My child is waiting for me at the daycare. I don’t have time to have dinner with you. While the stunt guy was processing what he heard, Tiffany quickly went downstairs, changed her clothes, and headed for the exit.
But he caught up with her at the doorstep. Why are you being so difficult? If you have a child, I thought. He started to say.
With these words, he abruptly grabbed her hand and pulled her closer. Tiffany didn’t even have time to understand what was happening when Michael forcefully pushed her against the wall, and began showering her with kisses. She resisted with all her might, but it was futile.
With one hand, he held her hands, while the other tried to go under her skirt. Let go, she demanded. I’ll tell everything to Miss Jennifer.
I’ll just say that you were the one making advances towards me, Michael replied mockingly. I think she’ll believe her son more than some maid. Let go of me, I said, she screamed, trying to break free.
Aren’t there plenty of other girls around? Why me? But her resistance only seemed to further excite the young man. His kisses became more demanding, and his hands roamed all over her body. With one swift motion, he pushed her onto the couch and began unbuttoning her blouse.
They’re not interesting, you know? Too easy to get, he confessed in a fit of passion. But you’re different. Yes, now let me go.
Tiffany pleaded. I don’t want this. But suddenly, she heard her mother’s stern voice from behind.
Startled, the young man jumped away as if scalded. What’s going on here? Miss Jennifer asked sternly. Michael, nervously smoothing his disheveled hair, stammered.
I… I didn’t hear you come in. I can see that, Miss Jennifer retorted. I’ll ask again.
What are you doing here? Tiffany slowly got up from the couch, burning with shame. She couldn’t look her employer in the eyes and kept avoiding her gaze, trying to tidy her clothes. Forgive me, Miss Jennifer, the girl mumbled barely audibly, attempting to explain the situation, but Michael interrupted her.
Mom, we’re adults, and we don’t have to explain anything to anyone, he said. Yes, you’re right. But in such situations, there should be mutual consent, as far as I know.
And in Tiffany’s behavior, I didn’t notice that consent, Miss Jennifer stated firmly. Well, maybe you weren’t looking closely enough, the guy retorted. No, you’re right, Miss Jennifer, Tiffany interjected.
And, of course, I apologize, but I won’t be able to continue working in your house. You hired me as a housekeeper, not to gratify your son. You don’t need to apologize, Tiffany, the homeowner said.
It’s me who should apologize to you. Go home, and we’ll talk about it tomorrow. Tiffany grabbed her bag and swiftly left the house.
She tried to erase these nightmarish events from her memory, but the lingering scent of Michael’s expensive cologne continued to haunt her. Only after taking a shower and throwing her clothes into the wash, she managed to rid herself of that persistent smell. The next morning, Miss Jennifer herself called Tiffany and asked her to come over.
Michael isn’t here, she warned. We can talk calmly. Half an hour later, Tiffany was sitting in front of Miss Jennifer at her home.
Are you angry with Michael? The woman asked. You know, I don’t know who put such ideas into his head. But my son believes that everything can be bought and sold.
I suppose I’m partly to blame as well. As a mother, my only wish was to give him the best of everything. So, I worked 24-7.
No one paid special attention to Michael, of course, he had a nanny when he was a child. But as he grew into his teenage years, things became more complicated. He started befriending the wrong crowd.
And his first love was a girl who had been on the police’s watch list for a long time. Understandably, Michael used to be an excellent student until the fifth grade, and I was so proud of him. But then, everything changed.
He started running away from home, being rebellious, skipping school, and all my attempts to reason with him were futile. He didn’t want to listen to me. That’s when I decided to take a desperate step.
We moved to the other side of the city. I believed that once he got rid of the bad influence of his friends, everything would return to how it was before. How wrong I was.
He resented me. Blamed me for everything. He suffered greatly over that girl.
We lived like a ticking time bomb for several years. But with time, our relationship somewhat improved, and Michael got his act together. He finished school without failing any subjects, got into college on his first try, and everything seemed fine.
But our relationship remained strained. He sees me as an always busy mom, who puts her business before everything else, and I am the one who took away his father and his beloved girlfriend. But so much time has passed since then.
Tiffany exclaimed. He has grown up. Can’t he understand that you only wanted the best for him? Yes, his body has grown, but his soul is still that of a spoiled, resentful little boy, Ms. Jennifer said.
The kind who seeks revenge on the world at the first opportunity. You said he had an internship abroad? Tiffany asked. Yes, Michael graduated from college with honors, and, of course, not without my help.
He was offered an internship abroad. He agreed, but he still doesn’t know that I had a hand in arranging it. Once again, I believed that our time apart would bring us closer in the end.
And again, I was wrong. Yesterday, for example, I caught you both. Ms. Jennifer, it’s not my fault.
I was already leaving, and he caught me in the hallway, Tiffany tried to justify herself. I believe you, my dear. Don’t worry, Ms. Jennifer comforted her.
I was hoping he was interested in you, and maybe something could work out between you two. But I see that I was mistaken once again. To be honest, Tiffany added, I don’t think we are a good match.
We have completely different views on life and people. Maybe you are right, Ms. Jennifer agreed. But despite all that, I’m asking you to stay.
Don’t leave my house. I won’t find another assistant as kind, responsible, and honest as you. People like you are rare.
After a brief pause, Tiffany still shook her head negatively. I’m sorry, Ms. Jennifer, but I can’t. Seeing your son is beyond my abilities, Tiffany said.
I was prepared for such an answer, Ms. Jennifer said with a sad smile as she took an envelope with money from a drawer and handed it to Tiffany. This is what you earned. I thank you for your help, and I’ll be waiting for you to come back.
