Barriers To Love
charmedhay@softhome.net
The sky was filled with dark storm clouds, their impending doom casting a sombre atmosphere over the already heartbreaking scene. Threatening thunder overshadowed high-pitched cries and the desperate voices from the small children were all but ignored. Dust blew into their faces as the horse and carriages grew closer, two tiny hands gripping each other in a determination not to be parted. Strong, hardened fingers gripped their waists and pulled them apart, not a single word uttered in response to their pleas.
"Prue!" Piper's choked voice screamed, fighting against the arms that held her back. Her six-year-old body barely strong enough to make the grown man tighten his grip.
"It's okay Piper." Prue yelled, kicking as hard as she could and breaking through the strangle hold on her. "I'll find you I promise." She exclaimed before being roughly pulled away again. "Be good and never forget my promise!" She yelled a final time before being bundled into the carriage and taken away from her sister.
Piper's body stopped struggling and she collapsed in tears as she searched the glass windows for any sign of a wave goodbye, but she received none. Finally defeated, she walked willingly to the family that would steal her childhood and break her wavering spirit. She was now, a wealthy family's servant. At six years old, she had been purchased for a lifetime of slavery, to be trained and reared as such.
Curled up against the carriage door, Piper closed her eyes and let silent tears trickle constantly down her cheeks, her heart racing in time with the horse's hooves. Just two days ago, they'd been enthusiastic and carefree children.
IChasing each other through long blades of grass and tumbling into their parents in fits of laughter, earning hugs and kisses for just being children. Then the sun had begun to set that beautiful warm day, dusk slowly setting in before darkness replaced the brightness of day. Prue and Piper were running along the dirt track, following closely behind the carriage that carried their parents, trying not to step outside the thin wheel tracks. Their laughter halted immediately when one of the horses reared on its hind legs before collapsing to the ground. The carriage appeared to disintegrate, pieces falling to the ground followed closely by two bodies.
"Mama!" Piper screamed, rushing forward to the clutter where two horses, a carriage and two humans lay in a tangled chaotic mess.
"Piper no!" Prue followed closely behind, holding her sister back from the kicking horses. "We have to get help." She gripped Piper's hand and they ran to the nearest house, hysterically trying to raise awareness. Less than ten minutes later the girls were led away from the gathered crowd and into a nearby home. Their parent's death quickly and detachedly explained; the girls left to huddle together, confused and scared./I
Piper was jerked out of her reverie by a significant pull at her arm. "You will listen to me child, do you understand? I will not repeat myself."
"Yes Ma'am." Piper nodded, her voice barely a whisper; salty tracks stained on her pale cheeks.
"Enough tears girl. What done is done, you are ours now. You were cheap…" The woman trailed off thoughtfully, tipping Piper's chin up with her fingers. "But you are young, we can teach you to act as we please. And you will never disobey us, you hear?"
"Yes Ma'am." Piper repeated, nodding her head submissively.
"Then we'll get along just fine."
They had arrived home just minutes before Piper was ordered out to fetch some water, a large can placed in her arms and she was pointed in the general direction. She found the pump and began to draw water into the pale, needing to use her entire body weight to be successful. Her eyes drifted around the land, peering into the bushes and catching just a glimpse of a young boy. "Hello?" Piper called out innocently, her curiosity peaked.
A perfectly dressed boy slipped out from behind a large tree, his sandy blond hair falling in his eyes and a large grin lighting up his face. He was a few older than Piper, his body a little bigger and stronger. He stared at her for a few seconds before frowning and running back into the bushes. "No! Wait! Come back, please?" Piper yelled in his wake, jumping as a firm hand pulled at her plait.
"You will not speak when you are working! And you will not socialise with any other children! Leo is not a boy you will ever communicate with." She felt her skin burn as her new Ifather /I slapped her upper legs with his palm and placed the heavy water in her arms. "Return to the house at once, you must help the maids to prepare supper." With a fresh flow of tears, Piper struggled to return to the house, casting only a brief glance at the spot where Leo had stood.
