So you needed a maid? [NorbertM X FaithWynters]

[FaithWynters]

Destiny is on a schedule. Everyday, destiny has a quota to make. Each day there must be a certain number of births and deaths, no matter the cost. Of course, most of their deaths come from common things: a heart attack here, an allergic reaction there. There's always something that cuts the silver thread of life.


There's no way that afterlife could make the quota with natural death alone.Everything is planned to the last moment to make sure everything is perfect. Humans, however are very unpredictable and sometimes, even destiny can't see what they'll do. When things like that happen, someone has to die. There is no grace from death. Usually its a very easy swap, one life for another. To make up for their life, those who die 'unexpectedly' on destiny's terms are used a little bit longer. They are kept on to assist destiny in exchange for their soul remaining on Earth. They're technically 'dead' they just occupy their bodies to assist afterlife interworkings. They still have a spiritual connection with the afterlife so they've got a leg up, but they're just like the rest of the living.


This is where we come in. You have a pretty average life. Being fresh out of law school, you work at quite the law firm. You've just really begun your life. You're making the money and with the money comes the high maintenance girlfriend. You met while you were still a wild college kid, she was much better back then. She's beautiful and although she's not the smartest, she's something solid in your life right now.


I, on the other hand, have just graduated from music school. I like writing and playing for a crowd. Believe it or not, I'm actually pretty successful. I am very happy being single in my little apartment, spending my nights either watching movies or hanging out at one of the local bars with my friends.


This is where we tie together. You are expected to meet your girlfriend out for an expensive evening dinner. You plan to propose to her. You get caught by your boss on the way out of the office and you're late getting home to get ready. Therefore, you're late heading out to dinner. Destiny has planned that you are to die right outside of the restaurant you are meant to be at. Being late, that plan has to change.


I am on my way to a get together with some of my friends. Unlike you, I am punctual, crossing the street when you were supposed to and making it closer to my end. Instead of the rich lawyer getting mugged, I am pulled into the alleyway at knife point. Of course I scream and fight back to get stabbed when I try to run. I am left to die in the alleyway, safety having only been about ten feet away.


When you finally make it to the restaurant, you are surprised to find a crowd having gathered in the alleyway next door. You stop only for a few moments to find out that a girl had been mugged and killed only a few minutes earlier. It shakes something in you, something changes. Although to go onward to your dinner, you keep the ring in your pocket; you don't propose to your girlfriend. Instead, you ask her to move in with you.


Now in the afterlife, I have been taken on as a guardian. Guardians are used to watch over the interests of those that are meant for something greater in their lives. I am sent, to watch over you, the man who is ultimately responsible for my death. The man that was supposed to die. As strange as that sounds to me, I have to swallow every bit of hatred I have towards you and somehow integrate myself into your life.


Now if I hate you so much, why am I helping you? The punishment for failure is my soul being lost forever, with no chance of reincarnation. So I'm stuck helping you, for my own sake. What exactly I'm helping you with yet, I don't know. I start by answering the ad in the newspaper for a full-time maid since your girlfriend has accepted your request and moved in with you. She has already informed you that she doesn't cook or clean. Other than that, I don't know what to expect.


Was my death really a swift turn of destiny to help you towards your own happy life? Or was my death just an accident the afterlife has used to it's advantage? Let's find out.

General Information


Name: Mira La’mar


Name Meaning: Mira is Sanskrit for Prosperous. While La’Mar actually originated in meaning of “Dweller by the water”


Gender: Female


Race: Caucasian


Ethnic Background: Mira was born in America. Her grandmother was a French lady and her Grandfather lived in the United Kingdom. Her father grew up in the United Kingdom, and now has his foot in the governmental system there. When her grandmother moved to their home to live with Mira and her father (Mira’s grandfather passed away) when she was young, she got very close to her grandmother and fell in love with the stories she would tell her.


Age: 22


Birthplace: Denver, Colorado


Residence: She used to live in New York City


Physical Information


Eye Color: Blue-grey


Hair Color: Chocolate brown


Hair Style: Mira’s hairstyle is a very simple cut that can be easily manipulated into braids or buns or any style Mira might want.


Height: 5’6”


Weight: 118Lbs


Build: Mira is just as most would describe her. She’s the young, beautiful daughter of a corporate giant. She has long legs that meet a curvaceous body (She takes after her mother). Her arms are quite flimsy though from lack of exercise.


Distinguishing Marks: When she turned eighteen, Mira got this tattoo on her right wrist.

Strengths: Mira has very strong legs from wearing and walking in heels every day.


Weaknesses: Mira’s arms are weak. She doesn’t do heavy lifting and she doesn’t hit the gym really.


Clothing Information


Likes: Mira likes a variety of clothing types. Some of those include: Heels, high waist skirts, Corsets, and skinny jeans.


She will start in this: the outfit she died in.

