Chapter Two

Seven Years Later

Valley Camp Neighborhood, Federal Capital Territory. 

The huge two story building that stood before her was nothing short of beautiful and magnificent. It was nothing she had ever seen before. The sparkling glass windows, well groomed plants and palms decorated the front yard and the outrageous cars that lined up the driveway were luxurious in every sense of the word. 

She tried to calm her nerves, the shaking of her hands and legs, her heart's unsteady rhythm from the harassment she endured from the man by the gate because he wouldn't allow her in. The clammy feeling in her palms caused by sweat was making her even more anxious. She stared at the house stunned, taking in all the beauty of her surroundings when an elderly woman came up to them, staring at her questioningly that Mariam had to hold her breath. 

"What was the ruckus all about? I heard your voice all the way to the living room ." She directed the question at the man. 

"This damn girl right here wants to get into the house. I asked what she wanted but she just keeps showing me some piece of paper and whispering like something ate her tongue. And you know I don't care to read.” His deep annoyed voice rang through her and shook her to the toes once again. 

"Can I see this piece of paper ?." The woman asked. Nodding, the girl eagerly a held out the paper with shaky hands. She took hold of the note and read it's content. 

"Allah! The new housemaid. You're Mariam?." She raised her eyebrows looking at her. Mariam nodded again smiling uneasily at the plump woman. 

"Well it's good you're here now. You've frightened the poor girl Hadi". He let out a grunt of a reply before turning to his post. "Come, I'll take you in and show you around before everyone gets home. I'm really glad that Madam could find a house help to maintain the house chores while I'm away. Because I'll be away for quite a while and it's not easy finding anybody within this part of town. You can call me Um' Bilal by the way.” She spoke warmly making the girl more at ease.The woman chatted away while they entered through a door at the back that led to the kitchen

The well lit grey walled kitchen had its white marble tiles, white countertop and cabinets sparkling clean. Utensils, dishes and everything were lined up where it was supposed to be. The transparent glass door opposite the one they entered from was shut, beside it was a perfect arrangement of white painted shelves in six positions that held an assortment of appealing transparent jars containing different spices, powdered milk, sugar and beverages and many other items she couldn't identify. 

The top shelf held a frame with a quote on it and a small cactus which she kept in mind to read about the words on the it later. Another shelf held an adorable white kettle and mugs arranged on a wooden coaster, the one under it held another small plant in its white cubic pot where beside it was a rack holding some neatly arranged bags of detergents. On the island, a set of fresh apples in a bowl sat prettily on the equally white colored space and the pleasant smell of good food was all over coming from the cooker. 

If she were really to work here then she had absolutely no idea how on earth she was going to be able to cook this excellently and keep the kitchen this neat. Her stomach growled in answer to the aroma that made her mouth water and she quickly lowered her eyes to the ground when the woman turned and raised an eyebrow at her.

"A little hungry are you?." Um' Bilal asked with a chuckle. The visible relief she saw on the girl's face when she said that was unmistakable. 

She must be really hungry. 

The girl looked down again and upon taking note of her feet, she let out an inaudible gasp. She quickly removed her old tattered shoes and tucked them under her arm then adjusted the old bag on her shoulder. She frantically apologized through a strained whisper with an anxious wring of her hands and Um' Bilal couldn't help but stare at her in something that looked like wonder. 

"Ah now, don't apologize. And I should've taken you to the maids' quarters before bringing you up here because I guess I’m just excited to meet my granddaughter that it slipped my mind. My daughter delivered a baby girl yesterday. Come let's get those stuff off you. Showing you around can wait."

Mariam instantly envied the happiness and bubbly nature of the elderly woman as she stirred her away from the kitchen, exiting from the door they came in. The maids' quarters was a building situated behind the main house which was more like a three bedroom building where the rooms were all situated adjacent to each other. It had a white painting just like the rest of the house and it was a quite spacious room that contained an inbuilt bathroom, a one person bed and even a dresser. The space was somewhere she never imagined living again and it was much more than she could ever ask for. 

"Get yourself comfortable, freshen up and come to the kitchen when you're done to have some lunch. The bathroom is just at the end of the room and here ." Um’ Bilal fetched the keys for the room from her dress pocket and passed them to the girl. Cupping her hands, she waited for the woman to drop them. With a slight prolonged look at the girl's gesture, she finally did drop the keys and turned to head out not before reminding her to be quick as lunch will be served soon. 

The food she was given was the most delicious meal she had ever tasted as she sat outside watching the beautiful garden at the backyard of the house. She licked her fingers clean then walked to the tap she saw in the garden, washed her hands and the plate then cupped them and drank from the running water. 

