The Servant

Chapter Three

It was getting late; Master would be home soon; I had traded chores with Daniel. He would do my kitchen work if I did his garden work. When I had finished all my work, I had hoped to have some time to myself. I wanted to sit under the old oak and watch the sunset. I loved the sunset when I was a child. My father used to sit with me in his lap as we watched the sky turn pink, purple, and almost black as the sun sank behind the mountains. It felt like so long ago. I had only been seven when I was brought here. I didn’t like to think about that day. The man who had captured us was a terrible man. He always threatened to hurt us or even kill us. The people who bought me brought me here. I was given to Mary Ellen to raise. She watched over me and taught me all kinds of skills so I would be useful and be allowed to stay there. Mr. Evans, the butler, would stop by the servant's hut and take me to his office. He taught me all kinds of things; math, reading, and how to write. All the skills he said I would need in the future. When I turned eighteen, I would be given the chance to leave or to stay. All the servants here had been given the choice; all had chosen to stay.

I had thought it would be forever before I would have the choice. Now that I would be eighteen in a week, I hadn’t decided. I wanted to leave but, I had nothing. For a girl who only knew how to be a servant, it was a scary choice. I told Mary Ellen I was going to walk to the oak to watch the sunset. She told me to be careful and come right back when it got to be dark.

When I got to the oak, it was almost sunset. The oak sat on the edge of Master’s property. I sat down waiting for the sun to set. A little bit later, I heard tires on the driveway, Master’s sleek black limo rounded the corner. It stopped for a moment before continuing down the driveway to the Estate. I didn’t pay much attention to it. I leaned back against the tree waiting for the colors to appear in the sky.

I woke up the next morning asleep on my side under the oak tree. I looked around confused. Had I really missed the sunset and spent the night out here? Great, I am going to be in so much trouble.

“Alana? Where are you?”

I heard Daniel’s voice in the distance. I jumped to my feet. “I’m here!” I yelled, hoping he would hear me.

“You had better hurry! Mary Ellen is not happy!” he yelled to me.

I took off running in the direction of the servants’ quarters. I couldn’t hear anyone else calling my name. I hope I wasn’t too late. When I got back inside, Mary Ellen was helping make the servants breakfast. Daniel stood there smirking. I shot him a look before looking back at the angry face of Mary Ellen.

“Alana, how many times have I told you to be back before dark? You never know who could be lurking outside in the night.” She studied my face for signs of regret.

I looked down at the floor, “I’m sorry, I fell asleep under the oak. When I woke up, I came right back.” I fidgeted with my fingers hoping to avoid any more scolding. When I looked up again, Daniel had left, and Mary Ellen smiled at me.

“Did you at least enjoy the sunset?” she asked, a huge smile on her face.

I chuckled, “I fell asleep before I got to see it.” I knew she wouldn’t be too mad once Daniel left. He is always such a stickler for the rules.

“I guess it’s a good thing there will always be another one!” she winked at me before handing me a plate of food.

I went out to the table; Daniel was sitting there; he patted the seat next to him. I rolled my eyes as I walked over. “You don’t have to get me in trouble every time you know,” I said as I sat down.

“Alana, I don’t want to get you in trouble, I care about you. I would be devastated if anything happened to you.”

Daniel has had a crush on me for a long time. I only had feelings of friendship towards him. I hadn’t told him; I was afraid he would be really upset.

“Miss Alana, there you are, I am going to have you assist me on the estate today. Christa has once again proven to be better at working outdoors. When you have finished your meal, please report to my office,” Mr. Evans knew he preferred being outside, but I knew Christa drove him crazy.

“I will report in ten minutes,” I agreed, shoveling another fork full of food into my mouth. He left, heading back inside. Christa came out looking angry.

“Stupid Mr. Evans is making me work outside today. It’s not fair.” She dropped into the chair.

“Why do you like working inside anyways?” Daniel asked.

“I want Master to notice me, maybe then I could find a way to become his.” She explained.

