Esther laid out her painting equipment and rubbed her eyes. She still felt sleepy after having stayed up all night worrying about Mr. Narok's sudden lunch invitation and what it was for. They really had nothing to talk about that he couldn't email her or send a message. Today is her first day on the job, and if the image she saw in the mirror was any indication, then she looked like a hobo on drugs.
The studio's door was pushed open. Esther took a deep breath before turning with a smile. While expecting it to be the Narok family members, she was surprised to see the familiar maid, Phoebe, scanning her head to toe.
"Oh my gosh, you look like shit," the maid laughed. Esther subconsciously tugged at her faded blue knit sweater. Dahra had told her it brightened up her gloomy features; that's why she wore it.
Not having anything to say, Esther turned around and began rearranging the supplies she already laid out. The door shut behind her, and she tensed, knowing Phoebe was still inside.
"You know, maybe I should apologize," Phoebe began. She slowly moved towards Esther, lightly touching the canvas and picking up a brush. Esther watched her swing the brush back and forth with a bit of anxiety. That brush was super expensive! Besides, she might not have known the other girl for long, but she'd sooner lick a can of paint than believe she was genuinely apologizing.
"I assumed you would be a threat to me... but you are just a pathetic little thing," Phoebe giggled, mock-bowing. "So I'm sorry for thinking too highly of you."
Esther stepped forward and snatched the brush from her. "Please leave; everyone will soon be here," she muttered with her head bent.
Phoebe looked at her now-empty hand and scoffed. "Still, don't go acting all high and mighty because I will put you in your..."
The door opened with a bang. Esther looked eagerly at the door and her savior. A petite bundle in pink stumbled in. Esther's face brightened as the girl rushed into her.
"Bloom," Esther grinned gratefully, hugging the girl. Phoebe was startled at the sudden intrusion and the fact that Bloom was so close to Esther. Her features twisted in a scowl, and she roughly pulled Bloom away from Esther.
"Don't touch dirty things!" she scolded.
Bloom blinked in momentary confusion and surprise. Phoebe knelt down to her eye level and scolded in a serious tone, "I don't want you touching such a dirty person, unless you want me to tell your daddy."
Bloom's nose wrinkled in displeasure, and she hissed.
Esther stepped forward in annoyance and pushed Phoebe away. "Don't go overboard; you're hurting her."
Phoebe retaliated by shoving Esther back a few steps. "Who the hell are you to tell me that?" She drew close to Esther, wagging her index finger. She hissed, "A note of warning, bitch, mind your business, or I'll make sure you get kicked out of this house without a single Galand note."
Then, throwing a glare at Bloom, Phoebe stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
Esther rubbed Bloom's head. "Are you okay? Did she hurt you?"
Bloom turned away from staring at the door and nodded her head. She stretched her hand and pulled up the sleeve; her wrist had turned a bright red. Esther frowned in barely controlled anger, not at Phoebe but at herself. She had allowed Bloom to get hurt just because she was afraid of risking her job. She guiltily turned and retrieved a tube from her bag; she then gently applied it to the reddening bruise. As Esther busily tended to Bloom, the little girl cast a dark look towards the door.
***
It was already noon by the time Esther finished the preliminary sketches. Bloom's grandmother was not able to make it; this added a slight hitch to Esther's work process, but it wasn't something difficult to fix. Bloom hopped down from her little stool and bounded towards Esther. She took a curious peek at the canvas and frowned in confusion. Esther laughed at her confounded expression; the little girl must have expected a heavenly portrait after sitting for so long.
Suddenly, she felt a warmth behind her. She whirled around, coming face to face with Mr. Narok. He glanced at her for a second and leaned over to take a glance at the painting. Esther blinked, frozen in place. He was so close she could feel his breath on her neck. The thought gave her goosebumps. Esther held her breath and slowly inched away from him. But before she could take a step, he turned and faced her again. His narrowed eyes froze her back in place, and her mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water.
"I assume you are prepared for lunch."
"Eh..?" It took Esther an excruciating few seconds to compute his words.
She had been so at ease these past few hours; she totally forgot about this hot potato.
"I..."
"I know you're not busy, Miss Powés."
Esther swallowed the excuse that had barely formed. "I will clean up and be ready in thirty minutes, sir," Esther replied instead.
Mr. Narok nodded and stepped out; the nanny followed suit, leaving Esther and a starry-eyed Bloom. Bloom scanned Esther from head to toe. Today, Esther had chosen to wear her favorite faded jeans, and her blue sweater had a yellow bear eating honey from a beehive knitted in front. Her hair was up in a messy ponytail, and her bangs hung so low it nearly covered her eyes. Bloom sighed in exasperation; Esther's look right now didn't exactly scream first date.
Esther shuffled uncomfortably when she noticed Bloom scrutinizing her. The little girl had an odd look as she picked up her notepad.
Esther read the scribbled words and choked,
"You really need a makeover."
Esther turned and looked at her outfit through the studio mirror. Sure, she didn't look like a celebrity, but a makeover seemed harsh... and too much. She started to shake her head when Bloom raised her pad again. "My dad only eats at fancy places; you can't go looking like that."
Esther didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She squatted to Bloom's eye level and whispered, "You know if you weren't so cute, I'd be offended."