Veronica slowly scrolled through job listings. Breakfast had given her enough energy to function, but lack of sleep after a long day made her feel like a zombie. Most listings seemed to be sales jobs, and most of them seemed to be obvious scams. She felt her eyes tearing up as the few standouts seemed to be jobs she wasn’t qualified for. Her resume wasn’t very impressive, and being filled with employment gaps and brief periods of working entry level customer service jobs, she’d been fortunate to have roommates more often than not. Without a steady source of income, being unable to find another roommate, and losing yet another job within the ninety day probation period she found herself here. Ironic that here was a mansion.

She wouldn’t say it out loud but she was avoiding anything she knew belonged to the Porter family. It wasn’t that she wouldn’t appreciate a job offer, but she thought it would feel awkward to work for them. Not to mention the logistics. She had never been close to Lucas, being the oldest at 35 now and having only met him a few times, and thought that could mean he may be less awkward to work for but he and his businesses were in another city an hour away.
     
     She shuddered at the thought of working for Evelyn. Evelyn was 28 and successful like the rest of her family, but unlike Elias she was extremely strict and carried an air of superiority she enjoyed expressing. She knew that no one could do anything about it, and she was extremely intelligent, so she could outsmart and outargue any of her critics until they gave into agreeing with her. She was by far the most intimidating of the three, and worse, she never seemed to like Veronica. Veronica’s memories trailed back to her 21st birthday as she struggled to keep her eyes open. Evelyn had never treated her well, but Veronica wanted money to go out that night, and Evelyn condescendingly offered to pay Veronica $50 for each car she washed in her personal car collection. Veronica immediately agreed without thinking, only to be humiliated with a “good girl” from Evelyn. The humiliation only continued throughout the day as Evelyn treated her like a servant, and like she was stupid. Evelyn relaxed, sipping mimosas and admiring Veronica’s work while giving instructions on how to wash her cars properly and micromanaging every aspect of her work. When Veronica realized she would be washing twelve cars she was met with “what did you think collection meant?” She wasn’t getting paid to do anything but wash cars, but found herself fetching drinks when told to, and burned with embarrassment when Evelyn said “if you’re working for me and I tell you to do something I expect you to respond to confirm that you’re listening. Try saying yes to things I tell you to do, followed up by addressing me as Miss Porter.” No matter how upset Veronica was, she found herself saying “yes Miss Porter” to any command Evelyn gave. It felt natural in Evelyn’s presence, and while Veronica hated that, it felt instinctual to submit to what seemed to be her innate authority and right to rule. Her memory of her 21st birthday was not one of celebration, but of service to a strict and demeaning superior. Veronica hadn’t found the strength to stand up for herself, and while she was paid in accordance to her work, she felt like she traded more than just her birthday that day. She was too exhausted to go out by the end of it, and Evelyn made her kneel and clasp her hands together as if she were praying to a Goddess before she gave the money. She never forgot what Evelyn told her upon tossing the money on the ground for her to pick up. “I know six hundred dollars is a lot of money for someone like you, but try not to blow it all tonight. It’s important you listen to the guidance of someone like me. I want you to save it, unlike so many of your class who would throw it around so they can pretend to be something they’re not for a night.” Veronica responded with “yes Miss Porter. Thank you Miss Porter” and was met with another “good girl,” her nerves on fire with embarrassment again. To this day she managed to keep that $600. It was going to help pay for her storage unit for awhile. Maybe Evelyn was right. Maybe people like her and Brianna should listen to people like Evelyn. Doing what Evelyn said, to be responsible with that money and the command echoing in her mind even five years later, turned out to be beneficial for Veronica. Veronica thought to herself, now standing before the three siblings as they sat upon three different thrones, that Evelyn may provide the greatest structure and discipline but that she would be the harshest to work for. That must have been why Evelyn was dressed like the military dictator of a sci fi dystopian society.

Veronica’s eyes opened wide as she jolted awake. Her heart was pounding as she realized she’d fallen asleep only to be woken up by a knock at the door. The time was now a quarter past noon, and while she was upset that she’d fallen asleep while she was supposed to be working on job applications, she was more shaken by her dream. Not only had her mind conjured up an exact memory of the time she agreed to work for Evelyn by washing her personal car collection, but it added a cruel twist through dream logic in which Veronica was choosing who to serve. Evelyn dressed as a dictator in the dream made her want to laugh, or so she told herself, but the truth was that she didn’t want to admit how hot she was in an outfit that suited her personality so well.  She struggled to resist the urge to even give that a second thought, ignoring the confusing feelings rising in her, saved by the realization that Brianna was likely just standing at the door waiting for permission to enter. With a guilt tinged voice she said “I’m so sorry, please come in!” 
     
     Brianna entered once more with a curtsey, saying “please forgive me, Miss Williams, I was to return earlier but did not want to disturb you during your nap.”

Veronica wondered if she really snored that loud. “That’s okay Brianna. I should really get up and get dressed. Would you like to catch up and help me get ready?”

”Yes Miss Williams. You have also been invited to go out to dinner with Master and Mistress. They will be meeting with some of their friends. Master’s sister, Her Majesty Lady Porter, will also be in attendance.” Veronica’s heart raced as those feelings began flowing again. She couldn’t even think to herself to question if Brianna had been ordered to call her such a title. She couldn’t even find it funny or ridiculous. She was certain that Evelyn thought it was entertaining, at least, hearing someone like Brianna accept her place with such enthusiasm, and she could hear a strong sense of reverence in Brianna’s tone of voice. Brianna used to dislike Evelyn, but now she seemed so honored to announce her presence. What had they done to her? 

