THE ALGORITHM

10.

"I'll try, but who knows what'll happen," Penny muttered as she scribbled her name on the front of the bucket.

Suddenly, Hannah's facial expression transitioned from a smile to a composed demeanor. Penny didn't read the room because she was too busy scribbling on the bucket.

"Mr. Lawson." Hannah greeted Bilal respectfully with a nod.

Penny diverted her pupils toward Hannah and immediately looked over her shoulder. Bilal stood behind her with a serene expression on his face. He didn't seem upset or aggravated. Penny took in the sight of the man as she adjusted her body, turning around to get a full glimpse of him. Her eyes widened in bewilderment as she checked out his height. Bilal was as tall as the frame of the door.

"I see you've cleaned up." Bilal began as he checked out Penny's attire. "Hannah is showing you how everything is done around here."

"Yes. Right now, I'm showing her the supply closet." Hannah voiced.

Bilal nodded as he glanced at Penny's bucket. He noticed she wrote her name and something witty that he disagreed with.

Penny's Bucket – FOR BLOODY SITUATIONS ONLY.

What is wrong with this girl?  Bilal asked himself as his eyes burned a hole into the bucket.

"For bloody situations only? What is that supposed to mean?" Bilal spoke aloud as he eased his eyes on Penny. He noticed the subtle expression she wore on her face. "What do you take me for? A joke?"

Penny only rolled her eyes at him.

"You're not taking this situation seriously enough for me." Bilal continued as he leaned over, getting close to Penny. He was so close that she could smell his cologne that tangoed around her nostrils. "I want you to understand that you are lucky to be breathing right now. So, stop with the games and take advantage of your life being spared."

Penny furrowed her brows while dropping the bucket beside her right leg. She eyed him with intense, not bothering to backtalk. Instead, she decided to keep quiet. Playing it safe was the best solution, as Bilal wore a stern look on his face. She wasn't sure what he would do if she made a witty response.

Hannah stood back, taking in the view of the two. She was surprised Penny had enough guts to write something witty and vulgar on her bucket. Hannah was aware that Penny was new to the mansion. She hadn't understood the routine yet. However, Bilal was not someone to play with. He was quick-tempered and had the power and authority to make things happen.

"Hannah, see that Penny gets a brand-new bucket. Make sure this one gets thrown out." He tossed his hand, pointing at the black bucket.

After ordering Hannah, Bilal left swiftly. He didn't give her a chance to speak or reject his instruction. Instead of waiting, Hannah grabbed the bucket from Penny and exchanged it for a new one.

"Here you go." Hannah offered the new bucket to Penny.

Instead of taking it, Penny just stood there, picking at her nails. It was clear she had an attitude. Hannah figured she would be upset because of the way Bilal had handled her. She didn't like to be embarrassed or put on the spot in front of people. It angered her, and Penny's lack of ability in the situation almost made her blow a fuse.

"Hey, I don't know what you're really here for..." Hannah trailed off with an unsure tone. She held an awkward expression as she tried to figure out the right words. "Um...but I'm sure you're used to doing things your way. Bilal...is a peculiar man. He likes things a certain way, and...it's a lot of rules here."