The Beauty In Our Scars.

The truce (2)

"No, oh no" Mandy said as she shook her head frantically. Maria was unfazed by the young girl's reaction, she just smiled at her.

"That's the price to pay for a roof over your head and a warm meal, consider it a favour from me" Maria said.

"But why madam? Why must you keep me with you for two whole years? Are you trying to stop me from running away when something goes wrong?" Mandy asked frantically.

"Yes of course, that is a part of the whole confidentiality thing. My son is one of the most important people in this country. I wouldn't want to take any chances with whomever stays at his side. Besides you have no references or qualifications for this kind of work and all the opportunities it brings, keeping you here is out my generosity. I also thought you wanted to start your own life, away from the abuses you have endured, but I guess my judgments were wrong. Just state your decision Miss Miller. Are you in or out?" Maria said firmly. Mandy began to read the writing on the wall, it was as clear as day itself. Her thoughts began the tussle as to if she should stay or just walk away. The One minute silence between her and Maria was a sign she was examining her options. She didn't want to go back to that forsaken house, if not for anything, she sheer mockery of coming home after an attempt to freedom was laughable. But at the same time, she was scared of the unknown, she was scared of darker discoveries she might make about this powerful family and how it could ruin her life forever. After a minute had passed, she lifted her face to Maria, staring at her eye to eye, then she let out a sweet smile.

"I have thought about everything and I have decided to stay, I am willing to be yours for two years. Anywhere is better than home and I am willing to accept my fate however it may come" Mandy answered calmly. Maria stared at the redhead for a bit before she chuckled.

"Very well then Miss Miller. Sign on the piece of paper in front of you" Maria said. Mandy picked up the pen beside her and made a scribble at the end of the paper. Mr Maurice picked up the paper which lay in front of Mandy and handed it over to Maria. The woman went through the sheet before she too signed on it.

"Very good then, welcome on board Miss Miller. Your duties starts by twelve noon, so if there are any personal needs to attend to, do so before the said time. Mr Maurice over here would direct you properly on what to do, also if you need a copy of our agreement, you could meet him for it. I'm done here" Maria announced as she stood up from her seat and walked out of the penthouse. Mandy just sat there wandering if she had made the biggest mistake of her life.

"Your meal is already in your room, eat and get some rest before you start working for the day" Mr Maurice announced, Mandy instantly snapped out of her thoughts when she heard his voice.

"Thanks Mr Maurice, I better get going" Mandy responded with a smile. She stood up and walked out of the penthouse while Mr Maurice picked up the signed paper and carefully put it in an envelope.

Craig still sat at his balcony, blankly staring at the clear sky in front of him when the door cracked open. Maria stepped in and was immediately greeted my the tatteredness and uncleanness of ever part of the large room. She sighed deeply and slowly began making her way through the piles of clothes, papers and empty cans that littered the floor. She looked up and saw Craig in his wheelchair watching the sky, Maria sighed again and walked towards the balcony.

"Craig" Maria called out softly. Craig shifted his head slightly to the right before facing foward again.

"Hey mom" Craig responded faintly.

"I have news for you Craig" Maria said again.

"What news is that?" Craig asked nonchalantly without even casting a glance at his mother.

"You have a new maid now, she'll begin working for you once it's twelve noon" Maria announced. Craig began to laugh, his laughter was a loud and piercing laughter, it's echoes filled the air.

"This is one of your jokes right?" Craig asked after he was done laughing.

"No son, I mean every word I said" Maria answered freely. Craig scoffed, he turned around in his wheelchair, for the first time since their conversation he was facing her.

"Send her out mom, do that immediately" Craig said, his gaze was as piercing as his laughter.

"I don't think I can do that Craig. You need someone to help look after you. You need to see the state of your surrounding, it's just...." Maria said before being interrupted by her son.

"I do not need anybody's help. For goodness sake mom, leave me alone! I am fine just the way I am!" Craig yelled viciously. Maria was taken aback by her son's vicious display of anger. She took a deep breath and looked Craig straight in the eyes.

"Craig Anderson, you now have a maid who is going to take care of things and also take care of you. You clearly need someone to do that for you and you know it, you need to stop doing this to yourself and take responsibility of your life. Anyways, she begins work by twelve noon and that's final" Maria said as she stormed out of the balcony. Craig sat there, looking at the door as his mother had just walked out of. He was sighed in irritation, he didn't want anyone around him at all, he thought his mother would give up on finding a maid for him but his guess was wrong.

"Why would she bring another entity into my life? I am doing just fine on my own" Craig muttered to himself. He wheeled himself into his room and looked around.

"This place looks pretty okay to me" he muttered again as he wheeled himself back to the balcony.