Floriana Conley II

The first thing I get when once I reached the mansion was a slap on the face. Why? I didn't even do anything wrong. I looked at the nearest clock, and it hasn't been over three hours. The time I spent in the library wasn't even that long, or is it because I forgot to do something? But I was sure I did everything before leaving.

I continued to lower my head while the angered expression on my aunt's face continued. It looked as if she was going to destroy my ears tonight. But still, I was scared, especially if she starts to hit me.

"Where did you go?" She asked me, which I didn't understand why she would ask since I've asked permission earlier.

"I went to the library to return a book. I told you, do you remember?" I asked as gently as possible, but she got angry out of nowhere. She threw a newly made vase onto the ground, breaking it into pieces. "I'll go clean this up. Please stay away from this area."

Even if she did it purposely, I didn't want to fight back. It's pointless fighting, especially since I didn't have the voice to speak. Not only that, but I am scared to be thrown away by them. That is why I decided to work for them diligently and not talk behind their backs.

I know it's frustrating to see me act like this, but it's not like I have a choice either. I'm just a weak person who probably might need to live this kind of life forever.

My aunt then walked away, but as she walked away, she was muttering and stomping her foot like kind. Honestly, sometimes I don't understand her. It's not like she hates me, does she?

After throwing the shards into the trash can, I went back into my room and sat on the bed. I'm about to prepare dinner, but I don't really know what to cook for them tonight. Maybe fish and potato will do.

As I was about to stand back up, I felt a sharp pain running on my legs. I slightly lifted my dress up and saw blood flowing down. I immediately got a medical kit that was under my bed and tended to my own wounds. I looked down at my legs and frowned as I see old scars. These scars are not going to fade. If others were to see this, they might think of me as a slave, or they might speak badly of them.

Anyway, I better start preparing supper if not my aunt wouldn't forgive me. Cooking isn't my forte, but after cooking for them for how many years, I came to like it. You can say it's one of my specialties.

The aroma of the grilled fish made my stomach growl. Though it's sad to say that I can't eat the same food as them. Well, it's not like I can do anything about it. After the dishes were placed in the dining hall, I went to their rooms and called them.

The first person to arrive in the dining room was my uncle, then followed by my cousin, then my aunt. While I stood at the corner and envied their meal. I lowered my head since I didn't know where else to look.

"Flora, what is this?" My aunt asked as if it was her first time eating fish. I walked closer to her side, then said, "It's the meat. Is there any problem with the taste?"

My aunt sighed out loud as if she was disappointed in me, then she said, "Why do we have fish? Where is the meat?" Is that the problem? But fish taste delicious, plus the prices of the fishes lowered due to the overfishing of the sailors.

"Oh, I thought it would be nice to have a change. Since these past few days, meat is kind of expensive," I muttered the last few words, but I didn't expect my aunt to throw another fit. But before I could speak, she slapped me on the face.

My uncle, who was eating, stopped while my cousin, who didn't touch his food at all, laughed at me. I didn't deserve to be slapped, but there isn't anything I could do. It's not like I could just raise my hand back at the person who took me in for thirteen years.

"Next time, don't serve us fish. We are not a poor family," My aunt said and stormed out of the dining hall, leaving the dishes on the table untouched. But fish tastes delicious, and the price was low.

In the cause of wealth, I would count us being the lowest of the lowest amongst the other noble. First off, we do not have servants except for me. Second, there aren't repairs in the mansion, and lastly, uncle doesn't earn as much despite being a noble.

My parents aren't nobles. They are commoners, and it was my uncle who made my aunt into a noble. I'll be honest, but she's lucky. She's lucky to have a husband who is noble. If not, she wouldn't be enjoying those parties she attends.

"Who in the world eats fish?" asked my cousin as he then used his fork to push the fish out of the plate, dropping it onto the ground. I clenched my fist but didn't do anything and wait for him to leave the dining room.

The only person left in this dining hall was my uncle, whom I don't really know much of. Sometimes I wonder how a kind looking person marry my mean aunt? He deserves better, but if it's because of love. Then there isn't anything she could do.

"I'm sorry about the two," He apologized to me, making me surprised. I'm not sure, but I think it is his first time talking to me.

"No, it's alright. I'm used to it," But deep down, I wanted to run away from this place and not come back. Living in this mansion was hell to me. Freedom isn't even a word for me anymore.

"If you need anything. Please feel free to ask me. Since I owe big time from your parents," He gave me a smile, but there was a hint of sadness, and he was trying to hide it.

"Thank you very much, Uncle."

Sometimes I wonder what that big-time my uncle owe my parents. Well…I don't even know much about my own parents. My memories isn't clear since I was just a five-year-old girl at that time. But there were times I felt that I am not a normal person.

The dreams in my sleep come alive. I always tell myself not to mind them as much, but it's horrifying to see the future. I do not wish to see it.

I cleaned the mess that my cousin left. I could have eaten the food instead of them being thrown onto the ground. Out of the three plates, one was only cleaned while the other two were wasted.

The dining room was cleared, and I've finished washing the dishes. Now what's all left to do is to feed the wasted food to the kittens.

At night I would use throwing the garbage as an excuse but really feed the cats. I know giving them food would lure the other cats, but I can't help it. They're just adorable.

Once I arrived near the place where the people threw their garbage, I bent and took out a small container and feed it to the cats. One by one, they appeared, and even a cat I've never seen before appeared.

I heard a familiar meow behind my back and knew who it was. Rustel was the name of this cat. She had black and white fur. Also, the first cat I've ever fallen in love with. You can say I'm a cat lover or an enthusiast.

"How are you doing?" I asked Rustel, who rubbed her face on my hands and started to purr. I giggled seeing her cute acts but then realized I couldn't stay any longer. Rustle appeared in front of me four years ago. Sometimes I think that she is different from other cats. There were days I would cry, and Rustel would always find me. Not only that, but her fur always looks clean, unlike the other stray cats.

"What are you?" I asked, but obviously, a cat wouldn't reply to me.

Anyway, I better go back and take my rest. It sure has been a long day.