They reach the plantation within ten minutes and were somewhat helped out of the back of Master and Mistress's wagon. It was then, when Master and Mistress were talking to Mama, that Misty took the chance to take a look around the place. She put her hand over her eyes for protection from the bright morning sun and could see nothing but fields for miles. This was a large one. They must be richer then the people she has imagined. All of a sudden, you hear a shout from the house.
"So, that is where you have been all morning?! I thought you said we had enough of those." It was a young boy. Enough of those? He talks of us as if we're a something, Misty thought, not a someone.
"Is that my son talking?" Master asked sternly. "Aren't you the one who said we should get you some of your own?"
"Really?" The greedy little boy said. He came running over to them and Misty finally got a good look at him.
Master and Mistress had a son that was about the same height and size of Misty, herself. He didn't look as refined as his father or mother. He wore black trousers and a regular button-up shirt underneath. An outfit any of Misty's friends would have worn. He had this punky aura, sort of seemed like he'd be a bully. But then Misty observed his eyes, a soft brown. Just like his mother's. But his hair was the same midnight black of his father's. It was so untidy, giving him more of a rustic and wild look. Misty looked down at his hands, that rested upon his hips. They were clean, as white and probably as soft, as a babies. He most likely has done no work in his life. Always had someone else do it for him. She would be the next to fulfill the job.
The Master and Mistress's boy looked Misty and Mama both from head to foot with an odd glint in his eye. "So, these are mine?"
"No," Master replied. "The young one is."
"Me? I get the puny, red-head?" The boy said, full of disgust.
"Well, she," Master referred to Mama, "Will be our replacement cook. The young one has more strength left in her. She'll work some of the fields. And since she is going to work on your part of the plantation, you need to supervise as usual."
"No
problem, Pop." The boy waved off. He walks closer to Misty and looks straight
into her deep, aqua eyes. "What's your name girl?"
Misty just stared at him.
"I said, what is your name!?" The boy repeated with a louder voice.
Mama gave Misty a little punch in the back.
"Misty." Misty finally blurted.
"I wouldn't keep that kind of attitude with me, brat." The boy bonks Misty's nose with his pointer finger. "You answer me properly and treat me with respect, otherwise you will get it. Got that?"
"Yes." Misty said.
"What was that?" The boy put his hand up to his ear.
"Yes, sir." Misty said louder.
"That's more I like it." The boy put his hand back on his hips.
Master was smiling. "I'll leave you to show her around and tell her what to do, okay, son? Your mother and I are going to take this one to the kitchen."
"No problem, Pop." The boy saluted again.
"Have fun!" Mistress giggled. She always had a smile on her face.
"Now," The boy turned back to Misty. "First, you should know my name. It's Ash. But you will call me Master Ash. Got it?"
"Yes."
"What was that?"
"Yes, sir."
"What was that?!?"
"Yes, Master Ash." Misty almost spat at his feet. This could get really annoying. She told herself to stay calm, and to control her anger.
"That's better." Ash smiled. "I just want to set down a few statistics and rules that you are going to have to follow and know. Number one, you are to work and do mostly whatever I tell you to. Hence, that's why you're a slave!"
Misty's anger started to boil slightly.
"Second, this may sound weird, but it's the truth. I don't like to do this. I never did. I don't like taking care of you people who obviously could take care of themselves. I won't be calling you anything like brat, and sorry if I hurt your feelings before." His voice sounded like he didn't really mean that. "My Mum and Dad have a tendency to rub off on me and it makes me feel like I have to act like them."
"That's understandable, Master." Misty whispered. Even when the boy's emotions changed, his eyes always stayed that soft and sweet color she liked so much.
Ash chuckles a little bit. "Third, I can see that you are also human, Misty. I won't treat you like some animal, or at least try not to. I may have to get a little harsh if my parents or an overseer is close by. Understand?"
"Yes, Master."
"Thank you, Misty." Ash nodded. "Now, I'll take you over to your cabin and you can get comfortable. Then I'll show you the fields and how to work them and what exactly you have to do in them. You'll be in the same cabin as your Mother, at least I presume that was your mother."
"Yes, Master."
Master Ash took Misty to the cabins, the fields, and everywhere else that she had to know to start her new life here, which she found out was the Ketchum Plantation. She would plow, plant, and harvest and sometimes do the laundry, collect water from the well and clean the manner every once in a while. That schedule didn't sound too bad. But Misty also knew that she hadn't tried it yet, it may be harder and more stressful than it sounded. After the round tour and instructions, which took a little over an hour, Ash stopped Misty in front of her cabin.
"You will start after lunch, which will be brought out here for you." Ash said pointing to the back door of the house. That must have lead to the kitchen. "Right now, the crops have already been planted. It is now time for weeding."
"Okay, Master." Misty nodded.
When Misty lifted her head to look at him, to her surprise, he was smiling the biggest smile she's seen on his face so far. "Misty," He said. "You somewhat astonish me."
"Excuse me?" Misty said automatically.
He looked at her a glare of death, but then turned into an instant laugh. He throws his head back. "Yet another thing that amazes me."
"I'm afraid I don't understand, Master." Misty said confused.
"Don't worry, Red." Ash places his hand on her shoulder. She felt a little uncomfortable at that. "I'll explain it later. Now go get some rest! Your Mum will be back with some lunch later. Then it's off to work. I'll be watching you."
"Yes, Master." Misty bowed once more and he left.
There was something about that boy that was still left in mystery. In deep shadows that Misty couldn't see. He seemed so strict, yet so kind. He took after his Mama and Papa. He had the soul of a brick, but the heart that was as soft and pure as silver. He was just roped into this, it seemed. But Misty just had one impression. She didn't want to get too involved or close. That would be dangerous. Misty then heads into the cabin and lays down on her bed that has a very thin mattress on it. Lunch would be arriving soon, and then it was off to work.