Chapter 2 Harsh Realities

Louise was forcefully dragged through the hallway and up the stairs, her body feeling bruised and battered from the rough handling. The maid's grip on her arm was firm, and Louise could hardly keep up with the maid's hurried pace. As they arrived in the attic, she caught a glimpse of a room at the end of the hallway. It was small and dimly lit, with only a narrow bed and a single, small window letting in any light. The maid finally threw her into the room, slamming the door shut behind her.

Alone and terrified, Louise collapsed on the bed, her body shaking with sobs. She couldn't believe what had happened. Just moments ago, she had only arrived at this place, and now she was locked away in this tiny room, treated like a servant. Is it a crime to be black? She didn't understand. As Louise continued to sob on her bed, there was a knock on the door. A middle-aged woman, a maid who looked similar to Louise, with a dark complexion, thick black hair, and almond-shaped eyes, slowly opened the door and peeked inside. She walked towards the sobbing girl and knelt beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Shh... shh... It is going to be alright, child. I know it's hard, but you must be strong," the maid whispered, her voice soft and comforting.

"I-is it a crime t-to be b-black? Aunt Abigail s-said..." Louise wailed between sobs, her voice barely audible. The woman hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal to the frightened girl.

"No, child, it is not a crime," she finally replied, her voice steady and reassuring. "Some people just do not understand the beauty of having different colours in this world. But that does not make you any less special or deserving of love and kindness."

She reached out and gently wiped away a tear from Louise's cheek. "You see, I am just like you. My father was a servant here, and my mother... well, she disappeared when I was very young. So, I grew up here and I know what it is like to feel lost and alone." The woman drew a deep breath, trying to steady her own emotions. "But there are good people here, too. People who do not care about skin colour or family history. You will find your place, I promise."

"Now what is your name? You must have one," she asked softly, as she continued to stroke the girl's hair.

"L-L-Louise," the girl stammered between sniffles. The maid smiled warmly. "A lovely name. Mine is Amina. Now, let's get you cleaned up and changed into something more comfortable. We cannot have you looking a mess, can we?" Amina helped Louise to her feet, guiding her towards a small washbasin and a stack of neatly folded clothes on the floor. "These belonged to me when I was younger. They should fit you well enough."

She motioned for Louise to undress, then turned her back to give the girl some privacy. As Louise washed her face and arms, she felt a strange mix of emotions. On one hand, she was terrified and confused by the events that had transpired. On the other, Amina's kindness and understanding made her feel a tiny bit better. She changed into the clean clothes and, once she was done, they both made their way to the kitchen. Amina explained that she was now the head maid and that she would be responsible for showing Louise the ropes.

Over the next month, Louise worked alongside Amina, learning the ins and outs of being a maid at the manor. She helped with the cleaning, laundry, and cooking, quickly discovering that she had a natural talent for it. Amina was a patient teacher, always encouraging and praising Louise's efforts. They spent their breaks sitting by the window, sharing stories about their lives and dreams for the future. As Louise was washing the dishes, she felt a tap on her back. She turned around to see her sister Lucy. They had not seen each other in a while.

"Lucy! I thought I would never see you again!" Louise exclaimed, her heart swelling with happiness. She quickly dried her hands and rushed over to hug her sister. "Oh, I have missed you so much!"

"Ssh, ssh, keep it down," Lucy whispered, glancing nervously around. "You know Aunt Abigail does not like us being together." She leaned in close and whispered, "I have been sneaking away from my lessons to find you. I had to make sure you were alright."

"I am fine," Louise replied, trying to sound convincing. "Really, it is just... different here." She hesitated, not sure how much to share with her sister. "But there has this maid named Amina... she has been helping me. She has taught me so much, and she has been so kind..."

Lucy's eyes widened with surprise. "Amina? The head maid? She has been so kind to you?" she whispered; her tone laced with disbelief. "She has always been so strict with the other maids. I never thought she'd be nice to anyone."

"Well, she is," Louise replied defensively, her chest tightening. "And I think you should give her a chance. You never know what people are going through until you walk a mile in their shoes." She paused, thinking about Amina's own experiences as a servant." "She has been through a lot, yet she still manages to be kind and caring to me. I owe her a lot, actually."

