THE HOUSE MAID

CHAPTER 2

Lucia's pov

I bent down to pick up the duvet that had fallen on the floor of my bedroom. It was so soft and cosy, and I loved the way it felt against my skin.

I was going to pay my mom a surprise visit today, and I couldn't wait to see her. I started to gather up my clothes that had been strewn across my desk for the past week, folding them neatly and putting them away.

I could hear the sizzle of the pancakes as they cooked on the stove. I hurried into the kitchen, quickly turning off the gas.

I grabbed a plate from the cabinet and placed the pancakes on it, stacking them neatly.

I grabbed a plastic container and placed some of the pancakes inside, knowing that mom would love pancakes . I poured myself a glass of orange juice and headed out the door, making sure to lock it behind me.

I hurried out of my apartment and called a nearby cab, I told the driver the black's home address. It had been a while since I'd seen them, especially their son, Asher. He had been a flirt since high school and had almost stolen my first kiss. I didn't know what mom saw in the family, but she had never wanted to quit her job as their housekeeper.

As we drove past the highway, I looked down at my phone, checking for any missed calls or messages. A text from my closest friend Chloe popped up on the screen.

'I heard Asher's parents are in town and that he'll be staying there for the holidays' the text says.

I bit my lip as I remembered Asher's smug, handsome face. I tried to push thoughts of him off my mind as the cab turned onto the Blacks' street.

When we pulled up to the massive estate, my heart started to race. I took a deep breath and stepped out of the cab, looking up at the grand entrance.

The door opened, and Mr. Black stood there, a big wide smile on his face.

"Luci!" Mr. Black smiled, coming over to where I stood and enveloping me in a warm hug and homely hug. I smiled as his warmth surrounded me.

"Mr. Black, I'm so sorry for dropping in like this. I just wanted to surprise my mother," I explained, realising that I had barged into their home unannounced, I felt very embarrassed.

"It's quite alright," he reassured me. "You're practically family" he smiles as he escorts me into their home.

The home hadn't changed much since I last saw it, the only major difference was that they had more portraits. As we walked past the hall, I couldn't help but stare at one particular portrait.

The portrait was a drawing of Asher, his hair was black and curly and fell lazily on his face. He had his hands inside his pockets, his eyes were lazily staring at me. It was like he wasn't staring at the camera when the picture was taken.

If that was Asher right now, I'm totally doomed. Mr black stops at the entrance of the kitchen.

I could see my mother at the other end rolling some dough. I couldn't help but smile, this woman deserves so much love and I'll make sure I'll give it to her.

My mother turned, a huge smile on her face. "My baby" she screamed, rushing over to me and hugging me tightly.

Unlike Mr Black's hug, this hug was cosy and I felt at peace in her hands, she placed kisses all over my face as though I was still a little girl.

I could smell the scent of baking that always surrounded her. Her scent gave peace to my soul.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, pulling back and looking at me with wide, excited eyes.

I grinned at her, my cheeks heating up with excitement " I came to surprise you" I squealed, hugging her for another round of hugs.

" I haven't seen you in so long" her voice breaks as she holds onto me . "I'm also going to be staying for the holidays," I added.

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Mom said, her face lighting up.

She dragged me into the kitchen, her smile wide and infectious.

"I've missed you so much," she said, her eyes shining. "But enough of the sad stuff," she continued. "I'm glad you're here" she smiles, her dimpled cheek showcasing.

"So, Mom, what can I help you with?" I asked, rolling up my sleeves and preparing to jump in.

" O yeah before I forget" I handed her the pancakes I made, she collected it from my hands with a big smile. " You used my recipe" she gasped as she tasted the pancakes.

"Yeah, I've been practising it since I left home" I explained, as I watched her eat it happily.

"Mom, what can I help you with? " I repeated again, watching her eat the whole pancakes in under a second.

"Go rest" she insisted as she dropped the now empty plate on the counter.

" I came to help you," I urged, scanning the whole kitchen.

"But you need to rest!" Mom said, trying to push me out of the kitchen. "But I came here to help you!" I insisted, digging in my heels.

"If you really want to help me, just leave this to me," Mom insisted, as she gently pushed me out

"If I need you for anything else, I'll let you know." I sighed, knowing I wasn't going to win this battle.

I was definitely a carbon copy of my mother in personality - in looks, I had taken after my father, with his brown hair and his light brown eyes but in personality

I was definitely my mother's daughter. With nothing left to do, I made my way to the hallway, my eyes scanning through all the family portraits they had.

It was quite much for a family that was rarely together, I doubt Asher has even bothered visiting them in a while.

" I'm home" that's when I heard that voice I knew too well, but this time it was more masculine than before.