Chapter 36: Old invaluable memories
"Excuse me, ma’am, please, who are you?" A maid with a short bob haircut stopped Rose on her way as she stood at the door of her mother’s house.
Rose looked at the maid, hiding the storm of emotions brewing deep inside her. The maid, Ridley, had been a servant in the family for a very long time. It had only been three years since Rose had left, and now the maid pretended not to recognize her.
The maid’s tone was disrespectful, looking down upon her with obvious disdain. Rose was certain she must be one of Jennifer’s people or her mother’s—perhaps they had called her here just to embarrass her. Rose held herself together, refusing to respond harshly. She had to set a good example for Tobi, who stood beside her. As a mother, she couldn’t afford to let her emotions control her, no matter what was thrown in her face.
Rose cleared her throat and held Tobi’s little hand tightly to stop him from running off to play.
She said to the maid, "Before you judge someone or speak rudely to a guest, you should go and call the madam to confirm things first. There is no point in barking at a stranger if you can’t recognize me, as you suggest. Go fetch your madam and stop being rude."
Her words were spoken with calmness and grace, but they carried a weight that could easily intimidate someone. Her voice never rose in impatience, yet it left no room for argument.
The maid trembled, pointing a shaky finger at Rose in frustration. She hadn’t expected Rose to be so composed and confident. Where was the meek young lady who had once been easily insulted and bullied? The maid was filled with questions and a desire to say something cruel, but her voice faltered, and her fingers only shook. Finally, she gave up and huffed, turning around to fetch Rose’s mother.
Rose frowned coldly, watching the maid retreat. What had she expected from coming back here? What worse things could be waiting for her inside?
Tobi raised his tiny head and looked up at Rose, sensing the shift in her emotions. He couldn’t help but ask, "Mummy, are you okay? Is everything alright?"