by Gema Ramirez
Disclaimer: All material is copyrighted and belongs solely to the author. At no time should any publication be copied, transferred or used without prior written consent of the author. Any use of the content, names, or characters is subject to legal action in regard to such manner.
All material is of mature content and theme. Reader discretion is advised.
To my family and friends who have supported me in my writing, thank you so much, it means the world to me.
Chapter 1
Harmony Thorn
Ever wished your life was different. I have. I wished my mom was alive. She died while giving birth to my baby sis who's now four years old. Since then it's always been us and dad. I love them so much, dad works from five am till one pm. Then he picks up Emma from kindergarten. I, on the other hand, once I'm out of school I have to go work with the King's as a part time maid. I don't mind working, bills aren't gonna pay themselves.
"I really hate that you have to work after school. You should be out enjoying being a teenager, falling in love." Dad said. "I know, but family comes first. And I have to help with the bills."
"You're a great girl, I'm proud of you." He hugged me. "I love you dad.”
Next day I got ready changed Emma and had breakfast. After that I took her to kindergarten and I went to school. Since I was a straight A student, I have a full scholarship. I'm in the best school and it's also filled with rich people. Some are nice, some make fun of me cause I'm poor and cause I don't exactly wear design clothes. I didn't care about that, I just wanted to graduate and go to college.
"Harmony!" I turned to see my best friend, Donna.
"Can you believe we're in Senior year?"
“Finally, then it's graduation and college." I said and she gave me a look. "Well, I don't plan on going to college. I'll be traveling around Europe." She said while opening her locker.
"Lucky you, I'll be working my ass off for a year at the King's house, then college." I said while closing my locker door. "Bright side, you get to see Shawn King. He's a hottie."
"Yeah, who has a snobby spoiled brat for a girlfriend." I rolled my eyes.
"Well, if I were you, I would make a move, be bold." I swear she's nuts. "I can't, for one I can lose my job, and for two, we're from different social status. Besides I've been working there for a year and he's always busy, he only says hi and bye."
"Well, then you need to go on a date, you're almost eighteen and you've never been on one."
"Because dating is a no, I wouldn't have time for him. I'm not like you or any other girl here, I have to work to pay bills and food."
"Girl, you're in need of a girls night out. And this weekend we're going to my cousins club. You're in?”
"Fine, you're lucky this weekend I'm free." I said and she hugged me.
We're so opposites, Donna loves parties, I enjoy reading a good book or watch a movie while stuffing my face in junk food. She may come off as spoiled, but she's nice, she just loves to shop, she's always buying me clothes. I keep telling her no, but she doesn't listen. She enjoys buying me clothes. I only wear them when we go out. This was rare, cause I'm always working and barely go out.
At lunch I sat with her and her boyfriend, Jesse. Who happens to be captain of the football team, he's actually nice. But aside from me, she also happens to be friends with queen bee and her minions. This is not weird at all. If I haven't mentioned before. This school is mostly filled with snobby rich kids. Some are like me, on a scholarship. But the rest they were loaded.
"Donna, how is your charity case going?" Lola said. That would be the queen bee's name.
"She's not a charity case, she's my best friend, respect her." She replied. I smiled at her defending me.
"Eww, you can't be serious? Girls, let's go." She said while getting up and left with her minions.
"Thank you, for a moment I thought you were gonna say something back."
"Never, and she's not my friend, you are. Well, you're my best friend."
"Do I have the best girl or what?" Jesse said while interlacing his fingers with hers. "You do. Don't hurt her, she's one of a kind." I said and she smiled.
Classes were over, I went home to get change and to say hi to my dad and sister. Once I arrived, Emma jumped in my arms and made us fall. Dad just laughed. "I missed you, sissy."
"I missed you too." I said while getting up. I put her on the floor and hugged my dad. "Just came to say hi and to change. Got to go to work." I said before leaving. "I miss sissy, she's always working."
"Same, but you know your sister. She likes to help and we need money, princess." He said and she just nodded. We live in a nice neighborhood, not a rich fancy one, but it's nice. I'm grateful for what I have.
"Well, I'm off to work. See you later family." I gave them a kiss on their cheeks then left. Back to the mansion I go. I'm very tired, but got to work, so good luck me in this new year there.
Chapter 2
Shawn King
Once I arrived at the mansion, I made my way to the service bedroom and changed into my uniform. I look ridiculous in this. The things we do for money. I started to clean the house, man it was messy. They must've had a party last night. After cleaning for five hours, I went to the last place, his room. As I was cleaning I didn't hear someone coming in. I turned around and saw him leaning against his doorframe With crossed arms. Shawn King is the definition of hot. He had dark hair, blue icy eyes and was very tall and fit. He was twenty years old.
"I was just finishing the bed, I'll be out in a second."
"It's okay. I just came to pick up my book." He flashed me a smile. That sexy smile.
"How's it going with vet school?" I said while cleaning his desk, "It's tiring, but I love it. Can't wait to open my own pet clinic."
"That's great,” II replied as I smiled before going back to his desk.
