The sound was irritating to the ears. It blared loudly in the darkness of the room, the sound reverberating against the stark white walls. It rang in Kenna's ears until she had rolled over to turn the incessant alarm clock off. With a heavy groan she pushed herself up on the bed so that she was sitting. The tired girl rubbed her eyes, peeling the sleep away from the corners.
The room was all but dark, save the illuminated digits of her alarm clock that read, half past six in the morning. Hanging her head, she could already feel the headache beginning to grow behind her brow.
Sliding out from beneath the covers, she quickly proceeded to get ready to head down to the kitchen to ensure breakfast was being prepared. The house was as silent as it had been the previous day. It was unnerving. In her hand she held her two page list of duties for the day, reading over the first, colour-coded blocks.
Before making her way down to the kitchen she made sure to knock on the doors of Gamon, Wren and Senri in preparation for attending the private, schooling academy they attended. Only Wren made a sound when she did so; a heavy thud hit the solid door, suggesting something had been thrown at it.
Entering the kitchen, Kenna found that Mrs Bainbridge had already begun on an English breakfast for the three boys. Kenna was surprised by the amount of food that had already been prepared while she had been sleeping.
"This all looks incredible," she smiled at the elderly woman.
"Growing boys need proper sustenance," the old woman laughed merrily.
"Shall I set the table?" Kenna enquired. Mrs Bainbridge pausing, seemingly contemplating the question before she shook her head.
"It's alright, there's no need to do that," Mrs Bainbridge began, "Mr Magnuson's children won't eat together. It is rather difficult to get them to stay in the same room for very long, much less get them to eat breakfast."
"That won't do," Kenna shook her head, "They should."
"If you can get them to eat together Miss Grey, I'll eat my own hat," chuckled the old woman, returning to preparing the meals. The young girl let out a breathy sigh, excusing herself before heading back up the stairs.
She strolled down the long corridor, shaking her head to herself. She paused outside Gamon's room, knocking on the door once more. From the other side she heard the sound of a tired voice from the other side.
Pushing open the door, she was met with what she wouldn't call an untidy room, but rather a large bedroom, piled with multiple items. Clothes were overflowing from the closest and two additional exterior racks were packed with coats, shirts and pressed pants. A mountain of pillows were piled up onto his bed, spilling onto the floor.
On the desk, were stacks of books, shoved behind two large lamps. Colourful paintings were pinned on the wall above the bed was an array of polaroid photographs was taped above the head. At the foot of the wide bed, a long wooden box was barely closed with stacks of hats. The thick rug was strewn across the floor, not colour coordinated with the patterning of Gamon's sheets and multiple blankets.
There was some sense of order in the room, but it was overly cluttered with useless items. Blinking in surprise as she glanced around, she had yet to set eyes upon Gamon with dishevelled hair and a pale pink night shirt.
"You didn't bring my breakfast?" he mumbled, leaning against the head of his bed. His curly burgundy hair was thrown in every direction and upon closer inspection, there were evident stains on his shirt.
"Breakfast this morning will be served in the dining room," Kenna stated. Crossing his legs, Gamon propped one of his elbows on his knee and placed his chin in his palm.
"You mean to say, you refuse to deliver my food here?" he questioned.
"Either you seat in the dining hall, or else you miss out. Mrs Bainbridge has prepared -" Gamon waved his hand, kicking back his sheets haphazardly.
"I don't care," he said. Pushing passed her, he cast her one glance. "I'll eat in the dining room." He rolled his eyes and exited the bedroom. A frown grew on Kenna's face with confusion. It seemed to be too easy.
As she darted out of the room, she certainly saw that Gamon was heading in the right direction. She rubbed the back of her neck in confusion. She had been expecting a little more resistance. Pushing it to the back of her head she proceeded with her journey to the next room, down the neighbouring hall.
The rooms were designed in a way that created an incomplete square. At the top of the stairs, on the right corridor was Gamon and Elis' bedrooms, separated by what was a small library (one of many). Along the corridor that connected the right and left, was Wren and Percy. Kenna had been told that between them was a sitting room, that Percy predominantly used. When the girl had peered into it, it looked to be an office at one end and display room. One thing that she had noticed was the number of small and full length, iron mirror in the room. Everything inside, seemed expensive that she had not ventured any further.
The left hall, housed one of the brothers that had neglected to attend the meeting and Senri. According to the butler, the two were full blooded siblings, much like Percy and Wren. The seventh brother, who was rarely home because of work, lived down the west wing of the house as the furthest from Kenna (who slept in the east).
Stepping in front of Wren's door, she knocked on it. There was no sound from the other side. She knocked once more, and yet again, there was nothing to be heard. She rapped on the door louder, allowing the sound to echo down the hall. Behind her was not a hall, but rather a part of the banister that wound around behind the stairs. She could see each of the doors of the room, and would be able to view the grand staircase by simply looking over the edge from any side.
She lowered her hand to the handle when the door was pulled open revealed a very unimpressed male. His dark hair fell in his eyes, his silken dressing robe bound loosely around his waist. Wren took one look at her and rested his shoulder against the doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest.
