Plans
Zoe woke up the next day to the crow of the cock. She was scared, but determined to make the best of a bad situation. She had to be strong for her sister. Zoe looked over at her sister with her head buried under the covers. She sighed. This was not going to be easy. Her sister was weak and afraid. She understood the fear, but she also knew you had to face it, and try to fight it. She didn't want to get out of bed, but she knew any more sleep was impossible for today at least. She hoped maybe tomorrow she could sleep in. She felt desperately tired, but groaning she pulled the covers off of her and popped out of bed. Getting dressed she glanced at her sister's bed. She saw her sister hadn't moved yet. She was tempted to leave her alone, but wanted someone to talk to.
Zoe cheerily: Charmaine! Wake up. We must not upset the old goat who is now our master. We must try to please him like papa would want us to. We musn't give him any reasons to be upset with us. Come on it won't be that hard. After all it shouldn't be different than what it was like at home. You and I can handle anything that Abdullah dishes out. We will show him that we are not lowly girls who cower and cringe just because a man speaks! Now come on get up.
Charmaine remained cowering under the covers crying. She knew her sister was right, but her words did nothing to alleviate the fear. She was terrified. She just wanted to go home. She didn't want to be any man's wife especially that foul smelling camel's behind named Abdullah. How she just wanted to lay here and be left alone.
Zoe a little more sharply: Now Charmaine! If we please him, I am sure we will have a good life here. Making sure her sister was stirring she left the room.
Zoe walked into the kitchen. Abdullah was standing there with a frown on his face.
Zoe bowed her head in submission. She didn't like it, but she had to protect her sister at all costs. She couldn't let Abdullah take his anger at her out on Charmaine as he had promised he would do.
Adullah sharply: Half the morning is wasted because you wanted to lie in your bed being lazy. I have important business to conduct and I can't do it on an empty stomach. How dare you not have my breakfast done! I will not tolerate such laziness! Since it is your first day here, I will be generous and not have the skin peeled from your body for such disobedience, but you will not get off so easy next time. I want breakfast on the table when I wake up!
Zoe was confused. It was only 5 am. Did this fat foul goat really need to eat that early? To her he looked like skipping a few dozen meals would do this man's waistline much good. She sighed. She knew that one of her chores would be cooking, but she assumed that Abdullah would have a woman in house to help with the cooking. Being only 8 she was not that experienced in the kitchen, and mostly had just aided her mother in the meal preparation not doing any real cooking herself. She bit her lip. Did she dare tell Abdullah this? Well could she try to make breakfast?
Zoe respectfully: Honored master, I am but 8 years old. I - I mean....
Adbullah roared: What is with the hesitation? I am hungry, and need to be fed. Do you want me to... He stepped toward her threateningly. All of a sudden he looked around. Realizing Charmaine was no where to be found he got incensed. Where is your sister? Charmaine! I will not tolerate this rebelliousness!
Before Zoe could do anything, Abdullah stormed into the room. Seeing Charmaine sitting in her pajamas on the side of the bed crying, he snarled. Her tears enraged him. He lunged forward, and grabbed her arm twisting it cruelly.
Charmaine yelped in pain. Zoe ran in, and saw Abdullah twisting her sister's arm forcing her to her knees. She wanted to run at him, and attack him protecting her sister, but knew it would only make her sister's situation worse.
Charmaine screamed in pain.
Abdullah snarled: Shut up! I am a tolerant man, but I will not have weak sniveling lazy women in my house! You will be up everyday at 3 am and you and your sister will have my breakfast on that table ready to eat no later than 5 am. Looking at Zoe he snarled, is that clear?
Zoe quickly nodded, and stepped toward Charmaine. I promise honored one your wishes will be obeyed. She grabbed Charmaine's arm and Abdullah let go and stormed out.
Charmaine stayed on her knees weeping silently.
Zoe tugged at her sister's other arm: Come on Charmaine. He means what he says. I told you not to risk his anger. Please we need to get breakfast on the table, and can't do it alone. Charmaine pulled her arm away.
Charmaine: I am hurt and scared. I can't do this. I can't.
Zoe spoke sharply to wake her sister up to the way things were: Charmaine. He is a cruel man, and a hard task master. Papa would not be pleased if we went home in disgrace. That is the least of our worries though, as you can see Abdullah will not brook disobedience. I don't like this anymore than you do, but we have to survive. Now get up, clean your face and get in that kitchen. She hugged her sister in sympathy. Please don't be too long.
