2 Settling In.

Emily knocked on the door again, wondering why they hadn't opened up. She'd been at the entrance of the door for minutes, knocking.

"Hello? Aunt Barbara? Cousin Verona?" Emily called again, but to no avail. She picked up her phone and began to dial their numbers again.

Finally, a slender pretty woman with elegant curves opened up, her eyes gleaming with immense hatred. 

Emily swallowed. "I'm so sorry, aunty. I've just been knocking over and over and no one was around to open up."

Her aunty had not age a bit. Her cousin on the other hand was ten years older than she had been the last time she saw her. She was pretty though with skin that radiated beauty. Long brown hair and sexy full lips.

Emily smiled to say hi as soon as she'd been led inside, but her cousin had instantly hissed and walked away from her sight.

"Is she in a bad mood? I didn't mean to intrude." She said, hoping for a form of soothing words from her aunty.

"Your whole presence is an intrusion. Gather your things and come with me." Barbara commanded, not minding to help Emily carry one of her bags.

Emily dragged her bags and was led into the basement. It was chilly and dark and dusty too.

"Here would have to do, right?" Barbara snickered.

What could Emily say? She had no choice! 

A smile worked its way over to her face. "It is perfect, aunt Barbara--"

"That is 'madam' to you. It's not a must you tell the entire household we're related." She corrected and Emily frowned.

"But we are related." 

Barbara growled. "The maids will bring breakfast for you once it's ready. Stay here and feel at home."

Something hissed and ran under her legs straight into a hole Emily never knew was there. A picture frame that was hung on the wall fell and shattered. 

"Goodluck." Barbara said then shut the door on her way out.

Everywhere was silent again. Emily heaved in deeply and cursed herself for ever telling her mother her net worth. Now, she had taken everything from her leaving her with no place to stay!

"You'll remain here for just a month or so. Get a job, make some money and rent a new house! Easy peasy." She said to herself and something hissed again. "Please, save me lord."

***

It had been nearly a week after Emily had settled in, but it felt like a year. Her aunt and cousin were the worst people one could live with and she wondered how they tolerated each other! She needed a job, and fast!

That morning, she picked up her phone and sent an email to Jake, telling him they were to finalize their divorce at the court in a week's time. Then she replied to some emails and took it as a medium to apply for more jobs as well.

Her applications were in review and she could only hope for the best.

Noon came and she still hadn't received any meal as promised by her aunt. She took it as an opportunity to leave her room and wander the whole house.

Everywhere was neat and tidy and big too, but at last, she was able to locate the dining room. Her aunt and cousin were enjoying a snack on the table.

"Can I join you?" Emily forced a smile to appear on her face. Her stomach growled of hunger.

Again, Verona got up and was leaving when Emily rushed forward to meet her. 

"We used to be friends, Verona. Why the silence?" She didn't know why they would grow up and suddenly become enemies!

A hot slap landed on her face. Emily brought her hands up to gently caress her face. 

"How dare you try to touch me, you poor commoner! Mother, this is your fault!" 

Emily turned to face her aunt, hoping that she would scold her daughter for being barbaric! But Barbara said nothing.

"Because you're here does not make us equal, do you understand that? You will respect me and treat me right because I am your master, and you'll always be a low life servant just like your mother." Verona hissed.

The blood in Emily's veins boiled and she had to really hold in the urge not to retaliate with the slap. She remembered that she needed a place to stay. She couldn't go back to meet Jake! He didn't care about her again...he didn't respect her and so she needed to add value to her life.

So she kept quiet and said nothing.

"Verona, try not to hit her like that in public. What would people think!" Barbara said, frowning at Emily. "Don't make her ruin your reputation."

"Yes mother. But no one is watching us now." Verona said, still glaring at Emily like she had more of those slaps installed for her.

"I need a job. I want to support however I can." Emily forced the words to come out. Her hands gripped the side of her clothes into a tight squeeze but she couldn't get mad. Not in their presence.

"My daughter can arrange a job for you." Barbara said.

Verona pouted. "Do I look like an agent? She can find her job herself!"

"I know. I have applied too, it's just that I thought maybe you could use your connections to help me get a decent job." Emily added. "I'm a graduate and I have my Masters even. I am also very diligent and hardworking."

"But of course we can!" Exclaimed Barbara. "Remember the vacancy that is open at your workplace, Verona?" Asked Barbara.

She didn't understand before, but soon, Verona was grinning wildly. "Yes mother, I remember. We resume work tomorrow morning then." 

"If you're hungry, work for the meal." Barbara said. "Go to the kitchen, there must be some dirty dishes in there. And sweep the kitchen too, and the passage. Make yourself useful."

Emily couldn't believe her eyes. But they had maids who did those jobs! She said nothing but began to wonder if she had not made the biggest mistake of her life by leaving Jake.

The next morning, Emily was all dressed and excited for the day's job. She was in the car with Verona now. The ride was silent all through but Emily wasn't complaining. 

Finally, they stopped at a very big firm. Emily came down and was led inside the building. She was happy that after their bullying, they had considered her working in such a big firm.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity, Verona. I'm so glad." Emily said, showing her gratitude.

Verona said nothing but kept on walking. People greeted her left and right as she strode into the center of the building. She stopped at the receptionist desk and smiled to a plump woman on duty.

"Good morning, madam Verona." 

"Morning, Holly." Replied Verona. "We have a new staff in town."

"Oh this pretty lady? Welcome aboard ma'am." Holly said, smiling at Emily.

Emily's teeth were out in a wild happy grin. "Thank you so much!"

"Hey, Douglas!" Holly yelled out and a middle aged man ran forward. "You have a new member on the team."

Verona's smile was wild and never faltered. "Emily, this is Douglas. He's a cleaner. Take the broom from him and resume your duty."

"Wait, broom? Duty? I don't understand..." Emily's face contorted into a heavy frown.

"Simple English, dear." Verona chuckled. "You're the new cleaner!"