Chapter Four

Maria.

After I was done with my bath, I put on a simple dress, went to call Emilia and together we went to the kitchen to help Julia.

We might have grown up with money and have everything at our beck and disposal but that doesn’t mean we don’t know how to do things. We may have cooks, maids, and cleaners but we love doing things ourselves.

I made sure Emilia knew how to take care of herself since I became the mother figure in her life.

“Good evening Julia, what are we making for dinner?” Emilia asked.

“Maria. Emilia.” Julia smiled warmly at us when we entered the kitchen.

“I guess you are here to help?”

“What can we do?” Emilia asked.

“The vegetables—cut and cook them over high heat with the butter, sí? And you Emilia, you will start the rice.”

After persuading us to leave the job for her Julia has become tired of our stubborn ass, and she allowed us in the kitchen because of that.

We got to work and Emilia and Julia immediately fell into a conversation. I added as much as I could having Emilia say the words out for me.

Julia is like a mother figure in our lives after losing our mother.

“You just turned twenty-three, sí?” She asked and I nodded.

“You look healthy and at this age, you should be thinking about settling down. Don’t you think it's time to get married?”

I wasn’t surprised by her words, she had been dropping hints about marriage since my twenty-first birthday and as always I shook my head politely.

“She said she isn’t ready for marriage, Julia, and I’m not ready to let my sister go,” Emilia said with a possessive tone.

I smiled.

“Well, I’m just saying this for your benefit. You should find someone who you can stay with until you grow old, fall in love before your father steps in and pushes you to the highest bidder.”

She was telling the truth. Every day I dread being called to my father's office. I know he has given us freedom but for how long?

Very soon he wouldn’t be able to protect us.

“She will do that soon,” Emilia replied.

“Stubborn girl.” I move over and peck her cheeks causing her to melt instantly.

Dinner doesn’t take too long with us helping and once it’s ready we dive in. Julia and Emilia seemed engrossed in whatever discussion they were having but my heart remained unsettled. I checked my phone a couple of times hoping I would get some texts from Father but nothing.

I don’t know why I’d expected a text from him when he never let me know about his whereabouts.

As we cleared the table and washed the dishes, the door to the living room burst open. I rushed out expectantly but was met with disappointment when it wasn’t my father standing there but Juan instead.

“Juan, shouldn’t you be with our father?” I asked, moving my hands.

“He asked me to stay here for the night.” He replied and then frowned.

“I thought he told you this.”

Right, I have forgotten about that.

“Should we be worried about him?” Emilia asked, stepping out of the kitchen.

“No, everything is fine. But I advise you to go to the rooms and stay there.” He said.

“Go upstairs, Julia can finish here.” He ordered.

We both looked at Julia who gave us a reassuring smile. We have no other choice but to follow orders.

“Good night Julia.” Emilia mumbled while I kissed her cheeks.

“Good night girls.”

We took the stairs and I took note of how eerily quiet the house was too. It was then I noticed the rest of the staff had gone home too, our usually busy and loud house was so silent as a graveyard, and that made me uncomfortable.

Emilia paused in front of her door and I stared at her worriedly.

“Will you sleep in my room?” She asked.

“Not like I’m scared or anything…..” I smiled and didn’t wait for her to continue. I opened her door and she entered the room.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked softly as I sat on her bed.

I shook my head forcing a smile out. She knows there was something bothering me but I would rather let it bother me alone than drag her in this.

I tapped the bed and she got the cue, we both climbed the bed and she wrapped her hands around me. Emilia is clingy but she wouldn’t admit it. She claims to be all strong and independent but still acts like a baby.

I don’t think I will be able to sleep tonight, but I will be at peace knowing she was beside me.

Emilia fell asleep minutes after crashing on the bed, I checked my phone for the last time and yet was met with nothing.

I shouldn’t be disappointed knowing this was how father works, all I hoped for was for him to return like he normally does.