Chapter 2.2: Frustrated

“Okay. Enough with that issue. The important thing is that everything is clear now and resolved. But...” Harold leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“In just four days, it will be your birthday. I’m excited because I know there’ll be a feast again. Will Aunt Marcel still personally cook for us?” Harold’s eyes sparkled as he asked.

I nodded, secretly relieved that he had finally changed the topic of conversation.

He then playfully punched the air. “You know Mom. She wants to be hands-on even if cooking is hard work,” I replied.

“Oh, that’s right. Oh, no, I haven’t bought a gift for you yet, Thalia!” Mads pouted.

“We haven’t bought one either. We can’t think of anything to give you. You seem to have everything already,” Damon chimed in.

Damon and Albert then high-fived.

Mads and I just shook our heads. They’re really a bunch of jokers.

But suddenly, I paused. Truth be told, it’s a perfect opportunity for them to bring up the topic of what gift they could give me.

If I asked them to grant that particular request, would they consider it my birthday gift?

“To be honest, I thought of something you all could give me as a gift,” I said.

They stopped fooling around and all turned their attention towards me. They leaned on the table, their faces filled with curiosity.

“What is it, Thalia? Just make sure it’s not something expensive,” Harold joked, and I can say he’s the funniest among the five of us.

I nodded. “No worries. It won’t cost you even a single cent,” I said seriously, causing their smiles to slowly fade away.

They were silent for a few seconds before Harold broke the tension. “Oh, Thalia! I feel nervous about whatever it is you’re going to ask from us.” He tried to lighten the mood, but it didn’t work.

I looked at each one of them before dropping the bomb. “I want you guys to quit your job and transfer to our hotel instead.”

If we were in a normal situation, I probably would have burst into laughter because their jaws almost dropped from my statement and their eyes widened in disbelief.

“W-What? You’re not serious, right?” Mads stammered, covering her mouth with both hands.

“I actually am,” I said, giving her a serious answer.

They fell silent again, lost in deep thought.

I know that what I’m asking them to do is nearly impossible. But I need to take this risk because it’s the only way I know right now to save my friends from that murderer.

“But why? I mean, how will it benefit you?” Damon almost whispered, his forehead creased as if I were going insane.

I bit my lower lip. What powerful reason can I give them?

Because your boss is a killer.

“It won't benefit me, but it will benefit you guys instead,” I finally replied, hinting at something deeper and hoping they'll pick up on it.

“I just want to assure that you’re all okay and treated well. In our hotel—”

“Do we look like we’re not okay and treated well in our job right now?” Albert asked in disbelief.

I sighed. “I mean, look. You guys are still studying, yet they’re giving you too much work. As far as I know, you are part-timers there. But you’re doing more than what your job requires.”

They looked at each other before bowing their heads.

“You’re assigned as housekeepers and bellboys in the hotel. You’re not supposed to be secretaries, bodyguards, or whatever they decide to call you whenever they want. You barely get any rest because of your work and studies. And even on your days off, they just call you in as they please.”

They remained silent with their heads down.

“I know that you guys owe them a lot. You told me they’re treating you all like family. But that’s not how I see it. You need to think of yourselves too. I just—”

“Thalia, you know too well that what you’re asking is for us to turn down the people who adopted and took care of us. To abandon the ones who help and treat us like their own family. To leave those people who have been there and gave us the light of hope.”

I was taken aback by Harold’s serious tone. It’s not something I’m used to hearing from him.

“Besides, it’s not that easy,” he said, shaking his head. “Actually, it will never be that easy.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to soothe my aching senses.

“No! That’s not what I mean. I—”

I stopped speaking as Mads suddenly stood up. She smiled, but her eyes showed sadness.

“I’m sorry, Thalia. I know you’re just worried about us, and I’m very thankful for that. We are very thankful for that. Just ask for anything, no matter how valuable it is or how difficult it is to do. But we will never leave the Anderson’s, no matter how good your reason is.”

That made me fall silent. Their minds are closed right now, so I won’t push my desires on them for the moment. I can’t blame them since I caught them off guard. Besides, they are too blind to see that the Anderson’s are not good people.

They have been with the Anderson’s family since they were children, and they consider them their own family. Meanwhile, I’ve known them for only a few years. Most importantly, I’m just their friend.

I nodded and smiled at them. “Okay. Sorry about that. I’m just really concerned.”

“Apology accepted,” Mads said, and everyone smiled.

We continued chatting as if nothing had happened, although I was still a bit lost and thinking of other ways to free them from the grasp of the Anderson’s.

Until we bid farewell to each other, my mind remained preoccupied. I watched as the car came to pick them up before finally getting into my own car with a firm decision on what to do.

It frustrates the hell out of me that I can’t do anything for now. But I promise to do whatever it takes to convince them to leave the Anderson’s.