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Jacqueline's POV
"A cleaner. My house can be a mess sometimes and I'm not a cleaning-type of person. I was thinking of getting a maid but since you're here, I'll let you take that position cos it's obvious you clearly fit into that spot"
"Okay that's an insult--
"Wasn't hiding it" he shrugged.
I rolled my eyes at him.
"Alright. I accept but it'll be only for a month cos I'll have enough by then and pay you off"
"Suit yourself" he said.
I decided to tease him a little
"You talked about me seeking for your attention earlier.. Now tell me who's looking for whose attention" I teased, giving him a witty smile.
"It's not called seeking attention.. It's called managing resources. You'll work for me because you owe me and I don't have to pay you. It's you who is looking for my attention because you accepted the offer without an argument.. from what I've seen, that's unlike you"
"Wait you think I'm agreeing to this because I want to? I'm taking it because I don't have a choice and if you're truly trying to get me off your hair then you shouldn't have proposed it" I said.
He scoffed "Whatever. Work starts today--
"What, but it's too sudden"
"I'm the boss and I lay the rules. You as the worker obey without questions"
"Yeah, " I replied dryly.
"Your digits" he tossed a phone to me. An expensive looking phone.
Okay he must be pretty rich. I gave him a glance and typed my number before returning the phone to him and he punched something Into it before pocketing it.
"That's all. I'll send the address to you" he said, smirked at me and started walking away.
"Wait. I've been wanting to ask.. What's the meaning of this thing you wrote on my hand?" I asked "I was told it's Korea"
"It is. And it means 'I'm a debtor' applying to you"
"What?!" My eyes flew open. I wet my hand with my spittle and tried ferociously to clean it but it didn't clear off. I gave up and ran to his front, stopping him. "It won't get off. I need the antidote you talked about?" I asked.
"I don't have it"
"So I'll get it when I come over"
"To work," he added "People might think we're going on a date or something" he said.
"Eww, gross!" I pimped and he smirked wryly.
"And the antidote or should I say the fake antidote I talked about isn't with me"
"What.. But-- okay never mind where can I get it?" I asked
"Nowhere.. At least none that I know off"
"What do you mean nowhere?" I asked questioningly.
"I mean it doesn't exist" he said, a smirk across his face and I stared in disbelief. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a class to attend" he pushed me aside and walked away while I stared after him.. Completely gobsmacked.
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Nicholas POV
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A cocky smile curled on my lips as I walked to class.. That has always been my aura, victory then authority.
I had this phobia for rejection, yeah it doesn't apply to everyone cos when my mom left or should I say rejected me; my life started anew and that memory is one of the things I try to drive out of my mind then into my past cos the people involved are now part of my past.
I got to the class and bumped into someone at the doorway, looking up in annoyance my gaze met with that of Jason's friend or should I say his dog cos he seem to go everywhere for him and with him. My annoyed expression twitched to that of irritation as he smirked.
"Dog got your eyes?" He teased and I gritted my teeth. From the corner of my eyes I could see Jason's gaze on us. Probably waiting for a fight to start then putting me in shits.
"Yeah.. In such a way I can't see pipsqueaks like you" I replied, in same sarcasm. I Watched his brows furrow in annoyance.
"Your bad side's worsening your goofy face. You should wear a smile often" I added, pushed him aside and walked into class. Winking a victory smile at Jason, I walked to my seat.
Some people are just born to ruin a nice day.
I sat and took out my phone, clicked on the number I was given by the 'girl' who's my cleaner now which I stored as *Debtor* I typed a message to her and sent it, a smile crossed my lips. She's pretty interesting though, yet annoying and.. Well stupid.
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Jacqueline's POV
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I walked back to my class, ignored the fixed stares holding curiosity and walked to my seat.
"So, What does he want with you?" Martha asked, without letting me bench my butt and I gave her an eye roll.
"You should've at least let me down first.. As it is I'm getting nervous by the stares on me and that include yours" I said, sitting down.
"I'm just really curious cos I know apart from me there's no one else in this school that you're close with and it's just surprising that you happen to be close to a senior, someone I don't even know"
"Hey.. FYI, he's the last person I could ever get close with" I said.
"Well, start the gist then and don't leave a single detail out" she said and I sighed silently, knowing what I'll have to lie a little.. Martha's not the type to let things go easily. Once she gets really curious about something, she'll want to know every detail about it.
"He offered me a job" came my first words. Which wasn't a lie.. Well except that jobs pay and this one doesn't.
"Just like that? How'd you know him?"
"I don't know him too well though.. My boss has sent me on a delivery to him, once or twice and somehow I got fired yesterday and he's offering me a job" I said the first thing that came to my mind and Martha gave me a look.. It was like she was staring at a gobshite.
"You do realize what you're saying doesn't make sense? I mean how can you just meet someone during a delivery that doesn't last up to two minute of interaction and then he offers you a job? It's kinda absurd.. Wait, are you lying to me?" She asked and I gave her a placating smile.
"Okay. I forgive you for that and that's because I'm really curious and I could die if I don't get it off so just tell me the truth. Did you do something bad?" She asked and I sighed, this time loud enough.
"I didn't.. Well I did but I'm paying for it" I said and she gave me a blank stare and nudged me to continue "Alright. I kind of destroyed his phone during one of my peripheral walks to steal glances at Jason. It's was pretty expensive and I couldn't pay so he wants me to pay it off by working for him" I say and Martha's brow struck.
