The Firefly

17°

-I'm going to hang the laundry, call me as soon as you hear the timer go off, Sir.- I said as I disappeared towards the laundry room on the same floor.

A few days earlier I had at least asked to hang and fold the laundry, just so I could at least do something, and the maids had not hesitated to say yes, even if a little confused.

I took the opportunity to pull out my mobile phone and look at the notifications.

I sighed when I noticed that there was a new message in Axel's chat.

I smiled as I started typing on the small digital keyboard.

He immediately came back online and when I saw the words 'writing' I almost shouted.

We continued writing for a few more minutes where I learned that he worked not far from the villa.

In all the excitement I completely forgot about my clothes until a voice I knew all too well called me from the kitchen.

-The timer.-

I immediately ran in the direction Jake's voice came from and quickly grabbing two potholders I opened the oven, poured the biscuits into a clean bowl.

While waiting for them to cool I grabbed two glasses that I filled with orange juice.

Jake had stopped reading, remaining still without moving his fingers over the completely blank page.

-Drink this.- I said handing him the glass, sighing he closed the book and moved it aside, stretching.

-I didn't think it would be so tiring to make biscuits.- He joked and I laughed, his cold expression faltered for a few seconds hinting at a small smile.

I joined him with the glass in my hand, sitting on a stool at his side.

-Mr Hale...- I began slowly finally remembering the night before.

-You shouldn't have given me back the money from the restaurant.-

He looked smug, as if he had been waiting for a long time for me to bring it up.

-It took you a while to realise it.-

By chance he found his rings with his hand, which were resting on the white plane of the island, and wrinkled his forehead.

-I thought you were sneaking out on me in the car, but apparently I've been quiet.-

He hinted a faint smile when he realised what he had found, and slipped them on.

-You, rather, shouldn't have paid when I told you I would.- He scolded me, suddenly turning serious.

-I felt I had to do it, I had lost the bet after all.- I retorted, crossing my legs to sit more comfortably, I had done as well as I had.

-I already told you that money is not an issue for me, Brat.- He was frustrated, I could tell.

I couldn't give him this one too though, I was a loyal person and if I made a promise or a bet I kept it, nothing would move me.

-Well I'm not used to hearing that phrase so it was strange to me.- I said raising the tone of my voice making me authoritative.

-And there's no discussion, subject closed.-

-Whatever you say, it's impossible to reason with you anyway.-

But look who's talking.

-Andrews!- He shouted, giving me half a heart attack.

The maid with the fiery red hair, Sandie Andrews, peeped out of the living room.

-Mr Hale...tell me.- She was out of breath and visibly terrified of the boy.

Flashing a smile I handed her the bowl, inviting her to take a biscuit, but she declined with a nod.

Jake turned his head towards her, closing his eyes as if he knew the effect they had on people.

-Bring me what I told you to prepared this morning.-

-Immediately.- Sandie said in a shrill voice, disappearing like lightning.

-You, pass me the biscuits.-
Jake ordered, referring to me with a quick nod of his head.

-I'm not your pet.- I said through clenched teeth, reaching out to grab the bowl of biscuits lying nearby.

It was obvious he had heard me, but strangely he said nothing.

I handed them to him after grabbing one for myself and immediately the redhead entered the kitchen.

-Here it is.- Sandie tried not to catch her breath too loudly in front of him as she handed him a white envelope.

Jake grabbed it slowly and then handed it to me.

-Take it, it's for you.- He said quietly taking a bite of a biscuit, raising an eyebrow.

I knew he would like chocolate.

I grabbed the envelope confused as he with a quick nod of his head sent Sandie away.

Opening the envelope I realised it contained money, lots of money.

-Your salary.- He explained, hearing my groan of wonder.

-Are they... for me?- I asked rubbing my eyes, never had I seen so much money all together in front of me except in my imagination.

A grimace made his sweet features contract. -Obviously.-

I screamed internally.

It was a start, now I would also contribute to my uncle's medical expenses.