A.N/ Hey! This is the longest chapter yet so I hope you all enjoy it! I would like to say a BIG thanks to glasseslover22 as she has been so helpful with the new chapter! I would like to say hello to the new followers as I am glad you decided to follow my story. I am aiming to at least update every fortnight on a Sunday as it's easier for me to post chapters. You have all waited very patiently so I hope this chapter is worth it!
Chapter 5
Last night after the host club I got scolded by Nanami. Honestly, I had never seen her this furious before. Her usually kind blue eyes blazed in fury at my insolence. Even when one of the maids had brought her a cup of water as ordered, she snapped immediately. She didn't drink the water like I thought she would. The cool content of the cup was poured over me. I felt humiliated. To some extent may be I did deserve it, after dishonouring the household by my clumsiness, but it isn't fair. I apologised, isn't it enough? But then again nothing I do for the household ever seems to be enough.
All the demands, the orders on the post it notes, no matter what I do I never get acknowledged by anyone, especially not by Nanami. Her words passed through me like knives. Hurtful and hateful. I thought the bullies were bad but this was even worse; having someone you care about, saying the things you never want to hear coming from their mouth.
Once she had calmed down I was finally dismissed with a reduced salary (which would make it harder this month to pay the rent) and the maid kindly escorted me out of the room. Sakura had run up to me worried and offer her favourite, pink coloured jacket to keep around my shoulders. I was incredibly grateful as I accepted it. I would have been freezing otherwise. Hibiki and Ren gave me a lift home later that night to make sure I got home that night.
Even though I was already under the weather, by the next morning I felt terrible. A burning head was the least of my worries. Despite some of the financial offers I get from the Tokinawas, I still struggle to keep up with everything: a endless job which I may have for most of my life, school work which seems to be piling up like snow in a blizzard, bills which are demanding more money than I actually have and sometimes even my daily life.
Sluggishly, I drag myself through the front door looking back smiling gently to myself as I see the photos of my parents together with the silliest grins ever. They always had grins like that to cheer me up when I was ill in bed. My mum would always bring the delicious, special vanilla ice cream for occasions like that. My dad would always pat my head in a patronising way to annoy me but he always knew it would make me feel better.
Carefully, I close the door to avoid waking the neighbours. Today, I had to get to the majestic manor early as I have to help the maids as they are short staffed again.
Once I was at the house, I found that there was a lot of labouring work to do. Unfortunately for me, the outmoded ovens hadn't been clean for a very long time. This was supposed to be Hibiki and Ren's job so why they didn't do it sooner I don't know. When I had arrived at the kitchen, they were no where in view. I bet they were hiding away somewhere because I lectured them yesterday. The cowards.
Right time to get on with this. It won't clean itself. Preparing for a long haul, I roll up my sleeves and kneel uncomfortably on the floor. Scrapping sounds echoed inside the small box and the grease covering my once pristine apron. My actions didn't seem to get me very far as my fever is beginning to affect my physical strength. I move the absorbent sponge back and forth repeatedly in an attempt to make it that bit cleaner. After having a good hour, spent cleaning and my head inside a box, I take the crud, vile, grease filled water out into the gardens to dispose of outside.
The sun is just rising across the azure sky with hints of pink. Eager birds start to sing contemptuously, hailing to the sun's rise in the sky like a fanfare. Being up in the early hours is worth it to see a sight like this. As I was lost in my own little world, I heard laughter in the around the corner. As I turn the corner, a blast of freezing water was shot in my direction soaking me head to toe.
The laughter died immediately. I opened my eyes and glared at the culprits. I should have known.
" HIBIKI! REN! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" I shouted furiously. The boys stared in awe with innocent eyes.
" Hibiki started it." Ren pointed.
" But Ren what's wrong with having a little fun with some water?"
" Stop behaving like children and explain this!" I gestured at my now soaked uniform. They burst out laughing as I was flustered. " In the future I won't be cleaning the ovens again. You can do it yourselves and get covered in grease."
