Oh Jeremiah
1160 Words
“Je… Jeremiah?” I stammered, barely believing what I was seeing.
There he was — Jeremiah, my not-so-little brother, tangled up with a girl I’d never seen before. The sound of my voice made them jump apart instantly.
“Oh, M–Mia… you’re back? Uh, why are you home?” Jere stuttered, scratching the back of his neck.
“Well, the last time I checked, this is where I live” I said, folding my arms and arching a brow.
“And you?” I turned my gaze to the flustered girl beside him. Her cheeks flamed red as she quickly stood and bowed her head.
“I’m… I’m sorry, ma’am” she whispered, clutching her bag.
“You shouldn’t be seen at a man’s house at this hour. It’s irresponsible” I said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
She nodded, ready to flee, but guilt pricked at me.
“Wait,” I sighed. “It’s late. You can stay...but not in this room. Use mine.”
She hesitated, then quietly slipped away toward my room.
Jeremiah groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Look, I’m sorry, Mia… and thanks, though it would’ve been way better if she stayed in mine.”
I blinked, then grabbed the nearest pillow and hurled it at him.
“Not funny, Jere! That’s…ugh!” I clenched my fists, words failing me.
It was hard to scold him. He was an adult now… technically.
“You can do whatever you want,” I said, exhaling sharply. “Just not here and definitely not at this hour.”
I turned on my heel and left his room before I said something I’d regret.
“Kids… what do they even know?” I muttered under my breath, shaking my head.
I slipped on my palm sandals, slammed the front door behind me, and made my way to Chelsea’s house.
She opened the door, her eyes scanning me from head to toe.
“What are you doing here, Mia?” she asked, half-smiling in surprise.
“I think I’ll be staying here for a few days” I said flatly, stepping inside.
She led me to the couch and sat beside me, curiosity all over her face.
“Hmm… is it Jere again?” she asked, reading me too easily.
“Those kids,” I muttered, shaking my head. “They don’t even know what love is.”
Chelsea grinned mischievously. “Oh really? And who does?... You?”
“Not funny” I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms.
“Mia, be for real,” she laughed, holding her stomach. “Your love life is tragic! No Prince Charming, not even a thief to steal that soft heart of yours.”
“I definitely made a mistake coming here” I muttered, pouting.
She laughed even harder.
“Well, well” Chelsea grinned, pushing herself off the couch. “Just finished making dinner… let’s eat”
I watched her walk toward the kitchen to fetch the food, her laughter still echoing faintly through the room. After we ate, I quietly gathered the dishes and carried them to the sink, washing them one by one while she hummed in the background.
“I’m sleepy, Chels…” I yawned midway through my sentence.
“Sleepyhead. Room’s up” she replied, still watching TV.
I ran to the room and bounced onto the big bed. “Goodnight!!” I yelled, my voice muffled by the pillow, before sleep pulled me in.
____
“Wakey wakey,” I said the next morning, smiling as I entered Mr. Noah’s room with his coffee.
“Ugh, you’re here again? Don’t you ever sleep?” Mr. Noah asked, accepting the cup.
“No, I don’t” I replied, taking my usual seat beside him.
“Witch” he muttered, rolling his eyes.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “A proud one at that. Now, take your medicine” I said, handing him his pills.
He raised a brow. “You enjoy bossing me around, don’t you?”
“Maybe just a little,” I teased. “But seriously, you haven’t told me why exactly you use these drugs, Mr. Noah.” I poured him some water from the glass jar.
“They’re supplements” he said, chuckling, the wrinkles on his cheeks deepening.
“Noted. I’ll go prepare your breakfast now. Please make sure you eat it. I’ll be back tomorrow” I said, rising to my feet.
---
“Done. His food’s ready. Serve it and make sure he eats” I told the maids.
“Yes, ma’am” they replied in unison.
It still felt strange, the way they spoke to me now…with respect. It wasn’t because of me, not really. It was because of how he treated me. Mr. Noah never tolerated anyone being rude to me.
I remembered my very first day in his mansion, the day I nearly lost my job before it began. I had burnt the food meant for his dinner.
The senior maid stormed in, fuming. “You good-for-nothing girl!, Look at what you’ve done!”
She raised her hand to strike me again, but the door burst open.
“Good afternoon, sir” she said quickly, bowing. “This new girl here burnt your dinner, sir. I was just correcting her. I’ll make a new one right away.”
She shot me a death stare before muttering under her breath, “Good-for-nothing.”
Mr. Noah’s voice came sharp, low, and dangerous. “And what did you just say?”
The room went silent.
He took a step forward, his tone cold and deliberate. “Who gave you the audacity to speak to anyone in this house that way?”
The room went still. I could hear my own heartbeat thudding in my chest.
“You’re dismissed” he said finally, his voice calm but firm.
The guards appeared almost instantly, escorting her out. I stood frozen, unable to process what had just happened.
If he could do that to someone who’s worked here for twelve years, then my fate is sealed.
He turned to me. “And you?” he asked, gesturing toward me.
“M… Mia Harper” I stammered, nearly trembling.
He regarded me for a long moment before saying, “From now on, you’ll be the one to cook all my meals. Consider that your punishment.”
The door to the kitchen clicked shut behind him. My mouth hung open in disbelief. That wasn’t a punishment; it was an opportunity in disguise.
~~~~
Later that evening, after finishing up, I stepped outside and flagged a cab. The cool air brushed against my skin as I reached Chelsea’s house.
I paid the driver, adjusting my bag, and began walking toward the door when a hand suddenly grabbed mine.
I froze in my steps. Turning slowly, my heart thumped hard against my chest. It wasn’t who I wanted to see.
- Writer
