1 What a Pixie!
Even though she's already been hired, Mom still wants the new maid named Yu to do a trial cleaning to ensure she's truly capable. I had a meeting scheduled, but I called to postpone it, saying I had an important errand. For some reason, watching the new maid sweep and mop seems more important than today's meeting.
"She seems quite skilled," Mom says, nodding in approval as she watches the petite figure expertly clean. I rub my chin, watching her small frame move around, thinking of something else entirely.
"Cute."
"What?"
"I said it looks clean."
I repeat myself and walk closer to get a better look at her face. The sweet-faced girl, engrossed in lifting a vase and wiping around it, glances at me briefly and raises an eyebrow.
S... So cute.
But feeling that I can't lose, I stare back with a stern expression.
"Something wrong with your brow?" I joke, but it only makes Yu look startled and apologetic.
"I'm sorry."
Why is she apologizing? I was just trying to make a joke. Why does she have to look so pitiful?
"There's nothing to apologize for... I think that's enough for now, Mom," I say, turning to my mother. I think if we let her continue, she'll just wear herself out for nothing. The room isn't that dirty; she should take a break and have some water.
"Okay, let's hire her then," Mom agrees, then starts talking about the job description. "Pixie, you'll come to clean here..."
"What?"
"What?"
"What did you call her?"
"Pixie."
"Why are you calling her that?" I protest, disapproving of Mom bullying someone she just met by calling her Pixie. Nicknaming isn't nice. What if she's self-conscious about her height? She could get upset.
"It's cute, Pixie. I wanted to call her 'little girl,' but too many people have that nickname. Calling her 'Yu' feels too distant... or do you not like it?"
"I like it. It sounds endearing," Yu smiles broadly and turns to me. "But if Ms. Frung doesn't like it, you can call me 'Yu.'"
"If you like being called 'Pixie,' then I'll call you 'Pixie.' Mom, where were we? Continue, please."
"Okay, Pixie, you'll come to clean around ten in the morning until four in the afternoon. That means you can come anytime during that period, but not when Frung is here. She values her priva..."
"No, Yu... Pixie should come when I'm here."
"Why would you want her to clean while you're here? She'll just be in the way."
"She won't. Besides, this is a private room... having someone you just met come in when the owner isn't here, what if something valuable goes missing?"
"..."
The atmosphere turns so quiet that I immediately feel angry at Mom. She was so chatty at first, but now it's as if a cat got her tongue. And what did I just say? I practically accused her of stealing. What was I thinking?
"I understand. I'll come to clean in the morning when you're here or in the evening when you're back."
"That's better."
"I'll clean quickly and leave."
"How can it be clean if you rush?" I straighten up and reason. "Whatever you do, it needs to be thorough. Doing it hastily is like not doing it at all. So... don't rush. Just clean quietly while I'm in the room."
"Understood. When should I start?"
"You can start now," Mom orders, patting my shoulder. "And you should get to work. I'll keep an eye on things; nothing will go missing."
"But..."
"Is there another problem?"
I look between Mom and the new maid, then walk out, almost stomping my feet.
Why did Mom have to chase me away? Can't we just let the new maid clean while we sip Earl Grey tea and chat about current events or the fluctuating stock market?
Today is the first time I go to work without concentration. It feels strangely lonely and depressing. The marketing analyst talking about Twitter trends and today's search engine queries can't capture my interest. My mind is filled with thoughts about the new maid. I have so many questions.
Why would someone my age, with such good skills, work as a maid instead of at a company or as a full-time employee? Is she poor? How poor is she? What is her home like? Would the salary Mom offered be enough...?
And why isn't she afraid of me? It's rare to find someone like that. As far back as I can remember, everyone said I looked unfriendly. Every boyfriend I had ran away, and even the men Mom set me up couldn't stand me. But she looked me in the eye and raised an eyebrow.
So bold... even when she raised her eyebrow mischievously, she looked cute. She should be afraid of me. I won't lose my authority just because she smiled at me.
"Ms. Ratsamee."
"Yes, ma'am!" The marketing analyst, who has been droning on, straightens up, looking like she's facing a strict teacher. "What is it, boss?"
"Do you think I'm scary?"
"Not really."
Well, who would dare say 'Yes, you do' to their boss? I'm not strict, just meticulous. Everything on my desk must be orderly because it clears my mind. Nothing should be moved because I won't find them. My office is like an interrogation room for my employees. Whenever they walk in, though I've never yelled at anyone, all my subordinates are ready to cry just by looking at me.
But that maid... she looked me in the eye, raised an eyebrow... UGHH I want to bite her cheek.
"Why does your voice quiver?"
"U...Uh. N...Nothing." Ms. Ratsamee's voice sounds like she's going to cry. I sigh and nod at her.
"You can leave."
"I'm sorry. I don't know if I made you frustrated... or did I speak too quietly?"
"I said that because I understood everything you said." I didn't mean to sound cold. I just wanted to say that everything was fine, but that just put my subordinate on the verge of tears. This won't do. I need to do something.
"Don't cry."
I slowly hand her a box of tissues, but I miscalculate the timing, and it drops in front of her. It looks as if I'm being mean to her, and that makes her cry out.