Piercings: Has small dark studs in her ears.


Other: Mira has quite the obsession with clothing. Creating new designs and outfits is something that Mira prides herself in. Fashion is just a type of art to her. When there’s not a shortage of money, then there’s no reason not to express yourself.


Personality/Other Information


Family: Mira was the only child of and Andrew and Selina La’Mar. Mira’s father is a corporate giant. Mira’s mother on the other hand was diagnosed with a terminal disease and died late in Mira's fourth grade year. A year or so after, Mira’s grandmother, Agale, moved to in with them because of her husband’s passing. Soon, she took the role of Mira’s mother, trying to bring her up like her mother might have wanted. Agale allowed Mira to draw, write lyrics, and sing to continue with the girl’s imagination. It’s one of the reasons that Mira is so artistic now.


Personality: Most would say that Mira has a strong heart within her. She’s a true born leader but she’s hell-bent on her art and having fun with her life. For that reason, her father couldn't seem to get her to realize that marriage was a good idea for her . She didn't want to be tied down yet, she wanted to be able to do what she wanted. Because of all of the death early on in her childhood, Mira goes through depressed spouts in her life and the only thing that seemed to bring her out of it was her music; that's why she made it her life.

 

[MarkNorbert]

General Information:


Name:


Aaron De La Fontaine


Age:


25


Gender:


Male


Date of birth:


24 October


Nationality:


French


Hometown:


Marseille, France


Occupation:


Lawyer


Residence:


New York City, USA


Background:


Aaron was born in France. He lived in France until he was 9 years old when his mother re-married to an American. With hopes that they will live a better life in America than France, Aaron's mother's husband brought both of them to America. Living a spoiled life since his step father was a successful man in the meat industry, Aaron became a little bit arrogant, yet ambitious. Upon finishing high school, he went to a law college and became a lawyer.


Physical Information:


Eye Color:


Green


Hair color:


Dark Brown


Height:


1,89 meters (6'2'')


Weight:


75 kg (165 lb)


Build:


Aaron isn't the type of guy to go to the gym. In order to keep himself in shape, he jogs early in the morning for one or two hours, depending on the weather outside.


Strengths:


Aaron is your average guy when it comes to strength. However, his intellect is his forte. Despite this, his crazy wild college life earned him some brawling experience.


Weaknesses:


Endurance. Despite the fact that he jogs and his brawling experience, he is rather weak when it comes to endurance. If he goes close to his limit or even a little bit over his average, he will tire out quickly.


Clothing Information:


Being a lawyer, Aaron became fond into wearing suits and expensive clothing. He wears them most of the time when he is outside, but indoors, at home, he is casual, wearing t-shirts and jeans.


Personality/Other information:


Personality:


Aaron is a very open minded person. Being raised in one culture, then suddenly moving to another did not stopped him, but to become more and more curious. Also, despite being French, Aaron is more American than French, but that doesn't stop him to show his French side from time to time. He is caring, kind, loving, friendly, sociable and a pretty good liar, especially when it comes to hiding something, but when he is caught, he usually freaks out and losses control. He is also a jealous man, not liking to see the woman he loves with someone else, even if she chit-chats with a man. Most of the times, he tries to keep it, but sometimes, he cannot contain it.


Family:


Aaron was born in a French family. His father was a fisherman and his mother was a librarian. He was an only child, therefore being spoiled from the beginning. His father died in an accident at sea when he was 8 and when he turned 9, his mother re-married with an American she met when he was on a trip to France. His step-father is a successful man in the meat industry and his mother is his secretary.


Relationships:


Aaron has two best friends, Tyler and Mike. The trio met in high school and all three of them went to the same college, living in the same dorm. Even after they finished college, they still met, every week, whenever possible. Aaron is currently in a relationship with Evelyn, a girl he met in college. He felt in love with her and has been with her ever since, but after college ended, their relationship deteriorated a bit, but Aaron has hopes that he will fix this.

​

​

 

[FaithWynters]

I hadn’t seen or felt anything for a while. I didn’t even fully remember what had happened to me; all I knew was that now… I was dead. I probably wouldn’t have known that either, if it wasn’t for the fact that there were small voices, whispering things into my ears. They gave me instruction frequently in the darkness of this limbo. I could not see them, like I saw nothing else, but they were right there, beside me with every unpassing moment. They were comfort that kept me from going mad in this strange place. At times they would mutter comfort to my ears, but at others they would inform me of the reason I died. To save another life that was a little less punctual than mine. It seemed like some sort of joke, but I did not feel that emotion. I felt no emotion. The emotions would come later.


To assist destiny, you must assist the one that helped you become a guardian. Find him and protect him so that he can become what we need him to become. You are still Mira, beautiful and young, but you have the help of your muses in this new life. Do not try to contact your family or friends; you are gone to them. While they miss you and you the same, attempt to communicate will be failure on your part and your soul will be lost to the world.


