Chapter 2

The moment our eyes met my Master visibly stiffened. I swallowed back the taste of the purest hatred as I made a half bow before looking away and being pulled away by Angela. Once we had stepped outside those doors I felt my whole body lighten.

Phew... we made it!

"Miss Swan."

I heard his harsh voice call me back. Both Angela and I stopped in our tracks, and her grip on my hand tightened instantly. I squeezed back, afraid that she might lunge herself at the man.

I turned reluctantly, forcing myself to meet his gaze, "Y-yes, sir?"

We were too close. He could easily recoil his hand and lash out at me.

I was scared...

Story of your life, Bella!

I flinched when I saw his hand twitch— in anticipation? I prayed not. At least not with Angela so close by.

Stop fearing for everyone else! My common sense raged inside me.

He saw my reaction, and I swore his lips turned up at the corners, if only for a second, "Tell Newton that Sir Uley and Miss Young will be arriving earlier than expected, and to have the stables ready for their horses." Now he was definitely smirking, but it was a smirk that would undoubtedly plague my dreams— it was terrifying.

I nodded quickly, what else could I do?

I didn't realise I was still standing there, unmoving until his voice bellowed,

"Get going!" his roar caused both myself and Angela to jump. A vindictive smile played across his face as we bowed and ran off to the stables.

We didn't stop until we had actually reached the wide oak doors. Between us we pushed one door open and slipped inside. Mike was at our sides in a second, "Are you alright? I could hear that brute all the way over here!" He seemed to be examining me with his eyes. I blushed under such a scrutinizing gaze, embarrassed by his stare, and looked away.

Mike didn't seem pleased by my reaction, "He didn't... hurt you... did he?"

I shook my head, "He wouldn't. Not with Angela there... but I have to admit, for a second..." I almost shuddered as I remembered his hand twitch towards me. I walked further inside as Mike shut the doors behind us. Though it was dirty, and smelly, the stables were one of my favourite places on the Black Estate. I felt safest here.

Angela still looked unnerved, "I don't know how you do it..." she whispered after a second, but I ignored her, walking over to one of the many fine horses and stroking it gently. It let out a small sound of appreciation and I couldn't help but smile.

In a way, it was like me. Always pushed around by the same rough man that would harm myself. I felt a wave of pity for this poor creature. I bent down and picked up one of the grooming brushes, deciding that this beauty deserved a caring touch.

"I gotta admit," an unfamiliar male voice now spoke. I looked over to see the man hop down from the neatly stacked bales of hay he had been perched on, "I've heard Mike talk about how this guy treats you for a while now and, from what he's been sayin', your master sounds like the monster right out of a children's fairytale..."

I almost snorted at this comparison, And what did that make me then? The princess?

And if that was the case... was I supposed to just sit back waiting, for that day when my 'prince' would come?

The man was still talking, and I my attention politely returned to him, "But... I would have thought you'd look... tougher. No offence, but you don't seem like the kind of girl who could... survive the kind of beatings this pig seems to give you."

I winced at the word 'survive'.

Perhaps I wasn't the princess. Maybe I was just one of those prisoners... the one on the side that the monster would use as a sign to his followers, to make sure they knew never to cross him.

And if that was the case... then there would be no 'knight in shining armour' to take me away.

The stranger seemed to take my new expression as one of offence or hurt, and he quickly attempted to backtrack what he had said. I interrupted his babbling on about how brave he thought I was, by telling his assumptions were right.

"The first time was the worst but, like everything... you get kinda used to it." I was now lying through my teeth. Mike scowled at my words while Angela looked absolutely appalled.

But the man I was looking to simply shook his head. I knew that expression. He seemed to be contemplating my sanity. I used to see that expression often...

Every time I had looked at my reflection.

But I was not crazy.

This man could hit me, wound me, make me bleed...

But he would never damage my mind.

I'm much stronger than that. I knew it.

At least... I hoped.

Angela seemed to long for a change of topic, which I was delighted to go along with, "We've been told to expect our guests to arrive early, and to have the stables ready."

Both men snorted at this, causing Angela to snap around and face them, a glare ready. The stranger responded with a playful wink... and Angela was speechless. I watched as she suddenly seemed more aware of this man's presence. She began subconsciously fixing her apron, while now under the watchful gaze of this new friend.

I laughed quietly to myself, still rubbing down the stallion before me. Mike was suddenly at my side, he slowly placed his hand over my own, taking the brush from me gently. Unfortuantely, this was not the comfortable situation I was sure Mike believed it to be.

"We called you out here so you could rest." he insisted, but his voice was soft, "So go sit over there and be prepared to look busy incase that lazy bastard actually decides to check on us." he laughed lightly at the end, knowing that was not likely to happen.