" Oh look Ren we missed a bit of grease." He licked his thumb and started to rubbed it on my nose removing the last of the grease.
" Don't look down on me! I act more like an adult than you and you're nearly 30! You're not much better Ren." He just shrugged his shoulders and started to clear up the tools. " What were you doing in the garden anyway?"
" The gardener is sick so we have to water the plants but it turned into a fight." Ren informed me.
" Only you two would have a water fight at seven in the morning. Please can you lend me some clothes just to do some work in?"
" Yeah, it's the least I can do. But they may be a little big on you." Replied Ren.
Once, I had disposed of the water Ren took me to the store cupboard where all the staff's belongings were kept. There was a collection of large to small sports bags and expensive looking handbags. I got changed the staff toilets. I dried myself with the soft, luxurious towel as Sakura took my uniform to get cleaned and dried ready for my exhausting shift after school. Ren was definitely right when he said his clothes would be a bit big. His black sweatshirt drowned me as the sleeves were longer than my arms and the jeans had to be turned up several times so I could walk in them. Luckily I had my school shoes with me.
When I returned to the kitchen, HIbiki laughed at the size of the clothes.
" If anything, you shouldn't be the one laughing after all you were the cause of all this. Honestly, I don't know how Ren puts up with you."
Ren remained silent looking at the ground, lost deep in his own thoughts. His face showed that he had some inter turmoil.
" Are you alright Ren?" I shook his shoulder gently.
" Yeah. Just thinking that's all." He murmured as he looked around for something to do. This seemed like odd behaviour even for Ren. I didn't have a chance to ask him as a bell when off which indicated the master's awakening. Once the master was up, there wasn't much time to loiter around. There are so many jobs to do and so little time. After all, we have to prepare the manor for guests tomorrow. The master is going to strike a big deal which could be a golden opportunity for the company as he would get connections to higher ranking people. If it fails, the first to be blamed would be the house staff if our service isn't up to par.
With little time to spare, the maids, butlers and other staff get the work without hesitation. After half an hour, I was struggling badly. My fever was steadily getting worse and Ren's clothes were far too big for me to work in. I opted to change into my school uniform straight away as I knew Nanami would be getting up soon.
I went up to the dining room to serve breakfast where at the main end of the table, the master was sat at the end, poised as he drank his tea. The way he sat was almost regal as he was the lord of this manor. He seemed to have an overwhelming presence in the room. When Nanami walked into the room, she obviously avoided any kind of interaction with me. I guess she was still angry from yesterday. The limo ride to school was even worse. All that could be heard was the soft hum of the car's engine. Nervously, I fiddled with my bag's zip as I could feel her glare on my back. As soon as the car stop, she rocketed out of her seat and slammed the car door in my face. She definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I thanked the driver before climbing out.
Despite by tiredness, I was able to walk at a fairly quick pace. When I reached the classroom, I headed straight to my chair not bothering to look at anyone. I can't afford to miss a day. I could miss something important after all which could affect my grades.
" Hazel, are you alright? You look a bit flustered." The caring voice startled me as I nearly jumped off the edge of my seat.
" I'm fine. Just a little dizzy. That's all. Thanks for asking Haruhi."
Two orange heads appeared out of thin air as I felt a sharp exhale of air touch my neck. Shocked, I jump off my seat but this time I landed on the floor with a loud thud. Their rowdy laughter echoed around the room as they grinned mischievously. A sharp pain courses through my head, pounding at the level of noise.
Tightly, I clutched the edge of the desk waiting for the pain to pass. I slowly rise from the floor shaking as my limbs felt like jelly.
" Did you get scared little mouse?" Hikaru teased. I blanked him as I tried to focus on sitting on the chair. " Are you still in shock? We must have scared you good."
" Yeah, you did. Please can you be quieter." I replied quietly.
" Come on guys. Leave her alone." Haruhi stepped in.
" Aww. But I want to play with our toy a little longer." He groaned childishly.