The bedroom behind him was pitch black; Kenna couldn't make out anything inside. His crimson robe, being the only notable colour. He cocked his head to the, partially jutting out his narrow chin.
"Breakfast will be served in the dining room," she informed him.
"No." Now that had been the response she was expecting.
"I wasn't asking you," she responded. The only way she'd get anyone to listen to her was by not standing down.
"I'm not inclined to do as you tell me," he snapped, "You're not my father, but to be fair, even if you were, I still wouldn't listen to you." Wren stepped back to close the door. Kenna's hand shot forward, pushing against the wooden door and took a step. Her foot was positioned between the frame and the door.
Wren paused in his movements and narrowed his eyes coldly. He tightened his grip on the edge of the door.
"Get out of my room," he ordered. Kenna glanced down; only one of her feet had past the threshold along with her hand. "I'm not going to ask nicely again." The girl lifted her gaze, heart beginning to quicken in her chest.
Wren curled his fingers into a ball after releasing the door and slammed his closed fist on the centre of the door. While a crack was heard, there were no visible damage to the structure. The door swung back and loudly smacked the wall inside his bedroom. His knuckles were pale and his face hot with annoyance. Kenna's heart leapt up into her throat.
The boy took a step forward, seizing the collar of Kenna's shirt, much to her surprise. She could feel his warm breath fanning her face as he stalked forward, pushing her out of his room. Her feet stumbled upon the floor, trying to catch as she was forcibly removed from his bedroom.
"Now, now, Wren, is that anyway to treat our new housekeeper?" came the familiar voice of Percy. As Kenna turned her head, she saw that the taller boy was bearing a violet robe that matched Wren's in design. His long hair was braided back from his face, falling effortlessly over his shoulder. On his face, he appeared to be rubbing in some sort of cream. Even from where she was standing, Kenna could smell the scents of expensive perfumes.
"Stay out of it Percy," retorted his brother, "Unless you want me to break your pretty face." A smirk crawled upon his face.
"Well, we wouldn't want that now, would we. I'm rather attached to it," Percy laughed, "It would seem Miss Grey, you're on your own." Percy walked away, rubbing his hands together. "Oh, but Wren, do keep in mind what father said would happen if any violence occurred beneath this roof." Kenna felt Wren's grip loosen before he let go.
"Whatever, just stop talking."
"Does the sound of my voice annoy you?"
"Like nails on a chalkboard." Wren looked down at Kenna, a sneer pulled on his face. "Don't tell me what to do again," he said before closing the door rather loudly.
Kenna released a soft sigh. Not of relief but of irritation. She contemplated momentarily knocking on the door. She weighed up whether it was really worth getting into an argument this early in the morning, potentially waking the others. Then again, Percy had already been awake.
"Aren't you going to thank me?" And speak of the devil. With her eyebrows furrowed, Kenna glanced over at the male.
"Why?" she asked.
"Isn't it customary when someone saves you, you express your utmost gratitude?"
"Save me?" she repeated, "I had everything handled Percy."
"Not from where I'm standing," he grinned wickedly. "Try it with the Master."
"What?"
"Master Percy," he emphasised. Kenna felt a heated anger creep up her neck.
"You want me to call you Master Percy?" The boy hummed, licking his lips in thought.
"You're right, that doesn't sound right either," he dismissed. "I'll ponder somewhat on this matter." He then looked away, continuing down the hallway to disappear into his bedroom. In a bit of an irritated room, she stormed around the corner to the last room and knocked loudly on it, putting her anger behind the thudding sound.
There was the faint response of someone saying 'come in', prompting her to push open the door. The room she was met with was bright, accompanied by a golden slither of sunlight peeling in through the curtains. Unlike the other bedrooms, a crystal chandelier was suspended on the roof, the dresser was decorated with a delicate lace cloth and a variety of expensive perfumes. A collection of shopping bags were piled at the base of the four poster bed. Rippling curtains of silk and sheer fabric cascaded down the ebony posts.
A honey gold shade, glinted off each crystallised object, reflecting onto the walls. There was a warmth that circled the room, that made Kenna feel like the sun glowed upon her skin. It was very much the opposite of what she expected Senri's room. It was only when she looked across to the boy who sat on the bed, shirtless no less, who was staring back at her.
Similar to Senri, he was graced with beautifully tanned skin and locks as black as the night sky. His expression was one of intrigue rather than anger.
"Oh," she stumbled over her words, "I thought this was -"
"Senri's room," he concluded. "I guessed that would be so. You accidentally knocked on my door this morning," he smiled.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you…" she trailed off.
"Jin," he answered her. "Senri's room is two doors down. Next to the gaming room and Percy's room."
"Thank you, again I'm really sorry," Kenna apologised.
"It's quite alright," he smiled, "But if your intention is to get him out of bed, he can be quite stubborn. That is unless he hasn't locked the door. Mr Maisano did give you the master key, did he not?" Kenna nodded her head as she looked at the obvious tall and slim man. "Then the best of luck to you."