Charmaine stood there after Zoe left to go into the kitchen. She couldn't live like this. She couldn't. She had to do something. What she didn't know, but she would find a way to get out of this place. With that she rubbed water on her face, and trying to stifle her tears walked into the kitchen.
Zoe was struggling to figure out how to get the fire lit in the stove while Abdullah sat at the table talking with Akbar.
Charmaine went to the counter to start breaking the eggs.
Zoe was unable to get the fire lit, she had seen her mother do it thousands of times, but watching and doing were two different things. Her mother made it look easy. She couldn't get the kindling to light. What was she doing wrong? She looked sideways at Abdullah. She knew he would not wait very long for his meal. What was she to do? She couldn't cook without the fire. She would just have to risk his anger and ask for help.
Akbar all of a sudden got up from the table and walked over to the stove. He pretended to yell at her while showing her how it was done.
Akbar: You lazy, worthless one. Must I do everything for you? You are too stupid to light a fire? Grabbing more kindling he thrust it in. Here, it goes in like this, and thus. Must I even put the wood in as well? He got the fire lit and stepped away.
He was yelling at her while helping, and she was grateful for it.
Akbar: Now don't make me have to show you again because you want to be lazy. Akbar turned to his father. I am sorry father these worthless ones are being so obtuse today. I will have to supplement their education that Anson has obviously neglected. I promise there will be no problems tomorrow.
Abdullah pleased at his son's harsh tone he used with the girls chose to be expansive. It is ok son. After all it is their first day, I am sure after you get working with them, they won't be so useless.
With the fire lit, the girls scrambled some eggs, and made some bacon. Unfortunately it came out burnt. The fire must have got too hot.
Zoe set the food before Abdullah and he took one look and threw the plate at her. The hot eggs and goat meat burnt her arm.
Abdullah stood up and roared: How dare you serve me this burnt slop. I am going into town for my breakfast. But be sure that tomorrow if breakfast is not done on time, and to my liking you both will pay dearly. Now clean this mess up!
Zoe terrified felt frozen in place. Her arm was on fire, and she hesitated.
Abdullah grabbed her burnt arm and squeezed hard. She dropped to her knees in pain. I said clean up this mess!
Zoe looked around for a broom or something to clean it up with and not finding anything looked up at Abdullah wondering what she should do.
Abdullah raised his hand to strike her.
Quickly Zoe started to pick up the hot eggs and goat meat in her hands. She ran with the eggs and goat meat to the garbage, dumped them, and came back. They were burning her hands and she was in agony, but dared not risk any further anger.
Satisfied Abdullah walked away. Make sure these girls are given a proper lesson on respect and cooking before the day is over Akbar. I leave them in your hands. Do not disappoint me son.
Zoe continued her trips to the garbage.
Akbar sighed. He hated his father, but for the girls sake he would have to be tough on them as well.
Zoe stopped after Abdullah left.
Akbar raised his voice weakly: Why did you stop? My father wants this cleaned up. You will find a broom and pan in the closet. I suggest you get it done. After this, I will teach you how to be proper housewives even if it kills you. You must remember this little ones. My father always gets what he wants, always. With that he walked away.
Zoe started to cry, and Charmaine distressed came up to her. She had never had many occasions to see her sister cry and it scared her.
Charmaine took Zoe's hands in hers: Are you ok? Does it hurt?
Zoe in pain and upset was irritated: What do you think? Of course it does. Now leave me alone. If you are smart, you would stop asking stupid questions and help me get this cleaned up.
Charmaine was hurt. What did she do? She only wanted to show her sister she cared. Why was she mad at her? Oh this life was horrible. She knew she couldn't take it. Charmaine slowly walked to the closet crying.
Zoe hungry, in pain and frustrated yelled at Charmaine: Hurry up you slow camel's hind! We have to clean this up and have much work ahead of us.
Charmaine came back with the broom and pan.
Zoe: Why are you crying? Are you hands and arm burnt and on fire? Stop crying! I am sick of your crying! Stop it I say, or I will give you reason to cry!
Charmaine got a pained look on her face, and turned away starting to sweep up breakfast. She was hungry, but dared not mention it in the mood her sister was in.
Zoe knew she shouldn't have yelled at Charmaine, but she didn't care. She was hungry, and in great pain. It was times like this she hated being the strong one and moddle coddling her sister. Her sister would have to become tough like her to survive.
Charmaine swept the eggs, and made a decision. She was going to run away. She dared not tell Zoe, as Zoe would tell her not to do it, and might tell Abdullah. She knew that Zoe would never runaway, and she hated herself for being so weak, but she didn't care. She would rather die than stay here.
