The Maid

Chapter 1

I can hear waves crashing, seagulls squawking, and people laughing, but I am empty in the inside.

I emerge the yellow-brown rag in the soapy, murky water and wipe the toilet seat. Having done this for a year now, I am no longer affected by the disgust. After the toilets, I mop the floor and wipe the sink and mirror.

Once in a while, a pair of little girls would come in plugging their noses. They would look at me with a look of either disgust or pity, maybe both.

Despite all of the pain I have held in for so long, I greet each person with a smile. I try to take a little of their happiness for myself, just to keep me going through the day.

After cleaning each bathroom, I return to the janitorial office, which people rarely see or notice. I share some coffee with my boss, then begin to clean other facilities and, sometimes, the shore.

Along the shore, I like to pick up shells while getting rid of the trash. I bring them home to my growing collection.

I catch the bus at 7:00. During the ride, I talk to my best friend, Michelle, who takes the bus everyday at the same time that I do. I met her last year when I started working at the beach. Ever since, we have never finished a day without talking to each other about it. This excludes holidays, of course, which we often spent together anyways.

I come home to my rented room in the Osborns' household. Quite frankly, they are nothing like a family. The older kids are always fighting with their parents. The younger kids are too absorbed in the new technology these days to even spend time with their siblings and parents. Even the parents are on the verge of a divorce. I try to keep away from them; I do not need any negative people in my life.

I rush into my room to avoid a conversation with any of the dreadful family members. As soon as I reach my bubble, I feel like I can breathe again.

My room consists of a bed, a dresser, a small table, and a chair. Though few, these things are mine; I cherish them and hold them close to my heart.

I add the new shells to my collection, tidy up my room a bit, then take a shower. After that, I am finally able to lie down and rest. I have dinner later on, then I go to sleep. And that is the never-ending cycle of my life.

~~~~~

I was born on February 22nd, 1996. I would say to whom I was born, but I don't care to remember their names. I will never understand why they didn't want to keep me, but that is a delicate topic.

I was given to the St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus Orphanage. The nuns raised me and gave me an education. They were all my mothers, caring for and loving me and each of my sisters. I thank God everyday for them.

At eighteen, I had to leave the orphanage and find a stable lifestyle. I started working at Carl's Jr., which ended abruptly. The orphanage assumed I was fine, however, so I continued working independently with no financial support. I ended up at Moonlight Beach, joining the janitorial services, where I am now.

I don't consider my life breathtaking or inspirational, but I do recognize my blessings, memories, and learning experiences. I wouldn't trade them for the world. Bus rides with Michelle, my times at the orphanage, strolls on the shore, my shell collection, and coffee breaks with my boss—these are what define my life. I only have one, so I treasure it with all the love I have to give.

~~~~~

"Ellie! Would you come in for a minute?" I hear my boss from across the shore to the janitorial office.

I run across the sidewalk to the office. "Hey, Mary, what's going on?"

"I need to talk to you about a concern of mine."

"Oh, of course," I sit down with her and ask, "For what?"

"For you." I tilt my head in confusion. Sure, there are many possible concerns for me, but what could Mary's be? "I'll be frank; I am not oblivious to the fact that you are in a difficult financial state right now. Correct?"

"Um, yes. But I'm—"

"Hold on, sweetie. Look, you are one of the most good-hearted people I know, and I honestly think you deserve better than this job. I want to help you find a better paying job, probably as a maid, because I think you have enough experience and personality to do it."

"A maid? Oh, I don't know, Mary..."

"Listen to me, Ellie," she hands me a stack of different sized papers, including newspapers, and says, "I found multiple ads from newspapers and the Internet looking for a maid. I want you to at least look into them and maybe apply for some. I have been thinking this over, and this is truly what I want for you. Please, for you and for me."

I take a deep breath and start looking through the first couple ads. "Okay. I'll consider them. Just give me some time to think about it."

Michelle and I sit together as per usual. I decided to consult her in applying as a maid.

"How do you feel about me becoming a maid?"

"Wow, a maid? Where? For who?"

"I don't know yet. But do you think it's a smart move?"

"Definitely. I mean, other than no more bus rides, I think it's the best for you right now."

"Alright. You wanna help me fill out applications?"

"Absolutely! Let's do them today!"

I laugh and nod my head. For the first time in a long time, I have hope for the future, anticipation for what is to come.