Pieces of us

My mother has this annoying habit of pretending everything is fine. She smiled while carrying two heavy suitcases. She smiled while thanking auntie Jasmine for the opportunity. She even smiled when the security guard searched our bags. The only time she stopped smiling was when she thought I wasn't looking… Auntie Jasmine looks impatient as the security man rummages through our luggage. “What is all this?” I hear her mutter under her breath. She looks at mom and smiles softly, “my brother can be quite big on protocols to the point where it's annoying. Don't be offended.” “I'm not,” mom answers with a smile. I'm sure it's just to reassure her friend, because there's no way our things being ransacked at the gate isn't annoying. “Dawn, help me with the black box,” mom says, already carrying other things toward the house. Auntie Jasmine's also carrying a bag. A while after we're sitting in a gigantic living room. Approaching footsteps take my mind off the array of photos on the walls, almost feels like an art gallery or, should I say, my idea of what an art gallery would look like. “Hey Jas, I wasn't expecting you this early,” Mr Bello, my mom's new boss, walks up to his sister and wraps his arms around her in a bear hug. “Omar, you didn't have to make Jonas tear all of Debbie's things open in the name of a search...” “No, I definitely had to. For security reasons” He answers, taking his seat. “Oh please..” Auntie Jasmine rolls her eyes and falls back in her seat. “We didn't agree that you'd be bringing them this early though,” Mr Bello says, “Actually sir, I asked to resume early…” mom starts to speak “Madam, when I need your input, I'll ask” Mr Bello cuts her off. Mom adjusts in her seat, looking awkward and embarrassed. “I apologise,” she says quickly and in a low tone. Auntie Jasmine looks annoyed, “Well that was rather unnecessarily rude. Don't you think, big brother?” I can hear her sarcasm when she says big brother. Mr Bello doesn't even blink. Auntie Jasmine sighs, “Anyways, Debbie and I thought it would be better to come today since you're at home. That way you both can properly discuss the work conditions, according to your preference.” Mr Bello leans in his chair and crosses his legs, “We already discussed these things. Isn't that why she's here with all her ‘belongings’?” he says, glancing at me. “Her job description includes cleaning the house, cooking mostly dinner. She'll be doing market runs too, of course, and looking after the premises while I'm away. Her pay is 250k per month plus accomodation and feeding.” He looks at my mom, “Is there anything else you need? “Well, sir, I'd just like to know what your preferences might be. So I know how to serve you…” “I don't have preferences. I eat any and everything that looks and tastes decent. All I want is a clean house and timely food.” “Alright Sir,” “You can go, Miss…. What's your name again?” “Debbie…” Auntie Jasmine says exasperated, “Geez, one would expect that you'd already know the name of your newly hired staff” “The name just hasn't stuck yet,” Mr Bello turns to mom, “So Debbie, my sister must have shown you your room. You can go. And take her with you” he gestures toward me. In our room, we begin putting our bags away. “Mom, I don't like this man,” I tell my mom. Mom chuckles. “Why?” “I don't like the way he spoke to you. And he looks like he would rather not have me here,” Mom only smiles, “Well, he did agree to let you stay regardless. We get to not have to worry about house rent and food while he pays a decent salary. Let's just be grateful, okay?” I turn towards the bathroom and switch on the bathroom lights. “And Dawn… please behave yourself. No issues while you're here, okay?” Mom says again. “You sound like I'm some kind of trouble maker,” Mom folds her arms across her chest raising a brow. “Okay.” I blurt out, throwing up my hands in surrender. Not long after Mrs Jasmine has left. Mr Bello knocks on our door. “I forgot to mention,” He starts, with this very cold look in his eyes. “I don't appreciate aimless movements around my house. If there's no tangible reason, I don't want to see either of you hanging around, especially within the house. So in summary…” He looks at me, “No trespassing. Am I clear?” He says. “No, I don't quite understand,” I tell him, “are we supposed to remain cooped up in this room…” “We understand Sir,” mom says, cutting me off. I give her a look and she shakes her head at me. Mr Bello looks from her to me and then at her again. He leaves without saying another word. “Dawn, please behave yourself.” Mom says to me as soon as the door closes. I roll my eyes and pick up my schoolbag “I'm going to hate it here,” I mumble, tearing the zipper open. An hour later, Mom's phone rings, “Hey Jasmine, did you get home safely? ” She pauses listening to Auntie Jasmine. She smiles, pinning the phone between her shoulder and ear, “Thank you so much. I don't know how I can ever repay you. Without this job… I don't even want to imagine it.” I'm trying to focus on my novel but bits of mom's conversation drift over anyway. Mom continues, “No, he's right. He wasn't talking to me.” She laughs, “I should have been quiet.” Another pause, “I'll do my best. Your brother is in good hands.” She pauses again, “Yeah, alright then. Bye.”