Say you're mine

Part one: A New Beginning

Chapter 1

You’re late. If you wish to take up the offer, you better be on time next time.

The tone in which she spoke left little room for interpretation. Straight backed in her seat at the large desk before me, her eyes were focused on me, piercing right through me with an intensity that made me involuntarily sit up straighter.

“It… It was an accident,” I managed. Guilt pressed upon me like a weight in my chest, dragging down any sense of confidence I may have once felt as I entered her office.

“Sit down,” she instructed.

She pointed towards the other side of her desk without tearing her gaze away from mine. Hastily, I obliged, sinking into the chair and smoothing my dress down over my thighs. They were exposed too much for my comfort, and I shifted uncomfortably in the seat while my hands did the same.

She said nothing as she took a file off of her desk and started flipping through it.

You attended the GlimmerWeave Institute of design?

“Yes,”

Her eyebrows rose a little, but her face didn’t relax. Why do you want to be a maid after that?

The words hung between us like an unspoken burden.

I paused, swallowing hard.

because I require Income, which is reliable. Sure, I majored in fashion design... but I cannot do this on my own at present; it would take both time and money, neither of which I can afford.

This job allows me to help my sister until I decide on my future plans,” i added, hesitating for a second, considering how to say it with care.

She finally looked away from her notes, but not with any warmth or coldness, just an odd indifference.

She did not press me on anything else.

She just kept on reading.

And with that, it was quiet once again, but much thicker than before.

My thoughts, meanwhile, found no peace beneath her gaze, and I was transported instantly back to earlier that morning...

*****

“Lyra, wake up! You’ll be late for school!”

I stood next to her bed, tugging her by the leg to rouse her from her sleep.

Aubrey… Five more minutes… She mumbled this while folding her hands into an effort at pleading; her voice thick with sleepiness.

I looked at her for a moment before raising my hand, pointing out the number with all five fingers.

Five minutes, I insisted.

She nodded sluggishly, beginning to fall back into bed again.

I did not believe her nod.

But there was no time for debate.

I ran into the kitchen and made breakfast; just toast with jam, enough to keep her going until noon. I placed the slices in the toaster and pressed the lever. The toast popped from the toaster, and I slathered it with jam in a rush.

The clock was ticking too quickly.

Or perhaps it was my pace that was too sluggish.

I snatched a towel from the cupboard and made my way towards the bathroom, hoping that I would be able to get ready before things got any more chaotic.

However, just as I was reaching the entrance

Lyra came.

“Hey!”

She attempted to sneak past me.

“Not a chance!” I held on to her arm and dragged her back. Just go get some sleep!

Aubrey, I am going to be late for school! she exclaimed, stomping on the ground.

And you should have thought of that while sleeping as if nothing else matters in life, I retorted and entered the bathroom, slamming the door shut on her protesting mouth.

Everything in there became a hazy blur.

Running water.

Dressing myself.

Fixing my hair.

I rushed through everything that was left for me to do as swiftly as possible.

By the time I got out, Lyra was getting ready in the most frustratingly leisurely manner.

“Lyra!” I shouted. Hurry up!

“I am!” she retorted, but she did nothing to prove it.

I grabbed my bag and checked to make sure that I had everything necessary for the interview. All the paperwork, my identification. Everything.

Get your breakfast! I called as I rushed past the kitchen.

I will! she answered.

For a moment, I paused, glancing at the plate that I had laid out for her. Then I left.

The streets were busy when I left. I walked, then walked faster, until I started running.

Somewhere along the line, I ran into something or somebody.

“Oof!”

I regained my footing and saw that it was a small girl standing before me, eyes teary and face scrunching in distress.

I'm sorry! I immediately apologized, squatting a little bit to be nearer to her level. Are you alright?

She sniffled and pointed towards the candy floss vendor near us.

That is what you want? I asked gently.

She nodded her head, her lips quivering.

I looked around, searching for parents but no one seems to be paying attention.

Time was ticking away.

But I could not simply abandon her like that.

I gave a soft sigh and dug into my bag to find some money.

Let us go then, I said with a smile at her.

Her eyes widened immediately.

It did not take much time.

When I went on with my travels, however, my heart was beating hard for an altogether different reason.

I was very late.

Yet here I was.

Seated before a woman who had zero patience for excuses.

My mind cleared up as she closed the folder.

You have been assigned to a job,she started. 

"You are to work in a household," she added as if there were nothing unusual about it. In Valois Residence. You will start reporting tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow?

All of it came down too fast.

Thank you, I said hurriedly, relief flooding me even though everything happened too suddenly.

She only nodded once, already turning away as if to say that the discussion ended.

And there I had myself a job.

When I arrived home, all of the fatigue settled in me.