A strand of hair escaped her clasp and fell in front of her eyes. She sat back on her heels, resting for a moment as she pushed the strand back. The weather was horribly hot and humid, and she loathed the task of scrubbing the floor. She fanned herself a little with her hand, enjoying the feel of the cool air on her face and neck.
She quickly returned to her hands and knees as she heard footsteps approaching. She didn't want to be caught being idle. She splashed a little more water on the floor and resumed scrubbing. Her knees were sore and her back aching. Just a little more scrubbing and she'd be finished.
She heard the Mistress's footsteps approaching, and kept her eyes low, continuing to scrub. She felt the familiar hatred looming deep in her stomach, it became apparent whenever the mistress was near. She was a terrible woman: needlessly cruel, as if she enjoyed torturing. The mistress seemed to share a mutual dislike for her, although she was unsure why. In her mind, she was a good worker and was always respectful.
The master also entered the room. She could hear the two of them speaking, although she couldn't hear the words. This was usually the time the mistress took a walk to gather with friends. The knot in her stomach became more intense as the mistress passed her to leave. She concentrated on keeping her breathing even. Just a few more moments until she could relax again. That morning she was adorned in beautiful deep blue silk, her gown made a delicious swishing sound as she crossed the room. The girl felt the jealousy bubble up inside her, then swallowed it and forced it to disappear. This was the way of the world, and there was no use in feeling anger or jealousy.
Suddenly the bucket of water had been upturned and water was spilling. The girl let out a little gasp and grabbed for the bucket.
"Insolent girl!" The mistress exploded. She turned to her husband. "Do you see the servants you force me to endure!?"
He came towards her to calm her. "It is only water, wife. What would you have me do?"
"Only water!?" She flew at him, striking his face, the sound loud and ringing in the empty room.
The girl had to clamp a hand over her mouth to keep in her surprise. Then immediately resumed mopping the water.
In a second, the master had stepped forward and pulled back the Mistress's head roughly. She shrieked, until he slapped her face and grabbed hold of her hair again. "You will show me respect, wife."
The girl couldn't hear the words he whispered in her ear, but her stomach tied in knots again, knowing the mistress would be angry later. She heard the swish of silk as the mistress hurried out. The girl couldn't help but let out a little sigh of relief. She moved the bucket closer to the wall, and started scrubbing the last spot for the day. She winced at the pain of her knees on the cold, hard stone.
"Do you dislike her so?" The master's commanding voice asked, and the girl wondered who else had entered the room, though she dared not look up. Suddenly, she felt a hand grab a bunch of her hair and pull her head back. She cried out in surprise, and was rewarded with a harder, rougher pull of her hair.
"You refuse to acknowledge me when I address you?"
She found herself looking straight up into the dark blue eyes of the master. "No, Sir. I am sorry Sir." She had never really looked at him before, and now it was hard to look away. His eyes were deep and mesmerizing. He stepped even closer, looking straight down at her. She remembered herself, and quickly lowered her eyes.
"Answer me, girl. Do you dislike her so?"
"No, Sir. I do not dislike the mistress."
He stepped back, letting go of her hair. She stayed kneeling, her eyes low. She was unsure of what to do.
"Do not lie to me, girl. I saw it in your eyes, the look of hatred."
"No, Sir. I feel no hatred for the mistress!" She started trembling.
"Are you saying I am wrong?"
"No, Sir, never!" Her body trembled harder. She started to feel sick, deep in her stomach. Her head grew hot and it was hard to think straight. Had she allowed her feelings to show? How could she have done such a thing?
"Stand."
She could feel his eyes on her as she rose. Her legs were shaking. She focused on a single spot on the stone floor.
He took slow steps, circling her. "I see now why you get to her so much."
A curl escaped her clasp again and fell forward. Her hand automatically shot up to push it back but he grabbed her wrist before she could reach it.