The Family Reunion Part 2

The Maid

So many emotions were running through my mind. Mark, the only man that I loved was treating me in the most unfair way possible. How could someone who claimed to care so much about me, not want to believe a word that I said? I guess that's what comes with being a liar sometimes…people don't trust you even when they say they love you, you're constantly placed as the liar no matter how many truths you tell…it's a hard life.

I quickly dried up my tears as I parked the car on the side of the road. I had to ditch the car in order to keep my uncle from finding me, and boy was I going to make sure he stayed away from me and my child.

"Come on sweetie." I said as I unstrapped her car seat and hoisted it on my arm. It had been so long since I had to do this that my arm felt almost weak. I didn't let it stop me though. I grabbed my daughter's diaper bag and the stuff I needed before walking down the road towards the city. It took me about 30 minutes to reach it and find a hotel suitable for me and Aaliyah. I was relieved when I finally got into the room and was able to sit her down. I sat her on the bed and carefully took her out of her car seat.

"Here we go again Aaliyah. Just you and me in a hotel room…mommy needs to find a way to make some money." I told her as I carried her to the window. "But how can I do that without your uncle finding me?"

Aaliyah smiled and laid her head against my chest. I sobbed to myself as I kissed her head and went to sit down in the chair. Being alone was starting to feel way too familiar. I often wondered if I was meant to be this way. Alone, miserable, and struggling to live life. And to think…this all started with a little white lie that I told. Who knew karma could hit so strong?

I put Aaliyah to sleep and then placed her on my bed next to me. We slept for hours on end until a loud knock sounded at my door. I didn't answer right away, thinking that my uncle may have found me.

"House Keeping." Said the voice which sounded like a Spanish girl.

I hopped out of the bed and walked to the door, unlocking it rather quickly. When I opened it up, the maid smiled brightly and asked, "Hello dear, do you need anything while I'm on this floor?"

I shook my head at first. "No. I actually just got settled in."

The maid looked at me closely and then glanced over my shoulder at my sleeping baby. "Awwwe, what do you name her?"

"Aaliyah." I answered.

She smiled, "Well she's mighty pretty she is…just like yourself."

I dropped my gaze, "Thanks."

"You seem so troubled dear. Are you certain there isn't anything I can do to help?" she asked.

I was about to answer but she seemed to know exactly what I was going to say. "A little crib for the child no?"

"Oh yes actually, and do you know how much the room service is here?" I asked as I raked my hand through my hair.

"Ah, very cheap actually. In fact. I'll bring you one of our finest dishes. Just give me a few minutes." She said as she pushed her cart down the hall.

"Oh wait, don't you need-"

"-No money needed child. Just stay with the little one eh?" she said as she continued her journey down the hall.

I blinked a few times, finding it surprising that there were still nice people in this world. I stepped back in the room and gently closed the door. Just as she said, the maid returned with a crib for Aaliyah and some food for myself. I couldn't stop my stomach from growling as the smell of baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, and macaroni and cheese filled the room.

"Wow….that sure does smell great." I said as she reached under the cart and took out a nice warm bottle for Aaliyah, who went to her upon sight of the bottle.

"You eat, I feed baby." She said.

"Are you sure?" I asked feeling guilty.

She smiled, "Oh yes dear. You need to eat and plenty of rest no? You've been on quite a journey I can tell."

I nodded and started eating quickly. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until the food was devoured in minutes. The maid watched me curiously with a smile on her face.

"Good girl, now rest." She said as she placed my sleeping child in the crib and covered her up. "Tomorrow you start new job."

I raised my eyebrow, "What?"

"New job. You going to need money to help baby yes?" she said.

I looked away from her, "Am I really that easy to read?"

"Just for me dear….I look at you and I see myself so many years ago…but I'll tell you more about that tomorrow. For now you rest."

I nodded and walked her to the door. "Thank you so much for everything you've done…it means a lot."

"It's no problem dear." She said as she opened the door. "And you can call me Anna."

"Ok, well goodnight Anna, and thanks again." I said.

She nodded and left my room just as jolly as she came in. I wasn't certain what happened in Anna's past, but I was sure glad to have met her.

After locking my door I hopped in the shower, finally getting a chance to wash my body from head to toe. The entire time I was in the shower I could see images of my uncle touching me in ways that only Mark should have been able to do. I felt so disgusting…so…violated. After my shower I pulled my hair up in a bun and went back to bed. I fell asleep that night replaying the conversation between Mark and I in my head. I still found it hard to believe that someone who once treated me like a princess, was now an enemy of mine.