Barely A Maid.

Chapter One: The Homecoming.

Zara's POV

I lifted the heavy table with Allegra slowly, making sure none of the items the table held fell.
"A little to the left", instructed Mrs Smith watching us like a hawk. "More" she snapped, "Stop drop it... yes that's perfect. Now i want the streamers up and the surfaces recleaned", she says descending the stairs.

I groan inwardly, does she have to be such a perfectionist, we've spent all morning making the house sparkle. Allegra and i lock eyes briefly and smile as i know she's thinking the same thing. Iget back to work, humming a song i heard John sing.

I'm kind of giddy with excitement. He's coming home finally! It's been two years since i've seen or heardfrom him my heart jumps at the thought of those mesmerising eyes the colour of the sky.
It seems like it was ages ago we confessed our love for one another. I wonder if he still feels the same way about me.

"In your dreams", snarls my rational mind . Mama says i should forget him as we are of different worlds and he is too old.
I shake these thoughts out of my head and proceed to help in setting the table.

Mary and Daniel are the first to arrive, with their ten month old son Ricardo. Followed by a few of Logan's close friends and relatives. I was assigned with John to welcome the guests, take their coats and lead them to thevast lounge.

Mrs.Smith hovered about like a chocking smog, seeing toit that all the staff were on their best behaviour and everything in order.

When John rushed in to inform the guests that Logan's car was about to enter the estate. My heart literally jumped for joy. God I missed him. Everyone went into hiding in await of his entrance.

The door was opened by John, i'd disappeared into the coat closet. I heard his strong, enchanting , John was tolead him to the loung where everyone would jump out.

"SUPRISE!!!!!!!!". A band of vioces yelled, i came out from the closetand jioned the multitude of family, friends, associates and staff who'd come to welcome him home after a 2 year tour in Syria.

In the midst of everyone hugging and fawning over him, i could'nt say my welcome. He was whisked away with his people and i went back to work. Stealing brief glances at him when i had the chance.
At dinner time i served with 5 others the courses, refilled wine and dishes. I stood at the side with the others waiting to clear up.

The conversation flowed easily and everyone seemed to be having a swell time. By the time dessert was being served my feet were killing me. I consoled myself with the fact that in a few hours, i could have a hot bath when all was cleared up and cleaned.

I did'nt get a chance to see any more of Logan because Mary put me incharge of entertaining Ricardo. He's such a naughty boy, always trying to run out of the room-rather crawl. After a draining 2 hours he finally slept off. I went downstairs to see what i could do to help.

All our guests had left and it remained the Smith's who were in patio talking and laughing. It reminds me of the times back home in Jamaica where my family was together and happy.
I walked into the kitchen where Flavia the head housekeeper put me to work scrubbing pots. I got to work with a fellow colleague, around us surfaces were being scrubbed and everything put back in it's place.

Done with the scrubbing and washing, i retired to the servant quarters at the back of the palatial, centuries old Smith mansion. I had a room to myself now that mama has gone back home to take care of papa. I miss her terribly, i get rid of my uniform and run myself a hot shower, i feel a little sad that i did'nt get to greet Logan. There's always tommorow right?

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Like every other day, i wake up to my alarm at 6, take a shower and have some frosties for breakfast. I greet my colleagues as they go about their chores. Ferdinand the ancient butler informs Tati and i that Mrs.Smith has called for her breakfast in bed with the General.
While waiting for breakfast to be made Tati and i open the heavy drapes in the parlour and halls. When the breakfast trays have been set out, we carry them up the carpeted flights of stairs to the very top floor/ the Smiths bedroom.