1 ALAYAH AS A COOK AT MANSION
She was sleeping in her bed, the alarm kept on ringing, she opened her eyes and looked at the picture placed on her side table, this was a picture of her sister, and friend and she was standing between them. "Oh, come on Alayah, how many times have you dozed off?" she said herself and turned her face while hugging the pillow.
She got out of her messy bed, went into the kitchen to prepare a meal, put on an apron, tied her hair back in a loose bun, grabbed a few eggs from the refrigerator, and then began chopping tomatoes and green chilies.
A young woman entered the kitchen wearing jeans and a white sleeveless top. Elin was her name.
"Alayah! You did it again!"
"What? Scrambled eggs with tomatoes?" Alayah asked with a smile.
"Yes, that's why your scrambled eggs taste so special and delicious," Elin said.
Luna, Alayah's younger sister, entered the Kitchen wearing a white off-shoulder shirt and dark blue pants.
Folding her hands to her chest, Luna remarked, "This is the advantage of living with a gastronomist.
"Now, Elin! I do not know when I will enjoy the benefit of living with a fashion designer, just look at our dresses how outdated they are I wish you become a fantastic stylist one day", Luna teased Elin.
"How ungrateful you are! Even you are in tourism, but never took Alayah and me on a wonderful trip", Elin replied.
"Huh, I am just a student yet, how could I take you anywhere?" Luna asked.
Please don't do this again; you guys can continue later. Bring out the tablecloth; the eggs are done. Alayah stared at them.
Luna started preparing the tea, and Elin started taking out the cups.
"Oh Alayah, I feel so good today. I just read about my sign and it says I'll get a good job today! finally!! Oh yes, I even read about your sign, it says beware the full moon. Unexpected things can happen to you." Elin said while placing the plates on the table.
"I don't believe in horoscope!" Alayah said.
"Well, I believe in horoscopes!" Luna said while preparing the tea.
"Believe in tea!! Luna Tea's good, just concentrate on the tea! Get the tea ready otherwise we will miss the bus again." Alayah said.
They had breakfast, changed their outfit and hurried outside to catch the bus.
From the distance they saw the bus, which was about to leave them, they waved towards the bus, the bus stopped, they attempted to board in the already crowded bus.
*
*
*
Alayah entered a cooking institution.
She went towards the dressing room, immediately wear her specific chef uniform, and went into the class, which was already started.
"Sir, I am sorry…. The bus… tire", she said to the master chef there.
"Just go to your seat", Chef replied.
"What are we doing?" Alayah asked a mate.
"All of you! Just do not forget to measure the ingredients!" Chef instructed.
"Banana Chocolate Caramel pie". Her mate replied.
"Well, that's so easy. Just watch me", she said and started putting the flour into the mixing bowl directly.
The chef started watching each and every student and guided them, then he saw Alayah who was consistently adding flour into the bowl. She quickly became the focus of everyone's attention.
"Miss. Alayah! Would you like to tell us what are you doing?" Chef asked.
"I… banana Choco…", she was saying but soon interrupted, "Did you weigh the ingredients?" the chef asked.
Alayah smiled, "No, I mean I am eyeballing it, sir."
"Well-done! Why do you even bother to come?" Chef asked.
It was not a good day, as usual, she decided to go back to the house on foot instead of taking the bus, on her way home she met her college teacher.
"Alayah? Do you still seek employment?" he asked.
"Always", she answered in a gloomy tone.
Well, there is a position; I'm not aware of the details, but they need a part-time cook, he added.
"Yes, I am ready, just give me the address I will go there right now", Alayah said.
"But what about your attendance? I mean they demand discipline, please don't embarrass me, do take it seriously, I will forward you the address and other details", He said.
"Trust me! I will not disappoint you", she said.
Instead of going back home, she decided to visit that place.
*
*
She explained to the gatekeeper that she had come for the cook position, and the guard led her inside. As she was walking on the grey-tiled pavement, the building was actually a mansion. The windows of that mansion were huge enough to let in any sunshine, and on one side of the pavement there was a garden and on the other, there was a swimming pool. It seemed like there is a small world unto itself. The most used color was grey, grey building, grey flower pots, and grey outside couch. Near the pool, there was a sizeable dining table with almost twenty grey chairs around it.
The guard took her to one of the couches placed in the garden, where a lady wearing a black skirt suit was waiting for her.
"Welcome Miss Alayah! I am Mrs. George!"
"Hey! How are you?" Alayah asked.
Should we talk about the job? You will be a private chef at Mr. Aaron's Kitchen. Please arrive, prepare the meal, and depart. Mr. Aaron won't be there at that time. Yes, if you work for Mr. Aaron for a long time, you will receive a lot of additional advantages.
"What do you mean by 'for a long time? Alayah asked.
"You will understand soon, let me show you the kitchen now". Mrs. George said.
"Mr. Aaron starts work at eight in the morning; please arrive at noon and depart by five! "They went into the kitchen, saying, "And here comes the kitchen."
There were large windows that kept the kitchen bright with natural light, and provided a view of the entire garden and swimming pool There were Silestone countertops built-in table, a grey glass cabinet, and several wall ovens, and everything was placed decently.
Miss Alayah! Mr. Aaron arrives at 7 pm, and he is really picky about her food, and we've already fired four cooks in the past week. I don't want you to be the fifth! She handed her a piece of paper and said, "This is what you are meant to cook for today. Please prepare it as directed. Do not add anything extra."
I got it, Alayah replied.
But Mrs. George kept on talking, "Never mess with Mr. Aaron's household order! Please, consider it as a warning or request. Never move anywhere! She said and was about to leave when she again instructs her, Miss Alayah! Don't step foot anywhere else in the house! Did I make myself clear?
"Very clear!" Alayah tried to smile.
"Good, Work well!" she said and left.
For ten minutes Alayah kept on thinking, then she took her phone, play a song, and started cooking, within an hour, she just messed the kitchen up.
It was already four o'clock when she glanced at the clock, cleaned the kitchen, and scribbled on a sticky note,
"The food is in the oven, drinks are in the fridge, and enjoy your meal:) Mr. Aaron."
She was done cooking, she stood between the kitchen and living room, "Should I enter? Shouldn't I, she used to place her one foot in the living room and then used to take it back."
Let's explore the house! Having stated this, she went into the living room where a picture of an elderly guy was hanging on the wall. Alayah approached the picture and remarked, "Wow, so you're Uncle Aaron, you've put your image up everywhere, by the way, you look very terrible."
