Maid for the beast

I have been pacing around the living room for the past hour, still waiting for the phone to ring. ''Oh, come on Dési, walking around the living room won't make the phone ring any faster'', my friend Marisa told me while rolling her eyes. Damn you Marisa Carraway! She's always right. Marisa is the complete opposite of me; beautiful porcelain smooth skin, long and gorgeous reddish blonde hair which flows like waves without even her trying, heart faced with some freckles on her nose to add even more splendour to her face and not to forget those bright blue eyes along with long lashes which could entice anyone. I, on the other hand, I have been blessed with plain brown hair, hazel eyes with dark circles beneath them and the inability to behave like a sophisticated lady in front of many others.

I sigh and sit on the velvet brown couch in the living room, ''yeah, you're perhaps right.'' I said exasperated, ''but what can I do Marisa, it's been three days since I've been to that interview but no one has even bothered to call back!'' By now I think I was whining like a six year old child who has not been given her Christmas gift. Marisa came to where I was sitting and took my hands in hers ''Look Dési, give it some time'' she said calmly ''Furni and Co is a big company, perhaps they'll take some time to revert back to you or perhaps they won't even call back. Don't just sit idle and pace around because it will be of no use. Try to look elsewhere''. Marisa said with conviction.

This is what I like about Marisa, she is straight forward and will not beat about the bush to say something. Her ability to talk without any fear and her argumentative style is what actually makes her amazing. Damn her once again for always being right! ''I guess you're right Mari, but I need to find a job as soon as possible. It's becoming quite impossible now to keep up with the rising rent and also Lucas. His treatment is going to cost a fortune and I have absolutely no idea how to make both ends meet.'' I confessed while running my hands over my now greasy hair. Gosh I'm such a hopeless case.

Marisa got up from the couch and walked to the window. That's her habit. Whenever she is pondering upon something, she will walk to the window, perhaps this is what gives her material to think of. ''You know what Dési, I've got an idea, however I don't know whether you'll approve of this but I'll tell you anyway.'' She told me with a hint of uncertainty in her voice. Well, that's a rare thing. ''Okay, shoot.'' I encouraged her to voice out her thoughts. She was fidgeting with her fingers, definitely a sign of ambiguity. ''Um, well you remember once I told you about leaving Lucas at my parents and you shift here.'' I nodded and motioned with my hands for her to continue. ''So, since it is becoming quite tough for you to keep up with the rent, why don't you actually leave him there and shift here?'' I looked at her as if she grew a double head and I think she understood my surprise. She immediately came by my side. ''Look Dési, I know that you had once refused my proposition but think about it with a lucid mind. My parents are not so far from here and they love Lucas to bits and they will most definitely take good care of him and as such you will not have to worry about the rent, an additional cost would be saved, don't you think?''

Good lord, I did not think about this that way. In one way Marisa is right. Martha and George will undoubtedly take good care of Lucas. ''I think you're right Marisa, but I feel bad about it. I feel as if I am taking advantage of your parents.'' I said while looking down. ''Oh my gosh, you are actually considering my proposal, I can't believe it.'' She burst out and went on ''and no Dési, you will not be taking wrong advantage of my parents, they will absolutely love to look after Lucas and you know how much they adore that little man, don't you?'' Marisa said as a matter of factly. ''Moreover, once you shift here, we'll be able to look for a good job for you and you'll be able to pay for Lucas' treatment and then everything will be just fine.'' She said as if she has solved the greatest mystery in the world.

''But—''

''No ifs or buts Dési,'' Marisa scolded. ''I'm telling you this for the last time, no you're not using my parents or me in the wrong way. I'm helping you out because you're my best friend and I don't like seeing you carrying this whole burden alone. It's the least I can do and trust me I want to help you out. Understand?'' she told me leaving no room for argument. I merely nodded. ''Well since this is sorted out, let's go and pack your things up at your apartment.'' Marisa picked up her phone and car keys.

