“When I come back,” Uncle says, ” I want my study clean, my house clean, laundry done, and the dinner table set. And I shouldn’t hear any complaints from my wife today.” Uncle orders at us like we’re his servants. Or even worse. My mother nodded vigorously, while I, on the other hand, gave a disappointing look.

“Uncle, you know I am busy with all the applications for my university. I cannot multitask.” I whine, even though it’s strictly forbidden. “My mother, your sister; she forgets everything, you know that; why can’t you just keep a maid?”

“Young lady. Do not argue with me. The rules had been set for you all when you first came here. Stay bidden to them,” Uncle glares at me, but I’ve gotten used to them.

Uncle turns to leave, for usual business dealing in his typical professional looks but with a fine detective hat he always wears to work, and I never quite put why that was so important. No one could. Not even his own family, even after the million times we had tried to ask him. He opens the door to leave, just before saying, ” A reminder Olivia. If you forget the rules, I forget the deal. Fair and square.” Smiling wickedly, he leaves.

Now that sounds scary, but I’m not scared. Because today, I have other plans. No more labour work for us. Mom rushes to get to work, but I stop her right there.

“Mom. Where are you going?”

My mom looks at me like she’s seen a ghost. “T-to do the cleaning and all the other chores he’s asked me to do.” Ever since my father died, mom has always been like this. Although if you ask me, I think my uncle drove her nuts.

“Mom. Remember the plan? We’re running away today. Be happy. No chores for us. And who knows? Maybe your health condition will improve.” I try my best to calm my mother.

“Yes. Yes. The plan. I remember now.” She calms down for a moment, then says,” but what if he finds us? Oh, you don’t know, he will be mad. Very mad.”

“No, mother, no one will find us. Your daughter has grown up now. She has everything preplanned, and so far, everything is going accordingly.” My brother, Mont, grins with all his teeth waving at the suitcases beside him.

I return him the smile. “We’ve got everything covered. Right? Money, tickets, hotel stays, blah blah blah?”

“Sis. Everything is in control. The kids are still asleep, and you know Lady Sophia’s morning doesn’t start until 3:00 pm.” Mont says. I already know all this, but it still sounds relieving to hear it.

Someone honked outside. The taxi was here.

Mont and I loaded all our stuff onto the cab. Looking back at the mansion I had lived all my life and now saying goodbye to it, I experienced freedom and felt genuinely happy for the first time.

“I can’t believe this is really happening,” I whisper. Hearing me, Mont replies,” Believe it, sis. We’re leaving.”

“You say that like you had to do all the work,” I nudge my brother.

“I was still forced to do many things I did not want to do. Like teaching his overly pampered blondies.” Mont pretends to puke.

I laugh at his action, then say, “You’re a blondie too.”

He makes a flat face and says, “No. I’m a blonder.”

“Is that even a word?” I laugh some more before settling in the taxi.

The engine starts with a Vroom as we head on.

Goodbye house. Forever.