"Oh, please, Louise," Lucy scoffed. "You really shouldn't mingle with people like her. They will only bring you down. Besides, what do you know about her? She is just a servant, after all." She paused, glancing around nervously again. "Besides, you do not want to end up like her, do you?"

"What? What do you mean end up like her?" Louise asked, her voice trembling with anger. "If she is just a servant, what am I then?" She pointed at her own chest.

"You are different... you are a lady, you are one of us," Lucy replied, her words dripping with condescension. "You don't belong here with them." She glanced over at the other servants, who were all hard at work around the manor. "You need to remember your place, Lou. You are better than this."

Louise scoffed. "What has that evil woman done to you? You used to be so kind and caring. Now you are just like her. You are so caught up in all this," she gestured vaguely around them, "We have only been here for a month, but it's like you've forgotten who you are."

"Miss Lucy ...!" A voice shouted from the other end of the kitchen. They turned to see Aunt Abigail walking towards them with anger etched on her face. "What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"I-I" Lucy stammered, her voice quivering. "I was just... I wanted to make sure... that she was alright." She looked at her aunt, her face flushed with fear and shame.

"How many times have I told you, not to talk to her?" Aunt Abigail growled, her voice menacing. "You are not supposed to associate with servants like her. You are better than that."

Then she turned to face Louise, her expression filled with disgust. "And as for you, people like you do not belong here. So, I suggest you do as you are told, or you should go and join your miserable mother!" She spat the words like venom.

Louise felt a hot tear slide down her cheek as Aunt Abigail's words cut through her like a knife. She looked at Lucy hoping she would defend her, but her sister only hung her head in shame. The anger and resentment she had been feeling towards her aunt boiled over.

"Y-you a-are s-so e-evil," Louise stammered through her tears, shocked by the venom in her aunt's voice. Everyone gasped at her boldness. Even Lucy's eyes widened. "You are nothing but a cruel, heartless woman!"

Aunt Abigail's face turned an even deeper shade of red at Louise's outburst. Her mouth opened and closed several times, but no words came out. It was clear that she was taken aback by Louise's defiance. Finally, she regained her composure and stepped closer, pointing an accusatory finger at her young niece. "Your ungrateful wretch!" she spat.

Before anyone could react, she raised her hand and slapped Louise across the face. The sound echoed through the kitchen, and everyone froze in shock. Tears streamed down Louise's cheeks as she clutched her stinging cheek. "How dare you speak to me that way!" Aunt Abigail hissed. "You will learn your place, young lady! I blame your father for having relations with a slave! He was a disgrace to this family, and now you are as well!"

"w-was?" stammered Louise, tears streaming down her face as she clutched her cheek.

"Your father is dead, child," Aunt Abigail hissed, her eyes narrowing. "He died a few days ago at war!" Louise and Lucy's eyes widened in shock. They had both known that he was away, fighting for the crown, but they had never expected him to actually die. A lump formed in Louise's throat as she tried to process the news. "He was nothing but a disgrace to this family, and now it seems that he has left you in the same state. You are nothing but a reminder of his shame."

With that, she grabbed Lucy by the arm, dragging her away. "Come, Lucy. We have better things to do than associate with servants." Aunt Abigail spat, her eyes never leaving Louise.

Louise collapsed on her knees, her hands trembling as they touched her stinging cheek. The pain was sharp and raw, but it was nothing compared to the agony in her heart. She looked up to see Aunt Abigail's and Lucy's backs as they disappeared down the hallway. They were gone, leaving her alone in the kitchen with the other maids staring at her in shock. Then Amina ran into the kitchen and saw a tear-streaked Louise on her knees; she immediately ran over and wrapped her arms around her, "Oh, sweetheart, I am so sorry, I am here for you, okay?" she whispered, feeling helpless.

The other maids exchanged glances, unsure of what to do or say. No one had ever spoken to their mistress in such a disrespectful tone, much less a child. They knew that Aunt Abigail would likely take her anger out on them as well if they didn't keep quiet. Louise continued to cry, feeling broken and overwhelmed by the cruelty of her aunt and the loss of her father. Amina held her tight, rubbing her back gently, trying to comfort her.