" Let's go Hikaru. We have to go and find the boss and report to him." Kaoru stated.
" Report on what?" Questioned Haruhi.
" He wanted to know about Hazel after last night. He was wanted to know if his 'daughter' is ok. You know what he's like meddling into everyone's business even if they don't want him to." Kaoru said. " Well, we'll be off." Together both twins stride out of the classroom.
"Why does he ask after me? It's not like he's close to me or anything." I asked Haruhi confused.
" It's the kind of person senpai is. He always cares for others. And once he starts to get involved the rest of the host club is involved as well. Do you want me to take you to the infirmary? You don't look well."
" No thanks." After that Haruhi didn't say another word. Morning classes went smoothly as I was able to concentrate to a good standard. I was able to take plenty of notes knowing that I wouldn't be able to remember all the information in my current state. At lunch I only went to buy some food and when I arrived back, I was surprised to see only a few post it notes. All of a sudden I heard a shriek of fangirl cries from the other side of the classroom. I turned horrified by what I saw.
" Do you have any requests, princess?" A seductive, smooth voice spoke. Instantly, I recognised the host club gathered in the classroom. Tamaki was boldly hosting to all the girl's needs.
" Everyone, today is a special day! The host club will be your personal waiters today, dealing with each of our maiden's demands. If you have a request write it on a post it and each of us will happily grant each of your desires." Tamaki announced in a dramatic flair which sent many girls swooning, and hanging on his every word.
" What on earth are you all doing?" I shouted over the crowd's continuous cries.
" Ah... Hazel how nice of you to have joined us. Is something wrong?" Tamaki smiled with his violet eyes gleaming in satisfaction.
" Like I asked what on earth are you all doing?"
" I'm so glad you asked. Today, us hosts will be taking requests instead of post it girl." He stated simply.
" Why would you bother to do that for someone like me? I'm still a servant and I'm supposed to do all the requests."
" Simple. The host club helps any lady in trouble no matter what. Haruhi mentioned that you were unwell and the host club can't leave a lady to fend for herself." I was lost for words. This is the first time anyone has gone out of their way to help me. Mori senpai and Honey senpai were busy sharing cake out as the customers were requesting to eat all kinds of cake which would please Honey senpai a lot. Haruhi greeted each girl kindly as he took each of their requests. Kyoya wore a calm and composed look as he politely smiled at each of his admirers. Hikaru and Kaoru raced around to complete as many requests as they could. Tamaki stared at me blinking waiting for a response.
" Is my daughter ignoring me?" He asked as he tried to get my attention.
" I don't really know what to say." I was bewildered.
He chuckled softly and said, " All you have to do is say thank you."
I met his gaze and grinned a true smile. " Thank you!"
" Aww! I have such a cute daughter. Come to Daddy!" He grabbed me ruffling my hair. It reminded me about my dad. It felt so comforting. I started to laugh as his hair started to tickle me.
" Tamaki senpai, please stop your hair keeps getting in my face." I managed to gasp out.
" Hey boss what do you think you're doing with our toy?" Two voices questioned.
" Playing with my daughter. Why, what do you two want?"
" In case you've forgotten.." Hikaru started
" ...we have a bet going on." Kaoru finished.
" Oh yeah, I will not let you get a hold of pictures of my little girl!" Tamaki declared war on the twins as their sharp gazes clashed.
" Pictures?" I looked at them cluelessly.
" Kyo-chan has pictures of Haruhi as a child." Honey senpai joined in.
" Why is Haruhi being called a girl? Isn't he a boy?" I tried to investigate further as my curiosity got the better of me.
" Considering Haruhi looks like a girl, the boss calls him his daughter as well." Kyoya said.
" So you're all like a family?" The words escaped my mouth before I could stop them.
" Yeah! Tama-chan is the dad, Kyo-chan is the mom, Hika-chan and Kao-chan are the sons, Haru-chan is the daughter and Takashi and me are the neighbours!" Honey informed me happily.
" That's sweet." I smiled.
