Charlotte McGill.
I took out the last batch of triple chocolate cupcakes from the oven and placed them on the counter to cool down. I stole a glance at the clock and almost shrieked in horror- it was already two in the afternoon and I have to be at Watson's farewell party at four. Mose and Rica wanted me to bake them their favorite cupcakes for the last time and I couldn't say no. I hastily started preparing for the frosting when my cell phone started to ring. I groaned and without even looking who it was, I received it.
"Yes?" I said irritatingly.
"Woah - calm down. What happened?" Maria's amused voice greeted me.
I sighed, "Cupcakes happen. I've so much to do and I haven't done half of it. And I have to be at Watson's at four. I'm seriously freaking out." I tried to balance my phone between my ear and shoulder while adding cream cheese to a bowl.
"All right, I'll be at your place in half an hour," Maria said.
"Really? You are the best buddy ever. I'm waiting." I said.
"Of course, I am. All right bye. See you." She chuckled.
"See you," I replied.
Living alone sucks. You have to do everything on your own. You don't have anyone to talk to, no instant shoulder to cry on, no one to make your food when you are sick and my list can go on. I wished I had a family- just like Maria's. They have always treated me like a family, they gave me the love I was seeking but, still, I wish I had my own small crazy family.
The most hurtful thing is that I had a family - I had my parents. They loved me, I was their only child but, their mysterious death left me alone. I was so young when they left or died- I don't know. One morning they left for camping and never came back. The local police never found their body but, they said that their camp looked like it was attacked by a wild animal. They didn't found any blood or remaining on the scene so, they searched for them but after months of searching they gave up and concluded that they might have eaten by an animal. I was devastated, I went into shock- I was even stupid enough to attempt suicide but thankful, Leo saved me. I just couldn't believe that parents were gone, just like that.
I sighed and sniffed to stop tears from falling. I shouldn't be thinking too much about them, it would only make me sadder. So I pushed it in the back of my mind and started whisking the ingredients together and just like that after half an hour I was done with frosting. I placed the frosting in the fridge and waited for them to rest for a few minutes, in the meantime I started separating all the cupcakes from the cupcake paper.
After a few minutes I heard my main door opened and then closed, "Oh God, it smells delicious in here." I heard Maria's soft voice from the lounge.
I smiled, "Yeah? Well, why don't you come in the kitchen and taste one for me." I suggested.
"I'd love to." I heard her amused voice before she entered in my small kitchen.
"How's everything going?" She asked as she picked one of the cupcakes from the tray. "Where's the frosting?" She asked while fetching a butter knife from the drawer.
"In the fridge. And everything is going great but, I have so much to do and the time is limited." I said while separating the last cupcake from the paper.
"Oh. My. God." I heard Maria's voice, I twirled my head to see her stuffing her mouth with the cupcake, "There is a party going on in my mouth. These are so good. I'm having one more." She tried to pick one more cupcake but I slapped her hand before she could grab another.
"Hey! What?!" She complained.
"These are for kids, Maria. I will make you more some other time- I promise." I said.
"But- urgh! Promise?" She said.
I nodded and chuckled, "Yes, promise." I replied.
"Damn, it's too hard to stop me." She complained. I giggled and threw the used cupcake papers away.
"Anyways, bring these cupcakes and frosting out in the lounge. While I frost the cupcakes, you go and take a shower. Seriously, Charlie, you smell like chocolate." She said while walking out. I chuckled and followed her out with cupcakes and frosting in both of my hands.
"You are a lifesaver," I told her, while she made herself comfortable on my couch.
"That I am. Anyways go and shower. It is three already." Maria ordered while I put the tray of cupcakes and bowl of frosting in front of her.
"All right. Thank you again, girl." I said while rushing into my small but cozy room. From the lounge I heard Maria saying something but, I couldn't hear her right. But, that wasn't the real issue. The real issue was to get ready in an hour.
After I took a shower, I dried my hair and fetched a nice yellow and white-colored sundress, which ended just below my knees. After changing into that dress, I slip into white and yellow flat sandals and wore a white bracelet and a really cute heart-shaped locket around my neck. I, then brushed my silky long hair, untangling them, and applied a little mascara, a thin layer of eyeliner, and a cherry color lipstick. After applying perfume I walked out of my room with my clutch in my hand.
"You look beautiful, Charlie." I heard Maria as soon as I entered the lounge.
I smiled and blushed, "Thank you, Maria." I replied.
She chuckled, "I've packed the cupcakes, they are in the kitchen. You're welcome." She smiled cheekily.
"Thank you so much." I hugged her, which she returned enthusiastically. "Why don't you join me? I'll be all alone there." I pouted.
She chuckled, "I'm not invited, plus Melissa is in town and she needs my help with shopping for her boyfriend's birthday, I'm meeting her at the mall at five. So-" She answered with a shrug and sat on the couch, "I can't." She exhaled audibly.
"Oh, all right, well, I should be leaving then." I said while straightening my dress with my hands, "Lock the door when you leave. I have keys with me." I said while making my way to the kitchen. My gaze went on the perfectly packed cupcakes, an instant smile came up on my face, and Maria did an amazing job while decorating the cupcakes with colorful sprinkles and m&m. I pick the two containers and walked out of the kitchen.
