1 Chapter 1: Lemons

Ow.

I sucked at the fresh cut on my thumb, staring down at the juicy lemons that my hand slipped on while cutting. The damn things always found a way to hurt me, no matter if it was a drop to the eye, an accidental cut or something else.

Looking back at the tea I decided that the lemon that I had squeezed into the water was enough flavor to please the master. I popped my thumb out of my mouth and plated the fragile ceramic cup onto a tray, starting towards the drawing room to deliver what was requested.

That was every day for a servant like me, master calls in an order for tea or a meal, I find a way to hurt myself in preparation and finally I awkwardly carry out the order as fast as possible.

The other girls had different jobs yet the master had started to mix jobs every now and then, just yesterday I had to dust the entire west wing.

How does Momma Beth do it? After a mere hour my poor, porcelain white arm seemed like it was about to fall off. I'll never look at feathers the same way.

The tip tap of my heels echoed through the lonely halls, this was my favorite part of the day. The kitchen was many rooms away from the drawing room so I had time to myself where I could look at the paintings and furniture that decorated the castle-like mansion where I served.

A small smile cracked on my face as my eyes darted around, the countless beautiful paintings of gorgeous women hung on the wall catching my attention one after another.

I wonder what my life would have been like if I ever pursued my dream to become an artist. Whenever the master caught me doodling on a piece of paper that I tore from the schedule notebook he would rip it to shreds and destroy any hope I had of having a "hobby".

The sound of laughter erupted in the hall, startling me almost enough to make me jump and spill the master's tea across the laminated floors.

The tip tap of my shiny black heels cut through the laughter as I got closer to the drawing room, I could make out words as well.

"Oh come on Bucky you know women can't think! They're there so we can get busy! Name one thing a woman can do, I'll wait!" Another wave of laughter erupted through the group of men, their chuckles sending a wave of anger through me.

Typical men, nothing but a bunch of pigs with nothing upstairs except a keg of beer. I shook my head, stirring sugar into the tea as I walked into the drawing room.

"Sir, if I could-" I started, soon cut off by catcalls and empty, sexual comments.

"Oh look! It's the pretty, pretty maid!" One of them cooed, the tone of his voice sounding plagued with alcohol. Were they drunk or just stupid? Maybe both.

"Gentlemen," The sound of my master's voice cut the others off, "Let the woman do her job. Pass out the tea, Abigail." I managed another small smile, looking softly to my master before setting the teacup on the table next to him. I still got a few chuckles at my extent but most of them were too afraid to try anything.

I was about to thank my master as I started to exit the room when I felt something slap against the back of my skirt, a hand. "Now back to the kitchen." A familiar voice sneered, the room filling with laughter again.

I can't believe it, taking away my trust at the last moment. I had genuinely thought that he changed for a moment, despicable.

I practically ran through the halls, hugging my stained tin tray close to my chest that was covered in white lace.

The cut on my thumb started to sting once again, a single tear rolling down my cheek from the experience plus the pain of my injured thumb. I bursted into the kitchen, tears started to flood from my eyes.

I crashed down next to the shiny metal counter, hiding my reddish face with my hands as I sobbed. My tray was next to me, turned upside down and sprawled on the tiled floor.

There was another clicking noise, followed by the sound of fabric rustling. I dared a small look to see none other than Bethany crouching down over me. Her soft black locks hanging from her head, her beautiful bronze face twisted in worry. "You don't look so well, sweety.." She pointed out, her thick black eyebrows furrowed.

Leave it to sweet Momma Beth to put me in a good mood. I sniffled, wiping the tears from my now stained face, "I'm fine, thank you.." I croaked.

The other woman held her hand out, I graciously took it. "Do you need anything? I know you ruined your handkerchief last week.." She slipped a square of white silk and placed it firmly into my small hand. I brought it to my cheeks, dabbing gently at the bottom of my eyes carefully. "Thank you very much, Momma Beth.."

She loved being called that, proudly taking charge as the kind old mother of all the other girls. "It's my pleasure, sweetie" she purred, pulling me into a tight bear hug.

Just like that my entire mood changed, I almost completely forgot about the harassment. I clung onto the larger girl with all of the strength my weak little arms could muster, not getting close to the strength of Beth.