The words were repeated often among the other things whispered to me. Soon after the words were said, they were lost again and I could not pull them back to my memory. I could do nothing in the darkness of this cold world, but wait, until one day, something new would come about.


It was only then that I felt it, the first true feeling that I had in what seemed like years of waiting for my time in this limbo. At first, it was a deep burning rage that filled my body and I fought to see something—anything—that I could focus this rage on. With time, this deep rage slowly softened into sadness and then morphed into a sickening calm. I was slowly beginning to feel and remember everything, which was good. Slowly, as I feel like there is nothing else for me to remember, the feeling is no longer an emotional one, but a physical one as I fall through the air towards the Earth. I can feel the wind whipping past my body and it sends chills through my body. I fight again to open my eyes and soon, I can, very slowly my vision returns to the beauty of the night. I was looking up at a sky full of stars and the only sound that could be heard was the sound of wind whipping past my ears.


It was then that I realized that I was falling, fast. My body turned as I fell and I was no longer facing the sky; it was the city I had so loved beneath me. I smiled for a moment, before I realized what was happening and the smile turned into a wide eyed face of terror. I couldn’t help screaming, but soon, I was calmed again by what I had been told. I was dead…what could really happen to me?


Even knowing that, the closer and closer I got to the bright lights and the paved streets I grew more and more fearful. I couldn’t breathe as my body plummeted to the Earth. I was only fifty feet from the ground now…thirty … I was going to land right on top of a bench; that wouldn’t be comfortable…fifteen… I close my eyes as I hit the bench, but I feel nothing anymore. When I open them again, I am lying, face up on the same bench I was meant to crash into. I let out a very shaky breath, pushing my body up. My feet touched the ground for the first time in what seemed like years, and I smiled again.


It was strange to be alive again; after all of the pain I had endured leading to death. I could feel everything and see and hear… I looked across the street, only the random taxi passed by, although cars lined up and down the streets. It was strange, but as I looked down the sidewalk, it seemed that there was no one really out; this was strange for a big city like this. Then, almost on cue, the people begin to flow onto the street; they get out of taxis and push toward different buildings to escape into. I smirked quietly; what a coincidence.


I let out a deep breath, pulling my hair back behind my shoulders. My hands still shook as I calmed down from my newest near death experience, and I looked up at the sky. It was no longer the deep blue that it had been when I had first opened my eyes—no—it was now a light grey color as the sun began to make its way back in position to give New York City another beautiful and sunny day.


You will need to call soon in order to have a chance at assuming the position. There have been few live-in house maids that have caught their attention so far; you have a very good chance.


I closed my eyes, listening to the quiet whisper in the back of my mind. It was faint, but if I concentrated hard enough, I could get it to grow loud. I pulled myself up off of the park bench that I sat on, walking down the street. I needed to get a newspaper, to see what day it was. There was a newspaper stand about ten feet from the next crosswalk ahead, leading down the long line of bars and apartments. It was only when I walked that I realized that I had awoken three stores and restaurants down from where I had died… How fitting.

 

[MarkNorbert]

It was one heck of a day the other day for Aaron. He worked hard, he also made sure not to get caught in anything at work that day. He didn't wanted to. It was a very important day which nothing would stop him from changing. That evening he had to propose to his girlfriend, Evelyn, a very special girl for him who he shared his college years with and hopes to share his life with her. But destiny was definitely on schedule today, as absolutely no obstacle went in Aaron's way. His client went to a birthday's party that day. His best friends, Tyler and Mike, who Aaron spent his high school and college years with and now, career years, did not bother him today, tempting him in going to parties, bars or clubs as they always do. They were quite busy as both their clients were in difficult times. It was absolutely perfect, magnifique. He was happy, really happy. And when he was on his way out of the building, his boss called out his name. It was like a rock was thrown at his heart and landed on top of it, making his heart, heavy.


His boss kept him for 15 minutes from leaving, continuously asking him if it would be a good idea for his boss to spent his honeymoon with his wife in Marseille, in southern France. Despite the fact that Aaron told him its a very good idea, his boss kept asking questions about restaurants, clubs, places to visit and Aaron couldn't simply find a way out of this endless Russian roulette of questions since Aaron always intended on being on his boss's good side and if Aaron would've lose it, say something regretful, he would've hated himself. But in the end, he managed to get out. He had to show his boss the little box which was at that moment, the most important object he ever had in all his life.


On his way to the expensive restaurant he picked to meet Evelyn, Aaron could not avoid the big crowd that gathered in an alleyway. Curiosity was stronger then and Aaron walked towards the crowd only to find out that someone was murderer. Not far away from Evelyn. His boosted mood of happiness was ruined. When he arrived at the restaurant, he easily noticed Evelyn as she waved at him angrily. She always did that when he was late. After they had dinner, the biggest moment of life was supposed to happen. He wished to propose to her. But he couldn't do it. Not when not far away, someone was murdered. Aaron couldn't do it. Instead, he asked her if she wanted to move in with him, which to his surprise, made Evelyn jump, trying hard to keep her excitement and happiness in control, but failed.


