Chapter 5

• Even though I had to clean the other mansion, I still had to go back to the main area where everyone lived and still helped to clean there, and also helped to cook.
• I was beyond exhausted, it felt as if my back was being drilled in, while I swore my hands and feet were going to fall off any minute now.
• Not to mention how hungry I was; all they provided for us were stale bread, and cheese that had green stuff on it. But because of how desperate I was, I scoffed it all down and then crawled under the table to rest.
• But I was having a hard time to sleep, mostly because Leni and another girl about my age were talking and laughing.
• “Leni and Patri… do I always have to remind you both about respect? We all have had a long down, and would appreciate it if you two shut it, so we can rest.’’
• I could hear Leni scoffing. “Go sleep outside, there is plenty of space, along with peace and quiet out there.’’
• I rolled to my side and was aware of my hand sticking out from under the table. But under here was stuffy, so the little cool air on my hand felt good.
• “Maybe you can go report me again? This time I’ll be sure to slap you in the mouth.’’
• I didn’t like Leni’s attitude; she was nothing but a bully who thought too highly of herself. One would think her superiority complex had died down after all that have happened.
• The door opened, and I could hear everyone jumping out of their beds, no doubt it was Serena. Before I could get up, someone stepped on my hand. I tried to pull it from under their weight, but whoever it was seemed to be purposefully twisting the ball of their foot into my forearm.
• After sticking my head out, I didn’t have to look up to see that it was Leni. She was even smirking down at me, but the clearing of Serena’s throat got her attention.
• “I am missing three cuts of stake, two spoonful of mashed potatoes, and a half glass of wine. I already know who the culprit is, so do me a favor and step forward.’’ Serena’s voice was stern.
• “Hurry up, or everyone of you will get punished.’’
• “Nobody?’’ Serena asked, but I could see her staring at Leni.
• Leni suddenly looked down at me and opened her mouth to speak. “Maybe it was the new girl, yes. I am certain of it, while I was helping to serve your food, I heard something like a fork clattering against a plate. I went to investigate and saw her mouth moving, I could even smell meat on her breath.’’
• My eyes widened at the absolute lies that had just left her lips, I then glanced over at Serena, hoping that she didn’t believe the fabricated story.
• Leni’s foot dug into my hand even more, and I knew she was smirking.
• “Well, that settles it. You Will be punished,’’ Serena said, then a nasty smiled formed on her lips.
• I could feel my eyes watering, thinking that just because of a lie, I would be hit for something I had no idea about.
• Then it had so fast, if I had blinked, I would have missed it.
• “Not only are you purposefully cause this girl pain, so she won’t be able to do her slave duties properly… you have the nerve to lie to my face. Do you think of me as a fool, Leni?’’
• Then boom, she fit Leni in her face again.
• Leni foolishly opened her mouth, but Serena used the heel of her palm and hit her under the chin.
• “I am going to teach you a very valuable lesson, and it would go for all of you as well.’’
• Serena grabbed a handful of Leni’s hair, then dragged her out of the room.
• I crawled back under the table to sob, while I hugged my hand to my chest, because it felt as if it was broken.
• “What do you think Serena will do to her?’’ I heard a voice asked, the person sounded genuinely concerned.
• “Who cares, at least there will be some silence in this place for a while,’’ another voice responded.
• And I felt the same, Leni deserved what was coming her way… for keeping the lights on and talking so loudly to disrupt our sleep. She even encouraged her friend to speak with as much volume as her, and not to care about anybody us.
• Then she hurt me and lied on my name.
• I have never wished death upon another human before, but I have deep resentment for Leni.
• I soon drifted off to sleep, dreaming of myself running through the forest, trying to escape from who invisible force that was chasing me. But then I saw my reflection in a tree and stopped.
• “Remember who you are!’’ my reflection yelled at me, I turned to face my foe but was pounced upon by Leni with a butter knife.
• I gasped awake, startling the little girl from her sleep.
• “Are you okay?’’ she asked.
• “Just a dream,’’ I replied.
• “I used to get night terrors too, but I soon saw that after eating the moldy cheese, it stopped.’’ I felt her patting the back of my hurt hand, and I whimpered. “You will be fine, just stay away from the cheese.’’
• I had a hard time getting back to sleep, for each time I closed my eyes, it seemed as if the images from the nightmare was rushing at me.