The Princess & The Pauper

The Penthouse

ISABELLA’S POV

“Here are your clothes for the night. There should be towels and robes inside the bathroom. You may use anything in this room. Don’t be shy. If you need anything, press once on the telephone and the servants will be happy to assist you. But if you want to see me, my room is just at the end of this hallway.” I nodded.

I can’t believe that I’m spending a night at the senator’s penthouse! I should have declined because now I fed like I’m imposing.

“I’m sure you don’t need me to teach you how to use the shower, right?” I look at Karina in disbelief.

“I am not that poor! Of course, I know how to use the showers.” Karina smiled.

“I was asking. Why do you need to be so sensitive about it? Ah- this is a universal remote. It can control the television, curtains, room temperature, that fireplace and also the white noise machine. Oh- if you need to change the scenery- all you have to do is press this green button.” My mouth was wide open when the windows suddenly moved and changed their scenery.

Where did the city night skyline view disappear to?!

“The forest is not real. My mother is the type to enjoy herself in nature, so she installed this kind of windows in every bedroom.” Karina changed the view back to the city might skyline before placing the remote down.

“The fridge is fully stock with non-alcoholic beverages, and if you need some late-night snacks, there should be some at the drawers near the decanter.” I nodded as Karina continued to give me a tour of the room.

“Also, you haven’t told me the reason why you’re at the country club. What were you doing there?” I thought Karina had forgotten about that.

“I work as a part-timer there. I was leaving when I saw you sitting alone and decided to say hi. At first, I was contemplating whether I should say something since it seems like you were having an argument with your friends but here we are.” Karina hummed.

“Former friends. I don’t have any friends from Grimcross anymore. Anyway, enjoy your night. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Karina excused herself and finally leaving me alone. Perhaps I should clean myself before exploring the room again.

Now- the bathroom should be over here. No- that’s the closet. And oh my God, why would these rich people put all of these things inside the guest room? Is it okay for me to touch these accessories? Karina did say I can use whatever I want in this room, right?

No, Isabella. This is not you. You’re not supposed to try on something that isn’t yours. I managed to control my urges, but the moment I entered the bathroom, I completely lost it. Is this how rich people enjoys life? Damn!

I looked around the bathroom before changing into my birthday suit and went to the showers. As I was rubbing the wall to find a knob, I noticed that I couldn’t seem to find the showerhead. How am I supposed to clean myself in this empty shower? There’s a tub over there, but where’s the tap?! Am I supposed to use the pile to filled the tub?

Should I call for the maid? No wonder Karina asked me if she should teach me how to use the showers. That girl knows that I would find myself in trouble finding what I need to do! As I continued to rub the wall, I heard a clicking sound when I accidentally touched something that looked like a keypad.

“I didn’t expect to see such high tech shower!” I said to no one in particular. It’s easier as I continue to learn how to use the keypad, and finally, I manage to shower. Wow! That was a journey.

After drying my hair and trying out all kinds of beauty products that were on the sink, I went out of the bathroom and once again enjoying the scenery from the windows while wearing my robe. It’s not every day I get to feel how it’s like to have Karina’s life. It’s must be nice to sleep and wake up without worrying about something.

I should take all kinds of selfies while I’m here. Perhaps I should send a couple of pictures to Lily and Gabriel as well. I’m sure they will be shocked to know how I ended up at the senator’s home. I chuckled as I thought about it while posing for a picture.

After I sent the pictures, I went to bed and grabbed the clothes that Karina provided me with earlier. At first, I thought nothing of it, but when I saw the brand tag on the clothes, my eyes widened.

Did that girl just gave me a set of luxurious brand clothes to sleep on?! I- I am speechless. Should I sleep with the robe or just not wearing anything at all? Isn’t this what celebrities used?! Is it okay for me to wear this?

How much does it cost? That girl is crazy!

But- it’s not a crime to try it on. I mean, it’s here for me to use. My hands were reaching in, but my heart said no. I-

“Excuse me, Isabella- I forgot to tell you something.” I went to the door and opened it. Karina’s eyes were looking at me from head to toe after she walked into the room. She seems like she didn’t expect to see me in a robe.

“My mother would like to visit the shelter tomorrow. Is it okay if we stop by the shelter before sending you home?” I nodded.

“Great. A maid will come by tomorrow to wake you up.” Karina was about to leave when I stopped her.

“I don’t think I can wear this.” I was referring to the Gucci sleepwear that rests on the bed.

“Why not? It’s brand new. I don’t have anything else to give since you asked me for the plainest one.” What the? Doesn’t she have any regular looking sleepwear?

“Don’t you have a plain shirt and some shorts?” Karina shakes her head.

