“While we're gone, you're going to take care of Ben.” She continued instructing. Her instructions always sounded more like commands, demanding and brute.
“Okay, I will.” Lisa answered, obedient as she had learned to become.
“I want you to make yourself pancakes. Ben too. I don't want you to watch any television this evening. Instead, I want you to teach him something. Be useful.” Angelica continued, her instructions becoming more and more demanding as she went along.
“Okay.” Lisa repeated.
“Thank you, very much. Have yourself a nice evening!” Angelica finished. Angelica waved her hand out the window after getting into the car. Lisa watched them drive away, heading in the direction of the city.
Angelica and Marc liked to consider themselves aristocrats. Even though they were just simply managers. They weren't even as wealthy as the others, but it was the way they carried themselves. The way they saw themselves.
Their dinner reservation was at an exclusive restaurant. It would take 6 months to get reservations at a place like this. It was a Michelin-starred delicacy, with a posh atmosphere. The restaurant itself was decorated with crystal that was as bright as diamonds. The tables were covered in white cloth, as white as fresh-fallen snow. The meals were served in courses, like in any high-class restaurant. Each dish more delicious than the last, though gaining in price. For dinner, the couple enjoyed artichokes with a lemon sauce drizzled over. The portions were small, barely making a mark on the large white plates they were served on. The artichokes were followed with whipped potatoes. Finally, truffles were the closing taste. The change of dishes was a gradual progression, happening rather slowly. The waiter wanted to tell them a story about every side dish that was offered, along with everyone else around. Everyone talked slowly about the great art that was the culinary practice. The dinner should have been delightful. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was just right. There was a nice silence in the restaurant, though a hum in the background of other people in hushed conversations. On the table were a pair of candles, which illuminating both Angelica and Marc. The rest of the world ceased to exist and the whole setting could have led to the most romantic evening in the world. It would have been, had it been shared between two others. The meal itself ended with an expensive bill, costing more than Lisa would make in two months. But, Angelica and Marc believed themselves to be important, special. They lived a luxurious lifestyle, regardless of the cost.
Meanwhile, back the home they shared, Lisa had made pancakes. The meal was nothing more than flour and eggs, shared with Ben. After dinner, the two of them played games together. She picked out a book and began teaching him how to read at a more advanced level. By the time Angelica and Marc returned home from their evening out, Lisa was exhausted. Angelica didn't ask any questions about the evening, instead addressing Lisa.
“Thank you Lisa, you are free for today. You may head to bed.” She dismissed. Lisa nodded.
“Thank you. Have a good night.” She departed, heading downstairs to where her bedroom was. Through the floorboards, she could hear Angelica and Marc discussing their evening.
“Did you see those truffles? I certainly didn't!” Marc complained. Angelica laughed.
“For that high price, I would have expected at least three truffles on my plate. Not one so small I could barely even see it. Let alone taste it.” Angelica returned the complaint. Lisa could smell cigarette smoke. Having seen Angelica in these moods, she knew Angelica was sitting in the living room, smoking cigarettes and drinking wine.
“I know the cuisine is called “molecular”, but the prices are gigantic.” She continued complaining.
“I know. Honestly, I didn't even enjoy the food that much.” Marc added. Lisa could hear Angelica humming along in agreement with her husband.
“I know we ate 5 dishes, but the portions were so small I could hardly count that as more than two small dishes. I was no where near full by the time the meal ended.” Marc continued.
“Thank God we passed that fast food restaurant on our way home.” Angelica added.
“I know! I was finally able to get a nice, juicy burger.” Marc cheered.
35
The host family always seemed interested in Lisa's future plans. On the second day, she was asked if she had bought a return ticket. She answered that she had not saved up enough money for a return ticket.
"Book your return flight quickly. Otherwise, it will be too expensive," they advised. Of course, Lisa was sving money for her return ticket.
Another time, she was asked what she planned to do.
"I would like to continue my studies," she answered. She had become interested in attending University. One of her friends had received a scholarship to study at a prestigious University and she was considering the possibility.
"What? Are you crazy?" hHer host father asked her.
"What is so crazy about it?" Lisa asked, simply making conversation.
"You've got no money. Do you want to work as a prostitute?" he asked.
Lisa was shocked at this.
"There are many international students who study. They often receive scholarships and get MBAs," she explained.
"Dream on, girl. You are too poor to chase this dream. You even don’t have any brain. Forget about it," He argued. Lisa wasn't sure how to respond.
"No one in the world is waiting for you," he added.
"Even if I don't get a scholarship, I would like to travel a bit. I mean, while I'm still young," she continued, attempting to shift the conversation.
"Where are you going to get the money to travel? It's expensive. The hotel is at least 600 dollars a week. That doesn't count your food or your tickets," he continued, beginning to raise his voice.
"Maybe I will find a job at the embassy. I do speak several languages," she argued.
The host father shook his head angrily. "The only job you're going to get at the embassy is as a cleaning lady," he barked.
Lisa politely dismissed herself from the conversation and went to her room. She couldn't help feeling emotionally overwhelmed. She laid down on her head. According to her host family, she would never be able to travel or study or even work a normal job. "Did they think, because I am poor, obscure, plain and little, I am soulless and dreamless? They think wrong! - I have dreams as they do!” Lisa was told she should give up on all her dreams. But, her dreams were the only thing she had to hold on to.
"Were there any good people in the world? " Lisa thought. Probably not in Lisa’s world, the world of a maid for one year.
That was it! This dream world disintegrated into dust. Lisa wanted so much to become a member of this family for some time. Instead, she had to meet with incomprehension, on a wall between her and this powerful family.
36
It was Lisa’s final month in the country. Her year of being an au pair was finally up. This was her last chance to travel and fulfil her dream of seeing the city of Paris. Lisa called the au pair agency to ask about the vacation that was mentioned in her contract.