My Bodyguard

1

I woke up with a knocking sound that made me startle and rushed in making my futon clean.

I put the blanket properly, standing up and took my clothes from the dark brown cupboard that is going to fall off anytime soon.

But I still could close it.

I showered with one ladle of water because I need to keep the whole bucket for the day. I washed myself with the soap, using the water wisely,

I wiped my face and body, wearing a baggy dress and put my hair up.

I opened the door and the head maid looked at me, urging me to go downstairs.

I closed my room and quickly went downstairs but I tried not to make any noise.

I got down, walking straight into the kitchen and grabbed an apron, tying it around me.

"Ira, you're on dishwashing today and make sure everything is clean. Madam will be checking today." I nodded at the head maid, rolling my sleeves up and started washing.

My routine since I could remember has always been like this.

I wake up, get dressed and come to work in the kitchen. I never had anything for myself nor have I ever expected anything neither do I complain because I'm grateful to be alive,

I'm grateful that it's not as bad. I assume it isn't.

I got a break for 15 mins and I grabbed the porridge that was given for me. I took it, going to my favourite hideout.

I sat on the grass, leaning on the tree and ate my porridge, staring at the darkening sky.

I hear rustles of people talking, laughing and claps. I looked over the big house, staring at it and I continued eating, leaning my hurting back.

I finished eating, setting the bowl aside and I felt the breeze coming through, making me crack a smile but I heard footsteps.

Those footsteps are definitely wearing shoes and I have heard it so many times, making me feel familiar of it.

I froze, gripping on my knees because these exact same footsteps has been following me.

I don't know whether it brings me danger or pity.

I never seen the figure and I have tried before but I never know who is it.

I heard the bell ringing, indicating it's already 15 minutes and I took the bowl, quickly walking back to the kitchen.

I took my apron back, wearing it and continued washing the trays, pots and pans.

I was scrubbing down a pot until I heard a whip sound, making everyone stop in sync.

The familiar rushed and hurried footsteps showed the fear and anxiousness towards the person that had just entered.

Everyone stood by where they were stationed and I stood by my washing area, putting my head down like everyone.

"Good job, good food, nice chops-" I was listening to the compliments that was flowing out of Madam's mouth, making me slightly hopeful.

I'm hopeful that she will like mine too. I have put such hard work today.

"Ah, dishes. Hmm-" I felt her near me, humming and looking at the pots. I moved away slightly, giving her some way.

I clutched on my own hands, waiting for her review.

"What is this?" I looked at her and she was pointing at my bowl.

The only bowl left.

"That is mine, Madam. I always wash it last-" her whip was flicked on my back, making my breath hitch with the sudden pain radiating through my back.

"When I come, everything needs to be perfect!" She said loudly, whipping me again until I fell on my knees, trying to hold back the pain and my tears.

"Let this be a reminder for all." I heard her footsteps vanishing away and I sucked on my breath, trying to stand up but I couldn't handle the pain.

"Oh dear, what a monster!" I felt myself being pulled up by some of the maids and they were quick to help me on my wounds as usual.

I couldn't say anything because I was trying to breathe, feeling the warm cloth on my back.

"Thank goodness! Your skin is still intact!" I glanced at Merlyn that was looking worried, dabbing my back.

"Thank you- everyone." I mumbled, giving them a small smile and most of them looked at me in pity.

"You shouldn't suffer like this, miss. This is not how you suppose to live." I just waved them off, standing up.

"I'm okay." I went back to my washing area and continued my work.

I could hear mumbles, pities that was shown to me but it doesn't make a difference.

I dried off the dishes, putting it over the rack and I struggled a little to lift it up since my back was hurting but I did my best, covering it with a cloth.

We had dinner at the end of the day and the maids that stayed outside of the house went home, making me think will I ever go outside?

I walked to my room, putting my head down and I heard the familiar footsteps. Those footsteps that sounded far but felt near to me.

I didn't turn back, afraid if one of my step sisters get me and lock me in a dark room.

I'm the daughter of this house.

But I'm always going to be the mystery daughter that is never going to be found anyways.

Life is just like that. No light or shine, just darkness.