Part 1
Piper felt arms slip around her waist and a kiss pressed to her cheek. "Happy birthday day Piper! God bless you child." Piper grinned and turned to wrap her arms around one of the other maids before returning automatically to her work preparing brunch.
"Thank you." She said with a smile as birthday wishes reverberated around the kitchen.
"Eight years old Piper. You're growing up so quickly." An elderly lady stated, slipping her hands over Piper's and stopping them from working. "Why the sad face?" She questioned as Piper's face fell.
"Prue would be ten years old now, do you think she will come for me soon?" The staff that had gathered shared a glance, their eyes brimming with tears at Piper's optimism. She had become like their own child, a tiny ray of sunlight when their lives seemed so mundane and pointless.
"We have a gift for you Piper. We only wish is could be made of gold and not twine." A tiny box was placed in Piper's hands and her eyes widened in shock.
"A gift?"
"Yes. Just for you. Now open it, quickly!"
Piper's tiny hands worked at opening the box and a gasp escaped her throat when she lifted a delicately crafted necklace with her fingertips. "It's beautiful." She whispered, staring at the small emerald gem that hung on the plaited string.
"That was my wife's Piper. It's real." Piper's eyes shone and she grinned before throwing her arms around the old man's neck and adoringly placing a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you! Thank you all!" She exclaimed. "Could you tie it around my neck please? And tightly, I want to wear it forever."
The necklace was just tied in a tight knot when a loud noise jerked them all to attention. "Enough! I do not pay you to stand around doing nothing all morning! Why are you not working? Piper? I thought I directed you to pick some fresh fruit."
"I'm sorry Mother." Piper stumbled, fearful of the wooden spoon that was clenched in the bitter woman's hand. "We only stopped for a minute. It's…It's my birthday." Her hard eyes bore into Piper's and her face flushed with anger. "I am sorry Mother." Piper repeated, grabbing a basket. "I will go collect the fruit now."
"Very well." She nodded, tapping the spoon impatiently on the bench. "You can go without supper this evening." Piper nodded obediently and hung her head as she slipped silently out of the kitchen and into the yard, beginning the ten-minute walk to fruit trees.
Soft tears trickled down her cheeks and dried quickly as the morning sun beat down on her face. Two years had brought her little, the family had become harder on her as she got older, increasing her chores and placing more pressure on her. Piper slept in a corner of a large room with the other live-in servants and as the days passed so did the dreams of the first six years of her life. The happy images of her parents and Prue were all but forgotten, erased by time and a will not to live in the past and regret the present.
She arrived at the countless rows of apple and orange trees, watching jealously as a handful of excited children weaved happily through them. Piper diligently picked fruit and tried to ignore the taunts as the children danced around her, teasing and yelling.
"Nice dress poor girl. How old is it?"
"You have such pretty hair for a pauper. What a waste!"
"Where's your Mama and Papa? Working too?"
"Come tie my shoelace poor girl!"
Piper continued to ignore them, watching Leo standing off to the side completely avoiding his friend's antics. He caught her gaze momentarily and gave a small smile, having given her a similar notion, countless times in the past two years. Piper quickly whipped her eyes away and refocussed on her task.
"Do you think that the girl wants that fruit in the basket? Wouldn't it be better spread over the grass?"
"I think it would! All those apples and oranges deserve to be free."
Their laughter pierced the air as they ran toward Piper, kicking the basket that lay on the grass and throwing the fruit in every direction.
"Leo! Help us!"
Leo scowled and looked away, disgusted at his friend's actions. "Leave her alone." He muttered as Piper's lower lip trembled.
"Leo's in love with a poor girl!" They all erupted in laughter again before running away, their taunts slowly fading.
Piper stood frozen for a few seconds, staring at the scattered fruit and trying unsuccessfully to keep a single tear from falling. "It's okay Piper. I'll help you." Leo said quietly, retrieving the basket and setting it back at Piper's feet.
