Misery

Chapter 5

I kept looking down at my feet as Zayn escorted me away from the dining room, knowing he could be thinking of a million different things about who I was and my relation to Harry. His hand kept a hold on mine since I said goodnight to Harry. After so many stairs and turns being made, the silence was finally broken.

"Are you alright?" He asked, looking directly at Harry's large handprint on my jaw where he grabbed; as if it was imprinted onto my skin. It didn’t sting as much as it used to, but I could feel that it was still there.

I gently touched the slightly red skin with my fingertips before I processed my answer. "Physically? Yes." I said.

He looked at me, as if a little surprised by my response. “Just physically?” He asked, keeping his eyes on me.

“Do you expect me to be emotionally okay in the first night amongst strangers?” I somewhat snapped, making him look down, letting go of my hand.

“I’m sorry… that was silly of me to ask.” He mumbled, his hands now behind his back.

He looked straight ahead, walking me down the hall of portraits, back to my room. My bare feet kept walking along the carpets that decorated the halls until Zayn stopped at my room. He opened my door for me, being unusually quiet. Perhaps it was my last response, or perhaps Harry's yelling at the table that intimidated him... but why would he yell at Zayn for being kind to me? It’s not like he cared about me in any kind of way. Or maybe Harry was so intent on my misery that he would make sure there was no kind soul for me to turn to. Seems likely.

"Thank you. You really didn't have to walk me." I said quietly, looking at him as he stood at the doorway.

"I don't mind. It's better to be up here than folding napkins before I head home." His last couple words stopped me from walking.

I instantly turned to face him. "You're allowed to leave?" I asked, unsure if he was clear, or if it was possible to leave this prison.

He nodded, still staying at the doorway. "Yes. We all can. We're just employees... well, except for Hans."

I looked confused before I sat on the bed. "You can come in, you know." With that, he stepped inside, keeping his hands behind his back. He was polite, I will give him that. "What do you mean 'except for Hans'?"

He walked further into the room, looking around before he looked at me again. "Hans and the Master… they got some... history, if that's what you want to call it. Hans lives here, like you. Back when the Master was a child, Hans was there, watching everyone grow up. Years ago, they weren't the only ones in this house. The Master had parents. Hans was more of a friend than a butler... I guess now he doesn't really value Hans as much." He shrugged, looking down.

"Poor Hans." I mumble, looking up at Zayn. "But he chose to stay here with the Master?"

Zayn nodded, sitting on one of the ottomans near the bed. "Hans loves him. Even though he's grown into what he is... Hans won't leave him. The Master is the closest Hans has to family. I suppose Hans still sees the good guy he used to be."

I felt bad for Hans, not only having to deal with Harry's changes but the fact that he is so mistreated by someone he loves, but then again I knew the feeling. I looked back at Zayn. "Can I ask you something?" He nodded gently, sitting very casually, mostly because he knew he only had to impress Harry and not some captive. "Why do you work here? Why do you serve him?" The thought alone made me puzzled on why someone would devote time to such a horrible man.

"Even though the Master is... very grueling... he pays us all well. We have homes, bills to pay. He just makes it easier with his money. That's the only reason any of us stay. No job I ever had paid as well as he does. So, if I have to deal with some yelling and a temper for overcooked fish, then yes, I'll take it."