“It was nice talking to you. Catch you later, Harmony." He said before leaving. And this would be the first time we've ever had a conversation. It was nice.
"Harmony!" I rushed to a certain room I really hate to walk in. "I told you to move the couch left not right. Are you that stupid?" She said before throwing the water she was drinking at me.
"I'm sorry, miss King. It won't happen again." I said while going to the couch and started to change it to the side she wanted.
Victoria King was seventeen like me. And she happens to be, Shawn's sister. She was a spoiled brat, snobby and her best friend is, Laura. Who happens to be Shawn's girlfriend. They both enjoy giving me a hard time here. I hate them both so much.
By the time I was done it was eight pm. I went to say bye and then left. I couldn't wait to take a shower , eat and sleep. I was so tired.
It was a week later.
Same routine, and I have to work this Saturday cause they're having a party, which was normal with them. They throw parties for everything. Lucky today there wasn't school cause they were having a teacher conference. I decided to spend the few hours I had free with Emma. I took her to the park for some ice cream. It's been a while since we spend the day together. After buying ice cream, she went to the swings, I watched her play from the bench. The day was beautiful. But good things don't last. I took a picture of Emma in the swings while eating her ice cream, the minute I took my eyes off her to send the pic to my dad, two bitches messed with her.
"Aww, look Laura, she's crying." Victoria said while laughing. Oh hell no, they just fucking messed with the wrong person. They threw their milkshakes on Emma's hair. I ran there and put her behind me, she was crying. "You should've never done that,” I said before punching Victoria and Laura. Their nose were bleeding.
"You bitch! I'll tell mom to fire you!" She said before running.
"Savage!" Laura yelled before l
eaving.
I picked up Emma and went back to the house to give her a shower, I also noticed she had red marks on her arms. After her shower I changed her to pj's and then took her to the living room.
"Sissy, I'm a good girl, why do they bother me. Even in kindergarten." She sobbed. "Wait, they bully you there too?"
"Yes, nobody likes me. I just don't say anything, I don't want daddy to worry." She sobbed.
"Emma, never keep quiet about this, I'll talk to dad about it, okay?"
"Okay, I love you sissy." She hugged me tighter. "I love you more, munchkin." I hugged her back.
"Tell me, how's your heart?"
"It's good, but I get tired really fast." She sighed.
"We're waiting for a donor, baby sis. I know it will show and you will have a new heart." I said trying not to cry. Yeah my baby sis has a heart condition, we're always worrying that the heart won't show up or that it won't be a match for her. She's very important to us. I just hope we get our miracle to save my baby sis. If we don't get it this year. She might not make it.
"Don't cry, I'm fine." She wiped my tears. "I just love you so much, I want to see you grow up healthy and happy." I sobbed. "But I am happy." She hugged me. "yes you are, and that makes me happy." I smiled.
"I'm home." Dad said. Emma went to hug him, he hugged her back then put her on the floor. She went to her room to play.
"Do I want to know the reason behind those tears?" I told him what happened at the park and about the bullying. I also told him about Emma getting more tired than usual.
"I'm so scared to lose her." He said as tears started to fall. “I am too, dad, let’s just hope for the best." I wiped his tears while sobbing. It has been an emotional day.
It was the next day.
With everything happening yesterday, I texted Mrs King about not being able to work. She didn't reply. I would face the music today. After school I made my way to the King's mansion. Once inside I was met by Mrs King. "I need to have a serious word with you." I think I can kiss this job goodbye.
Chapter 3
Two Sides Of The Story
We went to her office, she made me sit across her desk. She had a very serious look.
"What you did yesterday is unforgettable, You won't receive a salary for two months." I needed that money. My salary here is, one thousand dollars. What I did last year is in my savings account for Emma's heart transplant. I still have a long way. But it also pays for her medicines that are expensive.
"Please don't. I need that money, I'll work all day, I can quit school."
"You should be firing her, mother." I turned to see Victoria.
"I was defending my baby sister, you threw milkshakes at a four year old, then pinch and scratch her arms leaving marks." I wanted to punch her again. But that would mean losing my job, I was lucky enough Mrs. Kingston was giving me a second chance.
"Out of my office, Victoria." She said and with that Victoria left. "I'll give you a second chance, but you'll be living here. One mistake and you're out, understood?"
"Yes, Mrs King,” I answered.
"Good, now you will wake up at five am and clean till seven. Then you will go to school and come straight here after is over. And you know the rest," she said and I just nodded. I went to put my uniform and to my duties. Then I went to clean Shawn's bedroom. As I was cleaning his desk he came inside with a serious look.
"I'm almost done."
"Why did you hurt my sister and girlfriend?"
"They deserved it. They messed with the wrong person." I said while looking at him. "It doesn't give you the right to punch them." He said with crossed arms.