"I'm supposed to be back, she'll be angry." Piper blurted out, staring back at Leo apprehensively.
"We'll get them picked quickly, it's going to be alright." Leo assured, rolling up his sleeves undoing his collar.
"You can go with your friends you know. I don't need your help." Piper roughly wiped at her cheeks and started to pick some more fruit.
"But you just said…"
"I don't know what you want from me Leo Wyatt. But I don't have anything to offer and I don't need your pity." Piper stated proudly, mimicking the older staff.
"I didn't mean anything Piper. I just want to help." Piper widened her eyes at him. "I promise okay. I'm not like them." Leo indicated to where his friends had run off.
"Alright. But don't tell anyone, I was forbidden from ever speaking with you." Leo nodded and they silently collected enough fruit to fill the basket. "Would you like me to carry it?" Leo asked politely.
"No!" Piper exclaimed strongly. "I can carry it."
"Okay." Piper nodded and turned away, the basket hoisted to her hip. "Piper?" Piper turned back to face him. "I'm sorry about my friends, they just don't understand."
"And you do?" Piper asked bitterly, shrugging her shoulders and disappearing through the trees and towards the house. Leo slipped through behind her and sat hidden amongst the bushes, watching her struggle with the heavy load through the long grass and into a side door. Despite her spoiled dress and dirty face, Leo saw beyond it all. His pre-teenage eyes saw a beautiful smile and deep personality, a whole unopened world behind the hardened expression. He would find what was behind those fearful eyes…one day.
Part 2
Leo walked silently through the paddocks that surrounded his father's house, staring absentmindedly ahead of him. He moved slowly towards the neighbouring grounds, his eyes breaking their stare intermittently in search of Piper. The years had seen a small, but noticeable improvement in their contact. The mutual admiration had progressed to a few small words and on occasion, a short conversation. But it was today when he especially needed to see her, to be brightened by her smile and enthusiasm for life. Just as the sun had begun to rise that morning, Leo's father had died. Just as quickly as darkness turned to light, he had slipped away in his sleep, leaving behind Leo as his only legacy. By default he had inherited his father's home and business, with no choice but to carry on the role that was expected of him.
After hours passed and Leo saw no sign of Piper, he reluctantly returned home. The house was bordering on chaotic as many of the house staff packed and prepared to leave. Muttering only a few words of condolence to Leo and begging for his understanding. For years they had served his father and to contemplate continuing on in his wake, was barely a consideration. So, Leo watched regretfully as they tearfully filed out, leaving only a few staff behind.
"Leo? If I may offer a suggestion?"
"Yes Maree." Leo nodded his approval.
"It has become common knowledge that the Halliwell girl is for sale. Perhaps you could consider purchasing her, as there is now a shortage of staff." The woman smiled slightly; despite Leo's constant insistence, they were well aware of his love for their neighbour.
"There is plenty of suitable staff available, why would I choose Piper?"
"I've heard she's a good worker and perhaps she would be good company for you Sir. She is just three years younger than you."
"She's barely eighteen Maree, and whatever would she see in me? She's made it perfectly clear she wishes not to be a part of my life." Leo exclaimed to the woman that knew him better than anyone else; she had raised Leo since he was just a young child.
"You must give her a chance Leo. She is probably afraid of you, of your wealth and stature. She's just a young girl that has known nothing but orders and pain. She needs to trust and get to know you."
Leo stared back momentarily, considering his options. "Perhaps I will go and make an offer. If only to get her away from that ridiculous family she has been raised by."
"You're a good boy Leo. You have made your father very proud." Leo gave a small smile and nodded before leaving through the back door.
~&~
Just two days later, Piper entered Leo's house, her only bag hoisted over her shoulder. Leo met her in the foyer, reaching to take her bag but withdrawing his hand when she immediately stepped back. "I am capable of carrying my own bag thank you." Piper explained quickly.