I shrugged, and peacefully walked over to the small make-shift bench by the wall. Usually I would not stand for being treated differently but, now that I thought about it, my muscles were still a little sore from the night before, and Mike— as always— only had my best interests in mind.

"Don't worry, Angela," he continued, "We've had the stables ready since early this morning." He gestured to himself and his friend when he said 'we'.

Angela turned back to the other man once more, "You work here?" she sounded surprised, but I could have sworn I heard a joyous tone in her voice.

He shook his head, much to her subtle disappointment, "Nah, but the Lady of the house where I do work always lets me out, if she's not expecting to need a carriage."

I was caught off guard hearing about kindness from ones master was a foreign thing to me, "Where did you say you worked?" I asked bluntly.

"I didn't," he smirked, leaning against one of the stable doors, "The name's Ben Cheney by the way," he added with a wink, "And I work for the Cullen family. They live at Fairvale Manor."

"I'm so sorry!" I flushed with embarrassment at my own ignorance, standing up I made to bow while speaking, "I'm Isabella Swan, but please call me Bella."

Angela seemed to only realise our arrogance at that moment too and made to mimic myself, "My name's Angela Weber. It's a pleasure to meet you, Ben."

There was a brief pause before Angela exclaimed, "Wow... you work for the Cullens."

I did not know much about the Cullens. Angela had worked here far longer than I, and managed to fill me in on some of the basics about this wealthy neighbouring family.

Sir Carlisle and Lady Esme Cullen, the previous owners of the estate had given it to their youngest son after they passed away. It is said that though legally he owns the family home, he believes it to belong just as much his siblings , thus the three of them reside in the estate.

I had only ever seen but two of the Cullens; Emmet, the older brother; and Alice, their sister. I would see them occasionally. Whenever their was to be any kind of party at the house, they were always invited. Emmet was a strong built man, with a wild sense of humour from what I had heard. Alice Cullen was very spirited, though it was obvious— even to me— that she had a very kind heart.

I have never met the other brother. Edward... I think that was his name. I had only ever heard his siblings speak of him as I would pass by while serving them.

Though he was the owner of the estate, according to my very limited knowledge of the family, he was the one who spent the littlest of time at the house. Edward was a successful man in his occupation, and often his business took him out of town for long periods of time— or so his sister had said to my master once before.

"Yes, I think they'll be attending the Ball here tomorrow night too." Ben was now answering one of Mike's questions.

Both Angela and I turned to gape at Ben, "A Ball?!" Trust our master to leave preparation to us at the last second.

Ben nodded, looking apprehensive, "Is that a problem?"

I heaved a sigh, "Only if you have to lift a finger around here..."

Ben gave a small smile, showing us his pity. We quickly excused ourselves from the two men before running back to the Manor as quickly as we could. When we opened the doors we realised...

We were going to be very busy.

Maids lined one after the other seemed to be hauling vases of all sizes into the ballroom. Others were carrying in fresh meat and vegetables from the market in town. Angela and I swiftly went to aid the few girls working on polishing the floors and staircase.

"When did you find out?" I asked the young blonde girl beside me as I got down on my knees and began scrubbing the tiles.

"About an hour ago..." she grumbled, "He just marched around the house roaring at us to begin preparing."

I shook my head in disgust, "Foolish..." I muttered a word Mike would frequently use to describe our master.

"A-Are you alright?" she asked after a minute, "Do you not think you should be resting?" I knew what she was referring to, everyone knew. I politely shook my head,

"My absence would probably only make things worse." I answered truthfully.

She gave me the same sad smile as everybody else did, and I was beginning to get sick of it.

Just as I though my will was about to break— causing me to slap this completely unsuspecting girl— the front doors of the Manor were pulled open and all our eyes turned to the new guests.

Right on cue, Jacob appeared at the top of the staircase, "Sam, Emily! How wonderful it is to see you again! And together I might add." Our master quickly descended the stairs as he spoke, pausing for a second at the bottom to take in his two guests.

Sam strode over to greet Jacob with an outstretched hand, "It's been far too long, my friend. I know Emily's been dying to visit this wonderful estate for quite a while now, and I must admit I can't blame her. You do a fine job of keeping this place in the same stunning state each time I've ever visited."

Not too far from me, I could hear a young maid snort. Jacob must have heard too, as he shot a murderous look behind him before turning back to his guests, "Ah, you are too kind! I hope you enjoy your stay here. I have prepared a nice get together for tomorrow evening to mark your visit— don't worry, everything is taken care of," He clasped his hands together, "But I feel I must celebrate the engagement of two of my dearest friends."

At this Emily smiled, thanking Jacob, and adding that he was too kind.

"Nonsense! Now, you two must be exhausted." He pivoted around towards us, "Swan!"

I felt my heart jump. I quickly stood up, keeping my head down as I stood forward, "Sir?"

