Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ To Serve And Love ❯ Chapter One ( Chapter 1 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

For every star that is lost, a new one is born in the sky. He received that in a fortune cookie one time. It was a fairly interesting meal, but he felt the cookie kind of ruined it. It was poetic, but it was the kind of poetic which made you lose an entire day of work. Work. That seems to be all that he thinks about now. There were much simpler times, but he couldn't even begin to fathom what they are. He watches their eyes on him. His employees that have worked here far longer than he has. They worked for his father when he was just a boy, and now they work for him. They work for him; and they look to him to help them. To save them. To keep their jobs so that they can continue to care for their families. It pains him to see them so frightened, even though they try to look so strong to his face. They try to have faith in him. Perhaps he should try having faith in himself.

When he finally leaves for the day, his work comes with him. He is the first to be there and the last to leave. It is nearly midnight, and his day has not yet concluded. When he arrives home, he skips a snack that Rosemarie offers him. Sweet girl, but she should know by now that eating has never been one of his stronger points. Sitting down in his office chair, he shifts uncomfortably. There is a form on my desk which he has never seen before. The gold and pink trim had flowers and hearts all over it. It was by far the most girlish form that he had ever seen.

Taking off his glasses, he rubbed his tired eyes. Without them he couldn't even see, but after wearing them for so long he needed to relax his tired pupils. Without looking, he reached beneath his desk to one of the drawers. Taking out some medicine, he tossed a pill into his mouth and swallowed it. He relaxed slightly, the tension in his throat easing. Putting his glasses back on, he read the form carefully. There was a program that he had invested in. It was one which he hoped would give good PR for his company. The deal was to help a girl whose parents couldn't pay for her to go to college. A wealthy person would house her, and in return she was their personal servant. A maid or whatever uses they could think of. Doing a good deed might help their karma. Signing the papers, he sealed it and then set it aside. She would be here within the week.

Taking a cloth, he reached up and dabbed the side of his mouth. Staring down at it, he frowned and set it aside. Tonight would not be a good night. Not that there ever was a good night it seemed.

Gia looked at the large gate in front of a much larger house. It was raining and she has walked such a long way to get there. In her simple yellow raincoat, she stared at the directions that had been smudged by the water. She shifted in her red rain boots and picked up her very small suitcase. It didn't have much in it. A few dresses and some panties. An outfit that she wore for special days. She didn't have much anyway.

Looking up at the large gate, she pushed her hood from her eyes a bit and read the name on it. "Masters..." Slowly, she went to opened it but nearly jumped out of her skin when it opened for her. Looking around, she didn't see anyone in all the rain, but she hurried inside anyway.

Running to the large double doors in the front, she pushed the door bell and shivered. Though she wore a raincoat, she was soaked. The rain had been coming down from an angle and she happened to be right in it's on the walk there. She looked at the paper again, unable to read it now. She was worried. This paper was suppose to be for her new master with all her information on it. Now it was a wet mess... She was disappointed in herself for not taking better care of it. Frowning while she waited for the door, the paper blew from her hands.

"Oh no!" she cried. Dropping her suit case, the clothes few out of it while she chased down the paper. Finally grabbing it, she fell into the large fountain in the yard.

Pouting, Gia got out of the fountain and hurried to her things. Taking her now wet clothes, she started to put them back in her drowned suitcase.

When Rosemarie heard the doorbell, she hurried to answer it. Her eyes immediately took in the drowned form of the small girl in front of her. "Oh dear... Come in! Come in!" She ushered her inside and immediately found a towel and draped it around her. The inside of the house was cold, colder even than it was outside making the water on her flesh freezing. "You're the girl. The one that Leo is sponsoring?"

"I suppose so," she said as she handed the lady what was left of the papers and tried really hard not to drip on the floor while she shook furiously.

The lady took the papers and frowned. "Perhaps you should speak to Leo first. Your clothes are drenched. I'll go put them through the dryer while you're talking." With that she promptly took her bag and then her hand. Pulling her down a hallway, she pointed to a door. "He's right through there. You're lucky that you caught him. He's about to head to work."

"Thank you," she said with a smile and knocked on the door.

There was a soft coughing sound followed by a shuffling of papers. "You may come in."

Gia walked in and closed the door. "Hello...I'm Gia," she said and hurried to him with her hand extended. She tripped on the rug and fell on her face, water from inside her boots poured out onto the floor. Quickly she stood. "Oh no! I'm so sorry! I'll clean it up!"