"Of course." Leo nodded. "I will show you to your room and then around the house."
"Yes Sir." Piper agreed and Leo smiled.
"Please Piper. All the staff here call me Leo. I am not one for formalities." Piper gave him a quizzical look before shrugging her shoulders and nodding her agreement, following him down a hall of bedrooms. "This is where you will be sleeping, if there is anything else you need I am more than willing to compensate." Leo explained, opening the door to reveal a large bedroom, filled with furniture and lined with windows.
Piper stood motionless in shock for a minute before turning to Leo. "Is this where all of the staff sleep?"
"No Piper. Everyone has their own rooms, this is yours." Leo smiled.
"I couldn't possibly…" Piper trailed off, her eyes wide in amazement.
"Don't be ridiculous Piper. Anyone who works for me must feel comfortable and at ease. Is there anything else you would like? I could arrange fresh flowers daily if you wish."
"No. This is more than enough." Piper laid her bag next to the bed and turned back to Leo. "I expect you will be giving me an outline of my tasks today."
Leo gave a small laugh. "That can wait a few days, you can just take your time settling in."
"Please, I am here to work for you. I want to do so."
"Piper." Leo took a few steps to stand in front of her. "It's going to be different here. I don't expect you to work until you are exhausted, I appreciate all the work that my staff do and you are no exception. I don't ever want you to hate being here." Leo watched her stare back at him, her eyes full of fear and uncertainty. "I will pay you a wage and you can choose two days to have off a week. Your hours are always negotiable, as are the chores you complete."
Piper gave a nervous smile. "You'll have to excuse me if this takes a little while to adapt to. I'm not used to such luxuries." Leo grimaced slightly; they were such small entitlements and not even close to being a luxury.
"I'll leave you to get settled in and we can talk more later. Anything you need, please let me know Piper."
"Thank you Sir." Piper whispered in amazement.
"It's Leo." He grinned and Piper couldn't resist a small smile.
"Thank you Leo."
tbc
charmedhay@softhome.net
The sky was filled with dark storm clouds, their impending doom casting a sombre atmosphere over the already heartbreaking scene. Threatening thunder overshadowed high-pitched cries and the desperate voices from the small children were all but ignored. Dust blew into their faces as the horse and carriages grew closer, two tiny hands gripping each other in a determination not to be parted. Strong, hardened fingers gripped their waists and pulled them apart, not a single word uttered in response to their pleas.
"Prue!" Piper's choked voice screamed, fighting against the arms that held her back. Her six-year-old body barely strong enough to make the grown man tighten his grip.
"It's okay Piper." Prue yelled, kicking as hard as she could and breaking through the strangle hold on her. "I'll find you I promise." She exclaimed before being roughly pulled away again. "Be good and never forget my promise!" She yelled a final time before being bundled into the carriage and taken away from her sister.
Piper's body stopped struggling and she collapsed in tears as she searched the glass windows for any sign of a wave goodbye, but she received none. Finally defeated, she walked willingly to the family that would steal her childhood and break her wavering spirit. She was now, a wealthy family's servant. At six years old, she had been purchased for a lifetime of slavery, to be trained and reared as such.
Curled up against the carriage door, Piper closed her eyes and let silent tears trickle constantly down her cheeks, her heart racing in time with the horse's hooves. Just two days ago, they'd been enthusiastic and carefree children.
IChasing each other through long blades of grass and tumbling into their parents in fits of laughter, earning hugs and kisses for just being children. Then the sun had begun to set that beautiful warm day, dusk slowly setting in before darkness replaced the brightness of day. Prue and Piper were running along the dirt track, following closely behind the carriage that carried their parents, trying not to step outside the thin wheel tracks. Their laughter halted immediately when one of the horses reared on its hind legs before collapsing to the ground. The carriage appeared to disintegrate, pieces falling to the ground followed closely by two bodies.