The elderly woman watched her from the kitchen window because when she came into the kitchen after serving her the meal and so she could give her a bottle of water, she couldn't find her and she thought she had left for her room. But then she heard some shuffling and decided to check only to see the girl seated on the pavement that demarcated the garden from the rest of the house, eating eagerly with her fingers. 

Mariam walked back and softly knocked on the back door to the kitchen and waited. Um' Bilal opened it and watched as she removed her shoes then showed her a piece of paper again with a neat handwriting, asking if she should give her the plate or if she'll show her where to keep it. 

A truly mute housekeeper?

"It has to be washed with a dish soap my dear ." The elderly woman replied and collected it from her. Mariam shyly looked down, embarrassed. 

"Come, I'll show you around the house and what to do even though I know it might be too much for you. I used to have one of my daughters here to help me out with the chores after the last house-help left, but she left for school last month too."

Let's just hope another person will be hired to help. 

The one good thing about the girl was that she learns fast and has proven to be quite efficient with all she was taught that within a short time she might get used to everything. 

"Do you know how to cook Mariam?." Um' Bilal abruptly turned to look at her  that she almost collided into her. Mariam nodded and pulled out a piece of paper that contained a list of something and handed the elderly woman. She scanned the list that was written by a competent hand that looked like the same handwriting she gave her earlier even though some of the words were misspelled, only to find out it was all the girl knew how to make when it comes to meals, but they were all basic. She inwardly sighed. 

This is going to be a disaster. 

"Well I've figured you're a fast learner that's for sure, and I'm leaving in two days. So, I'll be able to show you how to prepare simple and easy recipes suitable for the tastebuds of the people of this house." She chuckled which made Mariam smiled too. "Some charming smile you got right there young lady. Now, I'm going to keep a recipe book that will guide you through how to cook them right here and point out some of the ingredients for you." She pointed to a cupboard she opened and retrieved the book while Mariam was still standing, flattered by the woman's comment. 

"Always keep it where you'll find it and reach it." Mariam nodded and smiled again. She was really liking Um' Bilal that she couldn't believe she was this warm and nice towards her on their first meeting. 

Whatever happens , Um' Bilal silently prayed that the lady of the house wouldn't regret employing this poor girl. She seemed too fragile to shoulder the responsibilities of this household. 

The day was still quite pleasant, the house was big yet warm and welcoming. She hadn't had the chance to look at her surroundings and appreciate its beauty because of everything Um' Bilal was introducing her to and because she trusted that she was a fast learner, Mariam didn't want to prove her wrong.

After the whole tour, she returned to her room and took a seat on her new bed. She smiled so wide her eyes watered at the comfort she felt in her new space because she hadn't felt this light and happy in a long while. She bounced on the bed multiple times and mutely giggled in delight. 

Opening her bag, she retrieved an old book and a pencil to scribble into, an old hooked needle and some pieces of threads then settled more comfortably on the bed. She can only be grateful for a stomach full of good food and a room as beautiful and comfortable as this. She truly was blessed. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the morning prayer Mariam quickly made her bed and got to the bathroom to get ready for the day. She stood in front of the shower and stared at it for about a minute.

I wish Um' Bilal had shown me how to use this. 

Curiosity got the best of her as she slowly turned on the shower, the light spray of water she felt on her head and shoulders from the shower head made her shriek and looked up then quickly turned it off. She was amazed by how good it felt even though the water was icily cold. Her panting turned into a full blown smile, then into a series of inaudible bursts of laughter coming right from her heart as she prepared to freshen up for the day. 

She ran to the bed and grabbed the blanket to cover and protect herself from the cold and the chattering of her teeth, then quickly got up and wore her long sleeved faded gray gown, a scarf over her head and an old hijab that reached down her elbows before fitting her feet into her shoes then stepping out. 

The skies were still slightly dark when she came out so she sat on the two entrance steps to the maids' quarters and waited for the elderly woman to make it out too. Seated there for about an hour, she heard shuffling inside and quickly got up, clasped her hands behind her as Um' Bilal pulled the door open. 

"Ya Allah! You scared me girl!." Um' Bilal shrieked placing a hand over her ample bosom in a fruitless effort at calming the rapid beating of her heart. "What are you doing out here this early huh?." She asked taking a step down the steps and stretching her hand but saw the girl quickly retreating, her hands slightly raised and placed in front of her with an expression the woman could not place a finger on. 

