The Maid

Lena sat staring out the window. The day was dark and overcast. The days had been in a constant gray, making Lena wonder if it was tied in with her mood.

‘’Oy, you’re not getting paid to stare out the window.”

Lena looked down and moved away from the window. “Yes ma’am.”

“Mister Johnson will be home soon with his guests. So be sure the rooms are ready.”

“Yes ma’am.” Lena scurried up to the second floor. She straightened out her apron and walked into the guest room. She walked toward the closet and grabbed new sheets.

“Hello.” Lena jumped and dropped the blankets. She turned to see James Johnson.

“James, you scared me.” Lena laughed, placing her hand over her heart. James stood tall at six feet. He had bright blue eyes and brushed-back blond hair. He had a strong angular face, but a gentle smile. Lena was in love with him. James smiled at her as he closed the door.

“I am sorry my love.” He said walking over to Lena and kissed her softly. “One day you will have people to do these types of things for you.” Lena smiled at him gently and picked up the blankets. “I promise you.”

“You should not make promises you cannot keep.”

“Do you not trust me?”

Lena turned to him sadly. “I trust you, James. But sometimes you dream too big, and we are too old to live in a fantasy.”

James closed his eyes. “You’ve heard?”

“Did you think I would not?” Nothing stays a secret for long” Lena turned her back on James. James walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“It’s just business, Lena.”

“I did not know marrying was a business.”

“What would you have me do?”

Lena turned to look at James. “Nothing. You could never marry someone so beneath you.” Lena pulled herself out of James’s arms and walked to the closed door. She opened it and looked at James. “Consider this my resignation, Mr. Johnson.”

James’ face dropped. “Lena wait!” He called after her, but she was already out the door.

She walked quickly down the hallway with her shoulders squared and her head held high, trying not to cry. She prayed that James would not follow, but knowing that pray would go unanswered.

“Lena wait!” James grabbed her wrist and turned her towards him. Tears rolled down her face. “Oh Lena” He brushed her tears off her face. “My Lena.” He kissed her on the head. “I love you. What do I have to do to prove that to you?”

Lena roughly ripped her face away from him. “It’s just business.” She quickly turned and ran down the hallway, away from him. She opened the door to the closet and rushed in. She put her warm head against the coldness of the door. Lena tried to steady her breathing. She did not know how long she stood there, just feeling the grains of the door. Sticking her loose curls back into her bun. She opened the door. Lena walked back down the hall to the guest room. She pushed open the door and gasps upon seeing people in the room. A pretty blond stood in the middle of the room. She wore her hair in curls that were pinned neatly on top of her head. From her clothes, you could tell she was upper class. Lena stared at her awkwardly.

“It is not polite to stare.”

Lena quickly looked down. “Sorry, miss.”

“Well, I do not believe I called for you, so you may go.”

Lena curtsied. “Yes, miss.” Shutting the door, she walked away sadly.

Lena did not know where she was going; all she knew was that she was letting her feet carry her. It was not until she was knocking on the door.

“Come in. ” Just hearing his voice made her heart burst. She quietly walked into the room. She shut the door and leaned against it.

“She’s pretty.”

James signed and looked down. “She is.”

“Prettier than me?” She asked sadly.

James turned around with a small smile on his face. “Never.” Lena gave him a sad smile. “Come here.” Lena pushed off the door and enveloped herself in his arms. “I will always love you, Lena.” Leaning up on her tippy toes, she kissed him. He kissed her back fiercely. “Stay here, I will be right back.” Lena kissed him goodbye and watched him walk out the door.

“Goodbye James.” She whispered quietly to him. Walking over to his bedside draw, she pulled out his pistol. Sitting on his bed, she stared down at the gun. Taking a deep breath, she pulled the gun against her temple. Closing her eyes she pulled the trigger. She was dead.