"Mama!" Piper screamed, rushing forward to the clutter where two horses, a carriage and two humans lay in a tangled chaotic mess.
"Piper no!" Prue followed closely behind, holding her sister back from the kicking horses. "We have to get help." She gripped Piper's hand and they ran to the nearest house, hysterically trying to raise awareness. Less than ten minutes later the girls were led away from the gathered crowd and into a nearby home. Their parent's death quickly and detachedly explained; the girls left to huddle together, confused and scared./I
Piper was jerked out of her reverie by a significant pull at her arm. "You will listen to me child, do you understand? I will not repeat myself."
"Yes Ma'am." Piper nodded, her voice barely a whisper; salty tracks stained on her pale cheeks.
"Enough tears girl. What done is done, you are ours now. You were cheap…" The woman trailed off thoughtfully, tipping Piper's chin up with her fingers. "But you are young, we can teach you to act as we please. And you will never disobey us, you hear?"
"Yes Ma'am." Piper repeated, nodding her head submissively.
"Then we'll get along just fine."
They had arrived home just minutes before Piper was ordered out to fetch some water, a large can placed in her arms and she was pointed in the general direction. She found the pump and began to draw water into the pale, needing to use her entire body weight to be successful. Her eyes drifted around the land, peering into the bushes and catching just a glimpse of a young boy. "Hello?" Piper called out innocently, her curiosity peaked.
A perfectly dressed boy slipped out from behind a large tree, his sandy blond hair falling in his eyes and a large grin lighting up his face. He was a few older than Piper, his body a little bigger and stronger. He stared at her for a few seconds before frowning and running back into the bushes. "No! Wait! Come back, please?" Piper yelled in his wake, jumping as a firm hand pulled at her plait.
"You will not speak when you are working! And you will not socialise with any other children! Leo is not a boy you will ever communicate with." She felt her skin burn as her new Ifather /I slapped her upper legs with his palm and placed the heavy water in her arms. "Return to the house at once, you must help the maids to prepare supper." With a fresh flow of tears, Piper struggled to return to the house, casting only a brief glance at the spot where Leo had stood.
Part 1
Piper felt arms slip around her waist and a kiss pressed to her cheek. "Happy birthday day Piper! God bless you child." Piper grinned and turned to wrap her arms around one of the other maids before returning automatically to her work preparing brunch.
"Thank you." She said with a smile as birthday wishes reverberated around the kitchen.
"Eight years old Piper. You're growing up so quickly." An elderly lady stated, slipping her hands over Piper's and stopping them from working. "Why the sad face?" She questioned as Piper's face fell.
"Prue would be ten years old now, do you think she will come for me soon?" The staff that had gathered shared a glance, their eyes brimming with tears at Piper's optimism. She had become like their own child, a tiny ray of sunlight when their lives seemed so mundane and pointless.
"We have a gift for you Piper. We only wish is could be made of gold and not twine." A tiny box was placed in Piper's hands and her eyes widened in shock.
"A gift?"
"Yes. Just for you. Now open it, quickly!"
Piper's tiny hands worked at opening the box and a gasp escaped her throat when she lifted a delicately crafted necklace with her fingertips. "It's beautiful." She whispered, staring at the small emerald gem that hung on the plaited string.
"That was my wife's Piper. It's real." Piper's eyes shone and she grinned before throwing her arms around the old man's neck and adoringly placing a kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you! Thank you all!" She exclaimed. "Could you tie it around my neck please? And tightly, I want to wear it forever."
The necklace was just tied in a tight knot when a loud noise jerked them all to attention. "Enough! I do not pay you to stand around doing nothing all morning! Why are you not working? Piper? I thought I directed you to pick some fresh fruit."
"I'm sorry Mother." Piper stumbled, fearful of the wooden spoon that was clenched in the bitter woman's hand. "We only stopped for a minute. It's…It's my birthday." Her hard eyes bore into Piper's and her face flushed with anger. "I am sorry Mother." Piper repeated, grabbing a basket. "I will go collect the fruit now."
