LOVE STRUCK: Dimensions In Motion

chapter 5



The next morning, I woke up to the soft murmur of voices and the rustling of fabric. Sunlight peeked through the window, casting a warm, inviting glow across the room. I stretched, feeling that familiar tingle of anticipation run through me. Today was a new day. A fresh start. And I was ready to make my mark in this unfamiliar world.

I got up and started dressing, the soft rustle of my clothes mixing with the sounds of the others moving about. Grace was sitting on her bed, meticulously braiding her hair, a small smile playing on her lips when she looked up at me. "Good morning, Kalynda. Ready for your first full day?"

I tried to sound confident, though inside, I felt like a nervous wreck. "I think so," I said, forcing a smile. "What's on the agenda?"

Before she could answer, Simone entered, her arms loaded with garments. "I'm taking the master's daughter to school today," she said brightly, her voice as light as always. "I'll be out most of the morning."

Grace stood, smoothing down her dress, her movements graceful and practiced. "I'll be escorting the madam to the town square. You should check in with Mama in the kitchen to find out your duties, Kalynda."

My stomach flipped with both excitement and apprehension. "Right. I'll head there now."

As I made my way to the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the day settling on my shoulders. I knocked softly on the door, and Mama's voice called out from inside, sharp but not unkind. "Ah, you're here. Good. You'll be assisting Grace with the madam today. Stick close to her—she'll show you the ropes."

I nodded, relieved to have a clearer task. "Got it."

"Now go on," Mama said with a wave, "The madam won't wait."

I hurried down the hallway, trying to steady my breathing. The day ahead still seemed like an enigma to me, but maybe, just maybe, it would make sense soon enough.

I found Grace and the madam just as they were stepping out the door. The madam was striking, her auburn hair cascading in loose waves down her back. She wore an embroidered dress that shimmered faintly in the sunlight, its pastel hues accentuating her graceful figure. Her presence was magnetic—warm and inviting in a way that felt different from everyone else I had encountered here.

"Ah, Grace! There you are," the madam said, her voice smooth and sweet as honey. "And who is this lovely young lady?"

"This is Kalynda, our new helper," Grace introduced me, her tone light but warm. "She'll be with us today."

"Welcome, Kalynda!" The madam smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling with genuine warmth. "It's such a pleasure to have you with us. I hope you enjoy your day."

I couldn't help but smile back, feeling a weight lift off my chest. "Thank you, madam. It's a pleasure to meet you."

She turned to Elena, her petite personal maid with sharp features and an effortlessly neat Afro bun. "Elena, make sure we have everything we need for the outing."

Elena nodded as she busied herself, while four serious-faced guards stood at attention nearby, clearly prepared to escort us.

As we walked toward the carriage, Grace leaned in and whispered to me, "The madam is very kind to us. You'll see. She often brings us treats from town."

I looked at her, intrigued. "Really? How does she treat you?"

Grace's face lit up with excitement. "Just last week, she brought us fresh fruit and pastries! She believes we should enjoy some of the good things, even when we're working."