looked over to me, mop still in hand. "What?"
• "Mr. Hollen instructed that we should prepare a guest room downstairs."
• "He's having visitors again, Aggie?" she asked her, turning from me.
• "Not that I know of."
• "Actually, it's for me," I let out.
• Both women looked at me with awe.
• "Mr. Hollen is having you sleep in a guest room?" Halley asked, dropping the mop.
• I nodded.
• She looked up at Agnes before Mr. Hollen appeared in the kitchen.
• "Halley, what's the hold up?" he demanded.
• "Nothing," she replied quickly and took my hand in hers, leading me out of the kitchen.
• We walked straight ahead passed the living room, dinning room, a room with a huge pool table and colorful curtains, and another room that was all white. We arrived at four doors.
• "Pick one," she said softly.
• I chose the last one.
• We entered and started dusting and tidying up. We made the bed and changed the pillow cases. She left then returned with a broom, mop, a bucket of water, and cleaning products. We cleaned the floors and reachable spots. When we had completed everything, I helped her carry the supplies back to the storage room.
• "How long have you been screwing him?" she asked when we were back inside the guest room, making sure everything was perfect.
• "What are you talking about?" Was she crazy? I was a virgin in every way. I'd never even had a hug from a guy.
• "Mr. Hollen never lets the help sleep in the mansion, unless she's screwing him like the previous maid."
• "I'm not screwing him, Halley. I don't know why he's allowing me to sleep here."
• "And you didn't ask?"
• "No, I didn't."
• She shook her head and glared at me with a smirk. I had had it with her and her attitude.
• It was only my first day and she was acting as if we had been enemies since preschool. As if I had broken her favorite doll's neck, so she grew up hating me for it.
• "Thanks for the help," I said, but she just turned on her heels and left.
• I picked up the remote to the air conditioning unit and pressed the red button-- its always the red button. Cool air circulated the room. I was enjoying it when a knock came at the door. I opened it and Mr. Hollen walked in. He looked around like a health inspector. I was nervous just watching him.
• "Have Agnes tell you what you need to do tomorrow. Have my coffee ready at 6:00 a.m, and no later than that. Also, write down your previous address." He handed me a notepad and a pen.
• I wrote it down and handed it back to him.
• He left.
• The guest room was much better than my entire apartment and much bigger too. My own luxury bathroom and toilet were adjoined, a queen-sized bed, a dressing table, walk-in closet, chandelier and air conditioning unit. I looked around in admiration. Everything appeared to be new and clean until I looked down at myself. I was still in a rag.
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• "There just has to be more to it," I heard Halley say as I entered the kitchen. She was at the sink washing dishes.
• Agnes had her face turned toward the oven.
• "Can I help with anything?" I asked.
• "Emma, go enjoy your room," Halley teased.
• "Halley!" Agnes scolded.
• The red buzzer went off.
• Halley dried her hands and picked up the receiver. "Yes, Mr. Hollen? Yes."
• "Agnes, Mr. Hollen has a company coming over, so he wants dinner to be ready in less than an hour," she said as she put the receiver back on the hook.
• Agnes seemed to have gotten busier instantly. She moved like a jet, cutting and dicing, seasoning and tasting, here and there. I wanted to help but she insisted she'd do it on her own. I just looked on, picking up on a few things she was doing.
• Halley looked at her watch. "Agnes, you have less than ten minutes."
• "Okay girls, help me put these on two plates."
• We followed instruction.
• The door burst open. Mr. Hollen walked in dressed in a fresh suit. His hair still wet from his shower, causing it to shine more. He looked so yummy.
• "Agnes, where's the food?"
• "Right here, sir."
• "Serve it in the wing, my fiancee had already arrived."
• He is engaged?! I hollered inside then sighed. Of course. Who wouldn't want to marry him?
• "Yes, sir." She put the plates on a tray and disappeared through the door; he followed after her.
• Halley studied my face. "Oh, you didn't know he was getting married?" she asked with a laugh.
• I felt something hurting inside, but I didn't show it. I couldn't show it. I just smiled at Halley.
• There was a board in the kitchen that acted like a time keeper. It told what time we could finish work. You didn't dare leave or finish until it said so. After a bit of time the board read: "Dismissed". At the signal, Halley dashed out toward the servants' quarters and I walked back to the guest room, still hurt.
• Why am I feeling like this? What's going on with me? I chastised.
• I gathered myself as I fell into one of the softest beds I had ever had in my life, yet the feeling was so uncomfortable.