"Very well." She nodded, tapping the spoon impatiently on the bench. "You can go without supper this evening." Piper nodded obediently and hung her head as she slipped silently out of the kitchen and into the yard, beginning the ten-minute walk to fruit trees.
Soft tears trickled down her cheeks and dried quickly as the morning sun beat down on her face. Two years had brought her little, the family had become harder on her as she got older, increasing her chores and placing more pressure on her. Piper slept in a corner of a large room with the other live-in servants and as the days passed so did the dreams of the first six years of her life. The happy images of her parents and Prue were all but forgotten, erased by time and a will not to live in the past and regret the present.
She arrived at the countless rows of apple and orange trees, watching jealously as a handful of excited children weaved happily through them. Piper diligently picked fruit and tried to ignore the taunts as the children danced around her, teasing and yelling.
"Nice dress poor girl. How old is it?"
"You have such pretty hair for a pauper. What a waste!"
"Where's your Mama and Papa? Working too?"
"Come tie my shoelace poor girl!"
Piper continued to ignore them, watching Leo standing off to the side completely avoiding his friend's antics. He caught her gaze momentarily and gave a small smile, having given her a similar notion, countless times in the past two years. Piper quickly whipped her eyes away and refocussed on her task.
"Do you think that the girl wants that fruit in the basket? Wouldn't it be better spread over the grass?"
"I think it would! All those apples and oranges deserve to be free."
Their laughter pierced the air as they ran toward Piper, kicking the basket that lay on the grass and throwing the fruit in every direction.
"Leo! Help us!"
Leo scowled and looked away, disgusted at his friend's actions. "Leave her alone." He muttered as Piper's lower lip trembled.
"Leo's in love with a poor girl!" They all erupted in laughter again before running away, their taunts slowly fading.
Piper stood frozen for a few seconds, staring at the scattered fruit and trying unsuccessfully to keep a single tear from falling. "It's okay Piper. I'll help you." Leo said quietly, retrieving the basket and setting it back at Piper's feet.
"I'm supposed to be back, she'll be angry." Piper blurted out, staring back at Leo apprehensively.
"We'll get them picked quickly, it's going to be alright." Leo assured, rolling up his sleeves undoing his collar.
"You can go with your friends you know. I don't need your help." Piper roughly wiped at her cheeks and started to pick some more fruit.
"But you just said…"
"I don't know what you want from me Leo Wyatt. But I don't have anything to offer and I don't need your pity." Piper stated proudly, mimicking the older staff.
"I didn't mean anything Piper. I just want to help." Piper widened her eyes at him. "I promise okay. I'm not like them." Leo indicated to where his friends had run off.
"Alright. But don't tell anyone, I was forbidden from ever speaking with you." Leo nodded and they silently collected enough fruit to fill the basket. "Would you like me to carry it?" Leo asked politely.
"No!" Piper exclaimed strongly. "I can carry it."
"Okay." Piper nodded and turned away, the basket hoisted to her hip. "Piper?" Piper turned back to face him. "I'm sorry about my friends, they just don't understand."
"And you do?" Piper asked bitterly, shrugging her shoulders and disappearing through the trees and towards the house. Leo slipped through behind her and sat hidden amongst the bushes, watching her struggle with the heavy load through the long grass and into a side door. Despite her spoiled dress and dirty face, Leo saw beyond it all. His pre-teenage eyes saw a beautiful smile and deep personality, a whole unopened world behind the hardened expression. He would find what was behind those fearful eyes…one day.
Part 2
Leo walked silently through the paddocks that surrounded his father's house, staring absentmindedly ahead of him. He moved slowly towards the neighbouring grounds, his eyes breaking their stare intermittently in search of Piper. The years had seen a small, but noticeable improvement in their contact. The mutual admiration had progressed to a few small words and on occasion, a short conversation. But it was today when he especially needed to see her, to be brightened by her smile and enthusiasm for life. Just as the sun had begun to rise that morning, Leo's father had died. Just as quickly as darkness turned to light, he had slipped away in his sleep, leaving behind Leo as his only legacy. By default he had inherited his father's home and business, with no choice but to carry on the role that was expected of him.
