17 CAN I MAKE IT?

The day passed slowly and I didn't get to see Gerard not that I even wanted to see him because the other time was too embarrassing and all I wanted to do now is avoid seeing him and if I ever bump into him, I'll pretend as though nothing happened and carry on with my normal duties.

The afternoon came and I went downstairs for lunch. I was used to the fact that the maids go to the market at this time and only the guards and Gerard were home. Tiptoeing to the kitchen to avoid any unnecessary attention, I searched the kitchen for anything to eat but sadly, I found nothing.

But in the fridge was a cold milk drink which I couldn't resist. I sighed and took and then closed the fridge but behind the door stood a woman with a big top and nothing beneath. This was the first time I was seeing her in the house and I couldn't help but feel curious seeing her dressed like this.

She raised a brow at me and instantly took the milk from my hand.

"Um..." I wanted to say something but before I could even boot, she shook the milk, opened it and began to drink from the pack.

"I wanted to drink that..." I felt angry because I was hungry and this was my last hope but even at that, I didn't speak rudely to her. I simply politely told her that I had plans of having that for the time being.

I got a glare from her. She looked at me from head to toe then back, I knew better than to expect an apology from her.

"It was once yours but now, it's mine."

She then arrogantly flipped her chestnut hair to the back and walked out.

I bit my lips and told myself not to be offended by her attitude. After all, she was only being immature.

Tired, I walked out of the kitchen and went straight to my room and lay on my bed tired. Soon, I heard the sound of the maid's van and I quickly ran downstairs to see if they needed any help with getting the food made. I was starving and at this point, I couldn't care less if I was seen as a longer throat.

I ran to the kitchen and the maids were busy with the vegetables and other items. Every maid was allocated to different roles and the kitchen maids behaved like robots the way they did everything was just too organized.

I felt awkward watching them from the kitchen door until I spotted Lucy. She stared at me in askance but said nothing to me.

I was shy that she would catch on to the fact that I have come here to hasten the cooking process so I can eat on time. But my stomach growled and gave me away.

"Please can I stay in the kitchen with you? It's so boring alone in the room." I pleaded. Asides from being in my room all day, I didn't do anything. On most occasions, I feel so useless that I usually feel like crying. This was nothing compared to the life I used to live before and adjusting is too hard.

Lucy pursed her lips I could see that she wasn't sure if Gerard would let me go in but I assured her that I wouldn't let him know and that if I spotted him, I'll hide.

With that, she let me in and asked me to seat on a stool at the corner while they do their work.

For a while, I watched them wash the vegetables, and prepare all the ingredients but just as the gas got lit, I became curious and anxiously wanted to know what they wanted to prepare.

I asked Lucy what was to be made and she told me it was Gerard's favourite. Spring rolls with some samosas, steamed fried turkey with hot pot and watermelons for dessert.

I was flabbergasted. All that food? I must say, I was surprised that he liked all that food and there were some that I liked as well. Like the samosa. I was also surprised to hear Lucy speak for the first time since I had known her but that wasn't the issue right now.

"Can I make them? Please...!" I pleaded but Lucy looked unsure and instantly denied me.

"I promise I won't tell Gerard. He doesn't have to know and for all I know, he rarely comes to the kitchen so he would definitely not find out about this."

I kept pestering until she finally accepted. She stopped the cooks and told them that I would be making the dishes today. They all stare at each other unsatisfied that I was going to make the food. They were unsure of my capabilities and felt that I would only get them into trouble but I ignored their stares and went straight to the spot where the apron was hung.

I wore the apron, and tied my hair in a bun then proceeded to the sink to wash my hands. Then, the magic began.

I started off by cutting the vegetables into tiny pieces since they were not the size I wanted.

I find the sauce and soon, the kitchen began to scent like a Chinese restaurant.

I used all eight plates of the gas so that I would be done in no time. This was something I was already too used to because mother always enjoyed my food even though she never gave positive comments on them.

I could feel the maids eyes on me and their constant stare made me feel awkward but I didn't let it bother me too much.

Soon, I was done with all the dishes and decide to make porridge for myself since this would digest faster and some other side dishes that would go well with the main dish. I also made watermelon juice instead of serving it just like that.

I placed everything on a serving tray and just as I like to, I decorated it to my taste.

I turned and took my apron off but when I raised my eyes, I saw almost twenty eyes staring at me. I blinked twice and couldn't phantom why they had that expression on their faces.

Then the strangest thing happened. From the crowd, the sound of a clap resounded and soon, they all started to clap.

I blinked several times unsure if they were clapping for me or someone else.

Lucy walked up to me and pointed at the clock on the wall. "Look, you finished cooking so many dishes under half the time it's supposed to take and this is just too surprising to the other maids. You've done well."

A bright smile appeared on my face and I couldn't believe I was getting a positive compliment from these professionals.

"Would you like to try it?" I earnestly asked wanting to know if it wasn't just having a nice face but a good taste as well.

Lucy nodded. I fetch out of the hot pot into a tiny dish and gave it to her. Just as she liked to exaggerate, she raised the plate to her nose and perceived it first. She let out a pleased sound and tasted out of it.

Her expression changed immediately after she placed the spoon in her mouth.