August, 1945
Like every morning, I got up at 6 and headed out to the kitchen to make tea for Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds.
I've worked for them for about 8 years now. My job was to make sure the household was always clean and that nothing was ever out of its place.
My mother used to be in charge, but she was killed by my father when I was 10 years old. He went directly to jail, and she died in the hospital bed.
That day, I had not only lost my mother, but also my father. I would never be able to look him in the eyes. In my head I was an orphan, and Mrs. Reynolds being the generous woman she is, she let me stay with them, and I basically took over all of the work my mother did on the daily.
I loved this family as if it were my own, and I thank them for everything they've ever done for me. I wish someday I'll be able to repay them.
The table is set up, and soon one by one the whole family is down here.
Well, it's only Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds and Laurie, they're youngest daughter. They're oldest daughter lives in a town just some hours away.
Laurie is so sweet and we've grown up together which makes our bond even bigger. She too, is 18 and graduated school last year with me.
Even though I was in no way as wealthy as her, we went to the best school in town together. Her parents paid for all of my education.
"I love the bread Lina makes so much" Laurie smiled at me as she took a sip of her tea and stuck a piece of bread in her mouth and smiled at me. A smile which I returned.
"It's her mother's recipe, it should be good." Mrs. Reynolds smiled, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Laurie, sweetie.. Don't eat too much bread.. You won't fit into that dress on Friday," Her father said as she looked at him with a chunk in her mouth already.
She immediately listened to him and took a small piece while leaving the rest on the plate. I make my way to the kitchen, not wanting to be an intruder to their conversation. But before I know it, I'm standing by the kitchen door, listening.
"I really wish Andrea could come" Laurie talked about her older sister, if it were my wedding I'd want my sister to be there as well. But life isn't fair, it never is.
"You're going to go visit her tomorrow Laurie," Her mother smiled.
"I know.. But I- I don't know.. I wanted her to see me walk down the isle." Laurie's frown extends.
"I'm sorry Laurie. She's just too busy- You heard her.." Her mother responds.
"I wish I could at least meet the man I'm going to marry," Laurie frowns.
I may have small envy towards some of Laurie's things, but one thing I don't envy of hers, are her obligations.
Her parents have always been wealthy, but they would have even better opportunities if their daughters were married. At least that's what Mr. Reynolds said.
He's always talking about how he knows he will die soon and he just wants to leave his daughter's something to live off of.
"You'll meet him in the wedding." Her mom takes a squeeze at her hand, but Laurie pulls it out.
"I've gotta go pack," She sounds annoyed. Everything is silent and I find myself drifting off into deep thought about why Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds would do this to their younger daughter.. I mean, Andrea is 21.. Maybe she should be the one getting wed on friday. Not a girl who just got out high school and has much more ambition in her life.
