The Memorial

Few days after the passing of Mrs.Wilson, a burial service was held. A lot more people than she expected came and relatives her mother never told her about were also present. When the burial came to an end a strange man walked up to Maggie.

From his gold accessories and expensive looking clothes and demeanor, she could tell he was a wealthy man. She wondered what relationship her mum would have with such a man.

“Hello Maggie, it’s nice to finally meet you” he greeted her with a smile that made her feel like she already knew him but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

“Hmm..hi..I am not sure we’ve met. Are you a friend of my mother?” she asked eagerly.

“Yes, a very good friend. It’s still surreal to know she’s gone and I am sorry for your loss” he said bowing his head.

“Yeah it’s..it’s life I guess..I am sure she hates me. I brought her nothing but pain,I was selfish,stubborn..I..I wish I could take it all back.

Maybe she wouldn’t have died that night if I just listened and stayed home with her”Maggie fell to her knees sobbing.

She had been trying so hard to remain strong but she couldn’t hold it in any longer.

“It’s not your fault.Your mother was just like you when she was your age. You remind me so much of her. You both are stubborn and brave . I am sure she is proud of you” he stated.

She found it hard believe. Maybe he was just saying what he is supposed to say to console her.

“You should come stay with my family. It’s the least I can do to repay your mum for everything she has done for me. I know you don’t know me but I know you and your mum so please I am here to support you through this.I want to be of help in any way I can” the man said.

“No it’s alright I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself”

Maggie was never the type to receive handouts or help from anyone.

“Please take my card, call the number if you change your mind. I’ll be expecting your call” he said and left in a black tinted Porsche.

Who exactly is this strange man? She thought to herself.She saw her relatives giving her a look of suspicion so she quickly hid his card in her pocket.

It was obvious that Maggie needed the extra support.None of her so-called relatives that were present at the memorial tried to help.It was already tough enough to meet daily ends since her mother’s passing.

As time went on, school became unbearable as she couldn’t buy textbooks or pay for school activities and excursions. She also didn’t make enough to pay for the rent and there was an eviction notice letter that she had earlier received from the landlord.

At the rate things were going she inevitably burnt out. She tried to balance working two jobs with school but it was just too much to handle.

It became very clear to her that she would have to accept help from the strange man who claimed to be her mother’s friend.

She was kinda scared because he could be a criminal or someone dangerous.She didn’t know anything about him so it is definitely a big risk but she had run out of options.

“Okay..here we go” she wiped the little sweat off her forehead as she called the number on the fancy card the man gave her.

“Mr Choi?” she said when someone picked the call.

A deep firm voice replied “Yes this is Mr Choi’s residence.He has been expecting your call.Glad to see you reached out”.

Maggie quickly stated “I don’t mean to bother anyone but I feel so hopeless and I don’t know who else to turn to”

“It’s okay Maggie. Mr Choi and his family would be happy to take you in. I’ll send a driver to pick you up. Is that fine?”

“No please..it’s fine. I will come by myself. Lol I said I was hopeless not helpless. I’ll call this number when I arrive. Help me thank Mr Choi, I am so grateful” she replied.

“You will have enough time to thank him miss.See you soon” then the call ended.

***

Right After she packed her luggage and then she took a quick shower. Then she put on light makeup and just the right amount of blush to accentuate her cheek bones with a black dress that made her look very official.

She let down her curly black hair looking at the mirror.

“So this is it uhn” she said to herself.

She let out a sigh as she grabbed her mother’s portrait “ I really miss you mum. I wish you were here with me but I hope you are proud of me”.

She kept the picture in her bag then headed to Mr Choi’s address.

Shortly after , she arrived at the most beautiful mansion she had ever seen. The mansion stood there as if the surrounding nature had embraced it.

It’s not like she had actually seen a lot of places but she knew that whoever lived in such a place would have to be very wealthy . She called the number again to confirm she was at the right place.

“Yes you are , someone would come bring you in”

“ Alright sir” she replied.