We left her loft and went down to the parking area towards her car and headed to Magnolia Avenue. Thankfully the road was clear, so in around half an hour we reached our destination. Compared to Marisa's classy and sophisticated loft, my apartment looks like those buildings which lower class people can afford. It was not the best of neighbourhoods but it was still home to Lucas and me.

I opened the door to come out of the car. ''Dési, do you want me to come or you'll be fine by yourself?'' Marisa asked concerned.

''No, you stay in the car. I won't be long. Thank you.'' I said with a warm smile.

I slowly made my way up the stairs when Mrs. Jones, the wife of the owner of the building called me, ''Hello Désirée, how are you doing today?'' she asked me in a warm and motherly tone. I looked up at the elderly woman.

In her late forties, Mrs Jones is probably one of the nicest persons I have ever met. With her wrinkled skin, she still looks as wonderful as she looked four years ago. ''I am fine Mrs Jones, what about you and how is Mr Jones doing nowadays, I haven't seen him for quite a long time.'' I asked with a smile.

''Oh dear, he has gone for his uncle's funeral in Seattle. You remember Jack?'' I nodded. ''Well, he recently was a victim of leukemia.'' She said despondently.

''Oh, I'm so sorry Mrs Jones. Mr Jones was so close to his brother.'' I said dejectedly.

''Unfortunately yes. But he'll be fine eventually, once he gets back into his routine. Enough about me, how is that little prankster doing?'' Mrs Jones asked.

''He is doing great actually.'' I lied. No one actually knows about Lucas' disease apart from Marisa, her family and myself. It is better this way.

''Oh well that's good to hear.'' She said lovingly.

This was the best opportunity to inform her about my departure. ''Um, Mrs Jones, I have found another apartment which is closer to Lucas' kindergarten, so I'll be moving there today.'' I told her with a dry smile.

''Oh that's no problem my dear,'' she said.

''Well I'll go and pack.'' I said heading towards the stairs. '

'Sure thing,'' she answered.

I finally got to the door and inserted my key in the hole as the lock clicked. I looked at the plain living room for probably one last time. Without losing a minute I started to pack. Thankfully, I did not have much to pack. Taking a large camping bag, I inserted only the basic materials; some pair of jeans and t-shirts for me as well as my books and Lucas' toys, clothes and medicines. Once I was done with the packing, I went downstairs and paid Mrs Jones for the rent of this month. I thanked her for everything and asked her to give my compliments to Mr Jones.

''I'll miss you and Lucas very much my dear,'' I looked in her watery brown eyes. ''You two were like my children.''

Even I started to get emotional. This place was not the best of everything but I got quite attached to it and to the owners.

''Even I'll miss you Mrs Jones. Thank you for all your help, it meant a lot to Lucas and me and we will never forget you.'' I hugged her with all energy I possessed.

''I wish you all the very best in life dearest and it's high time you start hunting for a husband.'' Mrs Jones joked. I laughed heartedly, ''sure thing, Mrs Jones. I'll see you soon!'' I said. ''Okay darling, have a safe ride to your new home.''

Once I was done talking with Mrs Jones, I made my way towards the car. ''I'm sorry if I took too long.'' I told Marisa. She looked at me as if I was an alien. ''Marisa, are you okay?'' I asked concerned. ''Is that all?'' she asked incredulously. ''What?'' I think by now I was giving her the what-the-heck-are-you-talking-about face.

''Is that all you're carrying with you? Only a camping bag?''

Oh. ''Well yeah, I mean I don't have many things to carry with me besides our clothes and his toys.'' I said.

''Good lord, we need to change that very soon. We absolutely need to go shopping quite often.'' She said taking the road to Lucas' kindergarten. '

'Oh no, please Marisa, you know how much I hate shopping.'' I said looking at her.

''Oh God, I think you are the strangest girl I have ever met, and I wonder how we became best friends!" She mocked.