"I'm sorry, boss."
"I said, 'Don't cry.' If you don't stop crying, I'll..."
"You'll fire me?"
"UGH!"
"Wahh!"
I tried to explain things to her, but because of my grunt, she was startled and ran away. See? I have to deal with this every day. Everyone acts as if they're wrapped around my finger. Everyone is dead scared of me just because I have a resting bitch face, but that maid...
She met my gaze.
She raised her eyebrow.
And smile...
I can't let this go. I need to know more about the new maid. I'll call Mom for details and have her fax all the information I didn't read today.
Frung: Mom, can you fax me the maid's details?
Frung: The one named Yim.
ImHereMyDearEnemy: Her name is Yu. What? You can't remember her name after just a moment?
I smile as I see Mom's retort. Smooth, now she won't suspect why I'm so interested in the new maid.
But... why am I so interested in her? Normally, I don't even notice the old maids who come to clean.
Frung: Oh, really? I kept thinking her name was Yim.
ImHereMyDearEnemy: Then call her Pixie like I do. You already called her Pixie today. Why would you have to remember her name?
Frung: True. By the way, when will you change your account name? Don't your friends get confused about who they're talking to?
Frung: It sounds like a sentence from a corny novel.
ImHereMyDearEnemy: I put it up for my lover to read.
Frung: Do you mean Dad?
ImHereMyDearEnemy: I don't know. Do I?
ImHereMyDearEnemy: I'll take a picture and send it to you here. Faxing is so outdated.
ImHereMyDearEnemy sent a file.
ImHereMyDearEnemy: Why do you suddenly want to know?
Frung: I like to know the details of people who come into my life.
ImHereMyDearEnemy: Including maids? Well, whatever, you're like that. Bye now, going to put on a face mask.
I don't feel like talking to Mom either, so I stop chatting and open the file she sent. Now, I start to carefully read each letter. The handwriting is neat and consistent, easy to read, and shows how much effort she put into it. If I had to guess, she probably won a handwriting contest. Compared to my handwriting, it's like an angel's versus a pattern on a cracked heel.
Born on June 14, the same year as me. Two months older than me. Well, just two months, that doesn't really count.
Lives in the city center... It's a house number, not a room, not an apartment, not a condo. She should be well-off. Why did she become a maid?
Education: Grade 9.
Reading this makes my throat tighten. Why...? Someone so cute should have a higher education. What made her quit school this early? I purse my lips tightly, feeling emotional, and look at the next line.
Single...
As I read this part, I nod in understanding. Nowadays, everyone is single. If being single makes you happy, then you should stay that way. From being sad, I now bid farewell to my tears with a smile like someone who has met a friend with the same fate. This is girl power. We can be alone without needing a boyfriend.
I snap my fingers cheerfully, and my eyes drift to the phone number...
None of the digits pair up to be auspicious. If we were closer, I'd persuade her to change her number. But anyway, I'll save it on my phone just in case I suddenly feel my room is dirty one day. I can call her to clean it then.
Heh. How thorough...
Since I have her address, let me sneak a peek at her house to see what it looks like...
I take the address and search it on Google Maps to see the surroundings and am stunned. The single-story wooden house is in a dilapidated condition, starkly different from my condo. Besides being very old, the surrounding area feels unsafe. But I can't judge from this because the photo might've been taken a long time ago. If I get a chance, I'll drop by to see it myself.
Why am I so interested? Oh, because of GIRL POWER.
After finishing work, I head straight back to my room as usual. When I open the door, a faint, tea-like scent of perfume wafts through the room. I look for the source and am surprised to see the diffuser I bought a long time ago, which I remember sitting forgotten in the bathroom, now placed on the small table by the door with a wooden tray for car and house keys.
Did she clean my house and put this fragrant stick here?
I smile in satisfaction and feel instantly better with the familiar scent of white tea. I'm glad I told my mom to hire her. Just the first day and she's already made me smile.
Wait... but if the house is too clean, she won't have enough work to do. I should make the room a bit messier so she'll have something to clean tomorrow morning, giving me time for a private interview.
Such a good and considerate employer I am.
I have to admit, this is really an exciting morning. I set my alarm for seven o'clock, quickly shower, and dress in the most business-like outfit I can find: a black shirt and a brown skirt that complements my fair skin. Today, I want to present myself as a cool businesswoman so she'll think I'm impressive, though I don't know why I'm doing this.
But I do look very cool.
I sit at the bar counter in my room, changing my pose several times to find one that looks natural and not too forced.
Beep!
The sound of the door opening makes me straighten up, pretending to sip coffee while pointing my pinky finger out to show off my newly painted red nails from last night. Today, I look fiercely stylish. Even I am in love with my reflection in the mirror.
"Good morning, Ms. Frung."
The cheerful voice combined with the scent of white tea creates a memorable image in my mind as I see the sweet-faced girl. Her bright smile makes me momentarily forget to breathe before I set down my cup and speak slowly.
"Good morning, Pixie."
"When you call me that, it really feels like we're closer," Yu, dressed in a comfortable t-shirt and shorts with loosely tied hair, looks naturally beautiful.