"I'll allow you to get back to sleep then," Kenna mumbled before stepping out of the room, closing the door gently behind her. She felt like repeatedly banging her head against the wall as if to knock some sense into her brain, but she refrained from doing so and instead made her way towards Senri's room.
Given Jin's warning, she wasn't surprised to find the door was locked. Kenna contemplated leaving him to starve and miss breakfast but knew that her job dictated at least getting him up from school. She rolled her eyes, withdrawing the key from her pocket. She wasn't his mother, but already it was beginning to feel like her job.
Opening the door, she found that it would only open halfway. Frowning, she slipped passed to view what was blocking it. What she discovered was a pile of clothes strewn across the floor. Senri's curtains were drawn shut, shielding some of it from the havoc that had been caused. While Gamon's room was a clutter of organised items he had seemed to hoard, Senri's room was chaotic.
Pillows were discarded on the floor and his body was at the opposite end of the large bed (a wide queen sized bed that he took up the whole lot. His limbs were stretched out into a starfish shape and he appeared to be wearing the exact same thing as the previous day. There were no words to describe the mess that she was met with. Jackets, bags, scarves and towels were flung over chairs, desks, dressing tables, shelves and even the head of the bed.
"Senri," she breathed out, eyes unable to drift away from the state. She could've sworn one of his shoes moved on its own. The layer of personal belongings and fabrics that covered the floor, was at least two inches thicker than the floor.
"Shhh," the boy hissed between his teeth.
"You need to get up," Kenna raised her legs, careful not to stand on anything breakable. But honestly, she wouldn't know what was under the mess.
"Need," Senri grumbled, his voice low with sleep. Surprisingly low given his frail size. "And want are two different things. You want me to get up. I need sleep."
"If you want breakfast you need to get up."
"Then I don't want it." Senri rolled over, his arm flailing around for one of his fallen pillows.
"You need to eat."
"Ugh, there you go again with the need thing," he lifted his head up.
"If you're not going to eat breakfast, you still need to get up," Kenna stated firmly. She narrowed her eyes slightly, positioning her hands on her hips as if to say she wasn't going to make an argument of it.
Burying his face into the mattress, Senri let out a deep, hollow laugh. He brought his body to the edge of the bed, swinging a hand down to grip one of the pillows, before shoving it beneath his head.
"Tell them I'm sick," he instructed.
"But you're not sick."
"How would you know?"
"Because you're an immature teenager, refusing to get up," she retorted. Gradually Senri lifted his head once more and swung his bare legs back and forth.
"I don't think dear old dad hired you to insult me," he mused. "I can fire you just as easily as anyone else. So, you call me in sick and I'll forget about this little dispute." Kenna hesitated to move, biting down on the inside of her lip. In less than twenty-four hours, she was faced with the threat of being fired. Was this why they had supposedly gone through so many housekeepers? She was beginning to understand why she had gotten the job so quickly; Mr Magnuson was desperate.
Not convinced of his words, but also not willing to risk her job, she left the room and made her way back downstairs. She didn't even cast Gamon a glance as he sat at the table, piling his plate with food. Walking into the kitchen, she felt like she could released the grunt of pent up frustrations.
"They're not always that stubborn, are they Mrs Bainbridge?" she murmured in question. The elderly, who was stacking the two plates with food nodded her head.
"Their behaviour is, for a lack of words, appalling."
"Surely not all of them? Jin seemed alright."
"Don't let him fool you," sighed Mrs Bainbridge. "Elis, once you get to know him, is perhaps the easiest to get on with. A little closed off and insecure, and he's easily jealous."
"Right," Kenna said while making a mental note of it. The rest of the hour before a car came around proceeded quietly. Gamon willingly threw his bag over his shoulders and bounded out of the door. Wren sluggishly trekked down the stairs with heavily thudding feet.
To her surprise, Jin also came downstairs, Senri hoisted over his shoulder and school bag in his other hand. Across his broad shoulders, Senri looked like a limp doll. Jin bowed his head to Kenna as he passed taking the youngest member to one of the family's company cars that was pulled up outside.
"Jin, you ugly sack of potatoes, put me down," Senri wriggled on his brother's shoulder. Jin didn't seem bothered by his words. "Damn you!" he yelled out. His uniform had been put on, clearly without much care and his hair brushed down. It bounced on his forehead until the four boys were no longer insight.
Kenna had stopped midway, pulling on her coat to watch the childlike ordeal. When Jin returned, he looked down at Kenna, pausing in front.
"Consider that my gift of welcoming," he stated.
"Thank you," she uttered gently.
"Are you going out?"
"I have a meeting with Mr Magnuson," she answered, "And on my way back, I will be picking up the dry cleaning."
"Ah...yes," he nodded his head. "Bring the dry cleaning to me once you do." Without so much of a good bye, Jin departed, making his way back up the stairs. This left Kenna to exit the house and walk over to the second car. She could hear the crunch of gravel as the first car drove off, heading towards the front gates.
Kenna got into the back of the second car, already grateful to get some time away from the house. As the car lurched beneath her, her gaze flickered towards the structure, watching as it faded from sight.