After taking some turns along the road, we finally reached ABC Nursery, Lucas' kindergarten. I could see Lucas playing probably hide and seek with his fellow friends. He looked so happy and dynamic while playing. If only he could be like this for the rest of his life. If only he was not the prey of such a deadly disease.

''Hey, you okay?'' Marisa had a hint of worry on her face. I had not realised she was standing next to me.

''Yes, I'm fine. Just caught up in my thoughts. Come on, let's go.'' I told her and started walking towards Lucas. He saw me coming his way and he started running towards me. Good lord, he runs quite fast for his age. ''Désiii'', he was screaming on the top of his lungs and flung himself in my arms.

''Hey little man, how are you?'' I asked him while spinning him around.

''I just won a round of hide and seek. No one was able to find me. You know why?'' he asked enthusiastically.

''No, I don't know why. Please tell me.'' Even though I knew the answer I had to play dumb.

''Well, because I am superman who's got superpowers.'' He raised his fist in the air, pointing towards his tiny muscles.

''Oh that you are my little man, a superman who will rescue the world from all dangers.'' I told him with absolute conviction. ''Alright, ready to go home Luke?'' I asked him, already knowing the answer. He nodded his head vigorously. ''Fine, you stay with Aunt Marisa and I'll go and pick up your bag, kay?'' I ruffled his curly brown hair.

Lucas and I have got identical features, same brown hair and hazel eyes. The only difference between us is that he's got curly hair while I've got plain straight hair. Lucas became my responsibility the day my mother, Jennifer decided she could not take his charge claiming she was way too young and wished to explore the world than to take care of a three year old child. From that day till now, Lucas became my life, he always comes first. A month ago, Lucas fell unconscious in school and was taken immediately to the hospital. We all thought it was due to fatigue. However, when he was diagnosed, the doctors found that he has the coronary heart disease, which is quite rare in kids. Generally, the coronary artery disease occurs when blood vessels that supply the blood to the heart is narrowed. The only way to get rid of this deadly disease is to get him medicines which are extremely expensive or in extreme cases perform a coronary artery bypass surgery but this costs a fortune. Probably that is the reason why I am hunting for any type of job to be able to pay for his costly medicines and treatment.

I took his small bag pack and went back towards the car, took a seat in the back next to Lucas. He immediately started to play with his dinosaur. Alright, I think it's high time I told him the news. ''Lucas, baby, I need to tell you something.'' I told him gently. Marisa kept looking at me from the rear mirror and nodded her head, motioning me to continue. He put his dinosaur down and I placed him on my lap. I caressed his head before telling him the news.

''Well, Lucas, I need you to stay at Aunt Mari's parents' because I need to go on a mission.'' He had his thumb in his mouth and was gaping at me with wide eyes. I had to make up a story to tell him that. It would be quite inappropriate to tell him that I can't bear the cost of the rent and medicines from now on and I need to look for a job to be able to pay for your operations. ''What kind of mission, Dési?'' he asked me with all innocence. Oh God, I feel absolutely horrible.

''Well, you know, there are lots of bad creatures who are invading the planet and God sent me a message saying that he chose me to fight against those bad living beings. They even took possession of our loving apartment back in Magnolia Avenue.'' He gasped and put his hand on his mouth. ''So, I need to keep you in a safe place so that I can fight those bad monsters.'' I went on.

''So you're going to be a superwoman Dési?'' I ruffled his head and nodded. ''But why don't we fight together?'' Lucas asked me in a tiny voice. ''I need to show them that I can be a superman too!'' he said showing his muscles.

''Oh but you will fight them too little man, because they will definitely come for you at Marisa's parents' home. Then you can show them your ultimate powers. But I need you to go there so that you are in a safe place and well protected and if we are successful in the mission, God will even give us a box full of skittles.'' By then Lucas, was clapping his hands zealously.