" On with the contest! I will beat you shady twins!" Tamaki's eyes shined with utter determination.
" Don't count on it boss." Hikaru challenged. The troublesome trio raced off grabbing as many requests as they could handle.
" I'm surprised Tamaki even suggested this." I talked to Haruhi.
" He does crazy things all the time and leaves the business side of things to Kyoya senpai."
" Perhaps we should do this more often. It proves popular with the ladies and we are gaining a lot of profit from this." Kyoya said seriously. Is he really just after their money? But I suppose they need at least one business-like person in the host club. I'm sure if Tamaki had control of the host club's money he would spend a ridiculous amount on some kind of flamboyant investment.
" I just have to take care of a couple of post its now. Thank you." It felt like a giant weight had been off my shoulders.
" It's fine. It looks like you need a break once in a while." He advised with great concern on his face.
" I suppose I do. I'll see you later." The post it notes left didn't have many requests and for once Nanami's request was only a couple of things. I only spent fifteen minutes on the tasks. I was almost lost on what to do. I have never had so much free time at school before. Since I felt unwell, I decided to get outside for some fresh air. The best thing about Spring is that the wondrous scent of the flowers permeated the air and it was a relaxing place to be after a unbearably long morning stuck inside of the classroom. It had been a while I was at peace like this.
Lunch was over before I knew it. I still felt ill but I felt more relieved than before. Fortunately I had more focus in the afternoon class even though it wasn't my best subjects. Science was always a bad subject for me. Last time I remember nearly setting my book on fire as I had tried to lit a bunsen burner but the lit side of the splint decided to fall directly onto my hard work. The teacher was far from happy. But luckily, I didn't have a practical today. Maths was definitely worse. Algebraic fractions were never my favourite topic. I still firmly believe that letters and numbers such never mix. Why would you want to divide a number by a letter anyway? Relief spread through my system as the long awaited final toll of the school bell declared the end of another tiresome school day.
I wasn't bothered about cleaning the school classroom again. I would be on my own so there would be no unnecessary noise to make my headache worse. Students evacuated the classroom eager to leave. I went to the school's store room to grab the equipment I needed. Then a sharp click echoed through out the enclosed space. Straightaway I dropped the stuff to the floor with my breath quickening.
" That will teach her." A spiteful voice murmured outside the room. Monica. Her and her lackeys laughed as they walked away. Their shoes hitting the floor simultaneously with the sound getting quieter and quieter as they walked further away. My hand dived straight forward to the handle tried to get it to open. I kept lifting it up and down. I punched the door in frustration. How could I be so stupid? I can't get out! I need to get out now!
" HELP! PLEASE ANYONE!" Manically I screamed. "PLEASE!"
Anxiety was building up inside. My stomach twisting in knots and I felt sick. It reminded me to much of that incident. The dark walls seemed to close in on me. Trapping me as if I was in a box with no escape. My body began to uncontrollable tremble. My heart was pounding. My palms wet with sweat from the fear.
" PLEASE! LET ME OUT NOW! THIS ISN'T A GAME!"
I don't care how I get out! I need to! I couldn't calm myself down. There's no flames. There's no flames. I chanted in my head to reassure myself. I could feel the heat rise to my face. My vision blurring. Damn, my fever. It's getting worse. My parents can't save me this time. My throat felt torrid and hurt from the shouting.
" I DON'T WANT TO BE TRAP AGAIN! I'LL DO ANYTHING!"
Hysterically I kept tugging on the door trying to force it open. Tears rushed out streaming from my eyes. My screams coming out in ragged sobs.
" LET ME OUT!"
Suddenly, the luminous light was reveal with the door quickly opening. Instinctively, my legs powered me forward out of the enclosed prision and I crashed into a hard chest. I clutched on tightly, sobbing my heart out, with loud, panting breaths as I tried to slow down my heart rate. My head felt faint. I felt a soft, warm hand on my shoulder. A sudden sense of relief washed over me and my eyes felt heavy as I blacked out.