As the afternoon went on Veronica couldn’t help but think about how well trained Brianna was as she brushed Veronica’s hair with mechanical precision. Everything Brianna did was precise. Even when her tone of voice spoke with enthusiasm or reverence her body would remain stiff and mechanical. Even every breath she took seemed to be an act of obedience and a desire to please her Master. Veronica tried to spot anything that implied Brianna had been replaced by or turned into a robot, or that the collar controlled her. Blinking lights, well disguised mechanical joints, anything a cable could plug into, but found nothing. Veronica had to admit she may be overthinking it. Brianna was one hundred percent human, and had simply embraced a life of servitude and allowed herself to be trained to be the perfect maid. “I would have never believed that you of all people would be serving the rich and powerful as a maid. How’d he manage it? I understand the deal he gave was hard to pass up. I mean how did you go from the rebellious punk rocker to this? You’re so obedient, you don’t give any sarcastic remarks when you do what you’re told to do, and even your tone when you mentioned Evelyn. It’s like you worship her now” Veronica had finally gathered the courage to pry into this. “You’re such a proper maid now!”

“Master and Mistress have taught me the value in order, obedience, and properly respecting one’s Superiors.” Such a statement coming from Brianna was a shock to Veronica. This was someone who used to help organize protests. She used to rant against the very ideas of authority and hierarchy. 

“Bri, what are you talking about? You two always got along but were you that into him? I get that he’s hot but you were the most rebellious of us. You’ve even organized protests against big business in the past. I thought you’d be a famous workers rights or environmental activist by now.” Veronica’s tone was one of curiosity, and not to demean or degrade her friend, though she couldn’t help but think Brianna would accept that sort of thing.

”Forgive my language Miss Williams,” Brianna responded, “but I was foolish. I was frankly stupid. My views came from immaturity and a need to find my place in the world. They were, at best, a cry for help. At worst they were me thinking beyond my intelligence and station in life. Master and Mistress have corrected me, and have given me discipline and values based in truth. Some of us are meant to serve, and some of us act out when we aren’t properly kept in line or given purpose. It is our way of begging for help.”

Veronica couldn’t believe what she was hearing. It had to be a prank. Brianna was no stranger to those. However, the sincerity in Brianna’s voice cut through this thought like a warm knife through butter that had been left at room temperature all day. She let those words fall over her melting thoughts as Brianna finished braiding Veronica’s hair. Veronica, due to the upcoming dinner, chose to skip lunch and eat a light snack this far into the afternoon. Some fruit, cheese, and veggies with ranch. She wished that Brianna could come along with her, but she assumed that it wasn’t the type of place a simple maid would be allowed into. The old Brianna likely would have seen this as a nightmare. She would have argued for equality between people and would have made an attempt to organize the maids into a union. This Brianna was sincere, but she just so different. So mechanical. So loyal. So submissive. So obedient. Veronica pondered these newfound personality traits in Brianna as the intrusive thoughts and curiosity seemed to gain victory over her better judgement. “Brianna,” she ordered “kneel beside me, girl.” Veronica flinched as she said it, attempting to channel the strict Mistresses she’d seen in stories online, or maybe an attempt to channel Evelyn. Brianna, however, remained obedient and immediately knelt beside Veronica. Veronica proceeded to grab a few grapes, holding them in front of Brianna. She ordered Brianna with a hesitating attempt to sound domineering with an “eat, girl.” Brianna did not hesitate to obey, and immediately ate out of the palm of Veronica’s hand before bowing down and thanking her. 

For rest of the afternoon Veronica would boss Brianna around for amusement. It fascinated Veronica. Brianna did not question or hesitate, and had been told to treat Veronica like her Mistress. All Brianna did was obey, and uphold her new beliefs and values when Veronica asked about them. Around 5pm, Veronica was standing in front of a mirror admiring herself in a classy black dress she’d fortunately packed. She was feeling surprisingly dominant, snapping her fingers when giving Brianna commands, and even began to take to feeling a little less bad or awkward about treating her this way. She cared about Brianna, and if Brianna was happiest when treated like a slave she would indulge her. What began as a fun experiment and indulging Brianna was quickly becoming something Veronica didn’t fully understand but found herself enjoying. She checked her phone again and thought it best to get downstairs to the limo. “Maid” she said in the most stern tone she could create, “straighten up this room, and when you’re finished you are to kneel facing the door, awaiting my return like the loyal and eager servant you are. When I enter, you will bow down and welcome me home.” She smiled as she heard that wonderful “yes Miss Williams” again. 

As Veronica walked downstairs and to the limo she couldn’t help but feel a new sense of confidence. If Elias offered her a position in a project again that could bring her wealth, maybe she was more capable than she thought she was, and would actually give it a chance this time. Maybe all she needed was confidence, and Brianna had given her that in exchange for treating her like the lowly servant she wanted to be. Servants who weren’t in the middle of tasks they had to focus on seemed to behave according to her sense of confidence and power, ensuring they stayed out of her way and curtsied if they crossed paths. The chauffeur gave a bow as he opened the limo doors. Elias and Sabrina were likely taking their personal vehicles, having been in their offices all day, and so having the limo and champagne stash to herself made her feel like a Queen as she sipped and stared at the lights of the city. She felt like she may have it in her to become one of this city’s rulers after all, and never stopped to think about how easily dreams like that could come crashing down.