The next day was pretty normal for Aaron, excluding the fact that now Evelyn was living with him. When he woke up, everything was normal. He followed his normal morning routine. He woke up, he went to the bathroom, brushed his teeth and washed his face. Then, he got his favorite jogging gear on and was ready to go jog. But, he didn't do it. He stared at Evelyn, who was peacefully sleeping. He walked over her, gently grabbed the sheet and covered her, while landing a kiss on her forehead. He was ready to go.


He jogged for two hours, as he always do and went home. Getting through the front door of his apartment, the wide room revealed itself to Aaron. The living room, which you have directly in front of you the moment you walk inside the apartment was big, with white walls. Big windows allowed massive amounts of light to light up the apartment. In the middle of the living room was a white, leather couch with three black comfy pillows. In front of the couch was a black, glassed coffee table with a plasma TV on front, with a DVD player underneath it and on the sides, a small, white wooden DVD bookcase. The kitchen was next to the living room. In the middle of the table was a white wooden table accompanied by four black wooden chairs with bright blue seats. The rest of the kitchen was something you would find in every kitchen, with a lot of white and blue into it. From the living room, there were three more doors. One that lead to the bathroom, which had fancy and expensive blue and white tiles with high quality bathroom objects, the sink, the shower, the toilet. The other two doors led to two bedrooms, one which Aaron was using and the other, a guest bedroom. Aaron bedroom's walls were dark red and the room was lighten by a wall of glass, with an amazing view of New York City. His bed had black high quality sheets, with dark red pillows. On the sides of the bed were two black, wooden night tables, with two lamps on it and one phone on one of them while on the other one was a digital clock. In front of the bed was the wardrobe, with the same set of colors like the rest of the bedroom. A door was leading to a bathroom, which was an exact copy of the one outside the bedroom, but including a bath rube rather than a shower. The other bedroom was completely different from Aaron's bedroom. Bright and colorful, with two beautiful colors on the walls, a light yellow and dark brown. It had a wall of glass as well, a wooden bed with white and comfy white pillows, with two wooden like night tables, with one lamp on one and one classical clock on the other, a wardrobe in front of the bed and something extra. A bookshelf, filled with all sorts of books and a small white sofa right in front of the wall of glass. This was Aaron's home, a white color lover.


Walking towards the kitchen, intending to refresh himself with a glass of water, Aaron noticed a little note on the fridge. It read, Off to work. Will be back at 5 PM. Remember to look for a maid. Love you. Evelyn. Slowly nodding to himself, he grabbed the piece of paper from the fridge and threw it in the trash bin, then went into the bathroom to take a shower. Once done, Aaron grabbed his phone and called Mike. Mike was in charge in finding a maid for him, since Aaron was too busy to look for one and Evelyn seemed more interested in her model career than in her new home, something that didn't bothered Aaron. That much. Once he finished the conversation with Mike, which he told him that he is still looking, Aaron left for work.

 

[FaithWynters]

“That’ll be two fifty.” The words came from across from me, while I looked off into space. It was now that I pulled up the clutch I had been holding, unaware, in my hand. I was sure that I had money in my wallet to buy the newspaper. I let out a soft cough as I pulled out three dollar bills, passing them over the counter. I give him a nod, not expecting change, taking the thick paper and walking away. There were others browsing the different newspapers and magazines that the owner of the stand had put out periodically as he received them throughout the early morning hours. The sun now shone above the horizon as more of the city awoke for work.


I walked back toward the bench that I had been sitting on, listening to the city for the past hour. Everything felt strange; even though I was in my own skin again, everything was strange. I wasn’t used to it. What I wasn’t used to, I wasn’t sure. I cleared my throat, opening the paper to a random page, I didn’t really worry about what it was I was on, for I hadn’t really intended on reading much of it. I looked over the top of the page, my eyes catching on what I had purchased the paper for; the date. For a while, my eyes wouldn’t move, just watching the unmoving ink. The time I had spent waiting—the time that spent like a millennia—had only been two days. I had only been dead two days instead of the years I suspected I had been gone. I clear my throat, looking up from the paper for a moment, I needed to coffee. Silently, I fold up the paper, pushing it underneath my arm. I looked down the street, I wasn’t particularly sure where I was, but I knew the numberless amount of Starbucks that this great city housed. So, if I started walking, I would find one within a few blocks, I was sure of it.


