Fallen

Chapter One

ONE

             The sunlight streamed all over the room as the maids opened up the curtains. I groaned as the light hit my eyelids then turned around and covered myself with the blanket. Two of the maids began cleaning the room as the other two began to prepare my bath and my clothes. The eldest among them stood at the side of my bed, her hands at her waists.

            “Ms. Samantha,” she said, reaching for the blanket, “you have to get up. It’s already nine in the morning.”

            I groaned as I wrestled with the blanket from the old maid. But then the woman seems to be strong enough to steal the blanket away from my grasp. I groaned once more then put my hand in front of the eyes to cover from the bright light.

            “You have to get up.” The woman standing beside the bed snapped sharply. I glanced at her to see her standing straightly, her hands on both sides of her waist as she glared at me angrily, her spectacles just hanging on the tip of her nose. Her gray hair was pulled up in a tight bun behind her head. Her black-and-white dress was different from the other maids. She was their head after all. I rubbed my eyes then yawned lazily.

            “Can I just have five minutes more?” I said sluggishly then lay back down.

            “Oh no you don’t, young lady!” She grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the bed easily, as if I was as light as a feather.

            “Wow. Even though you’re old you still have that strength in you, Mildred.” I said, astonished. My eyes were wide as I continued to look at the old woman standing before me. Mildred frowned, opened her mouth to protest but two maids, who informed her that the bathtub was ready, cut her off. She nodded to them slightly then went back to me.

            “You better get ready. Breakfast will be served in a few minutes.” She said. The door suddenly flew open. Dmitri, the butler, came inside and went towards Mildred.

            “You have to get the other children ready for breakfast.” He informed her. He was wearing his usual black-and-white penguin suit. He looked older than Mildred did. His hair was almost white, his pale skin was wrinkled and his eyes always looked tired. When he saw me standing beside Mildred, he turned to me then greeted.

            “Well, a pleasant morning to you, Ms. Samantha.” He smiled. Unlike Mildred, Dmitri was kind and gentle. His voice was soft unlike hers, which was sharp most of the time.

            “Good morning too, Dmitri.” I greeted back with a smile.

            “Oh yes, what a wonderful morning! Now, go and prepare yourself.” Mildred said sarcastically then pushed me towards the bathroom. I looked back at them and saw Dmitri smiling and Mildred signaling me to get inside. I saw the two remaining maids began to fix my bed. I sighed then went inside the bathroom.

            The hallways of the Scott Manor were full of teenage boys and girls. They were all going in the same direction—The Dining Hall. I walked among the others as they stormed inside. The room was enormous. A huge chandelier dangled above. The windows that stretched all the way up to the ceiling were opened and the bright light streamed inside, illuminating the entire place. At the middle was a long table where they all took a seat. At the far end of the table, I saw my father sat. I quickly ran towards him then sat beside.

            “Good morning, father.” I greeted him nicely.

            “Good morning too, Samantha.” He greeted back.