Namira's House

Namira's house is located in one of the elite housing estates, her father—who is her father's younger brother, is a mining entrepreneur in Kalimantan. No wonder the house is magnificent three stories with a design like a Greek royal palace. It was an anomaly, she had a family full of wealth and lived in luxury, while she was struggling not to starve. "Miss Alice, haven't been here in a long time, Miss." One of the housemaids who had worked at Namira's house since ten years ago greeted her.

"Aunt Asih, how are you?"

"Very well Miss, come on in, Miss."

Alice carried her small bag. "Here Miss, Auntie bring it."

"No need Auntie, let her take it herself." Namira appeared, her hair was already purple blonde. Her skirt was so short that her smooth thighs were exposed, her dress was mesh so you could see her black bra. "What are you up? Oh, Go-Cars? Have you paid yet?" Alice could sense the cynicism in that voice.

"Yes," answered Alice curtly. She carried the heavy bag with great difficulty inside.

"Oh wait, spray it first. Fear of bringing germs from outside. Auntie, get some antiseptic." Namira waved her hand, signaling Alice to be quiet. Alice's heart was already extremely hot, but she was trying to cheer up. After all, this time, self-esteem is no longer the first choice, considering that the situation is on the brink and will soon roll down if it is still concerned with prestige.

Aunt Asih sprayed the clothes and bag that Alice was carrying while whispering. "Sorry, Miss."

"Come on in." Namira came in first.

There had been a lot of changes since the last time Alice had come, and that was many years ago when she was only a six-year-old girl. Usually, Alice came with her father who wanted to spend some time playing golf with her uncle in the backyard. Gold jars were arranged near the winding staircase. The roof has been made taller with salmon-colored curtains hanging down like a rug. "Btw, my friends are still two hours away. I purposely called you here to help."

Namira glanced at Aunt Asih.

"Tuh Auntie Asih alone, poor. Please help lift the plate, I'll give you extra money later. I'll pay for your services." Alice's mouth readied for a mumble, but another thought soon took hold. Tells that this is not the time to be selfish. After all, Alice really has no income, the extra money from Namira can cover her living expenses for a few days.

"Which one do I want to pick up?" Alice turned around. Namira seemed to have narrowed her eyes, it was obvious that she was surprised by Alice's reaction, even though Namira thought Alice would refuse and get angry. Apparently not. Namira smiled inwardly, it was so easy to bring Alice to her knees.

"The plates in the back. The cakes are also arranged, yes."

Alice headed to the back room with Aunt Asih who looked at her uncomfortably. "Oh, miss, you don't have to. Miss sit down. Aunt doesn't like being helped by Miss Alice."

"It's okay. Just relax." Alice patted Aunt Asih's back. "Teach me okay? I don't know how."

Aunt Asih finally taught Alice to clean plates, bowls, and glasses with tissue. Making pastries. Tidy up spoons and forks.

"Why is this dirty again? Al, Alice!" Namira put her hands on her hips, "Alice, please get a broom, please!"

"Moreover, Grandma is attached!" Alice snorted in annoyance.

It wasn't Alice who appeared, but Aunt Asih and of course, it irritated Namira. "Alice, I told you to. Why did Aunt Asih come, anyway? Aunt Asih, let's just focus on the kitchen, watching the food and the unfinished food."

Alice finally snatched the broom from Aunt Asih, brushing off the traces of dust that had stuck to Namira's feet. "That too, Alice." Namira pointed behind the door. Alice cleaned with a grunt.

Namira's friends have arrived. They looked at Alice who was sweeping, certainly not a stranger to that face. It's no longer a secret that Namira is Alice's cousin. "Oh, it's come, hello guys. Please come in."

Alice could feel the gazes now on her. "Sis Alice, right?"

"Oh yes. Hello!" Alice waved her hand, "Help me at Namira's house, it's a shame she's a spoiled child, she can't do anything. You can't even sweep it, it's a pity that the aunt is alone taking care of the guests," she replied with a proud smile which made Namira glared angrily.

Namira immediately pulled her friends so as not to listen to Alice's words. They all gathered in the living room on a long carpet. Throughout the social gathering, Namira kept telling Alice, starting from delivering cakes to the table. Wiping the remaining vinegar spilled on the carpet, picking up a broken glass that accidentally fell because it was hit by one of her friends' elbows. Namira didn't allow Alice to sit for a second. Alice was still arranging the glasses on the table and her ears caught Namira's conversation with her friends.

"Why is Alice here?"

"Yeah, haven't you heard the latest news? The company is bankrupt, girls! Instead of being idle at home, it's better to help me too. I'll pay."

"Why would she? Very bumpy."

"Well, she still needs money, people like Alice, money is number one."

Alice clenched her fists, the girl took a glass of red syrup, and as she passed in front of Namira. She pretended to stumble until the liquid covered Namira's clothes. The girl screamed and screamed excitedly. "OMG MY FAVORITE CLOTHES!"

"Oh my, I'm sorry, I didn't see it. I'm sorry, Ra."

"WOULD YOU DO IT?"

"Your karma, so doesn't like to talk about me!" replied Alice fiercely.

"Hhhh, Auntie get my clothes!" Namira immediately rushed to complain to Aunt Asih and changed into new clothes.

Alice's action of dousing Namira with syrup ignited the fire. Namira was getting hotter, she kept telling Alice until Alice was exhausted and took a break in the kitchen. "Miss sit down, want to eat? Drink?" Aunt Asih felt sorry for hearing Alice's gasping breath from going back and forth without a break.

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To be continued . . .