Chapter 2 The Little girl says

"But Selina, who's going to plait my hair as pretty as you do?" The ten-year-old girl broke down in tears.

The younger boy cried out, "And who's going to cut the crusts off my sandwiches?"

"I'm sure your mommy could do your hair just as pretty Emilia," I said. "and Theo remember how I told you the crusts were good for you!" The two kids in front of me were so heartbroken that I couldn't help but smile.

Emilia and Theo, the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Bain, had won my heart, and I was sorry to have to part with them. Over the past year, I've seen them develop and go through a lot with them, such as when Emilia learned to ride her bike without stabilizers and when Theo got his first tooth last year.

Emilia's lower lip trembled. She sniffed and then abruptly embraced me, nearly knocking me back onto their front door. "I'm going to miss you a lot, Selina."

"Me too! "Me too!" Theo imitated, following suit.

With one hand on Emilia's back and the other on Theo's wavy brown head of hair, I felt tears threatening to spill forth.

I patted them, hoping to calm them, and they sobbed silently into my clothing.

"Come on, boys. Shh. I'll try to give you a call once a week while you're in England, but you'll be alright without me." I said, hoping they wouldn't notice, with a hint of fake optimism in my voice. I couldn't watch them this depressed, but I also couldn't offer them anything.

"Promise?" Theo's youthful, bright brown eyes glowed with anticipation as he abruptly gazed up at me.

I thought, "Oh God, this is what I was avoiding."

"Yeah, do you promise Selina?" Emilia's expression remained the same as she gazed up at me, but her eyes were dark green and flecked with fluttering lashes.

I hesitated for a second because I couldn't tell them the truth without making them even more angry, but I also couldn't lie to them. Instead of going with the latter, I lied by saying, "I promise." As I uttered the words, I winced. Despite my guilt, I had to do it.

They all said, "Good!" and gave each other another embrace before their parents entered the living room.

"Now, now kids you must let go of the poor girl - give her some space." Mrs. Bain looked at us and shook her head, revealing the smile she had been suppressing.

"It's fine really." I was hesitant when speaking.

When Mr. Bain said, "Your mother's right kids," he lifted his head from his phone and tucked it into his blazer. "We have to get a move on anyway, Selina." He said, then turned to face me.

"Oh, right yes of course." As I carefully withdrew my arms from the kids, I hesitantly whispered, "Come on guys, I've got to go now." I leaned down and smiled sadly at them as I muttered.

"Okay." Theo scowled. He told me, "We will miss you a whole bunch!" and gestured with his little arms to show how much they would miss me.

"Yeah, we will." I laughed as Emilia backed him up.

"I'll miss you guys too..." I gave them another smile before turning to face Mr. and Mrs. Bain and giving them a look that seemed to convey what was about to happen.

"I'll be taking you to...the company," Mr Bain said. "while Mrs Bain waits here with the kids, I'll sign the paperwork make sure you get in alright and I'll be on my way." He informed me.

I picked up my luggage from the floor and nodded in agreement.

"I'll meet you in the car, Selina." Before circling me and leaving via the front door, Mr. Bain gave me a tight-lipped smile.

"Goodbye, thank you for letting me serve you." I formally informed Mrs. Bain.

She hugged me again and said, "It's been a pleasure having you." She gave me a reassuring slap on the back and said, "Remember what I told you yesterday." Then she released her grip and grinned at me again.

I gave a nod. "Yes. Farewell, Harriet. I returned the smile. "Bye, kids." They sniffled glumly back as I waved at them.

As I was leaving, Mrs. Bain cried out, "Good luck."

I thought, Boy, was I going to need it.

****

"Mr Bain, I wasn't expecting you back!" As we entered the peculiar building, I heard Leonardo's voice, which I knew well.

Before he moved aside and spoke, I stood behind Mr. Bain to hide from him.

He shook Leonardo's hand firmly and said, "Yes, well we can no longer keep Selina - despite her brilliant work ethic - as we are moving away."

