First day of work
As I turned to leave, the elf woman's voice halted me. "Wait, Eileen," she called out, and I paused, turning back to face her.
She approached with a bundle of fabric in her arms, the uniform I would wear as part of my new role. It was a crisp, clean ensemble: a black dress that fell just below the knees, with a white apron tied neatly at the waist. The collar was high and white, giving it a touch of elegance, and the cap to be worn was a simple black, fitting snugly over the hair.
"You'll need to be here tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock sharp," she instructed, her tone leaving no room for tardiness.
I nodded, accepting the uniform with a sense of pride. "I'll be here. Thank you."
The walk home felt lighter than it had in days. I entered the house to the aroma of chicken soup, and my mother's curious gaze met mine as I practically danced into the kitchen.
"Eileen, you're all smiles," she remarked, stirring the pot. "Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend we don't know about?"
I laughed, the sound bubbling up from a well of happiness. "No, nothing like that, Mom. I just got a job to pay for university."
Her eyebrows shot up. "A job? Well, that calls for a celebration!" She ladled soup into a bowl and handed it to me.
I savored each spoonful, the warmth of the broth mirroring the warmth in my heart. After the meal, I excused myself, heading upstairs for a shower, the day's success washing over me as the water cascaded down.
The next morning, I awoke with the sun, my spirits high. I donned my sports kit and set out for my 5 km walk, the streets quiet and the air fresh. The exercise invigorated me, and by the time I returned home, I was ready to tackle the day.
After a quick shower, I packed my maid's uniform into a bag and set off for the hotel. The grandeur of the building was no less impressive in the daylight, and I entered with a mixture of anticipation and nerves.
A fellow maid, spotting me in the lobby, hurried over. "You must be the new girl," she said, her tone friendly. "Come on, I'll show you where we change. But remember, next time you have to enter from the back."
I nodded, following her through the corridors to the staff area. The changing room was a flurry of activity, with maids bustling about, preparing for their shifts. I changed into my uniform, the fabric feeling foreign yet somehow right.
As I looked at myself in the mirror, the black and white attire transforming me into a part of the hotel's team, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This was the start of something new, a path to my dreams, and I was ready to embrace it with open arms. Today marked the first step towards my future, and I was determined to make it count.
The morning bustle of the hotel was in full swing when another maid approached me, her stride confident and her smile warm. She was a young woman, about 23, with a natural grace that seemed at odds with the maid's uniform she wore.
Her hair was a cascade of chestnut waves, neatly tied back to reveal a face of gentle features and keen, hazel eyes that missed nothing.
"I'll be helping you today," she said, her voice friendly yet firm. "Let's start with a tour of the hotel."
As we walked, she explained that the hotel boasted four floors, each more lavish than the last. "But for now," she said, "you'll be responsible for the first floor."
The first floor unfolded before us like a grand promenade. Marble floors gleamed under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers, casting intricate patterns of light across the space. The walls were adorned with elegant paintings and tapestries, each telling a story of opulence and refinement.
Our first stop was the reception area, a bustling hub of activity where guests checked in and out with seamless efficiency. Behind the polished mahogany desk, a team of concierges stood ready to cater to every whim and desire, their impeccable uniforms a testament to the hotel's commitment to luxury.
Next, we passed through the lobby, where plush sofas and armchairs beckoned weary travelers to sink into their depths and relax. A grand piano sat in one corner, its keys invitingly awaiting the touch of a skilled musician.
As we continued our tour, we encountered the hotel's various amenities. A state-of-the-art fitness center boasted the latest exercise equipment, while a tranquil spa offered a sanctuary of rejuvenation and relaxation. The hotel's restaurants and bars catered to every palate, from fine dining establishments serving gourmet cuisine to cozy cafes brewing artisanal coffee.
But perhaps the crown jewel of the first floor was the ballroom, a majestic space that exuded elegance and grandeur. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the room in a soft, warm glow.
Gilded columns lined the perimeter, their intricate carvings a testament to the craftsmanship of days gone by. It was easy to imagine the room filled with guests, swirling and twirling to the strains of live music, lost in the magic of the moment.
As our tour drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel awed by the sheer magnificence of the hotel. It was a place where dreams came true and memories were made, a sanctuary of luxury and refinement in the heart of the city.
And as I prepared to take on my responsibilities as a member of the hotel staff, I was getting a little stressed I hope that I will never break anything.
She led me to a room, her movements practiced as she placed a 'cleaning' sign on the door. Inside, the room was a symphony of disarray, the aftermath of a guest's stay. She moved with efficiency, showing me how to smooth the sheets and fluff the pillows, transforming the bed into a pristine haven.
"Like this," she instructed, her hands deft as she tidied the scattered belongings. "Everything has its place."
I followed her lead, my hands mimicking her motions, and slowly, the room began to take shape. It was satisfying work, the tangible result of effort and care.
As we finished, she turned to me, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm Rya, by the way," she said, extending her hand.
I shook it, feeling a camaraderie in the simple gesture. "Eileen," I replied. "Thank you for showing me the ropes."
"No problem," Rya said, her eyes scanning the room one last time. "Do you think you've got the hang of it?"
I nodded, a sense of pride swelling within me. "I think so."
"Great," she said, clapping her hands together. "I'll leave you to it then. Just remember, every room should feel like a welcome embrace to the guests."
With that, she left, and I turned to face the other rooms, ready to bring order to those room. I need money.