The gates were opened for her to enter and a driver was waiting to take her inside.

“Wow, Is this place so big that we have to use a car to move around?” She asked the driver .

“Yes ma’am. The Choi Mansion is known to be one of the biggest houses in Palermo.It is a home of many tourist attractions” the driver replied smiling at her astonishment .

“ We are here” the driver said and the car stopped.

“Is this where I’ll be staying?” She asked.

“That will be Mr Choi’s decision ma’am” he bowed a goodbye.

“Mr Choi has been waiting” a voice similar to the one on the phone stated. She turned around to see a tall elegant looking man.

His head was shaved of all its hair but it suited his face perfectly .He had a well built body that showed his constant visit to the gym. He saw the look on her face and he could already tell the question going through her mind.

“I am Robert! And yes I was the person you interacted with earlier on the phone.Welcome to the Choi mansion” he said while walking her inside the building.

“Oh no..the pleasure is mine.This place is so beautiful” Maggie kept looking around in amusement as they walked down the halls.

She stopped for a minute to admire the beauty of the villa. The corners of the crumbling rock walls were beautifully carved with designs made with complete care. The combination of sky blue and clear white with sheer lace curtains bordered by heavy burgundy drapes to match ,it was looking like a palace from a fairytale land.

There was also a large swimming pool and gazebo right in the back yard. It was unbelievable that she would be living in such a place for the time being. It felt like a vacation away from all her troubles.

She entered an office were Mr Choi was “ I hope my house suits your taste. You’ll be staying with my family here” he smirked.

“Mr Robert here would be your personal attendant. Feel free to ask him for anything you might need and it will be sorted out” Mr Choi said trying to make her feel at home.

“ I don’t know what to say. I feel like I have run out of Thankyous at this point but once again I am grateful. I don’t know who you were to my mother ..”

He interrupted her “An Old friend…It’s my duty to at least look after you now she’s gone. I’d be happy to help in whatever way I can”. Then he nodded at Robert to escort Maggie to her room.

She was taken to a large room with a queen sized bed. She couldn’t hold her excitement so she jumped on the bed in relief when she was alone and soliloquized

“ Wow, this place is incredible. This bed is so soft , I wish I could just stay here forever”

Maggie fancied and admired the life of the rich but she quickly gave herself a reality check that it was only for the time being .

She really didn’t want to be a burden to anyone so she had to remain focused . Life had forced her to think for herself due to the absence of her father , she knew better not to go beyond her boundaries .

She quickly unpacked her clothes and bags . Making sure to carefully arrange them in her wardrobe . It wasn’t like Maggie was very organized but she didn’t want to appear disorganized as she wanted to leave a good impression on the first day .

She began to ponder on her life and how she needed to get her shit together . The thought of how the current situation of her life would have been if Mr Choi didn’t show up, increased her worry . She continued to go deeper in her thoughts until she fell asleep.

It was already evening hours and Maggie was still fast asleep . Had she forgotten about the dinner Mr Robert had informed her of ?

“Ma’am , are you awake?” She heard a light persistent knock on her door from her sleep.

She felt she was dreaming but she soon realized that there was someone outside calling her name .

“Oh shit ! How long did I sleep for ?” she said to herself in panic . Her plan to leave a good impression on Mr Choi’s family was crumbling right before her eyes . She didn’t want to have any issues that would make them send her away .

“Yes , yes I am coming !” She stuttered while trying to search for a nice dress to wear for the family dinner .

She couldn’t find anything appropriate that was good enough to meet a billionaire’s family . Sweat begin to form on her forehead as she groaned to herself .

“ Just one task you had to do. One task Maggie ! Only God knows what they would think of me now” she scolded herself silently . Maggie was an over thinker , she never missed a chance to beat herself for her mistakes.

Luckily she found a white dress that her mother got her on her 16th birthday that she never wore once because she hated dresses below her knee and those were the exact type of dresses her mother loved getting her . At that moment,she had no other options so she she had to wear it and head straight to the dining hall