“Why do you want to be with him anyway?” Daniel asked.

“It doesn’t have to be him. I don’t care who it is. If I can get a rich man to fall in love with me, I can leave here and live the life I deserve.”

I didn’t say anything, I just ate. When I had finished, I excused myself by saying I needed the bathroom. I didn’t want to listen to Christa whine about how unfair it is that I have to work inside. I like being outside much better. The fresh air, the smells, and the ability to disappear for a bit if one is so inclined.

I went to find Mr. Evans. I went into his office, but he wasn’t there. I knew he had to be in the dining room. The master always had breakfast at eight a.m. sharp. He then left in his limo for the rest of the day. I knew Mr. Evans always served the Master. I tip-toed into the dining room. I could see Mr. Evans placed things on the table. I went over to him. “Mr. Evans, I am reporting for duty,” I smiled up at him, offering a pretend salute. I jumped when a deep voice spoke from behind me.

“Well, Mr. Evans, it appears you are working with a lovely young creature today.”

I turned around, slowly coming face to face with Master. “I, um, please accept my apology, Master, I did not realize you were present.” I could feel my cheeks reddening as he stared silently at me.

He smirked, “Please, call me Sabian. It is a pleasure to see you, Miss Alana.” He took my hand, gently planting a kiss on it.

Dishes clambering broke the awkward silence. Mary Ellen came in, carrying the Master’s coffee pot. She stopped as she noticed Master still holding my hand. “I have your coffee, Master. Alana, I hadn’t realized you were assigned indoors today.” She flashed Mr. Evans a glare before looking back at me.

Master let go of my hand, leaning back in his chair, he waited as Mary Ellen poured him coffee. He didn’t say anything besides thank you. I had a feeling he was enjoying Mary Ellen’s discomfort.

“Alana, will you please help me in the kitchen?” Mary Ellen gave me a look.

“Mary Ellen, I apologize for any inconvenience, but I have decided Miss Alana should remain here and help Mr. Evans with my breakfast service. In fact, she will now be my official servant. She is to accompany Mr. Evans anytime he is assisting me and anytime I require her assistance. Of course, unless there is a problem?” he stared at her, daring her to say anything.

She looked at him as though he had slapped her. “No, of course, there is no problem.”

“Good. Now that it’s settled, you are dismissed, Mary Ellen. Mr. Evans, please move Miss Alana’s things to the room next door to mine. As my personal assistant, I would like her to be close.” He watched Mary Ellen knowing she had heard everything he had said. She lowered her head as she disappeared through the open door.

“I must be going.” He stood before walking out, leaving Mr. Evans and I looked after him in shock.

I sat down. What had just happened?

“Miss Alana, I will have the others help bring your things to your new room.” Mr. Evans still looked as though he was trying to process what had just transpired.

“Mr. Evans, I don’t understand, why would the Master want me to be his personal servant?” I couldn’t hide the confusion I felt.

“I am sure I don’t know, Miss Alana,” he obviously hadn’t expected this to happen either. “I’m sure the master has his reasons,” he started picking up the dishes and putting them on a tray. He carried them all back to the kitchen. I just sat there, I needed a minute to process what had happened.

Mary Ellen stood by the sink. “Mr. Evans, you have to convince the Master to change his mind. Alana is too young to be his personal servant, she isn’t even eighteen yet!”

“I cannot, once the Master makes a decision, he very rarely changes his mind.”

I couldn’t hear exactly what they were talking about, but I heard Mary Ellen asking Mr. Evans to change Master’s mind.

I know it wasn’t a possibility, Master never changes his mind. I headed out to join the rest of the servants.

“I heard you are now Master’s personal servant?” Christa asked from her seat on the bench. “Don’t look so surprised, the world travel fast around here.” She sneered.

I walked away from her; I didn’t need her adding to my fear.

“Hey, Alana, just remember, many have come before you, and many will come after you.”

I kept walking; I would have punched her in the face if I had stayed. I was trying to get to my hayloft. I needed to think.