Akbar came back in and was pleased to see the girls were busy and almost finished. He gave them their first lesson in how to cook breakfast as he still hadn't had his.
Zoe cheerily: Charmaine! Wake up. We must not upset the old goat who is now our master. We must try to please him like papa would want us to. We musn't give him any reasons to be upset with us. Come on it won't be that hard. After all it shouldn't be different than what it was like at home. You and I can handle anything that Abdullah dishes out. We will show him that we are not lowly girls who cower and cringe just because a man speaks! Now come on get up.
Charmaine remained cowering under the covers crying. She knew her sister was right, but her words did nothing to alleviate the fear. She was terrified. She just wanted to go home. She didn't want to be any man's wife especially that foul smelling camel's behind named Abdullah. How she just wanted to lay here and be left alone.
Zoe a little more sharply: Now Charmaine! If we please him, I am sure we will have a good life here. Making sure her sister was stirring she left the room.
Zoe walked into the kitchen. Abdullah was standing there with a frown on his face.
Zoe bowed her head in submission. She didn't like it, but she had to protect her sister at all costs. She couldn't let Abdullah take his anger at her out on Charmaine as he had promised he would do.
Adullah sharply: Half the morning is wasted because you wanted to lie in your bed being lazy. I have important business to conduct and I can't do it on an empty stomach. How dare you not have my breakfast done! I will not tolerate such laziness! Since it is your first day here, I will be generous and not have the skin peeled from your body for such disobedience, but you will not get off so easy next time. I want breakfast on the table when I wake up!
Zoe was confused. It was only 5 am. Did this fat foul goat really need to eat that early? To her he looked like skipping a few dozen meals would do this man's waistline much good. She sighed. She knew that one of her chores would be cooking, but she assumed that Abdullah would have a woman in house to help with the cooking. Being only 8 she was not that experienced in the kitchen, and mostly had just aided her mother in the meal preparation not doing any real cooking herself. She bit her lip. Did she dare tell Abdullah this? Well could she try to make breakfast?
Zoe respectfully: Honored master, I am but 8 years old. I - I mean....
Adbullah roared: What is with the hesitation? I am hungry, and need to be fed. Do you want me to... He stepped toward her threateningly. All of a sudden he looked around. Realizing Charmaine was no where to be found he got incensed. Where is your sister? Charmaine! I will not tolerate this rebelliousness!
Before Zoe could do anything, Abdullah stormed into the room. Seeing Charmaine sitting in her pajamas on the side of the bed crying, he snarled. Her tears enraged him. He lunged forward, and grabbed her arm twisting it cruelly.
Charmaine yelped in pain. Zoe ran in, and saw Abdullah twisting her sister's arm forcing her to her knees. She wanted to run at him, and attack him protecting her sister, but knew it would only make her sister's situation worse.
Charmaine screamed in pain.
Abdullah snarled: Shut up! I am a tolerant man, but I will not have weak sniveling lazy women in my house! You will be up everyday at 3 am and you and your sister will have my breakfast on that table ready to eat no later than 5 am. Looking at Zoe he snarled, is that clear?
Zoe quickly nodded, and stepped toward Charmaine. I promise honored one your wishes will be obeyed. She grabbed Charmaine's arm and Abdullah let go and stormed out.
Charmaine stayed on her knees weeping silently.
Zoe tugged at her sister's other arm: Come on Charmaine. He means what he says. I told you not to risk his anger. Please we need to get breakfast on the table, and can't do it alone. Charmaine pulled her arm away.
Charmaine: I am hurt and scared. I can't do this. I can't.
Zoe spoke sharply to wake her sister up to the way things were: Charmaine. He is a cruel man, and a hard task master. Papa would not be pleased if we went home in disgrace. That is the least of our worries though, as you can see Abdullah will not brook disobedience. I don't like this anymore than you do, but we have to survive. Now get up, clean your face and get in that kitchen. She hugged her sister in sympathy. Please don't be too long.
Charmaine stood there after Zoe left to go into the kitchen. She couldn't live like this. She couldn't. She had to do something. What she didn't know, but she would find a way to get out of this place. With that she rubbed water on her face, and trying to stifle her tears walked into the kitchen.
Zoe was struggling to figure out how to get the fire lit in the stove while Abdullah sat at the table talking with Akbar.
Charmaine went to the counter to start breaking the eggs.
Zoe was unable to get the fire lit, she had seen her mother do it thousands of times, but watching and doing were two different things. Her mother made it look easy. She couldn't get the kindling to light. What was she doing wrong? She looked sideways at Abdullah. She knew he would not wait very long for his meal. What was she to do? She couldn't cook without the fire. She would just have to risk his anger and ask for help.
