Couple more days had passed and everything became normal for Angela. So much so that she couldnt imagine her life without the Reeves family. It kinda made her feel lonely by just thinking about it. Living life in a mansion with such generous inhabitants is close to impossible. Especially, when youre just a worker whose being treated with love, affection and care. When she first stepped in, she fully expected the owners to be arrogant bastards and rude to their worker's, like in those sad, wishful movies but the results DID NOT disappoint her.
Angela got word from her father who said that he wouldnt come home just yet. There was still some work that needed to be taken care of. This made her sad but she needed to be strong, its not like Bernard has gone to war.
In these last days, Angela developed good bonds with Brenda and Jéan, the cook. Brenda talked to Angela like a friend and always told her about Bernard and why they kept only a single butler and not too many in their residence. Angela, also enjoyed her company and started to feel more and more open with her. Jéan, was a sweetheart, he had a kind nature when addressing women, a polite tone and had almost no crankiness in him. Seeing he was an old guy, he was supposed to be grumpy but we learn something new every day, huh?
But, the case was different with Ryan. Angela found herself constantly being stalked and childishly pranked by the young man. He would often make eye contact with Angela during her cleaning session, he would block the door path, preventing Angela from exiting/entering. Sometimes, when Angela would cook the meals, Ryan would enter the kitchen and constantly ask weird questions like a child, which distracted Angela perfectly. The look of annoyance and 'creeped out' could be seen across her face. Every night, after dinner, he would personally go to the kitchen and whisper "Good night" to her ear before disappearing, startling and sometimes scaring her. Angela didn't understood what the young master was doing and trying to accomplish but she started to feel nervousness whenever she saw him or heard anyone say his name. It confused her even more just by imagining what tommorow was gonna be like. Fear, nervousness and annoyance all at once. Quite a predicament, but something had to be done but again...too shy to do anything.
Angela woke up around the same time and freshened up to start her day. Wearing her maiden unifrom she went toward the kitchen with nervousness to meet up with the cook.
"Good morning, mon chèri"
"Good morning, Jéan" Angela said with less spirit.
The smile across Jèan's face was replaced by blankness. This is awkward.
"Angela, is everything all right?" the cook said with concern.
"Yes, it is. Thank you."
"Oh, don't tell me your father didnt call you. Im so sorry, mon chéri. It is so irresponsible of him to--"
"Noooooo, it's not that" Angela said weakly.
Jéan held his spot, now confused to his bone.
"It's...Sir Ryan. I...I dont understand him, he's acting so weird infront of me. Always teasing me and giving his creepy grins like what is wrong with him?" Angela begged.
Jéan knew what was going on and what was Ryan doing. The Answer was so simple yet complex, he had no trouble in explaining but it was hard to be that specific, especially, when the person youre explaning to was a naive, young, kind soul. But he also knew that it wasnt his place to tell her this, it was something she had to understand by herself. How else would she grow then?
"Ryan, huh? He is a trouble maker. He has annoyed me so much that I even tried to chase him out of the kitchen with my personal knives" Jèan laughed making Angela scoff too.
"But, he has been the gem of the family not by success but by his presence only. He has this ability to bring people close to him and to one another. Because of him Master Charles has learned to be calm and responsive." Jèan explained.
Angela listened with utmost attention not letting go of this opportunity to learn more about the family.
"The young master is also compassionate and highly sensitive tbout his family or anyone whom he is close to. He may not look it but that's that"
"Huh?! I don't understand. I didnt know that." Angela was intrigued.
"Since youre working here you should know this about Ryan. Last year, after a successful bussiness deal with some foreign companies, master held a banquette here in his own residence. The garden was surging with people old and young alike. The party seemed promising but it wasnt the same for everyone. The two beautiful Reeves children were introduced to Sir Charles bussiness collegues but who knew some had eyes on their children in a different way. Our lovely katherine, Charles oldest child, had...an unforgettable incident."
'Daughter?! Katherine? Ryan has an older sister?! How come I wasn't told? And why is he telling me this?'
"As the guests were enjoying their time, Katherine went to the bathroom to freshen up but was followed by a young man." Jéan's expression changed to sadness "That guy had followed her to the bathroom and started assaulting her... sexually." Angela felt sad for the poor girl.
"But it just so happened that Ryan was passing by and heard muffled noises. He went to the bathroom to investigate what was going only to see his sister being attacked. Ryan...he, he lost it. He was surrounded by rage and anger and mostly sadness to see his sister...like THIS? He stopped the attacker by beating him. Ryan started to beat the living hell out of that rapist. He had beaten him so hard that it took many men to stop the fury of him. The rapist nearly died and his face was so bloody, nobody could tell who it was. The people understood what was going on but the rage and anger on his face that day was...monstrous. His parents were lost for words for what had happened to both their children but nobody blamed Ryan. To me, he is an honourable man who loves his family more than anything."
