C4 Jane

(Jane’s pov)

I shut off the bed at the sound of the pigheaded alarm and said my prayers, running off to the bathroom to take my bath. I brushed and dug myself in the bathtub, thinking while scrubbing at myself about what I’m about to do.

Last night I had laid awake half of the night, thinking about what I stood to gain and lose from working for Mr hot bomb...Then, I had decided to give it a try. Though I haven’t told Sty yet, I quickly washed off and ran to her room.

She was in the bathroom, so I went straight to her wardrobe to pick out something to wear. I have to look good in such a place, as the impression might really work in my favor.

“Jane, are you okay?” Sty called from the bathroom.

“Yea. I just decided to do it” I called back, focused on which dress to pick.

“Yeaaaa! That’s my girl. I’m glad you are doing this Jane, believe me, you will do just fine” she encouraged, walking out of the bathroom, her big towel wrapped around her blondie and white robe wrapped around her petite body, hands folded on her chest.

“Thanks, but for now I need a dress. I can’t go to such a place in any of my rags” she giggled coming to push me lightly aside.

“This, I think will do” she speculated, producing a mauve bobbed strapless gown “and then, this” she bent to produce a moderate stiletto heel from her shoe rack. I loved the combo. I smiled, giving her a nudge.

“You never cease to amaze me Sty, I love it, thanks” I quipped excitedly, picking up the dress to flee the room.

“ Don’t forget to use a light shade gloss, J” I heard her say as I entered the guest room.

My phone rang immediately and I looked to see my landlord’s number. I bent and silenced it rolling my eyes.

“Just what do you want this morning? Am I the first person to owe a rent?” I attacked the invisible Mr. Granger.

~

I stood in front of the dark green brass gate of a gigantic structure, shivering, fast losing my confidence. I felt foolish coming all the way here, just to go back because of a lack of conviction. I looked down at myself for the umpteenth time that morning.

Shaking my head, I turned to go back, then stopped as my phone vibrated. I looked at the caller, Sty. What a nice time to call.

“I can’t do it Sty, I can’t. I thought I could, but standing in front of his mansion, I’m freaking out” I panicked, talking to Sty.

“Hey sweet, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and imagine Mrs. Poppydew’s face...there you go” she cooed bringing laughter to my face.

Mrs. Poopydew was a teacher back in our grade three, that had the funniest face that got anyone cracking up. Most often, when I got pissed at something back then, Sty would trick me to her office, and then the minute I looked at her, I would lose myself in laughter, though it later got us in trouble.

I felt relieved.

“Now knock on the gate. Shush no excuse, Jane, do it!” She admonished, gingering me up again, then I cut the call. I raised my hand and tapped at the gate as though it was porcelain.

Soon I heard a rattle, and the gate flung open, I was expecting to see someone but none. I later found out it’s controlled from the inside.

I walked in as the gate closed after me, turning around in fright. Then realizing he might actually be looking at me from a CCTV, I straightened up, held my shoulder high, and posed a graceful walk to the main door, rapping on the hard brown oak twice.

~

Cassidy

“Dad, I’ll get it” Luke screamed from downstairs that he was seeing a movie. I couldn’t take him to school this morning due to some transactions I had to handle.

“Check the peephole first before opening the door, bud” I instructed him, my eyes still pinned to my laptop, sitting on the couch in my room. I heard an exchange downstairs, but the person will have to wait or simply vamutss. Though I think it’s the plumber guy I called this morning to check up on a leak in the kitchen, or maybe the Agency has sent someone. Either way, I really don’t care, the person has to wait.

“Dad?” My son ran in, in his usual hyperactive state, jumping on the couch to grab at my vest. I turned with a scowl to look at him, getting pissed at his disturbance.

“There’s a beautiful lady downstairs. She said she was sent by uncle Randy. I think it’s the new housekeeper” he said excitedly. I was surprised because my son hardly acknowledged someone like that.

“Go tell her to wait, I am busy now and will see her later.” He turned to leave and I called him back.

“Behave yourself, and no rattling. You can tell her to make breakfast or whatever let her get busy, I’ll see her later” I dismissed him with a wave, turning back to my work.