"That's stupid, I mean why are you letting him make you do something you don't want to? Why didn't you tell me earlier?!" She questioned, her voice high.
"Cos I was preventing this. I know you won't take it likely"
"And why will I? I'm your best friend and I'm supposed to defend you"
"Yeah I appreciate, but you can't take sides with me without observing my faults. I ruined his expensive phone, I think it's just fair. I'll Work to pay him, it's not like it's gonna be forever" I said.
"Okay, just be careful and alert me if he tries anything stupid" she says and I smiled, nodding.
She suddenly gasped.
"Hold-on, don't tell me you accepted because you have a crush on this one too-
"That's impossible!" I cut off her words sharply.
"I accepted cos I don't have a choice. Why would you think of something so absurd. I only like Jason" I said.
"It's called infatuation" she said and I rolled my eyes. "And to think I thought of that grouchy dude as amazing is such a gross out. I still can't deny that he's more good looking than Jason to me"
"You have such bad human-beauty-sense. That dude's no way in Jason's category, Jason's heavenly beautified and this one is-- just some random ugly dude" I said.
"Your obsession is surprising, you're saying all this cos you've not known Jason. He's a douchbag"
"I'm not obsessed, Martha and no matter what Jason is, I still think he's the cutest thing ever" I said, earning an eye roll from Martha.
"Yeah alright but I think your brother's the cutest thing ever" she said and I gave her a questioning look. I was about to say something when I felt my phone beeping. Looking towards the door to ensure no teacher was in sight, I took it out and clicked on the incoming message from an unknown ID. Martha's curious glance beside me. "House 32b Jackson heights. 4:30 on the dot.. Lateness won't be tolerated and make sure to save my number" the message read and the caller ID became obvious. I glanced at Martha and she held this look of distaste, she was about say something which I sensed would be bad and disapproving, so I just gave her a 'no' look. She gestured surrender and turned away.
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"Jackson heights please" I told the cabbie my destination, tossing 25cents to him. He started driving while I looked out of the window.
I had done my normal locomotive routine, after saying bye to Martha.. I got home and didn't meet Allan, I had a light meal and walked to my workplace.. Instead of working as expected I resigned from the coffee's shop, I chose it because first, it was the first work I had today and second the pay wasn't as manageable as the rest.. When I stop working for Nicholas I'll be able to get another part-time job, a good paying one this time. I hit the road, moving to the pavement side, I hailed a cab and here I am, going to Nik's.
The cabbie parked and I grabbed my little bag which had nothing less than my phone and a few bucks. I searched for house 32b from the line of houses and after passing through different alleys, I found it.. I surveyed the exterior of the exclusive building before me from the transparent gate. I once lived in a building like this and had same grouchy life like him, except that mine wasn't grossy, it was pure classical and enviable; my parent's death of course took that classy lifestyle from me too, it took so much from me, even the ones that I can't bring myself to say . I walked to the door and peered into the stripy gate, painted white and blue. I took out my phone to call him when the gate suddenly moved open to one side, causing me to shriek. A recognition gate.. It must be pretty expensive. I composed myself, knowing that he'll be watching me from inside and probably be grinning mockingly at my goofy attitude. I walked in and the gate closed, sighting the exclusive porch, I walked to it and stood before the metal frontdoor.. Shining from it's expensive paints. I raised my hand to knock and when I did the door opened, revealing a neatly dressed Nicholas.. I walked in and he closed the door before moving ahead of me and sitting on one of the maroon couches.
"4:31," he said, his gaze on me "You're a minute late. I'll let this go cos it's your first day here. It must've been a bit of trouble locating this building. Forgiveness won't be guaranteed another day" he said and I left my expression blare on him. "Understood?"
I nodded wryly.
I took in the living-room beauty.. It had lofty ceilings, a HiFi system stood on a small stool close to the window, in front was a waste paper basket and beside it, was a mantle piece which had a coal scuttle then a fireplace. Close to it was a recliner and a flat screen TV, Beside it was a shelf with several books in it that looks dusty and a little out of place. Four maroon couches and an armchair had their places in the plushy living room. A rug laid on the floor and close to it was a bricked and carpeted floor, a table stood on one side, having an ornamental vase, a remote control and a magazine.. Beside it stood a footstool. A lamp stood on one side and a houseplant.
There was a tapestry that was apart and from it I could see the large dinning room..
Together with more that I couldn't say.
"Sit" he said, more in an authoritative tone and I plopped myself to a chair, balancing my hand on the armrest.
"Don't get too comfy on my couch, this isn't your home. You're here as a worker, you shouldn't forget that" he said and I stopped myself from rolling my eyes.
"Don't worry, I don't have such witty memory" I responded.
"So I'll make the rules understandable and short so you can commence work" he said.
I can't even get coffee for a start, so much for being an unwelcomed guest.
"First.. You're permitted to clean other rooms and that include the kitchen, the garden, basement, backyard and others, except one room, my room. You'll only work there on strict instructions.
And Secondly, my laundry must be done regularly.. Nothing must be left out, no left out stains, it must all be sparkling" he stated "Understood?"
Why does he keep asking that?
"Yes" I said simply and he stood up.
"Come, I'll show you my room" he led and I followed, he showed me a door and without getting in, he warned me never to enter it. "I'll leave you to work. Inform me when you're done" he said, grabbed a copy of daily times and walked out.
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