Chapter 22

It was one of the wounds I received on the day of my escape from the house. I had always cleaned each one of them after bathing and I did so to this particular wound the previous day. I lay trying to figure out what might have triggered its opening. 

It then hit me. The wound opened and as a result, I slept in a bad posture to reduce the pain. The bad sleeping posture made my whole body ache and that was why I couldn't even move. 

I heard my alarm ring, it was 7:00 am and it was so difficult to even stretch my arms to snooze it. I heard Frederick's door open and I figured he was stepping out. I didn't know if to feel angry or sorry for myself. 

My boss was awake and I was still laying on my bed. I tried so hard to not blame myself for anything that morning.

I got up from my bed and believe me when I say I had never felt such intense body pain. I struggled to move to the bathroom, then, took off my clothes and laid in the bathtub. I could feel the coldness of the water on my wounds. 

The story behind the wounds made me remember my parents had not called me yet. I wondered how they were faring. I picked up my small phone and listened to music. Say something by Christina Aguilera would always be one of my favorite. As I listened to it, tears flowed out of my eyes. The song was slow, sad, and melodious too.

"Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'll be the one if you want me to
Anywhere, I would've followed you
Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I am feeling so small
It was over my head
I know nothing at all
And I will stumble and fall
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl

Say something, I'm giving up on you
I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
Anywhere, I would've followed you

Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I will swallow my pride
You're the one that I love
And I'm saying goodbye

Say something, I'm giving up on you
And I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you
And anywhere, I would have followed you
Oh-oh, say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something, I'm giving up on you
Say something"

The body pain was unbearable, the scars were visible, my life wasn't any better. I felt like after escaping, I wouldn't remember the past or feel hurt from it. But like they say, 'time heals all wounds. I was still waiting and I prayed it wouldn't be long now.

I got out of the bathroom after bathing. Today, I was going to do the laundry and dust all the furniture. 

I dressed up in a T-shirt and shorts, and then tied my apron and went downstairs. I knocked on Frederick's door thrice and all through the knockings, I didn't receive an answer and he didn't even come to the door. 

I shrugged and went down the stairs slowly till I got to the end. I rested for a few seconds and headed to the kitchen. On my way to the kitchen, I met Frederick having breakfast.

Damn, I think I am in trouble, I said to myself.
I felt extra bad and angry at myself. I didn't want to lose another job.

Good morning sir, I greeted him as I got to the dining room.

He didn't say a word or even turned his head to look at me. But, he just continued eating.

"Good morning", I greeted again, this time staring into his face.

"Good morning Madam, he answered with his attention still on his iPad.
I kept quiet and still stood there as if I was waiting to hear him say something else.

"Why were you asleep till now? I asked her

"I'm sorry sir. I overslept and didn't even hear my alarm when it rang", I lied.
I couldn't tell him about my scars or wounds, it was too embarrassing and sad.

He ignored my response and stood up from the chair with his plate to the kitchen. I took a step in his direction and ouch, I felt the pain again. I comported myself so he wouldn't notice and walked in his direction. I stretched my hands to collect the plate from him. He frowned at me and immediately, I took it as a cue to step out of the way and let him be. 

"Kharis, I need you to know that I can take care of myself if you do not take care of me", he said and walked out of the kitchen. 
I peeped and saw him climb the stairs back to his room.

I wished he knew what was going on with me, maybe he would understand. I would never sleep comfortably and let him fix his meal. What was my job then?

I washed the plate and cleaned the microwave. I noticed a covered plate and realized he left some fried eggs and toast. I don't think this is my share, I thought. But, I took a little bit of the egg, and omg, it was delicious .

I didn't even think for one second that Mr. Frederick, the young and wealthy man, would be an amazing chef.

I began doing the laundry and playing music at the same time. Music made me happy and listening to it at that time made me feel a lot better.

After the laundry, I went to my room and buried my face deep into a book. Well, I borrowed the book from Frederick's study and I wasn't ready to have him find out about it yet.

Frederick POV

I woke up to a loud bang on my table. I lifted my head to find Kiel standing in front of me.

Dudddddeee… I screamed. What the hell is wrong with you? You could have just called out to me or gently tapped me on the head. No point in breaking into my room and destroying anything or giving me brain damage, I said to him and covered my head with my pillow. 

"It's 12:00 pm, '' he answered. And I'm here early. Get your ass out of the bed and get ready. I have work to do, he said, sounding so serious".

"What is wrong with you man, '' I asked. Kiel was sounding way too serious and that was so unlike him. It seemed like he wasn't ready to joke around. I got up and changed into something decent for the mall.

I went downstairs and met Jane and Kiel already in the living room and set to head out. As for Kharis, she was upstairs in her room.

We all stepped out and used my car to the mall. Kiel cane with his car but he preferred to have Lois drive him. I figured something was wrong with him. He wasn't as active as he used to be, so I decided to let him be.

I picked the perfect tuxedo and shoes, all thanks to Jane Pierce. Before coming back home, we all decided to stop by at a burger shop and fill our stomachs before going home…