Leonardo followed suit, and after they were done, his countenance brightened as he turned to face me.

"My dear Selina! To my annoyance, he grabbed me and hugged me, saying, "I'm glad to see you again."

I held my arms tightly at my sides until he released his hold and arched an eyebrow at me. At that moment, I understood that he wanted me to be courteous around Mr. Bain, but there was little use in it because Mr. Bain already knew that I didn't like him.

"You too, sir." I tried not to roll my eyes as I spoke through clenched teeth.

He looked me up and down and grinned at me as if he was proud of himself. After a brief period of stillness, Mr. Bain cleared his throat and spoke.

He said courteously, "So, can we get to signing the paperwork then?"

Yes, without a doubt. Mr. Bain, follow me. Leonardo murmured, motioning for us to follow him.

Following the two men, I kept my head down as we made our way through the spacious corridors crowded with businessmen, some of whom were waiting to make a purchase and others who were going to enter the talent room.

I disregarded the eyes that seemed to be on me. Staring back would not help you, and I was accustomed to it here. I've heard the phrase "know your place" countless times.

After a few twists and turns, we came to the long, thin corridor that led to Leonardo's office, which was only a few meters below.

Then, as we arrived at the door and entered, we stopped.

"Enter now. "Selina, close the door behind you," Leonardo said.

Following instructions, I entered the relatively large office. The interior walls were burgundy, and the floors were composed of dark brown wood. A massive Apple Mac computer, documents, and other stationary goods were all on Leonardo's large, oak desk.

I knew he had never read any of the books on his bookshelf. He was a jerk, but the office was pleasant.

I sat down on the leather chair across from his desk, which was also where Mr. Bain sat.

As the men discussed topics I didn't fully comprehend, I sat there and fidgeted. After getting fired or quitting, I was then asked the standard questions I would encounter in this chamber. Among the questions Leonardo posed to me were: Did you have a good time there?

Did you receive good treatment?

Did you always treat people with respect?

Have you ever done something improperly?

I answered each one how I believed it should be replied. Leonardo told me to itch my arm if I wasn't answering the questions honestly because I was afraid that my former owners, who were present at the moment, might hurt me or something. He would then ask me about it after the man had left and dealt with the matter.

But I don't think he did; I'd heard him tell a guard once that he didn't care how his maids were treated as long as they were kept "pretty."

Asshole, like I mentioned.

We were done once Mr. Bain completed signing the documents he needed to sign. I signed the bottom of the paper, which didn't make a difference but was required of me.

Leonardo began, "Well, that settles it," smiling with delight, "you're officially back on the market Selina."

I was once referred to as his 'top seller' by him. He appeared convinced, but I didn't trust him.

"Yes, and she best be treated well." Mr. Bain said sharply, and as we all made our way back to the office door, I gave him an appreciative look.

"Oh, she will be, don't you worry sir." Once more, I suppressed the impulse to roll my eyes as Leonardo told him as he led the way out of the office and opened the door.

"Good, I best be going now then." As we started to make our way back to the main corridor, Mr. Bain spoke.

"Yes, Mr. Bain, it was a pleasure to get to know you again. Make sure to return and make another purchase if you ever move back to the area. Leonardo added his voice.

"Yes, I will be sure to come back and hire, somebody..." Mr. Bain emphasized the word "hire" and expressed disapproval of the establishment's store-like atmosphere, but he came because it promised excellent service, which it accomplished.

In an attempt to conceal the sudden unease, he must have felt, Leonardo nodded and smiled at Mr. Bain while scratching his neck awkwardly.

Then, when we got closer to the entrance once more, Mr. Bain kept talking and turned to face me. "Selina, thank you for your service. Then he leaned down to my height so I could hear the next part of his sentence: "And if you ever need anything, or any help don't hesitate to call." "Hopefully we can stay in contact," he said.

"It's been a delight working for you sir," I said "and I will." A lot more subtly, I added.