If you change your mind, the doors of my house are always open for you. Tiffany bid her farewell and left the house, thinking it would be forever. She knew that finding a new job, especially one that allowed her to continue her studies, would be difficult.
During her time working for Ms. Jennifer, she managed to save a small amount of money, not much, but enough to get by for a while. Additionally, she received government assistance. The only thing she was afraid of was the child protective services.
If they found out she was unemployed again, they might quickly take Pamela away to an orphanage. Will they take me away again, Tiffany? Pamela worried when they were sitting on a bench in the courtyard. No, they won’t.
I won’t allow it. I’m looking for a job, and Ms. Jennifer promised to help if needed, Tiffany reassured her. It’s a pity that you won’t work for Aunt Ms. Jennifer anymore, the little girl’s side, sadly.
Aunt Ms. Jennifer is nice. She used to treat me with delicious candies. Maybe we can visit her? The hope in Pamela’s eyes was so touching that Tiffany couldn’t refuse.
Sure, we’ll go visit her, but not today. Let’s do it some other time, Tiffany said. Why not today? A male voice sounded behind them.
When the girls turned around, they saw Michael standing there with a huge bouquet of roses in his hands. Inside, Tiffany felt as if she was shrinking. She had been doing her best to erase memories of that terrible incident from her mind.
And seeing him here in her own courtyard was not part of her plan. Who is this? Pamela asked curiously. In the meantime, Michael crouched down in front of little Pamela, quickly circling the bench.
Extending his hand, he said. Let’s get acquainted. I’m Uncle Michael.
And what’s your name? Pamela, the little girl answered promptly, glancing questioningly at the bouquet. And who are these flowers for? These are for your mom, the young man smiled and handed the flowers to Tiffany. But my mom has passed away, and Tiffany is my sister, the child explained.
Hearing Pamela’s words, the young man felt embarrassed. I’m sorry, he turned to Tiffany. I just thought.
What do you want here? Tiffany asked with a dry tone, making it clear that she wasn’t happy to see him. Well, I just wanted to apologize for my behavior, which was despicable. I honestly don’t know what got into me at that time.
Please forgive me, and accept these flowers, as a gesture of reconciliation, Michael said. Consider yourself forgiven. But I don’t need your flowers, Tiffany replied, getting ready to go home.
Tiffany, come on. Even if you don’t want the flowers, please come back to work at our house, Michael pleaded. That’s out of the question, Tiffany replied firmly.
I promise to behave properly around you. I won’t lay a finger on you, he insisted. I’m afraid you have no idea what decency really means, Tiffany retorted.
Yes, people make mistakes, and I’m no exception, Michael tried to justify himself. Everyone deserves forgiveness. As I recall, I said you were forgiven, Tiffany reminded him, but that doesn’t mean I’ll come back to work for you.
I don’t understand your persistence. I don’t think it would be that hard to find a replacement for me. There’s a chance they might agree to your terms, she replied.
Michael struggled to contain himself, trying not to turn and leave. Convincing someone was the last thing he liked doing in life. To be honest, I don’t care, he said.
Whoever works for us is not my concern, but my mother wants to see you specifically. I can’t listen to her complaints anymore. Because my Tiffany is the best in the world, Pamela spoke up, defending her sister.
Michael smiled, glancing at the little girl, then turned back to his mother’s former assistant. Well, think about my offer, he said. By the way, we are ready to increase your salary.
Then he placed the flowers on the bench and quickly walked to his car. Within minutes, his vehicle disappeared from view, while Tiffany and Pamela continued to watch him go. I didn’t like him very much.
Pamela said. You won’t work there anymore, because of him? That’s right, Tiffany nodded. And honestly, I didn’t like him much either.
From that moment on, the sisters didn’t discuss the matter further. However, Michael decided not to give up and a few days later, he stood outside Tiffany’s institute, waiting for her. Are you following me, she asked, her irritation evident in her voice.
I came to find out what you decided about working for us, Michael said. No, replied Tiffany. Sad.
Mom is going through a tough time now, he said, pausing as if waiting for her reaction but continuing when he didn’t get one. I just wanted to tell you that if you come back, it will be easier for her to get back on her feet. What do you mean? Tiffany didn’t understand.
Didn’t I tell you before? Mom tripped and fell while coming down the stairs, and she ended up with a broken leg. Now she’s stuck at home and lectures me all day, starting from morning until night. The topic is, what a terrible person I am, Michael explained.
Why didn’t you tell me this earlier? Tiffany got anxious. Do you have a car? I do, Michael smirked. And will you ride with me? Or are you still afraid? Well, if you allow it, Tiffany clarified and followed him.
Michael started the car and accelerated sharply. The car took off like a rocket, leaving Tiffany breathless from such a start. Don’t worry.
I’ll get you there safe and sound, he assured her. I want to believe that, Tiffany replied. Half an hour later, the car came to a halt in front of Ms. Jennifer’s house.
Michael opened the doors and shouted at the top of his lungs. Mom, look who I brought. Tiffany appeared in the doorway.
She immediately noticed her former employer sitting on the couch with her leg in a cast. Ms. Jennifer was overjoyed to see the young woman. What a surprise, she exclaimed.
A very pleasant surprise. I knew you’d change your mind and come back. Come in.
Why are you standing on the threshold as if you’re a stranger? Ms. Jennifer was genuinely happy to see Tiffany again. She was so excited that she didn’t know where to seat her guest or what to offer her. Well, let them talk, Michael said, going back upstairs.
Let me know when you’re ready to go home, and I’ll drive you, he told Tiffany. No need, Tiffany immediately declined. I know the way home perfectly.