Akbar all of a sudden got up from the table and walked over to the stove. He pretended to yell at her while showing her how it was done.
Akbar: You lazy, worthless one. Must I do everything for you? You are too stupid to light a fire? Grabbing more kindling he thrust it in. Here, it goes in like this, and thus. Must I even put the wood in as well? He got the fire lit and stepped away.
He was yelling at her while helping, and she was grateful for it.
Akbar: Now don't make me have to show you again because you want to be lazy. Akbar turned to his father. I am sorry father these worthless ones are being so obtuse today. I will have to supplement their education that Anson has obviously neglected. I promise there will be no problems tomorrow.
Abdullah pleased at his son's harsh tone he used with the girls chose to be expansive. It is ok son. After all it is their first day, I am sure after you get working with them, they won't be so useless.
With the fire lit, the girls scrambled some eggs, and made some bacon. Unfortunately it came out burnt. The fire must have got too hot.
Zoe set the food before Abdullah and he took one look and threw the plate at her. The hot eggs and goat meat burnt her arm.
Abdullah stood up and roared: How dare you serve me this burnt slop. I am going into town for my breakfast. But be sure that tomorrow if breakfast is not done on time, and to my liking you both will pay dearly. Now clean this mess up!
Zoe terrified felt frozen in place. Her arm was on fire, and she hesitated.
Abdullah grabbed her burnt arm and squeezed hard. She dropped to her knees in pain. I said clean up this mess!
Zoe looked around for a broom or something to clean it up with and not finding anything looked up at Abdullah wondering what she should do.
Abdullah raised his hand to strike her.
Quickly Zoe started to pick up the hot eggs and goat meat in her hands. She ran with the eggs and goat meat to the garbage, dumped them, and came back. They were burning her hands and she was in agony, but dared not risk any further anger.
Satisfied Abdullah walked away. Make sure these girls are given a proper lesson on respect and cooking before the day is over Akbar. I leave them in your hands. Do not disappoint me son.
Zoe continued her trips to the garbage.
Akbar sighed. He hated his father, but for the girls sake he would have to be tough on them as well.
Zoe stopped after Abdullah left.
Akbar raised his voice weakly: Why did you stop? My father wants this cleaned up. You will find a broom and pan in the closet. I suggest you get it done. After this, I will teach you how to be proper housewives even if it kills you. You must remember this little ones. My father always gets what he wants, always. With that he walked away.
Zoe started to cry, and Charmaine distressed came up to her. She had never had many occasions to see her sister cry and it scared her.
Charmaine took Zoe's hands in hers: Are you ok? Does it hurt?
Zoe in pain and upset was irritated: What do you think? Of course it does. Now leave me alone. If you are smart, you would stop asking stupid questions and help me get this cleaned up.
Charmaine was hurt. What did she do? She only wanted to show her sister she cared. Why was she mad at her? Oh this life was horrible. She knew she couldn't take it. Charmaine slowly walked to the closet crying.
Zoe hungry, in pain and frustrated yelled at Charmaine: Hurry up you slow camel's hind! We have to clean this up and have much work ahead of us.
Charmaine came back with the broom and pan.
Zoe: Why are you crying? Are you hands and arm burnt and on fire? Stop crying! I am sick of your crying! Stop it I say, or I will give you reason to cry!
Charmaine got a pained look on her face, and turned away starting to sweep up breakfast. She was hungry, but dared not mention it in the mood her sister was in.
Zoe knew she shouldn't have yelled at Charmaine, but she didn't care. She was hungry, and in great pain. It was times like this she hated being the strong one and moddle coddling her sister. Her sister would have to become tough like her to survive.
Charmaine swept the eggs, and made a decision. She was going to run away. She dared not tell Zoe, as Zoe would tell her not to do it, and might tell Abdullah. She knew that Zoe would never runaway, and she hated herself for being so weak, but she didn't care. She would rather die than stay here.
Akbar came back in and was pleased to see the girls were busy and almost finished. He gave them their first lesson in how to cook breakfast as he still hadn't had his.
Akbar walked to the table with his eggs. Zoe and Charmaine grabbed a plate of the fluffy eggs and bacon and went to be seated as well.
Akbar knowing this was not allowed in the house had to chastise the girls: Was your father so permissive that he allowed you to sit with men at the table?
Zoe and Charmaine looked at each other.
Zoe: Why where else would we sit?