He gave her a smile and nodded. "It is quite alright, Gia. It is just a little bit of water. No harm done. You are soaking wet. Have Rosemarie get you something warm to wear. If you need anything to eat or drink help yourself to the kitchen. She will show you to your room as well so that you can rest. When you are ready I will tell you the rules and what I expect of you." He started to go back to his work, but instead he paused and looked to her. "My name is Leo Masters. However, for the duration that you stay with me you will refer to me as Master."

"Yes, Master," she said quickly with a nod. "I can hear the rules now. I'm a very good listener! In fact, I'm very good with rules! I'll never break them! And I only walked five miles to get here so I'm not tired at all!"

"You walked five miles to get here? My dear, you should have informed us. I would have had someone pick you up.... Oh well. What is done is done." He cleared his throat and pulled out a sheet of paper. "Here are the rules of the house. I notice that your GPA is only a 3.0. If you wish to stay here, I expect you to get it up and maintain a 4.0. Every day after your classes you will spend two hours doing your homework and studying. After which if you do not feel like studying anymore you can see if any of the help needs your assistance. If not, you may relax. That is what I expect of you and your duties. You will have the proper maid outfit for you as well, so let Rosemarie get you fitted."

He shifted to the next page. "Now onto the rules. No boys over at all. Girls on occasion, but no later than 8 on weekdays and you may only have them over once a week. This is your home now, so do not be afraid to eat or drink what you wish. Do not leave a mess, however. If you take it out put it back up and clean it. You may go to every part of the house except for my bedroom. That is off limits no matter what."

Setting down his papers, he smiled at her. "My final bit of advice is this. Trust means a lot to me. I highly value it. Earning it takes time, but losing it will cost you forever. If you should lose my trust, you will do well to look for another sponsor. Okay?"

She quickly nodded. "Yes master." It didn't seem like much to follow. She didn't have any friends yet though she was upset about the no boy thing, not that any boy would look at a girl with no money... However, she would study hard, work hard, and do her very best to make him happy. "I will not disappoint you!" she said with a determined look.

Turning, she tripped again but collected herself and walked out.

He waited for her to leave before smiling to himself. She seemed like a sweet enough girl. He hoped that she would be able to do well and prosper with his help.

Gia was measured and shown to her room. It wasn't much if you looked at it, but she was practically beaming. Her very own bed and own dresser. She even had her very own mirror! There was even a window! She took her boots off and then her coat. Underneath her raincoat was a very simple dress, worn out and old, but one of her best. Pealing it off her, she hung it up and walked to her small bathroom. It was only a room with a tub and a toilet but it was much more than she expected. Going inside, she bathed. When she came out, her clothes were dried and sitting on her bed. Putting them on, she put her boots and raincoat back on, heading to school for the first time. College...here she comes!

As she was starting out, she was stopped by a soft hand. "Where do you think you're going?" Leo asked as he stared down at her through the rims of his glasses.

"To...class, Master," she said quickly.

He nodded and smiled. "Then ride with me. It won't do for you to walk in this weather. You'll catch a cold. I have to get your school books anyway."

"Alright!" she smiled.

They walked out to his limo and he held the door open for her to get in. Once they were in, he told the driver to take them to the college. She shifted in her raincoat. It was an exciting day for her. She was sure she wouldn't fit in but that didn't matter. This opportunity was something to be very happy about. She was blessed and grateful.

"Now then, while we have a few moments to ourselves I would like to ask you a few questions. It seems that the paper with your information on it was otherwise...unreadable," he said slowly.

"I'm so sorry about that! It was a long walk in the rain and I did my very best not to mess it up...but then it fell in the fountain...and I had to fish it out..." she explained.

"It's quite alright," he chuckled. "Now then, we'll start off easy. When is your birthday?"

"June fourth!"

"Excellent. That's not too far away, I don't believe. What do you usually do for your birthday?"

"I have cake and the other orphans sing the birthday song. I don't have chores that day."

"I see. Did you know your parents?"

"I did at one point. But I don't remember them."

He nodded slowly. Time to change the subject. "What do you like to do for fun?"

"I suppose I like to read."

"Well we will see about getting you some books then. What is your favorite color?"

"I like green...and purple...oh and blue. But I also like red and yellow and pink and orange."

He chuckled at that. What an usual character. As he chuckled, he began to cough. Taking a napkin, he held it over his mouth until he was through and then tucked it into his pocket. Once they arrived at the school, he got out with her and walked to the office. After procuring her schedule and books, he got her set up with a locker and utensils for school.

She took her jacket off and hung it in her locker. Running her hands over her hold dress, she grabbed her books with extra care and held them close with pride. "I will make you proud, Master!"