"Actually, Jacob," Sam began, "I think I'd rather stay down here for a while. I'm dying to take a better look at the house, but I think Emily might like to head to her room for a while."

Jacob nodded, walking toward me. He grabbed my upper arm, squeezing it tighter than necessary as he brought me over to his guests, "I want you to take this fine woman to her room, and show her nothing but your finest manners. Can you do that?" His voice was patronising, and I couldn't help my sarcastic reply.

"I believe I have been brought up well enough to..."

Before I could even finish, I felt a searing pain along the right side of my face. I gasped slightly as Jacob returned his hand to his side, "Then get. To. It. And don't let me hear you using that tone again, especially not with our guests."

I bit my lip, holding my tongue as I muttered an apology. I bowed to them before leading Miss Young upstairs. I could feel Jacob's stare follow me until I was out of sight. I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Emily seemed to remain a safe distance until she too was out of sight. After that I was surprised to find she quickened her pace, to be at my side.

"Miss Swan?" she called me quietly, and I turned on reflex.

"Yes, ma'am?"

It took the young woman a moment to reply, "A-Are you alright?"

I could not help but show my shock at being asked such a question. "Me?" I erupted after a brief pause. She nodded unsurely and I swore my jaw could have hit the floor.

"I-I'm fine... thank you ma'am." I bowed once more.

"I'm so sorry. I hate to see anyone treated in such a manor." I could hear the sympathy staining her voice.

I smiled lightly, choosing not to entertain the subject and quietly led her to her room, "Here you are. I hope you find everything to your liking. If you need anything, please just ask us."

"You are far to kind, Miss Swan."

I was— yet again— taken aback by this woman.

"N-no problem." I stuttered before leaving Emily alone to settle in.

Once I was down the hall, I shook myself of the strange feeling that seemed to want to take over me. I think I felt equal...

No, I must be mistaken.

But I could see Angela's weary expression as I returned downstairs, and that feeling soon disappeared once again, replaced by the firm grasp of reality.

I would forever be just the maid.

I awoke early the next morning and decided to assist those in the kitchen with the breakfast. I stifled a yawn while I beat the eggs. As I expected, that murderous smirk from the previous day had been in my nightmares.

Jacob had not summoned me that night. I knew he had been with his friend Sam until late, and I couldn't help but wonder if maybe Miss Young had something to do with her fiancé's keeping Jacob occupied for the entire evening.

I shook my head of such absurd thoughts. Either way, I was thankful. Despite the nightmares, I had not slept that well in quite some time.

I helped bring out the breakfast as my Master, his father, and his friends all took their seats. I noticed Emily smile at me as I set down her plate and I could not help but blush at the unusual friendliness I was being shown.

I quickly took my seat with the rest of the help once I had finished. I could hear the others talking with high spirits and I over heard a name which seemed to trigger some hidden response, "Yes, Sir Edward Cullen will even be arriving tonight. Oh won't that be exciting! He's a fine young man, wouldn't you say?"

I smiled shaking my head lightly as I looked away. I turned my attention to the front table where Sam and Emily were now exchanging loving gestures. My eyes flickered to my master to see him staring possessively in my direction. I felt a shiver run down my spine but Mike called me away, "Bella?"

"Yes?"

Mike smirked, relieved that I had actually responded, "Do you want to take the horses out with myself and Ben later?" he grinned as my face noticeably lit up, "We have two extra since the guests arrived, and they asked that we might take them out once a day, so...?"

"Yes of course!" I almost squealed.

"Excellent. Grab Angela after breakfast then and meet us outside."

Once breakfast was over I quickly collected up as many plates as I could and brought them into the kitchen. I tore Angela away as soon as I could to tell her about the afternoon's 'jobs'. She seemed just as pleased as I was about the idea.

We left the dining room and just when I thought my good mood couldn't be faltered I heard it.

"Miss Swan?"

Oh why did it have to be my name? Not that I would wish any other name to flow from his lips in such a tone. I could almost feel myself begin to cry as I turned around, "Yes, sir?"

Jacob stood tall, his arms folded across his chest as he stared me down. But I held my ground.

This did not please him.

"I will be requiring your... assistance to prepare for tonight's celebrations. You will meet me in my quarters at five o'clock this evening, sharp."

I gulped nervously, but kept my stare firm as I nodded in acknowledgement, "As you wish, sir."

I swiftly turned around and marched out of the house. Once again, any hope for a good day had been crushed. But when I looked over to see Angela's face holding the same nervous expression that I should have, I realised that— at the least— I could pretend I was still in high spirits.

As we neared Mike and Ben, I suddenly swung round and grabbed Angela's hand. Pulling her along as we ran towards them.

"Come on!" I beamed excitedly, "Lets get up on these beauties."