''Oh yes Dési, I will go to Uncle George and Aunt Martha, and we will all fight against the monsters.'' He raised his tiny fist once again and I raised mine too.

Thank goodness Lucas was not being difficult or else it would be very hard to explain him. But he has always been a good kid. By now we have reached Marisa's parents' home and Lucas got off the car enthusiastically, jumping up and down. I looked at the two story house, Lucas' new home. Marisa walked towards the mahogany door and knocked while I stayed behind. A few seconds later, Mrs Carraway opened the door. ''Marisa, darling, what a surprise?'' she enveloped her in a bone crushing hug. She looked at us and her smile even broadened. ''Hello Désirée, how are you doing?'' Mrs Martha asked while taking Lucas in his arms ''and how is my little warrior?'' Lucas was giggling like an angel in her arms. ''I'm good Mrs Carraway, how about you?'' I asked her politely. ''Oh same as yesterday. Oh how ill-mannered of me, please come in.'' Mrs Carraway is a very sophisticated, graceful well-groomed yet very humble lady who always wears expensive designer clothes. I hope one day I can be as chic as her.

We went inside the beautiful house. Even though I've been in this house several times, today I've taken close notice of the interior of the house. The hallway flowing into a large, wide staircase leading to the rooms on the first floor and on either side of the front door are longer versions of french windows. The windows were ajar thus blowing the violet curtains at one end. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I had not realised that Lucas was talking to me ''Oh, I'm sorry sweetheart, I did not hear you. What did you say?'' I picked him up and sat on the couch next to the fireplace.

''Nothing, I was just wondering when will you be going to fight the monsters.''

''Oh, today itself sweetheart.''

''Why don't you go and play with your dinosaur, he might be feeling lonely.'' Lucas nodded his head and went off as quick as lightening. Good lord, that boy is a ball full of energy.

Mrs Carraway sat next to me on the same couch ''Marisa has told me about your financial issues my dear. Don't worry about anything, we'll take good care of Lucas. He's is good hands.'' She reassured me. I looked at her with unshed tears. Even my own blood wouldn't do as much as Marisa and her parents are doing. I hugged her with all my force.

''Oh thank you so much Mrs Carraway. I promise, once I get a good job and settle down, I will not let Lucas be a burden on you.''

''Sshh, stop crying sweetheart. You're a hardworker and you will most definitely find a good job. But don't you ever think that Lucas is a problem to us. He's like our son my dear. Besides we get bored all alone here, at least Lucas will give us some good company. You don't need to worry at all.'' She wiped my now teary face. Oh Mrs Carraway is so full of compassion and tenderness. I don't know if I would be able to ever repay back whatever she is doing to keep Lucas protected.

''Okay, enough of all this social drama!'' Marisa said breaking the tension. ''Well mom, we'll go now. It's quite late.''

My eyes widened when I looked at the clock. Good lord, we've been here for quite a long period of time. I slowly got up from the couch and went to Lucas.

''Lucas, sweetheart, it's time for me to go and fight with the monsters. You promise not to bother Mrs and Mrs Carraway, and you will have to take all your medicines in the right time to be able to have strong muscles, okay? I put my pinky in front of him.

''Yes, Dési, I promise.'' He interlinked his pinky with mine.

''I will call you everyday.'' I promised. ''Bye sweetheart and take care. Goodbye Mrs Carraway and thank you for everything once again.'' I thanked her from the bottom of my heart.

''Oh, shut up you.'' She waved her hand as if it was no big deal.

Marisa opened the front door and we walked towards the car and headed back to Halsted Street, to her loft. Well I guess this is a new beginning for me and new challenges will be presented on my way. But I will do whatever in my power to get a good job to be able to pay for the treatment of my brother.

Hello everyone,

This is my new story. I hope you'll like it. It's kind of boring in the beginning but keep on reading, it'll get better, I promise. 

Please tell me whether you're liking the story or not.

Thank you.

Ina :)