Aubrey Posen was a solid worker. She was no nonsense. She learned early on from her father, being a maid is as honorable as running a country. She came from a very proud family–and while they were lacking in fortune, they were not lacking in spirit. She set out as soon as she was old enough to get work–and long story short, she arrived with helping the Beale family–Chloe Beale particularly.
When Chloe and Aubrey met, it was very curt. It was short, and to the point. It was as if they were in the army. They received their partner–and could not pause. Aubrey was to help Chloe with her chores, but also help her with anything she might need herself. They were paying such a lot for her help–Chloe should take advantage.
The remarkable thing? Chloe pestered Aubrey into a friendship. It was a secret, though. It had to remain that way. If her mother found out she was befriending 'the help,' Aubrey would be fired immediately. This took on for the next couple of years as quick remarks, jokes, and knowing glances with each other. On the rare occasion that Aubrey was sent to help Chloe dress, they even had a small conversation.
Aubrey was present for many silent moments as well. She would often remain stationed in the back corner of the room where Chloe would accompany. If Chloe, or her mother for that matter, needed anything, she was always an earshot away. This meant that Aubrey was a witness to everything. A fly on the wall. Soon, after watching so many negative interactions with her…well, her friend, she would take time to express concern, and empathy with the redhead. When she was able, of course. Chloe appreciated that, though she knew deep down, there was nothing that Aubrey could actually do for her.
Tonight, Aubrey watched her Chloe pace back and forth in a fit, wearing nothing but her slip. They had finished her hair and makeup, but alas, Chloe was upset in her clothing choices. Chloe never seemed to mind much, and oftentimes, Aubrey was the one selecting her attire. For any and every event. Even if the event was say…strolling casually on the morning deck of a ship. What is going on right now? Why was Chloe stressing so much? Aubrey brought out three dresses already–none getting even a second look.
"Is this some sort of engagement announcement to Mr. Walp?" Aubrey asking quietly, moving through the redhead's unpacked closet. She moved hangers quickly, knowing they didn't have much time. Aubrey detested the man. He was horrible to Chloe. But he was even worse to Aubrey. Nothing she could do, essentially he was paying her at this point. Aubrey wasn't sure why that was…she still reported to Ms. Beale.
"Don't be ridiculous…" Chloe said, pacing back to the mirror, checking her hair and makeup.
"Then would you mind telling me why I'm on a wild goose-chase for just another dinner then?" Aubrey sighed.
"It's not. It's. I just." Chloe put her hands on her face and sat down on the nearby ottoman.
Aubrey turned around, saw her friend, and quickly moved to her side. She was completely lost on what was happening. She felt her heart sink for her friend. She also felt a bit of anxiety rising. If she didn't have Miss Beale dressed soon, that would make them late. She would get a tongue-lashing from Mr. Chicago and quite possibly Chloe's mother too.
"Oh my sweet girl…" Aubrey chided, rubbing her hands along Chloe's arms. "What is it? Tell me what's wrong."
"Everything all right in there?" Chicago bellowed just outside the door frame. Aubrey jumped up and ran to the door. She opened it slightly and peeked out.
"What's going on in there? We are going to be late to meet everyone before dinner is served. What are you doing exactly?" He sneered suspiciously at the maid.
"Miss Beale experienced a slight rip in her fabric, we are just fixing it right up and she will be right down–not to worry!" Aubrey confessed on the spot.
Chicago sighed, checking his pocket watch.
"You women. Well. I'd rather it be fixed. I won't be made a fool of." He muttered, watching his watch. "Right then. I'm escorting her mother down now. Chloe better be along shortly, Posen." He said looking up at her.
Aubrey gave a straight-laced smile, and bowed her head. He continued to stare at her as she lifted her head. She met his gaze, remained there for a moment. She shifted her eyes, uncertain what to do now. His eyes bore into her.
Chicago at last sighed, bit his lip, and he nodded. "Off we go…"
Aubrey felt something sinister pour down her back.
The maid quickly made her way back to Chloe. Chloe had heard the exchange, thus changing her expression from anxious, to something similar to…obedient.
"I'm a silly woman, Aubrey. I just wanted to look particularly good for Chicago tonight. My stubbornness shouldn't have caused you to lie to him." She laughed shakily. "Let's not do that again, all right Aubrey?" Chloe, never making eye-contact, went back to her closet. Aubrey frowned, saddling up beside her. They both starred in the closet. There was a quick shift to the back, where the bulk of items laid–not properly hanged as of yet. Aubrey moved first, and peeled back a few items. She knew it was there.
Beca made her way through the First Class entrance, feeling as if she entered a top secret realm, one in which she must carry a gun. She pursed her lips, she bent her head. She tried to blend into the wall, not the crowd. She followed signs until she saw the dining room doors. She stopped, took a composing breath, and reached for the handle. As soon as she did, the door opened before she touched it, causing her to stumble forward.
"G-good evening Miss!" The surprised servant shouted, trying to catch her as well as opening the door for her. He missed, as she awkwardly regained her footing. She thought of every person she's seen slip on ice and somehow make it. She nailed it. Beca would celebrate later.
She nodded politely at the servant, and continued to walk forward as if she owned the place. Beca knew she had to appear like she was one of them. She hated it, but she didn't want to be thrown out before seeing Chloe–possibly for the last time. Just like poker, she had to keep her face about her.
Beca adjusted her black coat, and began to walk down the main staircase. It was gorgeous. Topped with a large skylight above them. She was out of her element. She looked around in awe, but remembered to reel it in. She hardly made any eye contact. She trudged down the stairs, trying to appear lighter than air. She clonked.
When she reached the bottom, she noticed couples and groups gathering, and walking in different directions into the main dining area. She had no idea where to go–where to meet her party. Unsure of this, she clammily backed into a column near the stairs. Maybe her party would expect to meet her there, or something. She crossed her arms, keeping to herself.
Suddenly, that red hair appeared in her peripheral vision. She turned quickly to attention, like a soldier. She saw that it was Chloe's mother, rather. Her heart stopped, as she did not see Chloe. Instead, attached to the older woman, was Chloe's fiance, Chicago. The pair marched down the staircase like pros. Beca took a breath and lowered her arms, waiting for their first interaction. She jutted her chin out, like a gentleman.
"Then we will know who will be accountable." Ms. Beale said, pursing her lips. Chicago chuckled, leading her down to the bottom of the staircase. "Where's my daughter?"
"She'll be along shortly." Chicago chided.
They were both in front of Beca. Beca put one hand behind her back, as she witnessed many of the men doing. She held out her free hand to acknowledge them both.
Unfortunately, it was as if she didn't exist. The pair turned without looking at her at all.
"Oh look! There's the Countess, let's say hello!" Chicago exclaimed, pulling his companion past Beca.
She immediately sank her head, smirking to herself though. What a dick. She shook her head and looked around again. No one. She made a deal to herself that she wouldn't stay much longer if she had to sit with these people alone. It didn't make sense though. Where was that beautiful woman she had spent most of her day with? She sensed that Chloe hated these dinners…but Beca was coming. Was that enough reason to go? Self-doubt began to rise. Maybe she should leave now, maybe she could find Chloe elsewhere? Hell, maybe she should go get a drink with Jesse and Banji instead. Tell the boys all about the shooting star she witnessed in Chloe. Then find another woman to fall into bed with.
The clock at the top of the stairs began to chime. Beca was startled by it, and looked up.
Oh.