"You're very enthusiastic."
"Now that I have a job, I'll do my best to make my salary worth it."
"Did you put the diffuser here?"
"Yes." She nods slightly, looking a bit uneasy. "I asked Madam, and she said it was okay. Are you mad?"
"Why would I be mad? You did the right thing."
"Phew, I was afraid you'd think I was overstepping my duties. I'll go make the bed and vacuum now."
"Go ahead."
The small girl walks past me at the counter, grabbing cleaning supplies and tying an apron around her waist. Maybe because she's so small, wearing that apron makes her look like a Blythe doll carrying a vacuum cleaner into my bedroom. After posing for a while, I quietly sneak in to see what Pixie is doing. I see her pulling the bed sheet tight, folding the blanket like in a hotel, and then starting to vacuum efficiently. Her movements are in my sight the whole time, and all I can think is:
Kyun, kyun.
Kyun, kyun.
How can someone look so cute in every single movement...?
"Ms. Frung."
I'm startled a bit when she calls my name while I'm watching her intently.
"Hm?"
"You spilled coffee on the floor and your shirt."
The sweet-faced girl looks shocked and quickly grabs a tissue to wipe my shirt collar. I'm startled by her eagerness to touch me and push her away as if I've been electrocuted, but my reaction probably looks more like disgust, making Yu freeze and quickly bow in apology.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to. I just wanted to clean your shirt. I didn't mean to overstep your boundary."
"You didn't. No need to apologize."
"I heard that you don't like people invading your personal space."
"Where did you hear that?"
"P' Khwan told me."
P' Khwan is slandering me! I never said I don't like people being close to me. They're just scared of me and back off a meter, making me seem disgusted with them. What did my nanny tell this little girl?
"It's not like that. Don't overthink it. I'll just change the shirt."
"Give it to me. I'll wash it for you. I'm good at washing clothes." The small girl proudly shows off her skills, making me look at her fondly.
"Are you that good?"
"Yes, because I only have two sets of clothes, so I have to wash them every other day. I know how to wash them to keep the fabric in good condition and clean... Ms. Frung, what's wrong?"
"Get out."
I quickly turn away, feeling deeply moved. Underneath the face people say is stern, no one knows I'm sensitive to things like this. Just seeing news about injured dogs, dead cats, or grandmothers being robbed by their grandchildren, I can't stand it. And now... a cute little woman with only two sets of clothes... it pains me so much.
"Huh?... Understood."
Yu walks out of the room sadly, but I call her back.
"How much is your salary?"
"Salary?... Oh, nine thousand five hundred baht."
"Nine thousand five hundred!" My voice almost shouts when I hear it. I clench my fists tightly, making Yu look shocked.
"Are you okay..."
"Are you crazy? Nine thousand five hundred!?"
My words might sound harsh, but they come from shock, making the sweet-faced girl look downcast as if scolded.
"Is it too much?"
"I'm angry now."
"I... I can lower it."
"Yu."
Because I'm serious, I forgot the name my mom gave her and called her by the first name I heard, making her stand up straight.
"Y...Yes?"
"Is twenty thousand enough?"
"What?"
My sudden negotiation of her salary makes Pixie look confused and ask again, "What do you mean?"
"Your salary... twenty thousand."
"I can't take that!" The sweet-faced girl waves her hands in refusal. "I only have middle school degree. Getting a big raise on the first day isn't good. Nine thousand five hundred is fine."
"Then... nineteen thousand five hundred."
"Ms. Frung..."
"Nineteen thousand."
"Ten thousand, no more. Ms. Frung, don't negotiate anymore."
"Eighteen thousand."
"I said..."
"Then seventeen thousand."
"Twelve thousand, final offer. Don't make it more."
"Last offer, seventeen thousand."
"Fifteen thousand. If you raise it more than this, I'll quit."
"Fifteen thousand five hundred."
"Ms. Frung... fifteen thousand two hundred, so it's not too awkward."
"Deal, fifteen thousand two hundred. From now on, Pixie, I'll pay your salary myself." I feel a bit more at ease, making Yu smile a little.
"You're back to calling me 'Pixie.' What a relief."
"Why?"
"When you call me 'Yu,' it feels distant. I don't know how to act. But I don't mean to be overly familiar... but it's better if we're not distant."
Her radiant smile is so bright it hurts my eyes. It's like the light in my room reflects off her teeth, making my vision blur. I turn away, unable to handle the glow, and shrug.
"I didn't realize I was doing that, but I wasn't trying to be distant from you."
To show I'm not too stern, even though I turn away, I reach out to pat her head and ruffle her hair lightly, feeling the soft, fine strands. She's small and cute, and her hair is as soft as a doll's. God really did a good job on her.
"You're always kind to me. Sorry if I overstepped the boundary."
"I told you, you didn't..."
She walks up and gently hugs me with a bit of a shy demeanor. I'm caught off guard and freeze up, not knowing what to do. My heart races, blood pumping vigorously. The white haze covering my eyes starts to take over my vision more and more.
Thud!
"Ms. Frung!"
And that was the last sound I heard before myconsciousness slipped away...
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