Blood and Curses

It's a new day again which means that it's also time for Arabelle to find food to put on the table. She has to go to the market stall and ask for withered vegetables. If she gets lucky and gets some, they will cook those to eat for the entire day. She never had breakfast like normal people do at the start of their day. For them, it's like a luxury that they can't afford. They can't even afford to buy fresh vegetables to eat. Good thing she found that stall who's willing to give away discarded food daily.

Ever since her father died from the accident, her mother got sick. She can't work anymore like she used to, leaving her and her sister with no choice. They don’t have any source of income. Hence, they need to ask for food from the people around them. Sometimes they can get some frozen fish that people will no longer buy. That's why the vendor gives it to her and she's more than willing to have them. Her mother will cook the fish to last until dinner.

“Good morning! Do you have withered veggies already?” Arabelle asked shyly to the vendor.

“Ara, you're in luck! I have eggplants and bitter curd here.” the vendor replied and gave her the vegetables.

“Thank you so much!” she said gratefully.

“Wait, I have some frozen fish for you as well.” the vendor  said and walked towards the freezer.

She thanked the vendor once again before walking back home. At least now they will have veggies and fish for her mother to cook. They were having eggplant for the next five days in a row. Although she's still grateful to get some food variety on their diet. She can't even remember the last time they had pork or chicken. It's been tough for her to get a job since she didn't even finish high-school. But once she got a job, she promised herself that she would buy a whole roasted chicken. She can’t wait to see how happy her mom and sister will be once she does.

“Did you get anything, Ara?” her mom's voice disrupted her day dreaming.

“Yes, I've got eggplants, bitter curd, and fish!” she replied with a wide smile on her face.

“Wow! We got fish!” her sister reacted as she walked into the kitchen.

“When I feel better, I will get a job and have some meat for you girls.” her mom said sadly.

“That's okay mom. When I get a job, I'll buy you a roasted chicken.” Arabelle said.

“Once whole roasted chicken and a coke!” her sister added.

“Yes, sis. We can even have mom cook spaghetti.” she replied as if dreaming again.

Arabelle saw her mother's eyes almost in tears again. She knows that she wanted the best for them but she just can't do anything. While her mother is still sick, she better be the one to get a job. She takes out the newspaper she picked up from the bin and goes straight to the classified ads section right away. Her mom and sister are now busy preparing to cook the veggies and fish. She browsed the jobs that are hiring. Maybe she can find something for her to do even if her educational background is insufficient.

Wanted: Maid/Helper

Competitive Salary

Hardworking, Diligent, Trustworthy

No requirements necessary

Visit the mansion to apply

The ad caught her attention because it didn't need requirements to apply. She tore the ad from the newspaper and put it inside her pocket. It might be her only hope to get a job. Although she needs to make it a secret for now. Her mother may not like it when she knows that it's for a maid's position. She can't blame her because she has high hopes for her children. When she was little, their future seemed promising. They can eat anything and even buy anything they want. Nothing can prepare them to live a doomed life ahead.

After eating lunch, Arabelle told her mom that she needs to go out for a job interview. She didn't tell her about the details yet. It will disappoint her for sure. So, she decided that she needs to get accepted first before she lets her know. The address to the mansion seems to be near their place so she can just walk. No need to spend for the fare which is ideal for her situation. Wearing her sky blue knee length dress, she walks towards the direction of the mansion. It's her only nice clothes plus flat white sandals. At least she looks presentable with her outfit.

It took her twenty minutes to reach the mansion from their house. At least she was able to save from the fare in case she didn’t get the job. Arabelle straightened up her dress to take some wrinkles away from it. She didn’t have time to iron it anymore. They are also trying to save as much electricity as they can. It's hard enough to find money for the food let alone their bills. She looked up to see if there's someone who would open up the gates but saw no one. It made her wonder if she got the correct address. She can't see the mansion in front of the gates.

“Good day! You may enter the gates now. Please walk straight until you see the mansion. Thank you!”

Arabelle almost jumped off the ground from the sound of the intercom. The black metal gates slowly swung open automatically. She did what she was told and entered the gates. Once she's inside, the gate also closes on its own. It amazes her but proceeds to walk straight anyway. There are a lot of tall trees and shrubs as if it's trying to hide the mansion. Rich people are weird, she thought to herself. If some people tried to flaunt their wealth, this one seems to hide it. After she passed the tall trees, she saw the structure appear in front of her that made her jaw drop.

“That is not a mansion!” Arabelle gasps.