He gave me a smile and said, "See you, Selina." He then turned to Leonardo and said, "Goodbye, Mr. Rascone." He waved a bit before turning around and leaving.

"Bye, now Mr. Bain." As Leonardo left the building, he called.

As I watched him go, I let out a sorrowful sigh. Now that it was official, I was 'for sale' and no longer employed by anyone.

Fantastic.

Fantastic.

Leonardo started to say, "Selina," but I immediately turned back to him and gave him a knowing glance.

"I know what to do." I let out a sigh.

"Well done, girl. He smirked and gave me a wink before leaving me to find my own way to the rooms. "Be ready for three PM, I'll meet you here then," he said.

There was a long hallway of rooms, and I was always allocated to the same one, so I went quickly towards them while keeping my head down and my bag slung loosely over my shoulder. They had a closet, a mirror, and a small single bed in case you weren't purchased throughout the day. Oh, and a television that was most likely manufactured during the conflict. Wonderful touch, isn't it?

After going around a few more corners and past several odd folks, I came to the corridor lined with rooms. I walked over to my designated room, number 32, and took out the key I always kept for it.

They must have known I would never leave the company since they gave me a key to retain, albeit I'm not sure why. I would have nothing, no money, no work, and nowhere to go if I couldn't.

Nothing had changed when I opened the room's door. The bed linens remained the same simple white color, and the walls remained dark blue. They even prepared my uniform, which I needed to wear in order to be purchased. We were able to somewhat personalize each girl's uniform, so each one was unique.

To enable me to bend over without being nearly nude, I managed to get Leonardo to lengthen mine and raise the neck a bit. I believe he harbored affection for me.

Since there would be little use in unpacking, I placed my luggage on the bed without bothering. After that, I removed my black dress and put on the maid's uniform that was hanging in the open closet.

I pulled it down and flattened it out; I'm still not entirely happy with the mid-thigh length, but it might work. Before I did anything to my hair or makeup, I put on the black heels they had left for me and the lace stockings.

Normally, I didn't do anything, but Leonardo demanded that I do it or else I would appear unattractive and washed out.

I exhaled as I moved to the mirror and started to untangle my long, dark brown, almost black hair. Since I hadn't used heat on my hair in years, it was in really good shape and now hung only a few inches above my waist.

If I had worn it in plaits the day before, it would have only looked half decent down; in its natural form, it was halfway between straight and wavy. In order to keep it out of my face, I opted to leave it down and insert a black headband.

After that, I looked at myself in the mirror. My emerald eyes were drained and agitated, and there were small bags under them, most likely from the lack of sleep I had been getting virtually every night. I couldn't exactly explain why my complexion was so pale just now, but it must have been the cold temperature because my cheeks were tinted pink.

I moved to my bed and pulled out my little makeup bag. Since my eyebrows were already dark enough, I chose to leave them alone. Then, to lessen the redness and partially conceal the bags under my eyes, I applied concealer and powder. I next took out my mascara and applied a thin coat on my lashes, which were already rather long. My lips were reddish pink and already rather big without lipstick, but they were also a little dry from not using enough lip balm in the cold. To give them a little improved appearance, I thought I would put some lip gloss on them.

When I was done, I sighed with satisfaction; I wasn't thrilled with the result, but it was better than before.

I wasn't saying I was unattractive since I had other things to worry about besides appearances, or whatever it is that people worry about these days, but I wasn't exactly the most attractive person in the world.

My eyes, which were a vivid emerald green hue that I got from my father, were the one significant feature that set me apart from the rest.

It was almost 2:45 when I checked the big clock on the wall. Then, I reasoned, I should go on.

I left my belongings in the room, straightened my dress, and pulled my stockings up again. Someone would come and grab it for me if I was bought.

I opened the door and inhaled deeply, feeling quite anxious, even though I knew I would have to accept whatever was going to happen because I couldn't control it.

I said, Let's do this.