"They look great, Maria. Kids are going to love it just by its look." I complimented.
"Why, thank you." She said. "Now off you go. And don't worry I'll lock up the house." She added. I smiled and after giving her a quick hug- I finally left for Watson's farewell party.
After driving for thirty to forty minutes straight, I finally reached Watson's place - or should I say mansion. From what I've heard Mr. and Mrs. Watson has also invited a few of their close friends. I remember how few of their guests made me feel extremely uncomfortable with their irksome remarks last year at Rica's birthday party, not that Watson's are similar - they didn't even know what their guest did. I don't want to humiliate myself like last time, so I've planned to keep myself busy with kids and leave as early as I could.
A sudden knock at my window made me jump and squealed in dismay, I put my hand over my hastily beating heart and look out of the window to see the familiar face of Watson's butler, Aldo. He offered me a sweet apologetic small smile, which I returned gladly. I rolled down the window, "Hey, Aldo." I greeted.
"Hello, Charlotte. Sorry, I scared you. You have been sitting alone in the car for the past ten minutes. You okay?" He asked. Ten minutes? Wow- I didn't know I've been in my car for ten minutes.
"Yes, I was just thinking about something," I said while stepping out. Aldo back off and replied with a curt nod. "Hey Al, will you please help me with these cupcake boxes? I'm afraid I won't be able to hold these two containers at a time." I asked while opening the back seat door.
"Of course, Charlotte. Don't worry about anything. You go and join the guests, I will take these two in for you." He replied.
I smiled gratefully, "Thank you so much, Al." I said.
"Of course." He replied short and took out the two containers of cupcakes. I sighed and locked the door after Aldo, before forcing myself to walk into the mansion and act naturally.
The mansion looked as magnificent as always. None of the furniture was missing, they are probably leaving it here. And why won't they, they aren't short on money to buy new- unlike me. I look around to see many of the unfamiliar faces chatting with each other while some of them were at the buffet- trying on some food. I was desperately looking for someone familiar but, I couldn't spot one. There was also no sign of children in here, they must be in the garden area- maybe I should go there as well. Before I could move from my spot I heard a familiar voice.
"Oh! You are here, Charlotte. How are you?" Eva Watson walked towards me with a huge smile on her face. I must say she looked beautiful in her red and black gown. She opened her arms and embraced me in a hug. She never treats me like an employee or a servant - that's why I adore her.
"Hi, I'm good. How are you? And, by the way, you look stunning today." I complimented her and returned the hug.
"Thank you. You look pretty yourself." She complimented back, probably for the sake of formality - though, I don't look near as pretty. I tugged a string of my hair behind my ear and smiled.
"Thanks." I blushed. Well, I'm not very used to compliments.
"Come on, let me introduce you to my guests." She said while holding my hand and dragging me towards the group of people talking to each other. Before I could stop her, I was already being introduced to a couple of handsome gentlemen.
"Hey everybody, this is Charlotte. Rica and Suleiman's nanny." She said aloud, getting everyone's attention from the group.
It's so foreign to hear Mose's real name.
I gulped and tried to hold my ground, as my knees felt wobbly because of so many eyes on me at once. My heart rate was increasing after every other second and my palms were getting sweatier. "Hi," I said almost inaudibly.
"Hello, Charlotte. I'm George Watson – kid's father." The guy with the grey suit on said while offering his hand for a handshake. I hesitantly shook hands with him, before whipping off the sweat with my dress. "The kids talk about you a lot. They like you." He added with a sincere smile.
"Thank you. You have wonderful children." I replied. I was feeling better than before but, the gaze of a guy standing next to Mr. Watson was very nerve-wracking. So, I tried my best to ignore him. After chatting with Mr. Watson for a few minutes, I liked him. I find him a very kind and generous man. Pity, I never met him before, he never visited his family for the past one and a half year.
"Well, brother. Won't you introduce us to this beautiful woman?" The guys whose gaze was still fixed on me said, causing me to blush hard. Everyone's complimenting me way too much today. I finally met his gaze. He didn't look more than thirty. I must add he's very handsome.
Mr. Watson chuckled, "Well, Charlotte. This is my youngest brother, Oliver. Oliver, this is Rica and Suleiman's nanny, Charlotte." He introduced us to each other.
"Hello." I greeted him short. This guy's mischievous gaze was making me more and more nervous. He stepped forward and took my hand in his before brushing his lips on my knuckle. I shivered from his soft but intense touch and politely unbuckle my hand from his. I'm sure, my face must be red by now. I mentally noted to stay away from this guy- he's bad news. His playful smirk says it all. Before Oliver could say anything, I heard Mr. Watson speaking.
"Oh! Isn't it the great, Marcus Harrison?" I heard Mr. Watson's joyful voice. My gaze traveled towards him to see him looking behind my shoulder. That time, I didn't care about a gorgeous man standing right in front of me. I gulped nervously when I felt a presence behind me. He's here.
"Dada," I heard a melodious voice as well before someone lightly tugged my hair from behind. I smiled, not he- they are here.