“Ok, Dad,” he said, fleeing from the room. I know all I said will fly through the window because he was too active for a 5year old. Always running about the house and causing havoc.

After some time working, I stretched my hands. Hearing my stomach growl from hunger, I stood and went to the restroom. Coming out, I held the newcomer's giggle downstairs, and it triggered my attention. The voice was melodious. I walked to the door, meaning to go down.

~

Jane

A very plump little sweetheart opened the door to me, looking very excited and jumping about the place. He welcomed me in his very little voice and told me he was going to call his Dad. I was both astounded and dismayed. They never told me that he had a son, so meeting a little man was both frightening as it was intriguing.

“Lemme call ma Dad aunt,” he said running upstairs.

After about some time, he came barreling downstairs again. I feared he’ll fall, that I had to meet him halfway. He jumped on me, eliciting a chuckle from me.

“Dad said yis bweeesy, yis coming” he chortled, grabbing at my hairband. I carried him to the couch and gently placed him down.

“Am hungry can I aff fweeod?” He was so cute that I nodded, wondering how I’m supposed to provide food for him when I don’t even know my way around.

“Where is the kitchen?” I asked tickling him, which caused him to wriggle in laughter.

“That way....” he pointed, standing to run towards the kitchen and I followed.

Opening the fridge, I saw takeaways and assortments of drinks. Shaking my head I closed it and started opening the cabinets. I removed the skillet and frying fork and dropped them on the brown flat glossy cabinet surface. Then I went to work and quickly prepared an omelet and some chips for him.

By the time I was done, he sat on the table munching his food as though he hasn’t had any since yesterday. I sat down and watched him eat, quite happy with myself.

“The food is delicious, can I have more please?” he quipped, with drooled long black lashes. I giggled so loud from his gestures, moving towards the skillet to scoop some into his plate.

“Dad!” He squealed from my back, making me turn sharply towards him. I wasn’t prepared for the sight that greeted me.

Standing before me, was the same man I saw at the commercials yesterday at Sty’s, in flesh and blood and he was staring directly at me with a scowl on his face as though I had offended him or something.

“Go....goood day, Si..sir” I stuttered in greeting and rushed to drop the plate of omelet I was holding on the table, which the little boy grabbed, squealing in excitement.

He didn’t respond, just looked at both of us and murmured he wanted his meal the next second and strolled to the door of the kitchen.

“Dad, this meal is more delicious than yours” the little boy uttered innocently, earning a ray from the Dad who disappeared from the kitchen.

I turned immediately and scooped the remaining dish inside a plate, and then a bottle of water and rushed to the dining to place it on the table for him.

He sat at the dining, clicking away on his iPhone, and didn’t even look up at me for once. I finished placing the food and turned to leave.

“What’s your name?” I heard him ask and I turned with a tight smile.

“Jane....Jane Clarke” I provided, my hands crossed in front of me.

“Are you married?” he asked casually.

“No sir”

“Miss Clarke, the next time you serve me or Luke a meal without some milk, then make sure you have another job elsewhere” he slowly raised his dark eyes to meet mine making me shiver to the spine.

Lord, look at those eyes. I mused, losing focus.

“I’m sorry Sir, I’ll ge......get it now” I stammered, dashing out of the dining to the kitchen, to return with the gallon of milk, with the little boy at my heels. I poured some in a cup for his Dad and then little Luke.

“Dad, I like her” clamored Luke, drinking his milk which left a funny mark on his mustache.

“What did I say about talking when you are not questioned, Lu?” He asked the child eerily, causing the boy to shrink back in fright. Luke glanced up at me, and I beamed at him, which he returned sweetly. I hurried back to the kitchen exhaling an air of relief.

Well, that wasn't so bad for the first day. Jane, you can do this. Ignore the dark and brooding beast. I placed my hand on my chest to tame the wild beat. That face was as dangerous and it was captivating, and those eyes, they could easily drown you if you don't hold on to the paddle.

Now I understand what the rumors say about him being an alluring devil.

Just the first day and I'm already sinking.