04
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The days dragged on, and Jillian became increasingly aware of the weight of her silence. As she continued her duties as Clementine’s assistant, she felt more like a ghost, drifting through the school’s hallways unnoticed except for the occasional glance of curiosity or disdain from Clementine’s friends. It was as if she were a part of the furniture—present but disregarded.
One afternoon, after school, Jillian found herself in the library, seeking refuge among the stacks of books. It was her safe haven, where she could drown out the world. She pulled out a novel and lost herself in the pages, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Clementine. Despite the cruelty, there was something about Clementine’s music that intrigued her. The way it had resonated within her left a lingering impression.
Suddenly, she heard a voice behind her. “What are you doing here, new girl?” It was one of Clementine’s friends, a girl named Tara, whose bright smile always seemed laced with mockery. “Still following Clementine’s orders, I see?”
Jillian looked up, forcing a smile. “Just reading.”
Tara raised an eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I didn’t know assistants had time for that. Shouldn’t you be getting her coffee or something?”
The flush crept back into Jillian’s cheeks, and she quickly glanced away, embarrassed. “I’m not her servant.”
“Oh really? Then why do you do everything she says?” Tara replied, crossing her arms and leaning closer, her expression challenging.
Jillian’s stomach twisted. “Because I owe her.”
Tara let out a laugh, a harsh sound that echoed through the library. “Owe her? That’s rich. You’re basically her pet. I wouldn’t be surprised if you started fetching her snacks next.”
“Stop it, Tara,” came a voice from behind. Clementine had entered the library, her presence immediately commanding attention. “Leave her alone. She’s doing what I told her.”
Jillian’s heart raced at the sight of Clementine. She felt a mix of relief and anxiety. Tara rolled her eyes but stepped back, and Jillian held her breath, waiting for Clementine’s next move.
Clementine approached, her expression shifting to one of mild annoyance. “You need to be more careful about who you talk to. Not everyone is going to be nice, and you shouldn’t let them get to you.”
“I know,” Jillian murmured, unsure if she should thank her or feel more embarrassed.
“Good. Just keep doing your job.” With that, Clementine walked away, leaving Jillian to wrestle with her thoughts. Did Clementine really care? Or was she simply trying to maintain her own image by keeping Jillian in line?
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:)
YOU ARE READING
Hearing Slave
RomanceWherein a transferee who is slightly deaf Jillian became a slave after she accidentally bumped -"the cold, walang pake sa iba, and rude"- Clementine's Car.
