Anita's expression turned grave, and she hesitated for a moment before responding, "it's nothing, just pretend like you did not see it"
Mia's curiosity was piqued, "why", she asked.
Anita's eyes darted around the hallway, ensuring they were alone, before leaning in closer to Mia. "It's just...some things are better left unspoken, okay? Trust me, you don't want to know what's behind that door."
Mia's curiosity only intensified, and she pressed further. "But why? What's so secret that I can't know?"
Anita's voice dropped to a whisper. "Look, Mia, you're new here, and you don't understand how things work. Just let it go, for your own good." she cleared her throat as she continued, "how about we take this tour outside," she said, leading the way, "come on Emilia". Mia nodded but her though were still fixed on the mysterious door.
As they walked out into the bright sunlight, Mia couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Anita's hiding something, something big, but she tried not to look much into it as she focused on the tour, "so.... where are we going now?" Mia asked.
"Oh, you'll see," Anita said with a sly smile, as they approached a huge pool area that seemed to stretch on forever. Mia's eyes widened in awe, and she couldn't help but gasp at the luxury before her.
"ooukay, this is insane" mia gasped, The tour went on and on, with Mia's jaw dropping at every new marvel. But as the hours passed, her awe began to wear off, replaced by exhaustion. The penthouse's just too large making Mia wonder the scale of Jonathan's wealth. "Anita, I'm tired", she finally blurted out.
"I knew you would be," Anita said, "come on, let me go make something for you to eat"
"that'd be cool, but I'll be helping this time" mia said as they both begin to hurry back, but Mia's eyes gazed at something, "what's in there"
Anita paused, following her gaze," I have no idea what that is, but I've heard from the others saying each Blacksmith's houses have a back entrance, you know for emergencies, so I'm guessing that should be it"
"oou," mia said in surprise.
"Now come along, let's go in, The sun is becoming hot" Anita said as Mia reluctantly walked back with her, her gaze still at the entrance spot.
***
It had been weeks since the tour happened, but Mia's thoughts still lingered at that entrance spot. She was tired and bored with everything around her, feeling like she was stuck in a rut. Every day was the same, with no excitement or adventure in sight. Anita, wasn't helping at all, and Mia missed Katherine dearly.
"Emilia, Miss, Emilia-", Anita called out to Mia, who looked like she was far gone in thoughts, her eyes gazing into the distance. "Emilia, are you okay, you're not even listening to me?" Anita asked, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
Mia snapped back to reality, her eyes focusing on Anita's concerned face. "Sorry, what did you say?" she asked, trying to shake off her thoughts, "no I'm fine actually, I just", Mia sigh, her voice laced with frustration, "I just miss being out there, I'm tired of staying in here, it's boring" Mia paused, facing Anita not wanting to upset her with her words, "don't get me wrong, I mean you're cool, and I appreciate your company, I just want to be free like I was before, I miss the excitement, the feeling of being free".
"I wish I could help, but I'm just a maid-"
"Actually, you could help" Mia Said, her eyes locking to Anita's. "I need to talk to someone".
"And, who is that", Anita asked.
"A friend", Mia replied, " I just need to tell her that I'm fine".
Anita's expression turned sympathetic. "So, you need a phone, then?" she asked.
Mia nodded. "Yes, or any phone, since Jonathan has mine."
Anita's face fell. "I'm so sorry, Emilia, but I can't help you with that. I don't have a personal phone; we're not allowed to have one," she explained, her voice apologetic.
Mia's face fell, disappointment washing over her. "Oh," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I understand."
"But.., you could use the landline in the garden," Anita suggested, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Mia sighed in relief as her eyes lit up with hope, "oh my god Nita, you really are a life saver".
Anita smiled, "well I'm glad I could help", she said
"yea", Mia Said, "where's Jonathan, haven't been seeing him lately".
"Sir Jonathan is currently occupied," Anita replied, her voice measured. "He's been...busy with some personal matters."
"oh, well I'll go take the call now, thanks", she said as she begin to leave the kitchen.
***
Mia made her way to the garden, she saw a little cottage which She entered the cottage and closed the door behind her, taking a deep breath, she reached for the phone. Her heart raced as she dialed the number, hoping against hope that her friend would answer.
The phone rang for what felt like an eternity, and just as Mia was about to give up, a familiar voice picked up. "Hello?" Katherine voice was heard.
Mia's eyes welled up with tears as she heard her friend's voice. "Trina, it's me. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to reach you sooner. I've been trapped here".
"Mia, it's really you! Oh my goodness, I've been so worried sick about you! What do you mean you're trapped? Where are you?" Katherine's voice was laced with concern and urgency.
Mia took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "I'm at.. a penthouse, Jonathan's penthouse".
"what do you mean Jonathan's penthouse, wait, no don't tell me he-"
"kidnapped me, he knew bout' me escaping, he just let me think I had succeeded in doing so" mia said, her voice getting frustrated.
"oh my god bestie", Katherine whimpered, "I'm so sorry, I can't even help you out".
"Hey-, don't cry Trina-",
"Don't cry? You're telling me not to cry? My god, my bestie is stuck in Blacksmith's House, and I can't do anything to help out, do you know how dangerous that man is" Katherine sobbed more, "what if he decided to you know-" she said making a dramatic "slashing of throat sound", "-you, how long have you been trapped there, what-"
"Relax, relax Trina, stop being dramatic", Mia tried to reassure her, "so far I haven't noticed anything dangerous about him, I barely even see him but, listen" she says as she being whispering, "I don't plan on staying here any longer, I'm escaping tonight". Mia said, dropping her thoughts not minding the risk she's about to take.