The smell of dirt and rosemary hit my nose the moment I walked into Maudie's office. Maudie sat in a big oak desk in front of me, windows behind her. The left and right walls were all filled with book cases. The ones on my right seemed to be filled with books and files while the ones ones on my left were filled with jars and containers filled with what looked like herbs, oils, and other remedies. There were also potted plants placed in different places on the shelves. The only wall that was clear was the one I had just walked through and when I turned to look I saw numerous awards for books and medical advances in herbalism. 

I turned back to Maudie “ Have a seat” she pointed to the small rustic brown accented chair that was sitting in front of her desk. I walked to it and sat down. She was wearing reading glasses and writing things in a small book. Files and papers crowded her desk along with three small pots with plants in them. A computer sat in the right corner of her desk. She finally looked up and took off her glasses, setting them down in front of her then she leaned back in her own chair a replica of mine. 

“I see you took a shower and changed, good. I hope you find your room to your liking, although even if it was not you would still sleep there.” I bit my tongue not needing to make her more annoyed by my outburst. She continued on “I called down to the mayor's office to get some files on you.” She slammed a file in front of me her some white hair fell out of her ponytail in the process. “Do you care to explain why the only files they have on you are a birth certificate and school papers. No hospital files or even guardianship papers. Plus why are you not in college you were offered full rides to multiple colleges for academics and sportsmanship.” she huffed. I could tell she was annoyed but I was too how could she just judge me like that. 

“I was orphaned from a young age so it's no wonder I don't have many files and all the colleges that offered me full rides were too far away to go to. Plus I have no money to get housing, food, transportation, or any other needs.” I glared at her. She to her credit did not back down. “Well that is what I would like to change.” She slid forward another document. “This is a contract I would like you to look over and sign. It signifies that you are going to live in this house for free as long as you help around get a job. It also states that I will be in charge of your finances until I feel you can be trusted to do it yourself. So do you agree?” 

I felt my anger start to rise did she think I was a pawn or not able to take care of myself. “And if I don't agree.” I growled. “Then I suppose you can go back to living on the street” Maudie said calmly but I could tell she was also on edge her knuckles were turning white from her squeezing then together. “Fine, but why do I have to do chores and get a job.” I said haughtily. She clenched her teeth “Because everyone staying here is expected to do chores although some are expected to do more than others.” I got ready to interrupt why it was unequal but she held up her hand and kept going. “Everyone in this house has a purpose. Eric and Lyria pay a higher rent then normal to help the kids that are living here for free so it is to be expected that they don't do as much housework plus Lyria takes care of Mira and Elios when she is here. Ansel also has a job working in my flower and herbal medicine shop as a assistant. On top of that Eric polishes all the wood surface twice a month and cleans the bathroom. Lyria does all the dishes when she's around and helps sometimes with meals. Ansel goes shopping for me sometimes, sweeps, and dusts. I want you to vacuum once a week, clean the glass and windows once a month, and help were else it is needed. Also I would like you to work at the flower shop so Ansel can spend more time with the herbal shop.” 

My anger was only growing the more she talked. “Of course I will pay you but I also will be in charge of that money so that you don't spend it irrationally. I will personally pay for your needs like clothes and other necessities.” She looked at me. “Now that you know this please sign here.” She pointed to a signature line at the bottom of the sheet of paper and I exploded. “And why should you handle the money I earn I am fully capable to handle it!” I sneer. “And what about you we all do the work while you sit there looking pretty no thank you. You’re just a hypocrite.” I spat. 

The look she gave me must have been death because for the first time in a long time I felt overpowered by her presence. “I will tell you one time” she said with a deadly calm. “If you feel like insulting me one more time I will punish you severely. If you want to switch jobs with me I would gladly give mine up so you can cook every meal, take care of the garden, polish the brass, fix anything that is wrong with the house, be the guardian of two children plus one kid that is a rude ignorant child.” she glared at me. “Pay the bills, schedule doctor visits for Elios, Mira, and Ansel. Study plants for the book I'm writing, try new formulas, and run two shops on top of that.” 

I sat there feeling dumb she was right I was a child, I judged people too fast and said the first things that came to my head no matter if they are good or bad. And on top of that I have a temper. I looked down at my feet then back at the contract. I took a pen out of the jar next to her computer and signed it then looked back up at her. Maudie just gave a pained smile, “Good, I thought you might like this option better. Now go help Ansel set the table.” 

I took that as a dismissal and stood up turning to the door. I was just about out of the room when Maudie spoke again. “One more thing if you hurt Ansel I will kick you out of the house myself. He cares about others that don't deserve it too much.” I spun around to find her not even looking at me. I turned back and walked out of the dirt and rosemary smelling room.