Angela didnt know what to say, her eyes were widened with shock and blankness. Never did she thought that the laughing brat would be so sensitive towards his loved ones. Never did she expect the laughing Ryan to undergo such a phase of rage. Angela felt for Ryan and started developing respect for him. She didnt know him at all. The laughing Ryan could be so violent, it was so unbelievable.
The day had passed and Angela found herself getting nervous all over again. Now, that she learned the horrendous incident, which was a huge turning point for the family, Angela was afraid of Ryan now and nervous of how will she communicate with him, if need be. Things would work out, its not like Angela's involuntary ignorance will be met by violence and anger as well, right? Right?
Brenda and Charles left for a gathering in the afternoon. Charles had arrived early from his office and took his wife, informing Angela that they won't be back for the night. What Angela noticed was that Ryan wasnt there with them. Maybe he had already gone but that seemed highly unlikely. From her consensus, Ryan didnt seem to like such occasions. That wasnt a good thing. The person who seemed to get all mushy with Angela was with her now...alone. But Angela didnt seem to freak out. She decided to perform her duties and not let fear take the best of her. But...deep down, she was still nervous...what is with this girl?!
Ryan had arrived around 8 o'clock and from the looks of it, he seemed to over did it again. He looked exhausted and starving. Angela, upon seeing her master, set up the table and brought the lunch, which nobody ate apparently.
"Thank you, miss." Ryan smirked.
Angela nodded only.
"Master Charles and Mistress Brenda have gone out and will be gone for the night...they wanted me to inform you that. "
"Yeah, I know. Dad personally warned me not to pump you when im alone here with you." Ryan said mischievously.
Angela didn't have anything to say because she found no reply toward such a vague thing.
"That'll be all then, Sir Ryan?"
"No. If you don't mind, I dont want to eat alone. I could sure use your company. Will you join me?" Ryan said politely.
'He is polite now? Mischievous and Polite at the same time. No wonder he's been labelled as dangerous but he sounds so sincere'
"Your house and table so I dont have much of a choice here." Angela partially smirked.
That remark made Ryan happy, he gestured her to sit on his left ...on his left?
Angela sat down but tried to maintain her spot so that there is a fair gap between the youngsters.
"So Angela, I know you've been working here for a few days but unfortunately you know almost nothing about me and I dont know anything about you either. It seems very awkward that people inhabiting the same residence dont even know each other so I guess this is a nice opportunity to tell me about yourself."
Angela looked at Ryan, he was abit close but seeing how nice Ryan was to her, she could return the favour. She felt satisfied that Ryan brought up this topic but hesitation was felt by her.
"I dont know where to start" Angela scoffed awkwardly.
"Take your time. Anywhere is fine with me."
"You're probably wondering, why im working as a maid while im so young. Im 22 and its because i chose to be like this. I wasnt exactly a bright student in school. Eversince kindergarten, I never score above my expectations. I didn't do well in high school, middle school etcetera, etcetera. But my parents never gave up on me, they always supported me and gave me hope. Mom always tried to help just like dad but that help didnt last long...she passed away when I was 15." Angela's voice lowered at the final sentence.
Ryan's mouth gaped and felt his heart skip a beat when he heard that from her. He wasnt expecting it, he wasnt expecting it at all. His heart felt heavy for a second in sympathy.
"Im so sorry. Bernard did mention that. Im so sorry for your loss, I swear. I--just--forgive me." Ryan sounded worried.
'He sounds cute when hes stammering like that...wait, what? Did I just think that?'
"I-i-its alright." Angela stammered while also fake a smile.
"I didnt have much friends either in any phase of my life. I just didnt blend in with them, you know? I always felt left out but I didnt seem to care. My parents were my gem and I kept it that way. I did make some friends in high school but I didnt hang much for the same reasons."
'How does a beautiful girl like her be friendless and have no guy approaching her?'
Angela looked at Ryan from the corner of her eye to see him...interested.
"But college phase came and with how I was already on my academics, I decided to not go to any college. It was something dad didnt approve much but he listened to me. I didnt want to waste money on something I dont understand. But I found my resolve, I decided to work small jobs and help dad in any way I could. In the building where we live, the whole neighbourhood knows us. I help anyone who needs my help like in, babysitting, cleaning, washing or buying something for them. Small but reasonable. I earned alot as the building kept me busy all day. On the weekends I worked a whole nightshift in 24/7 Blue Palm restaurant. Apparently, they had so many guests, it was crazy but it kept me busy. I was doing pretty well and getting well paid all in total. Dad liked it. He saw me happy and it worked out."