"They messed with my baby sister, she's only four years old. All she wants is a day with peace and no bullying. Yesterday was a nice day, then your sister and girlfriend ruined it by throwing milkshakes at four year old then pinching and scratching her, tell me that's not cruel. She's going through enough already to deal with two spoiled brats." I said with teary eyes. "People always treat us different cause we're poor, it's not fair. But my parents told me something, the day we die we all go to the same hole, we don't take anything. Mom told me to make treasures in heaven not on the earth." With that I left. I was not about to discuss this again. I wanted to go home and hug my sister and dad. But that won't happen cause I'm stuck in this place.
I went to my room, took a shower and called home to tell them about the new arrangements. He understood, Emma was sad but told me she would see me soon. That she would be counting the days till I get home. While most people would be thrill to be living in a mansion, I wasn't, I was happy in my house with Emma and my dad, and once upon a time with mom. Tears started to fall. I miss her so bad. I cried myself to sleep.
The next morning, I got up did my daily routine and clean the first half of the mansion. Then I went to get ready for school. I made my way to the bus station. Yeah this is how I transport from one place to another. Dad is the only one with a car. Once I arrived, I went to my locker. What I needed right now was a freaking long nap.
"Hey sleeping beauty,” someone said to me. I turned to see Donna. "Thanks for sending me a text about not going to the club." She pouted.
"Sorry, I had to deal with work and two bratty bitches." I huffed. "Victoria and Laura, who would be whore one and whore two." She said causing me to laugh.
"You're crazy." I chuckled.
"Well, I hate them. They're so annoying. Wonder what would happen if her parents knew that perfect V, has a secret girlfriend."
"Wait what?"
"Yep, I saw them at a restaurant holding hands, kissing, she told her that she was so happy being in a relationship with her."
"Wow, but as much as I hate her, that's not yours to tell. She has to come out on her own." I said while giving her a look. "Fine, you're too good, you're like my conscience." She sighed, I couldn't help but laugh. She always knows how to cheer me up.
Classes went by and it was time to leave school. And back to hell. As soon as I made my way outside, I saw Emma running towards me than hugged me. I picked her up and carried her to where dad was.
"Since we won't see you for a week. We will be picking you and taking you to the King's place." Dad said, I smiled while hugging him. "No squishing me,” Emma said. This caused us to laugh. We got inside the car and he drove me to the mansion. Once we arrived, I hugged them both so tight. I didn't want to let go of them. After saying bye, I went inside. And to my luck, Laura and Shawn were watching a movie in the living room I'm supposed to clean right now.
Why did this have to be me?
I went to my room and got changed. I grabbed everything and went to the living room to clean. Things were about to get interesting, good luck me.
Chapter 4
Club Night Out
I started to clean the portraits, if it wasn't cause this work pays good, I would've quit already.
"Stop the noise, some of us would be trying to watching a movie,” Laura said.
"And some of us are working to make a living. See not everyone is blessed to be born in a crib made of gold." I replied before going back to cleaning.
“Oops," she remarked while spilling her glass of wine on the rug, which happens to be white and Mr King's favorite. He brought it from Europe.
"Laura!" Shawn said. "Shut it babe, it was her own doing." She said while dragging him away.
“This was just my luck." I sighed. I started to clean the rug but no such luck, I tried every cleaning product, but it just made it worst. I started to cry cause I know this shit is gonna cost me.
"What's the meaning of this?" I got up and saw Mr King angry.
"I can expla-"
"Shut it, this rug cost me a lot, so you're not gonna see salary for six months."
"Please don't, I need that money so bad." I said as tears started to fall.
"Should've thought that before spilling wine on my rug." He said before leaving. Why can't something good happen to me. I'm so tired of this family. I finished cleaning the rest of th
e house. I was so tired, It was eight pm. After everyone finished eating. I grabbed a plate with food and started to eat. I washed the dishes then went outside. It was a beautiful breezy night in LA I went to sit near a tree, it was so peaceful.
"Sorry about earlier,” he apologized to me.
"Doesn't matter, she got what she wanted. Now I don't get to see salary for six months, thanks to your girlfriend."
"They can't do that."
"Well, they did, now I'm stuck in this place that I hate, with people who love to be anything but nice."
"You don't get to talk about my family that way." He said while standing up. I followed suit. "Well, I just did. What else can happen? There wouldn’t be any salary for a year? With or without your mouth running it will happen. So go ahead, tell them." I said with crossed arms.
"You say that all we care is about money. But here you are talking about money."
"Because unlike you, I need it for bills, food, medicines. Your parents pay for everything you two want. I have to work my ass off. And not even then is enough to pay for-"
"For what?"
“Nothing," I said walking away, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to him. Our eyes locked for an instant, and just like that, the moment was over. We pulled away from each other. "Sorry, but enough for what?”
"I said nothing, now drop it." I said before leaving. He just sighed. Why tell him something so private, not like he cares for anyone but himself.
It was days later.
After that night, he didn't ask anymore. This weekend I had it free. I was going out with Donna to her cousin's club. I needed this night so much. Saturday morning and afternoon I was spending it with my dad and Emma.
"Sissy, we're gonna watch Disney movies all day." She said excited.
"Yes, we are, hope dad is ready for some princess time." I said while tickling her, she just giggled.
"I'm always ready for some time with my princesses." He said while hugging us.