After hours passed and Leo saw no sign of Piper, he reluctantly returned home. The house was bordering on chaotic as many of the house staff packed and prepared to leave. Muttering only a few words of condolence to Leo and begging for his understanding. For years they had served his father and to contemplate continuing on in his wake, was barely a consideration. So, Leo watched regretfully as they tearfully filed out, leaving only a few staff behind.
"Leo? If I may offer a suggestion?"
"Yes Maree." Leo nodded his approval.
"It has become common knowledge that the Halliwell girl is for sale. Perhaps you could consider purchasing her, as there is now a shortage of staff." The woman smiled slightly; despite Leo's constant insistence, they were well aware of his love for their neighbour.
"There is plenty of suitable staff available, why would I choose Piper?"
"I've heard she's a good worker and perhaps she would be good company for you Sir. She is just three years younger than you."
"She's barely eighteen Maree, and whatever would she see in me? She's made it perfectly clear she wishes not to be a part of my life." Leo exclaimed to the woman that knew him better than anyone else; she had raised Leo since he was just a young child.
"You must give her a chance Leo. She is probably afraid of you, of your wealth and stature. She's just a young girl that has known nothing but orders and pain. She needs to trust and get to know you."
Leo stared back momentarily, considering his options. "Perhaps I will go and make an offer. If only to get her away from that ridiculous family she has been raised by."
"You're a good boy Leo. You have made your father very proud." Leo gave a small smile and nodded before leaving through the back door.
~&~
Just two days later, Piper entered Leo's house, her only bag hoisted over her shoulder. Leo met her in the foyer, reaching to take her bag but withdrawing his hand when she immediately stepped back. "I am capable of carrying my own bag thank you." Piper explained quickly.
"Of course." Leo nodded. "I will show you to your room and then around the house."
"Yes Sir." Piper agreed and Leo smiled.
"Please Piper. All the staff here call me Leo. I am not one for formalities." Piper gave him a quizzical look before shrugging her shoulders and nodding her agreement, following him down a hall of bedrooms. "This is where you will be sleeping, if there is anything else you need I am more than willing to compensate." Leo explained, opening the door to reveal a large bedroom, filled with furniture and lined with windows.
Piper stood motionless in shock for a minute before turning to Leo. "Is this where all of the staff sleep?"
"No Piper. Everyone has their own rooms, this is yours." Leo smiled.
"I couldn't possibly…" Piper trailed off, her eyes wide in amazement.
"Don't be ridiculous Piper. Anyone who works for me must feel comfortable and at ease. Is there anything else you would like? I could arrange fresh flowers daily if you wish."
"No. This is more than enough." Piper laid her bag next to the bed and turned back to Leo. "I expect you will be giving me an outline of my tasks today."
Leo gave a small laugh. "That can wait a few days, you can just take your time settling in."
"Please, I am here to work for you. I want to do so."
"Piper." Leo took a few steps to stand in front of her. "It's going to be different here. I don't expect you to work until you are exhausted, I appreciate all the work that my staff do and you are no exception. I don't ever want you to hate being here." Leo watched her stare back at him, her eyes full of fear and uncertainty. "I will pay you a wage and you can choose two days to have off a week. Your hours are always negotiable, as are the chores you complete."
Piper gave a nervous smile. "You'll have to excuse me if this takes a little while to adapt to. I'm not used to such luxuries." Leo grimaced slightly; they were such small entitlements and not even close to being a luxury.
"I'll leave you to get settled in and we can talk more later. Anything you need, please let me know Piper."
"Thank you Sir." Piper whispered in amazement.
"It's Leo." He grinned and Piper couldn't resist a small smile.
"Thank you Leo."
tbc