"Elizabeth, you are crazy" Julie said and leaned against the door frame, shaking her head.

"It's just a job, Julie" Elizabeth answered and went looking for her keys. Julie sighed.

"You are one of the world's foremost negotiators, Elizabeth, you work for the United Nations and yet you accepted a job as a...housemaid?" Elizabeth turned to her friend and sighed heavily.

"I need a break, Julie. I've been held captive in Namibia for two months. I just...I need time and I won't find that time when I continue working for the UN. I'm not going to quit my job, I love it too much to do so, but I just...can't go back there, not yet" Elizabeth said, suppressing a shudder when she thought about her time in Namibia.

"I understand that, I really do, but you could have had any job in the world and yet you want to serve other people? Bring them drinks and make their beds?" Julie asked and raised an eyebrow at her.

"Yes, I want to do that. I know you don't understand it, nobody does. My father calls every day and tries to talk me into working for him at his company, but I don't want that. For once in my life I want a normal job. No responsibilities for the lives of others, not being scared of losing my own life. I knew what it meant to become a negotiator, I knew the risks and I don't regret my choice, but I just want..." she broke off and looked at her friend.

Julie Stevens was her best friend since high school. She was a photographer and had her own studio. They were both sharing an apartment in Washington D.C. for about four years now.

"Give me time" Elizabeth said and Julie nodded slowly.

"Of course, I just want to make sure you're ok and happy. That's all I want, ok? Now, how's this family you're going to work for?"

"I don't know. I've just talked to the caretaker, Mr. Robbins. He's responsible for the staff. I haven't seen one of the Sheppard's yet" Elizabeth shrugged and took her bag from the kitchen table.

"They have a caretaker? That sounds like they have a big house" Elizabeth laughed.

"Yes, it is pretty impressive. Looks a bit like my father's summer residence in Italy, just bigger" she said and walked towards Julie who was still leaning at the kitchen door. "I'll be fine" she assured and gave her a quick hug.

"Of course you will be. I expect you'll be back for dinner tonight, right? I'm going to cook and you are going to tell me everything about your first day as a housemaid"


A/N: Ok, this is my first FF ever and English isn't my first language either, so please bear with me. I hope you enjoy it.