I pull myself up off of the bench, starting to walk. As I did, I pulled my phone from my back pocket to check the time; it wasn’t as late as I thought it was. I was starting to feel a little more normal. I was starting to realize that everything I had on me when I died, were left with me. I smile, looking down at the teal blue dress I wore. Pulling at my heart, I sighed, knowing that everything was the same… You will start where you left of, and continue your life only for destiny. I remembered it now. I remembered the quiet whispers that had been made for a while. I only recalled things that would probably help me somewhere along the line. It filled in the small spaces and lapses in confusion. I was grateful for the help, but I couldn’t help the slight irritation that the voice in my head was causing. I let out a quiet groan, walking into the Starbucks. I had walked three blocks already and unknowingly found what I was looking for. The smell of fresh coffee filled my nose and I smiled, walking across the large space of tables and chairs to the counter.


“Hi there! What can I get for you today?” It only takes a few moments before there is a girl on the other side of the counter smiling at me. I glance up at the menu only for a moment before looking back to the girl.


“I’ll take a trenta caramel-mocha dark roast coffee.” There’s a pause as the girl punches a few things on the touchscreen of her register, glancing up to me. Those were the first words that passed through my lips. I couldn’t help the grin that passes my lips; I was definitely getting more used being alive again.


“And what is your name?”


“Mira” The words flow loosely from my lips and the woman quickly reads out the price. There were people behind me, starting to grow impatient by the length of time the girl was taking; she must have been new.


After paying, I walk a few feet, waiting patiently for my coffee. It doesn’t take long—they never do—so when my coffee arrives by the call of my name I turn and make my way to the farthest most booth. I sighed quietly, pulling my phone from my back pocket. I hear the whispers again in the back of my mind. I shake my head, taking a sip drink, letting the hot liquid run down my throat.


Do not waste the time you have, you will not get another chance.


I sigh, dialing the number I had memorized. I wasn’t sure why it had been fully ingrained in my memory, but the numbers dialed and soon, the phone was up to my ear. It took a few moments with the phone ringing before the ringing stops and someone is on the other line.


“Hello” The voice on the other line was masculine and carefree. I smiled quietly; it was a new voice, a new person. There was a slight pause as I swallowed another sip of coffee.


“Hi, my name is Mira, and I was calling in response to your ad requesting a live in housemaid?” I knew I had the job if I just acted normal. It was something that I wasn’t good at, but would have to be for this. I had one shot to impress this man to get this job and help with the destiny I had been assigned to.


“Well Mira, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I have a few questions for you to see if you fit the requirements of the position if so, you’ll need to come in for a personal interview.”


“Alright, that’s fine. What kind of questions do you have for me?”


The interview was simple, questions like my age and if I had ever cleaned a home before. Some of them seemed like strange questions, like if I knew how to make a good grilled cheese. Everything seemed to go over fairly well, and after about fifteen minutes of questioning (and my whole coffee gone), there was a sigh on the other line.


“Well Mira, I don’t know…I’m not sure if you’d be a good match for Aaron and Evelyn” My heart drops, had I don’t something wrong? Was there something that I could have answered better that would have gotten me this position? I rolled my eyes, I couldn’t believe that I was wondering how I messed up a job for a maid.


“I will not beg you for the job like others before me probably have, Sir. If it is not my place to help your friends, then I will not help them; just know that you are missing out on a fine opportunity.” There was a pause, and soon, the other line lights up with quiet, knowing chuckles.


“I hope that you’ll be able to meet us soon for a meeting, Mira. I actually think you’ll be a perfect match for my friends” The words make me smile; one last test had been administered and it seemed that I had passed.

 

[MarkNorbert]

It was one of those busy days, where Aaron's clients seemed to seek out his help more and more often, ensuring Aaron's great frustration to never leak. In one moment of silence, Aaron was alone in his office. It was one of those peaceful and calming silence, which Aaron enjoyed. He dived in deep in his chair, the comfortable black leather wrapping itself around Aaron, begging him to close his eyes and to relax. Aaron wanted to rest a little before continuing his work, but his phone rang, breaking the calming silence by echoing the office with it's striking and annoying ring tone.


Aaron adjusted himself in his chair, before picking up the phone. "Hello, De La Fontaine, how can I help you?" Aaron said, putting his cheerful smile on although the caller couldn't see it. "Aaron, how are you, still thinking about Evelyn, hmm?" a voice spoke on the other side of the line. Aaron's smile disappeared quickly, replaced by a wicked smirk. "I know what you did last winter." Aaron said, then followed by laughter from the other line. "You saw that movie, eh? Told you it will be a good movie. But I'm not calling you to fool around. I've found you a maid. I just spoke with her. She's alright. You can move your butt out of the office and come at our usual Starbucks to meet her. What do you say?"


Aaron got up from his seat and walked towards the window. Looking through the window, at the sky, Aaron smiled. "Sure, I'll come. In fact, I'm coming now. I think I can squeeze myself out for a hour or so." he said. He turned back to his chair swiftly and grabbed his suitcase, then proceeded to the door. "Thanks Mike. I appreciate it." was what Aaron said before ending the phone call. Afterwards, he informed one of his colleagues that he left for some family business. Once outside the building, he got in his car and turned the engine on, with the intention of going to his usual Starbucks.