"Help me down now, will you." She held out her hand, watching Mariam take a hesitant step towards her before slowly and gently taking her by the arm to do as she said, all the while trying to keep eye contact. She opened her mouth to say something, but she figured now wasn't the right time and they had a lot to do before the day ends. 

"Come, let's quickly get to work. Everybody will be home by the afternoon or a little before that. I think I told you they were supposed to be back yesterday right?." Mariam nodded and walked with her coach, watching the woman shuffle the keys to find the one for the main door. There sat the man that almost threw her out yesterday by the small building alongside the gate puffing out smoke from his cigarette, then turned his head in their direction making the girl shrink a little before turning back to his cigar. 

"Why good morning to you too Hadi." Um' Bilal gave a nonchalant wave of her hand as he grunted a reply. "Don't mind him. He is like that towards everyone, but he does take his job seriously though ." 

She unlocked the giant door and they got into the house. The lights were turned on, illuminating the white washed walls of the large elegant living room. Mariam watched in awe at the living room, an elegantly carved wooden rimmed mirror was placed on the wall by the door with a medium sized console below it holding an adorable Calathea plant in a small golden pot, a diffuser beside it. 

Two white chesterfield sofas sat opposite each other, an armchair on both sides of the room then an identical colored L-shaped sofa sat by the large glass window that was draped with a curtain, its colors the combination of a soft brown and a touch of golden to match the coffee table beside it. A cream hexagonal marble top center table that had a golden rim to it sat perfectly on a carpet the color of beige, the projection that held it were placed in fascinating twists that were as elaborate as nothing Mariam had ever seen. 

The calming sense of greenery balanced the atmosphere in the living room where beautiful white fiberglass planters held Palm and Monstera plants placed by the entrance and at the far corner of the room. A tiny planter of multi colored Cactus, a key, a decorative diffuser and a golden marble box of tissue sat on a vanity tray settled on the center table. The details of the frames pinned to the wall were aesthetically pleasing to the right eye with a console by the wall that held a remarkably large television. 

Mariam raised her head and stared at the chandelier in awe, amazed at how a place can be this beautiful and heavenly. The staircase had the same elegant golden touch to it leading to a set of rooms and another living room upstairs. A luxurious six seater dining table was almost at the far end of the room, the set was the same color as the rest of the furniture. There was an extra door opposite the staircase at the other end of the room downstairs, which Mariam had no idea what it was for. 

"Are you not hungry Mariam?." Um' Bilal called out peeking from the kitchen door and the girl almost tripped trying to quickly move to towards the direction of the woman. Um' Bilal noticed that strained whisper of an apology again. 

"Help me peel some potatoes." She requested, handing Mariam a knife. The girl nodded and did as she was asked as the elderly woman chopped some vegetables while humming. When she was done she insisted on doing the rest of the work so that the woman can supervise her. After they were through with preparing breakfast, Um' Bilal told her to serve some for herself but she slightly shook her head and smiled. 

"So you're not hungry then?." She shook her head no, brought out her pencil and a piece of paper to scribble down something then handed it to the woman. 

"You want me to serve your food but I should serve ours first ?.” She nodded and took a few steps back, waiting. When she was served, Um' Bilal could hardly believe what she saw as the girl thanked her with that smile and a nod of gratitude then stepped towards the back door, same way she did yesterday at lunch. 

"Mariam, you can eat in here. Come, have a seat."She waved her over to a stool by the island as she stirred something in a cup and watched as Mariam took the few steps to her with a slight hunch of her shoulders and that hesitation and uncertainty, the same way she had been in the morning. The woman smiled to ease her discomfort. Taking a seat, she stared at the food for a few passing seconds before she heard Um' Bilal's voice. 

"Eat with the spoon." She encouraged. Mariam slightly twisted in her direction to make sure she heard right, then picked up the spoon and scooped some pottage. Her hand shook as she ate as a comforting hand patted her shoulder before dropping a cup of beverage beside her plate of food. 

"Good girl." Um' Bilal commented then took some out for Hadi before joining her. 

There was something about the girl that she couldn't help wondering about, but she just couldn't jump into questioning her. At least not yet. How timid she is was the main thing that can easily be said about her, and her behaviors were certainly strange even though it might be explained and linked to the environment she grew up or came from.

They tidied up the house and cooked again, this time a suitable meal for the family. The elderly woman sat waiting and chatting about her daughters as the girl washed off the rest of the dishes they used while preparing the meal when the gates opened. The sound of cars being parked and shut could be heard from the kitchen. Um' Bilal gestured for Mariam to dry up her hands and move to the living room, where she did as told. 

