IMOGEN

2~YOU

                                             IMOGEN
                                              💭💭

_PAIN 

The next morning I woke up and got dressed, still reeling from the events of the previous night I was about to head out the door when Elodie stopped me

"Where are you going?"

"To school," I replied

"Oh Who's going to do the laundry and clean the house while you're gone?"

I swallowed hard"I... I..." I stammered not knowing what to say Elodie stared at me waiting for an answer I felt paralyzed unable to speak

"No more talking Before you go to school, clean the house and wash the dishes"

I had no idea how to do any of those things My mother and our Maids  had always taken care of the housework and I had never paid much attention Now I felt lost and alone I dropped my bag on the floor and walked into the kitchen

I stood in the kitchen, my eyes fixed on the sink I had no idea where to start There were so many dishes and I had no idea how to wash them Suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder It was Elodie

"You're still here?" she asked

"I don't know how to do this" I said, gesturing to the sink

Elodie sighed. "You always give this task to Astrid" she said handing me a small bag I put the bag aside

"Okay, you said you don't know how to do this But that's not my problem, is it? I'm not here to teach you how to clean or do the dishes. You can figure that out on your own. Besides, you can't expect to just wake up, eat breakfast, and go to school without doing any work. Your parents aren't here to feed you anymore You have to do things for yourself now whether you like it or not Do you understand?"

I nodded my head hanging low I felt like a child being scolded

I hung my head as Elodie walked away I turned back to the sink and began to wash the dishes trying not to break any of them  When I was finished, I grabbed my school bag and headed outside.

But as I walked out the door I realized something was missing My car I searched all over the driveway, but it was nowhere to be found

"Oh, you must be looking for your car My daughter took it to school It's probably best for you to take the public bus. You'll be okay, and you'll learn something new"

I nodded, my heart sinking I had never taken the public bus to school before I always drove myself I had no idea how to find the bus stop or how to use the bus system
♠♠♠
I finally reached the school, disheveled and breathless, and I knew I looked terrible I went to Astrid's class  As soon as I walked in,Astrid turned to me  "Where have you been? I've been waiting for you to bring my bag and now you're late Do you have any idea how rude and inconsiderate that is?"

"I'm sorry I had to finish up some things at home "

"How is that my problem? You're such a witch Just give me my bag!"  I handed her the bag She examined it, her face twisting in disgust "It's dirty"

"Oh, I'm sorry I took the public bus"  But before I could finish she slapped me again and then kicked me I fell to the floor

Astrid loomed over me "should have protected my bag like it was  your life."

"I'm sorry,"

But it was no use She grabbed a handful of my hair and yanked me to my feet "You're going to learn your lesson today," she snarled

She dragged me down the hall and into a room where several of her friends were gathered I could hear them whispering and laughing and I saw that some of them had their phones out, taking pictures and videos

She turned to me, her eyes blazing with anger and slapped me again I tried to cover my face but she was too quick I heard her friends laughing and one of them stood up and joined in kicking me while I was down

"next time you will learn to keep my bag neat and clean, you filthy little witch," she snarled Then she spat on me and walked out followed by her friends

I was left alone curled up on the floor sobbing I felt like I would never be able to wash the filth off of me inside or out
♣️♣️♣️
I dragged myself home the pain of my injuries still fresh on my body I collapsed on my bed exhausted and sore As I lay there, I heard a gentle knock at the door

"Imogen, are you okay?" Alina asked

I didn't want to answer, but I knew she wouldn't give up until she got a response. "I'm fine," I mumbled

I heard the door open  "mum is asking for you downstairs," Alina said

  I pulled myself up and slowly walked downstairs, each step feeling like an eternity

" aunt Elodie"

My aunt turned to face me, a scowl on her face "There's no food in the kitchen Are you really not going to cook dinner for the family?"

"Why should I have to cook for everyone? It's not like I'm the only one who lives here" I shot back

My aunt's hand connected with my cheek, the sting of the slap shocking me"You have no right to talk to me like that!" she yelled

"But we have a maid,"

"I fired her because I got a new maid"

"then asked her to cook" I said

"You're my new maid And not just for me but for the whole family"

I gaped at her my mouth agape She couldn't be serious I was only a teenager not a servant......