 

[FaithWynters]

I took a sip of another coffee. I had been waiting here for much longer than I had expected. At first, I assumed I would simply enjoy my coffee, call in for my interview, and leave, but things were turning out to be a little different than I had envisioned in my head. That was fine with me. I had just ordered another coffee, the same one I had ordered before, and sat back down in the chair that I had claimed as my own.


After a few minutes of waiting, I caught myself watching the people coming through the door. My eyes would shift silently over from my phone to the doorway across the room. So many people walked in, and it would bedifficult for me to recognize the two men I was waiting on. I was sure, however that they would find me. I am only sitting there alone for a few more minutes before I feel someone standing behind me. I don’t know how I can tell, but just as I am about to turn around to scan the room once again, a young man walks around the table, smiling at me.


“I beautiful face like that, you must be Mira” The man smiles and I assume that this is Mike, the man I spoke with on the phone less than an hour ago. I set my phone face down on the table, pushing myself out of my seat. I smile, watching him as he rounds the table to sit across from me, leaving the seat directly across empty.


“You must be Mike” I hold out a hand for him to shake and he smiles, taking it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you” My words are normal and as our hands release we both take our places in our seats. I cross one leg over the other, taking a silent drink from my cup.


“I think it’s more of a pleasure to meet you; I wasn’t sure I was ever going to find someone to pass the first interview.” He gave a quiet laugh, relaxing in his chair. “There are some crazy people in this city” He speaks, softer now, only glancing at me. I can’t help a smile, sitting the cup down.


“Yes, but I love this city”

 

[MarkNorbert]

Luckily for Aaron, the streets of New York city were not as busy as usual, which gave Aaron the ability to easily navigate throughout the city, heading straight to his destination. In a couple of minutes, he parked his car on the other side of the street, grabbed his suitcase, got out of the car and headed inside the building on the other side of the street.


"Speaking of crazy people, there is one of the most craziest person I've ever known." Mike said, as Aaron walked through the front entrance. Mike waved, quickly grabbing Aaron's attention and he walked towards the two of them. "Hey, Mike. Found you." Aaron said, as he sat down at the table. "More like I found you, not the other wait. Anyways, got to go. Got a very important call to make.". Mike excused himself as he quickly got up and walked away, despite Aaron's protests. To calm Aaron down, Mike turned around and mouthed something which Aaron understood as he nodded, then sat down.


"I apologize for my friend. He's...uh...has something to do. I'm pretty sure he...flirted with you by now. He's a good guy, so if you--". Aaron began murmuring, a little bit nervous. He cleared his throat, once, twice, three times before starting to chat again. "I apologize. And!" Aaron rose from his chair, holding out a hand for the girl in front of him. "My name is Aaron De La Fontaine. It has come to my attention that you are the right person to be the maid for me and my girlfriend, Evelyn. It is a pleasure to meet you, miss...?"

 

[FaithWynters]

I could feel the heat on my cheeks as I sat there, drinking from my coffee, and trying not to say anything that might be wrong. This was not the time to make a bad impression, even if this wasn’t the man that would be ultimately hiring me. If he was entrusted enough to find a maid in the first place then his opinion definitely mattered.


Before any more small talk can ensue, the man spots someone from the entrance and waves him over. I can feel the heat in my cheeks as the anger I once felt returns to me. I knew the face the moment I saw it; he was the one that ended me.


I force a smile upon his arrival to the table, and he soon takes his seat next to Mike. I watch the two a moment as they converse and it seems that, for the moment at least, the two had forgotten that I am even at the table. It gives me the few seconds I need to stuff my anger away. I couldn’t mess this up.


Now, he turns to me, facing me for the first time since he arrived. I’m fine with that, but now, there is business to attend to. I hold a soft smile as he speaks, trying to apologize for his friend’s behavior. I really didn’t mind it. Playing shows in bars you got used to drunken guys walking up to you and hitting on you. For a moment he takes to clearing his throat to steady his mind, but he rises and I am forced to rise myself to meet an outstretched hand.


“La’Mar” I finish his sentence and the smile deepens a little. “Mira La’Mar” I just want to come off as friendly, no matter how angry I am inside. The anger wouldn’t help me now; I just needed to push it away. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr. de la Fontaine and I’m glad I made such a good impression with Mike. He was a doll” I release his and, taking my seat. He had hit on me, but he didn’t need to know that. I wasn’t offended or disgusted, so it really didn’t matter in the long run.