He reached over and patted her head. "I'm sure you will. Have a wonderful day, Gia. After school I will have a car pick you up. Just look for the one with the man outside holding a card with your name on it. Okay?" She nodded happily then hurried to class. He watched to make certain she got to class before taking out his cell phone and calling his fiancée. "The girl arrived today. She seems to be quite...unusual, but happy."

"I hope she meets to the standards I had been told. She's suppose to be an excellent cleaner. Maybe she will keep your house clean and warm instead of dark and cold," a woman said on the other line, obviously she seemed busy with other things.

"I like my house cold for my own reasons," he sighed. "How are things going today?"

"Busy. Stocks are up."

"Congratulations." He stopped when his alarm went off. "I have to run to the office, but perhaps we could have a late dinner tonight?"

"Not likely. I don't think I'll be home until morning. Good day, Leo."

"Good day, Katherine I-" Before he could finish his sentence she was already gone. Pushing his phone into his pocket, he walked to his car and headed to the factory.

Gia waited outside for a while before finally seeing her name on the sign. Running to it, she held her books closely and got in the car. Once home, she went up to her room. She was beaming when she saw the new maid's uniform on her bed. It was made of better material than her clothes. Quickly she changed then started to study. She was taking as many classes as she could. She was majoring in both nursing and psychology. There was a lot of studying...a lot of work. And she now had to maintain a 4.0.

After her two hours of studying was up, Rosemarie knocked on her door. "Are you hungry?"

"Oh um...yes...but I still need a bit longer...I still haven't finished all my homework..."

"Okay then. I will fix you a sandwich and bring it to you." She smiled as she eyed the outfit on her. "It looks wonderful."

"Oh thank you! I would love a sandwich, but I will make it when I'm done. No reward until I've done all my work!"

She smiled at that and walked over to see what she was working on. "You wish to become a nurse?"

"Yep! I'm going to help a lot of people one day!"

"I bet that Leo is proud to be sponsoring a nurse with such a positive attitude."

"Thank you...that means so much to me. I want to do everything I can to make him proud," she said softly.

"As long as you keep up your work and grades I'm certain that you will do just that."

She nodded with a smile. It wasn't till ten that evening before Leo finally came home. He was exhausted as usual, and like usual, Rosemarie offered him a sandwich, but he refused. "Stocks are down another three percent," he sighed. "I will enjoy myself when they go up."

By that time, Gia had finished with her studies. Going down to the kitchen she noticed there were no dirty plates. Had the master not eaten either? Her lips tightened and she pulled some things out of the fridge. She made a large sandwich and a bowl of ice cream. Putting it on the plate, she hurried to his office and knocked.

Leo looked up from his paper work when he heard someone knock on the door. "Come in," he said in a soft voice. Leaning back in his chair, he set his glasses aside and rubbed his eyes.

Gia walked in with a smile. "Welcome home, Master! I have made the perfect sandwich for you and some wonderful ice cream! It's sure to fill you up!" She hurried to him and set the tray on his desk. "Yum yum!"

He looked over at the food and then to her. Putting his glasses back on, he smiled and shook his head. "Thank you, but I'm really not hungry. Feel free to eat it yourself. Rosemarie has informed me that you've been in your room all day studying."

"Oh no! I made this special for you. Won't you at least try it?"

His lips curved slowly. She looked so crestfallen.... "Very well. I will take a bite," he sighed. Reaching out, he took a small bite of the sandwich and set it back on the tray. "It is very good. You should enjoy it."

"Nope! Not mine! Eat up!" she smiled. She hurried out and went back down to the kitchen.

He groaned as she left. Looking at the food, he turned back and focused on his work. He didn't have time for that.

She made herself a small sandwich then ran back up and to her room. She ate it quickly then hopped in the shower and crawled in her very own bed. Despite his best efforts, he kept looking at that sandwich. Checking his watch, he took a small break and walked to Gia's room. "Gia? Are you still awake?"

She quickly sat up. "Yes, Master!"

He opened up the door and walked in, smiling as her wide eyes stared at him. "You should have let me know that you were already in bed. I would have waited and talked to you in the morning."

"I don't mind. Please, come in." She moved out of the bed and turned her lamp on.

He took a few steps inside and ran his fingers over her textbooks. "How was your first day of school?"

"Very busy. Thank you for your help. It means so much to me."

"You're very welcome, Gia. I'm glad that I was able to give you this opportunity. Did you make any friends today?"

"Ummm..." Friends... She knew she forgot something! "I'll work on that tomorrow!"