“I do have some gym clothes, but I don’t think it’s comfortable to wear gym clothes to sleep, right? Don’t worry about it- use it.” Karina smiled before leaving me alone again.

I have no choice but to wear this then.

***

“Good morning, miss Isabella. How was your night?” I got up to a sitting position and smiled at the maid who woke me up.

“Last night- was amazing. I have never been so relaxing in my life. This bed is so comfy that I wish that I don’t have to leave.” The maid chuckled.

“We had to draw your bath for you. Please take your time to enjoy your morning and relax.” I felt like a princess when they helped me up to the bathroom. Wait! I shouldn’t get used to this. I smiled at the maid and told them to wait outside.

“But-,” one of the maids smiled before leaving the bathroom. Thank god that girl knows how to read the room. It would be awkward for me to be treated just like the owners of this penthouse. I’m just a guest, after all.

Wow! I didn’t expect such luxury when I woke up today. And how did the maids know I love the scent of lavender? I looked around, and I was shocked to see a hot cup of tea is waiting for me by the tub. Well, since the maids did their best to prepared everything for me, I should thank them when I left the room.

“Oh my god.” I sighed in relief when I entered the tub. Is this what they mean by being rich and have nothing to worry about? This is as close as I can get to heaven. Will Karina get pissed if I took my time enjoying myself in the tub? I bet she does, but who cares! This is probably my last chance to experience such leisure.

I lost count of how long it took to get myself off the tub because when I walked out from the bathroom while wearing my robe, Karina was waiting for me with a smile on her face.

“Did you enjoyed your bath? You may wear these clothes. I’m sure it would be weird to put on the clothes you wore yesterday. Don’t worry; I choose the plainest clothes I have.” Karina said she owned these clothes, but why does it still in the plastic that they came with?

Well, whatever. At least she gave me a pair of jeans and a black plain t-shirt. I thanked the new girl and went to the bathroom to put on my clothes.

As I was getting the clothes out from the plastic, my eyes widened when I saw the tag on the t-shirt. I can’t wear this! I didn’t even know how to wash it! What if it’s ruin because of me? I put on my robe once again and got out of the bathroom.

“Why aren’t you wearing the clothes I gave? Is it too small?” Excuse me?

“I can’t wear these. I think it’s fine for me to wear the clothes I used yesterday.” I was about to grab my clothes when Karina stopped me.

“What’s wrong with the clothes I gave you?” Karina asked.

“It’s too expensive for me to wear,” I whispered.

“Pardon? I can’t hear you.” I sighed.

“It’s too expensive for me to wear. Yesterday, you gave me a pair of Gucci sleepwear. Do you know how long it took for me to wear it to bed last night finally? And now, you want me to wear something from a brand I don’t even know how to pronounce? Are you mental? What if I ruined it? I don’t have the money to pay you back.” Karina laughed.

“You mean Versace? It’s not even that expensive so don’t worry about the price. Just wear it. Besides the clothes you wore yesterday, probably smell from the sweat as you met my mother last night.” Excuse me?!

“Are you saying that I smell bad?” Karina shamelessly nodded her head.

“No. I’m trying to say that you should stop wearing the same pair of clothes twice. It’s not good for your image. After all, you’re not that bad looking. I say perhaps the third most beautiful girl in Mercywood. I am number one, and that hot substitute teacher is second in the list.” I can’t believe this girl.

The amount of confidence she has must be tremendous.

“So I am third? I used to be number one.” I grumbled before reaching out to my clothes.

“Are you serious?” Karina asked before taking my clothes away from me.

“Hey! That’s my clothes.” Karina handed it over to one of the maids.

“I’m sorry. Your clothes are not available right now. Oh no- what should we do?” Karina said nonchalantly. Did this girl just- oh my God!

“Wear the clothes I gave you earlier, and after you’re done, I can teach you how to say ‘Versace’ the right way.” This girl is making fun of me, but I don’t know if I should say something back since I stay in her home.

That would be rude of me, but Karina seems to be having fun.

“What are you waiting for? My mother is waiting for us.” Karina ushered me into the bathroom, and I had no choice but to put on the clothes she provided earlier.

I still think that I shouldn’t be wearing this. Isabella, I swear- if you mess up, I have to work hard to pay Karina for the damage.

After drying my hair with the hairdryer, I couldn’t believe how I looked wearing something I could never afford. Although it’s plain, I can see why the brand could sell at such a high price.

“You look amazing. Let’s go.” I followed Karina from behind as we made our way to the dining hall.

“My aunt is here. So, I suggest that you ignore how blunt my aunt is. That woman makes it her mission to embarrass me in front of my friends.” Huh? Friends? When did we agree to be friends?

I guess it’s not a bad thing to be friends with her since she agrees to sponsor the cheer team. Perhaps I can help her with something in return. But- does Karina need any help?