Her anxiety and nervousness worsened, rendering her knees weak and hands turning cold and sweaty. Standing by the door, she heard footsteps and the sound of luggage being dragged on the interlocked ground. There were hushed voices in the air, a feminine melodic laughter as they walked towards the entrance. Um' Bilal took it as her cue to pull the door open, revealing a group of well dressed people. 

"Welcome home!."Um' Bilal excitedly declared and a beautiful fair woman of an average height and weight squealed and jumped in the woman's arms. She wore a simple oversized mustard dress shirt that accentuated her beauty and the glow of her skin, paired it up with some pretty black slip ons and black shades to go with. A beautiful scarf covered her head where a few strands of braids peaked underneath the fabric and dangled down her back. 

"Layla! We need to get in too you know ". A deep voice with feigned annoyance came from behind owned by a very handsome face—tall, well built lean frame with a thick hair and a beard. He wore a hoodie and blue washed jeans, rolled his eyes playfully before another man completely identical to him walked in right behind him. They piled in all at once as Layla gave an equal roll of her eyes. 

Another woman that was taller and looked to be a little younger than the first one and who was just as strikingly beautiful as her came in but wasn't as welcoming. She strolled in with the soft sway of her hips and passed by Mariam, briefly hugging the elderly woman before taking a seat on the armchair with a loud sigh. A man walked in last, rolling in a luggage. He looked like an older and more attractive version of the twins—handsome, well built, same thick hair and brows with a beard a little thicker than what the others had. 

"Allah! Here come my favorite twins." Um' Bilal patted them on their heads when they leaned down for her to do so with their smiles and deep chuckles. 

"But I thought I was your favorite. " The older man let out a deep chuckle of his own as he walked back to her short plump frame, passing the luggage to Hadi who took them in. 

"Ah you are my dearest and will always be. And I said twins, I mean out of the whole number of twins in the universe they're my favorite." She corrected and patted his shoulder. They all laughed, making Mariam thankful they hadn't noticed her presence. As if she had said it out loud, a feminine voice asked. 

"And who are you ?." The tall beautiful woman curiously asked and from what Mariam could tell, a little disdainfully. She had been in situations like this, where she always wanted nothing more than for the ground to open up so she could sink into it. And the rags she was wearing as clothes were not any help at all. 

Everyone's attention turned to her making her immediately shrink, trying her hardest not to panic. Their identical eyes felt like they were stripping her, judging her and yanking off the little dignity she thought she had left in her. Her mouth dried up and trembled as she tried to form words but nothing came out. 

"She'll be your maid while I'm away. Her name is Mariam." Um' Bilal cleared her throat and swiftly announced with a clap of her hand. 

"You can't be serious. Her?." She could see Layla, the shorter one with a thicker stature nudging the woman but she ignored her and let out a cluck of her tongue as Hadi kept hoarding the bags into the house.

"She's mute too." The gateman nonchalantly added and Um' Bilal gave him a warning look but he shrugged. 

"That was why she was opening her mouth like a that?." One of the twins spoke with a squint of his eyes watching her like a hawk. "Like a fish ." He  absentmindedly murmured and she looked down at her feet that were covered in her old gown. 

"Exactly!." The woman named Zahra exclaimed in agreement as the rest just watched them while the other twin was on his phone and Khaled, the eldest was already on his way to the kitchen. 

"Sa'ad! Don't be rude." Um' Bilal playfully glared at him and he just chuckled raising his hands in surrender. Um' Bilal saw the quick jerk of Mariam's head as she stared at them. The emotion that passed through her eyes was quick, yet, was there. 

But now wasn't the time for seeking answers. She quickly asked them to freshen up before she sets the table for them. Mariam still stood by the door like she was glued to the floor. Another car drove in through the gates, the elderly woman asked the girl to open the door for them as she arranges the table. When she heard footsteps close, her heartbeat skyrocketed as her shaky hands turned the door knob to pull the door open. 

The sophisticated woman that walked through the door was nothing short of gorgeous. The jewelry she wore, the dress and the shoes were never anything Mariam had laid eyes upon before. She walked a little ahead of Hadi as he carried her luggage in.  

"…I'm glad we're home too." The woman replied to the gateman, her voice making the blood in Mariam's veins run cold as they strolled through the house. A lump of anxiety in her throat threatened to choke her as she made eye contact with her when she turned. 

"The new maid's finally here, thank goodness.”

“She’s mute too.” Hadi muttered again with a toothpick between his lips. 

“Oh well…”