 

[MarkNorbert]

Smiles. That was definitely a good start. Smiling is good. Smiling is nice. Aaron believed so. He wanted to believe it. "Mike sure is something. A very good friend mine. Known him since high school." he said, as he sat back in his chair. "I'll start. As you may known, I," he pressed his palms on his chest while explaining, "and my girlfriend are looking for a maid. We are both busy and we can't attend to our house duties. Most of the times we come home very tired. All we do after we come home is get in our bed and sleep. We can't clean either, nor cook. We don't have that much time. That's why you are here." he pointed his index finger towards her. "Miss La'Mar. Is it alright if I call you Mira? We...well, I, will pay you 200$ per week if you clean our house, take care of it and cook for us. I have a spare room for you, as well. It is a very good room, I am more than sure that you'll love it. If you do well, I might raise your salary--". His phone rang in his pocket, stopping him briefly. He pulled it out and looked at the caller's ID. It was Evelyn. "Please excuse me." he apologized as he stood up, walking towards the men's restroom.


Once inside, he quickly answered the phone. "Yes, darling?" his tone was soft, a little bit hurried, but the softness of his voice couldn't be missed. "Guess what?" Evelyn asked on the other side of line. Before Aaron had the chance to say something, she quickly yelled in the phone. "I got a role in a TV show! Isn't that amazing?!". For a second, Aaron checked his phone, to see if he is really talking with Evelyn. He clearly was as she called his name. "Evelyn, what do you mean? W-w-when did you do an audition? Why didn't you tell me this?" he asked, worried. The awkward silence on the other line answered him. "I forgot." she casually said. He sighted, loud enough for Evelyn to hear. "What show?" he asked, but all he received was silence. "We'll start filming in one month. The show takes place in Engl--". He hanged up. It wasn't something he normally does, but he did it. The three letters were enough to boil his blood. His anger grew. He was pissed. He tried to cool down, washing his face multiple times, but with no success. He got out off the bathroom, returning back to Mira, ignoring the calls Evelyn was desperately making.


"I apologize for that.". He sat down, putting his phone on the very edge of the table. "I don't have any other test or anything for you. Just one question. Will you be our maid? It will be greatly beneficial for both of us." he said. His hand slipped, pushing his phone to fall, smashing itself into the ground, breaking the screen completely. "Great." Aaron exclaimed, but not in an angry nor startled tone, but in a fed up voice. He leaned down to grab his broken phone, then stayed there, facing the ground for a second.

 

[FaithWynters]

He spoke and I was silent, watching as his features would contort as he spoke and he gestured with his hands. He definitely spoke with his hands. I would nod slowly, knowing that, by this point, I had already gotten the job. No matter what happened; I would be living in their home probably by the end of the business week. I hoped it would be sooner—like today—but beggars could not be choosers.


I tilt my head silently as he speaks about my salary. Seven days a week….two hundred dollars. Before I can stop him to ask about the amount, his phone rings. He stops talking, and I am forced to return to the simple smile on my lips in waiting. Patience would be a virtue; I could tell already. He gets up and leaves and I am left to my own devices for the time being. Absentmindedly, I picked up my empty cup, bringing it to my lips. I stopped as I felt the light weight of the paper, returning it to its place. While I was waiting, my mind started to jump around the numbers of my payment that I didn’t really even need. Two hundred dollars to work for seven days…probably about fourteen hours a day. I flinched at the math. One to two dollars an hour. For anyone else, that would probably make them disappear while he was still in the restroom, but I was destined to get this job. I didn’t mind that much.


When he comes back to the table, I can tell that something has happened. He tries to hide it, but it almost radiates off of him. I try to keep the smile, but it falters. Something strong pulls over me. I want to lean in and take his hand and ask him if he is alright, but I don’t. I can’t—that would probably get the job taken away. Another short breath and he offers me the job. I smile at the sound of his voice, but I see him push his phone over the edge. I lean forward to grab for it, but I’m not fast enough and you can hear plastic and metal meeting tiles. I flinch; that was the worst feeling in the world. He leans down to pick up his phone and he sighs; in this moment, I can tell that everything has started to go downhill. His screen is cracked in many veiny directions. I watch him a moment before leaning down so that I’m on his level beneath the table; I can’t help the smile at this awkward situation. All the rage I had felt before was gone for this moment.


“I can fix that…” My words are simple and I uncross my legs so I can more easily be bent down like I am. “Being clumsy, you learn how to fix your things for cheap when you break them” I can’t help the short laugh that escapes my lips. “Oh, and I’ll take the position.”

 

[MarkNorbert]

"So you can cook, clean a house and fix broken cellphones dropped by idiots?" Aaron said softly, with a calming voice. "That's cool. And thanks. If you do well on your first day, I'll raise your salary." he added. "I know it's not really good, but I want to know what I'm paying for, I hope you understand me.". Laying on his back, Aaron began playing with his fingers. He always done that whenever he was insecure, worried or simply thinking about something. "So, tell me about yourself. I would like to know more about the person I'll be sharing my apartment with."