He chuckled and patted her head again. "Take your time."

"Yes, Master."

His eyes traveled down to her nightgown, a small frown creasing his tired face. "Gia, I do not mean to embarrass you, but would you like some new clothes?"

"New clothes? Um...what for?"

"To wear. I thought that all young girls loved shopping."

"I've never been shopping. My clothes fit and though they are old and passed on to me, they are still useful," she smiled.

He nodded. "I'll make you a deal. Make an A on your first test, and I will take you shopping for some new clothes."

"Yes, Master!"

"Very good." He smiled and moved some hair behind her ear, his hand slightly caressing her cheek. "Now go to sleep. You need to get your rest for school."

She smiled, his warm hand feeling nice. Giving him a nod, she crawled back in bed. He walked over and took the covers, tucking her in before leaving her to sleep. This was...nice. She couldn't help but feel...like...she had a home...for once in her life. The smile wouldn't fade, even as she drifted to sleep.

In the morning, Rosemarie was nudging her awake. "It is time to wake up," she said with a smile. "Leo is getting ready to leave. If you want to ride with him to school you need to hurry."

Her eyes snapped open. Getting out of bed, she threw on her clothes and grabbed all her books. She hurried down the stairs, tripping on the last few and throwing her books. "No!" she screamed as they scattered about. With tears in her eyes, she gathered them all, inspecting them to make sure they were not hurt in the tumble.

A hand reached down and handed her the last one which had slid beneath the table. "It is alright, Gia. These books are strong. They can take a fall or two," he smiled.

"But they are my books. My very own...and I just tossed them to the floor. I'm so careless sometimes and so clumsy. I just wish I had different legs then I wouldn't fall so much."

"Don't be. You're a growing girl. You are bound to be clumsy. Besides, I think your legs are perfect for you."

"You only say that because you are nice..." She wiped her eyes. "And you don't know me well enough yet."

"No, I do not. But I know you would look funny if you had legs like mine." He smiled and wiped a tear which fell down her cheek. "Now then. No crying today. Okay?"

She nodded with a pout then slowly smiled. "Yes, Master."

"There we go. Smiles are always prettier than tears. Now let’s get you to school."

"Ok," she said and hurried to the car.

Within a brief span of time they were once more at her school. "Have fun and do well today. Try to make some friends as well."

"I will do my best, Master." She ran off, stumbling a bit, and hurried inside.

Once more he just shook his head and soon he was off to work once more. The news he received was not well received. They were losing more and more money as investors pulled from their sinking ship. It seemed that he was going to have to make a deal with the devil just to stay afloat.

"Hi I'm-" Gia watched as all the students left the lunch table as she sat. Was it something she said? Did she look funny? She looked around and tried to see anyone else who would want to sit with her, but they all seemed part of a group...close and friendly...to each other.

After liquidating some assets and moving around their resources, he managed to earn them some capitol. He was pushing through with an idea he had, hopefully it would help to revolutionize their business. He needed a new image for the factory. He needed to rebuild it from the groundneeded to...start over from scratch.

Sighing, Gia walked to the car and got in. No success in friends. People were so weird in college...

Rosemarie was there with a smile when she came home. "How did today go?"

"Not so well. Do I look funny?"

"No, of course not. What would make you think that?"

"No one would talk to me or sit with me at lunch..."

"Oh sweetie, I'm sorry to hear that," she said. "Come in. I'll fix you a bowl of ice cream."

"No, I better study. I have to make an A," she said and hurried upstairs.

It was nearly eleven before Leo made it home that night. He all but collapsed in his office chair. Taking off his tie, he leaned back with a groan as he started on the rest of his paperwork in a vain attempt to get some sleep tonight.

A tray sat on his desk with a note. "I covered it to keep it fresh and warm! Just for you, Master!" Under the tray cover was a hot bowl of soup and fresh bread.

He stared over at the food with a smile. He wondered if she had already gone to bed. He was curious about her day, but he didn't wish to bother her. He could ask her in the morning. Taking the piece of bread out from beneath the wrap, he nibbled on it while he worked. Morning was hard for Gia. She was tired, but determined. After getting ready for the day, she went to the car with her books as always.

"Did you sleep well last night?" He offered her a smile, but it was painfully obvious that he hadn't slept a wink at all last night.

"Ummm...yes...kinda."

"Kinda? What kept you from sleeping well."

"Oh just studying! Nothing big! No need to worry."

"Alright then. Let me know if there's anything you need to make your room feel more comfortable."

"I'm just fine, thank you."

"Good." He dropped her off at school with a little wave, and continued on to work.