Akbar for the girls sake was harsh: You never ever eat until after we have had our breakfast. Now go make your beds. After I am done you may do the dishes and then you will be allowed to eat. After that we have much work to do.
Zoe and Charmaine their stomachs growling went to do as they were told.
Akbar sat down all his appetite gone. How he hated treating the girls this way, but his father was a hard task master, and you paid dearly for disobedience. There weren't many times in his life he had dared to cross his father, and a few times he paid a high price. These girls if they had any chance to be happy must learn their place and accept it. He sighed. That Zoe was going to be hard to break, but for her sake he had to try.
Charmaine was miserable, but she would toe the line for today. The only thought that was getting her through was that tomorrow she would be out of here, and back home. She just wanted to feel her mommy's arms around her again, and she would risk anything to have that. What would happen to Zoe she didn't stop to think, and even if she had, she would have rationalized her decision by saying that if Zoe wasn't willing to run away than she would just have to suffer the consequences of her refusal to leave.
Charmaine perking up at the thought of leaving teased her sister. Hey slow poke, since when do you let me beat you in anything. I am done already.
Zoe heard the teasing in her voice and was relieved that her sister seemed to be feeling better. She wondered why, but put the thought out of her head. She was just glad she was more like herself.
Zoe quickly finished the bed. Looking at Charmaine she in spite of her pain, she gave her a small smile: Last one at the table will have to do the dishes for the rest of the week. With that the girls ran out of the room smiling eager to get their plates. After all in spite of their circumstances they were 8 years old, and that is what 8 year olds do.
Akbar seeing them run for the food stopped them sharply: What do you think you are doing? I said dishes first! Now for disobeying my orders, you will forgo breakfast and hopefully lunch we won't have a repeat of this disobedience. You will learn your place girls, like it or not. With that Akbar stood up and with the girls watching in horror he dumped those fluffy eggs, and crispy bacon strips into the garbage.
Zoe and Charmaine at his words had stopped in their tracks. Akbar saw the smiles fade from their faces. How Akbar hated to see these two young ones lose that innocence and joy he saw on their faces. He cursed his father for making him have to treat these girls like dogs. He hated it, and it made him sad, but what choice did he have? None and that is what made him saddest of all
Akbar knowing this was not allowed in the house had to chastise the girls: Was your father so permissive that he allowed you to sit with men at the table?
Zoe and Charmaine looked at each other.
Zoe: Why where else would we sit?
Akbar for the girls sake was harsh: You never ever eat until after we have had our breakfast. Now go make your beds. After I am done you may do the dishes and then you will be allowed to eat. After that we have much work to do.
Zoe and Charmaine their stomachs growling went to do as they were told.
Akbar sat down all his appetite gone. How he hated treating the girls this way, but his father was a hard task master, and you paid dearly for disobedience. There weren't many times in his life he had dared to cross his father, and a few times he paid a high price. These girls if they had any chance to be happy must learn their place and accept it. He sighed. That Zoe was going to be hard to break, but for her sake he had to try.
Charmaine was miserable, but she would toe the line for today. The only thought that was getting her through was that tomorrow she would be out of here, and back home. She just wanted to feel her mommy's arms around her again, and she would risk anything to have that. What would happen to Zoe she didn't stop to think, and even if she had, she would have rationalized her decision by saying that if Zoe wasn't willing to run away than she would just have to suffer the consequences of her refusal to leave.
Charmaine perking up at the thought of leaving teased her sister. Hey slow poke, since when do you let me beat you in anything. I am done already.
Zoe heard the teasing in her voice and was relieved that her sister seemed to be feeling better. She wondered why, but put the thought out of her head. She was just glad she was more like herself.
Zoe quickly finished the bed. Looking at Charmaine she in spite of her pain, she gave her a small smile: Last one at the table will have to do the dishes for the rest of the week. With that the girls ran out of the room smiling eager to get their plates. After all in spite of their circumstances they were 8 years old, and that is what 8 year olds do.
Akbar seeing them run for the food stopped them sharply: What do you think you are doing? I said dishes first! Now for disobeying my orders, you will forgo breakfast and hopefully lunch we won't have a repeat of this disobedience. You will learn your place girls, like it or not. With that Akbar stood up and with the girls watching in horror he dumped those fluffy eggs, and crispy bacon strips into the garbage.
Zoe and Charmaine at his words had stopped in their tracks. Akbar saw the smiles fade from their faces. How Akbar hated to see these two young ones lose that innocence and joy he saw on their faces. He cursed his father for making him have to treat these girls like dogs. He hated it, and it made him sad, but what choice did he have? None and that is what made him saddest of all