"Where you from? I mean, you were born in this city or moved? Or maybe you're not American, like me. I'm French. But I live in America half of my life." and he began, his infamous, question asking routine. "Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend? I hope you won't bring him or her without informing me. What determined you to become a maid? What other jobs you had?". Aaron asked. But those weren't the only questions he asked. From 'do you have siblings?' to 'are you a party-type person?' and so on.


He continued like this until he stopped himself, snapping out from his asking mode. He quickly looked at his wristwatch to quickly check the time, but he remembered he didn't looked at the time when he began asking. Popping up a question mark in his mind with the 'how long I've been talking?' question, Aaron looked at Mira puzzled. "I'm...sorry. I completely lost it. I...let's pretend this never happened. This clearly isn't the right way to begin a relationship with someone." he said, as he rose from his seat. "I really have to buy that book I saw the other day, on how to make friends." he murmured. "Come on!". He cleared his throat, once, twice. "I'll show you the apartment. Unless...you have other things to do...?" he asked.

 

[FaithWynters]

He offered me a raise if I did well today. I wasn’t worried—I didn’t need the money. If he thought all of this was about the money then he was wrong. I was silently reminded every now and again that this man was the reason I was here and I had to swallow the anger that filled my body. I needed to find charity within myself; it looked like this man was having a hard day so I needed to find kindness.


Before I know it, he’s spouting out questions without giving me a chance to answer any of them. I watch him a moment, but instead of freaking out like I normally would have, I just watch him. My eyes widen slightly as he tries to learn about my whole life within a few seconds. He seems to catch on to what he’s doing, because he grows embarrassed and tries to forget what he had just done.


Instead of expecting any answers, he simply pulls himself to his feet and offers to show me the apartment. I watched him silently a moment, a smile forming on my lips. I would need to make sure and stop by one of the many cell phone repair shops today and pick up a new screen. From the looks of it, it had cracked pretty bad. That was the only thing I needed to do.


“If I am going to fix your phone, I’ll need to go buy a screen.” My words are simple and I pull myself out of the seat, pushing it in. ”I have an unlimited pass for the subway, so I can take that, get your screen, and meet you at your apartment?” It didn’t feel right for me to ask for a ride in the car I knew that he had. So, I would take the train, and be there possibly before him with the way traffic was.

 

[MarkNorbert]

He stood there, right in front of her, quietly processing what she said in his mind. After a brief silence, he gently opened his mouth, moving his lips lightly, "Don't worry about it." he said. "I got a spare one in my car. No need to worry about that one. I'll send it to get it repaired eventually.". He walked towards the main entrance and opened the door, then quietly waited for her.


"My car is right over there." he pointed his index finger towards his car while keeping the door opened for her. The car he pointed out was a gorgeous pitch-black shinning Ford Comete Facel. Aaron had a thing for classic cars. He loved them a lot, however he was clueless when it came down to mechanics. Ask him to drive a car, he will do it with absolutely no hesitation. Ask him to try to fix a car, he will do whatever he can to get out of the situation.


However, this car, he didn't mind trying to fix her, despite his lack of knowledge on fixing cars. Usually he would have someone with him, someone with both experience and knowledge in keeping beauties on wheels going further with no problems, but sometimes he felt the need to be alone with her, his precious Comete Facel. The car was a gift, from his mother, when he turned 18. She would tell him how his grandfather always wanted one, but couldn't afford it. She wanted to fulfil her father's wish, but never had the chance. She figured she should buy Aaron one, as Aaron and his grandfather were close, and since her father created this admiration of classic cars for Aaron. Whatever the reason was, Aaron clearly didn't mind.

 

[FaithWynters]

It really surprised me when he said I didn't need to worry about his cell phone. It was something that had never crossed my mind. There were people that didn't have to worry about money and the fear or not having a meal. He had another telephone in his car...so I didn't have to worry about it. It was hard not to shake my head in disbelief of the idea. Instead, I force myself to follow him out of the shop. I watched as he confidently walked through the door and held it for me. I tried to follow quickly behind him; I felt a flush in my cheeks as a muttered a quiet thanks.


His car sat silently at the curb. People walked past it going down the street toward their homes and jobs. You could see the admiration in some of their eyes, but others indifferently walked on.


"Nice car" It was a simple enough complement. There was very little that I knew of about cars so I wouldn't be able to talk cars with him about it.


I still wasn't completely comfortable with the way that this was going. Something inside was telling me that there would be some problems down the road. This would not be as easy to secure as I hoped it would be. Something would get in the way.


I walked silently towards the car; I was conscious of the care it was in as a placed my hand on the handle of the door. With ease I pulled the car door open and looked inside at the interior.


"Are you sure you don't just want me to take the subway? I mean it isn't a problem" I didn't feel right taking a ride from him to his home where I would be staying. It just didn't seem right that someone working under him would carpool it with him...Wouldn't that lend to some awesomely awkward car conversations!