Ryan was left mesmerized by her story. It was like hearing an unbelievable tale, the type that keeps us at the edge of our seat. Hearing her struggle and hardwork really made Ryan wanna admire and respect her.
"Im honestly speechless. You're so caring and sensitive and hard working . You dont seem like a drop out but more of a person who stands out and stands tall. I really like your moxie and ability to never give up. Youre a good person, Angela. Youre a dreamer."
Angela smiled for the first time infront of Ryan, the annoying Master. "Thank you so much for your words, Sir Ryan."
"So, is that it? That's how the terrible story ends?"
Angela stood frozen for a second before Ryan burst out laughing.
Angela looked expressionless but tiny bit angry. How can he ruin such a beautiful moment like that? When she was getting along so well with him?
"Sorry...sorry." Ryan couldn't hold his laughter.
Clenching her fist she spoke "Mistress Brenda told me you were annoying but she didnt tell that you were a jerk too." sounding angry.
"Well...I have a "nose" for such things" Ryan chuckled again.
'Nose? what does he--'
Angela understood what the rascal was talking about. He was talking about her nose. She had a small pointed nose which was cute and Ryan thought of it as well but he just joked about it.
Angela touched her nose and looked elsewhere in embarrassment. And also to hide the red hue forming on her cheek.
'This bastard!'
The laugh died down and Ryan felt the changed mood of Angela. Offended, she was. Like, very few people tolerate jokes based on facial features but Angela wasnt among them.
"Hey..Im sorry. I know my word is worthless but I am sorry. I went overboard this time and you didnt like it, please forgive me."
Angela nodded.
Releasing a deep sigh Ryan spoke " You see, I may look, sound and act irritating and non serious all the time but its just something which has become natural to me. I joke around all the time with everyone so that I can put a smile on their faces. I am aware I get above my head and go too far but it isnt intentional and its all for a good purpose. People waste their time in sadness. Not that I dont believe in sadness and depression, I do, believe me but what I've learned is that, life is too short. Enjoy it as it is, you decide what will happen tommorow. Smiling all day keeps the devils at bay, you know. I horse around to keep others happy and its gotta do with myself as well."
Angela listened closely though she didnt know it because he was talking sense.
"I don't hang out much either, I just lost my friendship quality along time ago. Keeping it short, During my high school days I had fallen in love with this girl, Mary. She was different, hence, my choice. I had spent alot of my time with her and I thought I could trust her the most but that wasnt it. She showed me what love was but also what hatred was. I followed her one day to my close collegues home. I saw her...clothe-less with him. And she barely even held my hand in high school, feeling sensitive and all." Ryan smiled as he said it.
'What? Did that really happen to Sir Ryan? Why is he...smiling then?'
A guy who had gone through betrayal is smiling as he is describing it. It was truly unbelievable for Angela.
"I learned an essential lesson. Happiness lies in staying happy yourself and keeping others close to you happy as well. My friends kept me at bay and tried to console me. I cried like a bitch for weeks until I embraced the truth. So...yeah. Thats why I do it because thats how i keep myself smiling and others too."
Angela felt for Ryan because you dont hear everyday that your loved one cheated on you
with your friend. But she was aware of one thing too : she felt jealous when Ryan mentioned Mary and love.
"Im sorry for your encounter Sir Ryan." Angela said sincerely.
"Hey, you got something on your left cheek, above your mole."
Ryan lifted a tissue and rubbed her cheek, while Angela stood frozen in her postion. Felt the same nervousness again.
"Ryan. Call me Ryan only."
Angela was lost for words, but it was the right time to speak with Ryan.
Looking to the right she saw Ryan's face upclose.
'Whao. He is handsome...why did I just say that?'
Authentic. Ryan was good looking. A decent fair skin tone, dark hair in a graduation setup. Thick beardless jawline and a sharp nose with a smile that seemed to edge to his cheek.
"Sir--Ryan. I am gonna be honest with you. I am working as a maid. I dont like it when you...do that to me. I cant describe what is it that youre doing but I dont want something to happen. A good respect relation is what I want and what I think should be there." Angela still didnt understood about Ryan's behaviour.
Ryan could only smile at her cuteness. Standing up, Ryan picked up some of the plates and said while also winking at her "Good night, beautiful".
'Beautiful? Did Ryan say beautiful to me? Ughhh what is it with him?'
Angela was confused and felt even nore nervous especially when Ryan complimented her.
A handsome devilish boy with a naiive attractive girl. Things are about to get interesting.
