The school term had just wrapped up, and the long stretch of holidays loomed ahead like an endless road. Kevin sat on his creaky bed, staring blankly at the ceiling of his small, dimly lit room. The fan above spun lazily, creaking with every turn. He let out a sigh.
"I need to find something," he muttered to himself, scrolling through his phone with fingers that felt heavy.
He had really tried, put in the effort to find a job that would put some cash in his pocket and give him a sense of purpose. But luck had not been on his side. No one was looking to hire a teenager with zero experience. He'd walked the streets, asked around, and scoured online listings. Still, nothing.
Kevin's parents had divorced years ago. His father, a stern police officer, had remarried not long after. Unfortunately, the relationship between Kevin and his new stepmother wasn't good, with Kevin being the source of the tension. Rose had done everything she could to win him over, but Kevin just wasn't having it. The atmosphere at home was thick with unease. Most nights, he would grab a bite with friends, coming home late to avoid her. His father, often working double shifts, had eventually told his wife to stop bothering Kevin.
"Let the boy be"...his father had said. "He'll come around… eventually."
But Kevin wasn't so sure he ever would.
That afternoon, while scrolling through social media, a post caught his eye. His thumb froze mid-swipe.
"HELP WANTED: Companion and caretaker for elderly grandmother. Wheelchair-bound. Generous pay. Lodging included."
Kevin's eyes widened. The salary listed made his heart race. It was more than he had dared to hope for. Without a second thought, he clicked the 'Apply' button and filled out his details.
"Please, just this once," he whispered under his breath as he sent off the application.
The next morning came with disappointment. Kevin sat on the couch, staring at his phone, refreshing his inbox over and over again.
"Nothing," he mumbled, placing the phone facedown. "Guess someone else got it."
Feeling defeated, he left the house to look for another odd job. But just after noon, while helping a vendor... sort through crates of fruit, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He quickly pulled it out, his heart racing.
"You've been accepted. Come to the address below before 3 PM today."
Kevin blinked, reading the message over and over to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He dropped the crate with a loud thud.
"Sorry, I have to go now. Family emergency!" he shouted to the vendor, already sprinting down the street.
Once he got home, he dashed into the bathroom, took a quick shower, and threw on a simple grey T-shirt and jeans. After slipping into his well-worn sneakers, he waved down a taxi from the roadside.
"This address," he said to the driver, showing him the message on his phone.
The driver squinted at it, then shot Kevin a strange look. "You sure about this place?"
Kevin nodded firmly.
The driver shrugged and hit the gas. The city zipped by outside as Kevin sat quietly, nerves creeping up his spine. After what felt like an eternity, the taxi finally stopped in front of a massiv iron gate.
"Wow," Kevin breathed, stepping out and gazing at the mansion beyond.
He glanced at the plaque on the wall, which read: ROLANDS FAMILY VILLA.
"Yup, this is the place," he muttered to himself before pressing the doorbell.
Moments later, a tall, broad-shouldered guard appeared, looking skeptical.
"Good afternoon, sir," Kevin started, trying to keep his voice steady. "Is this the Rolands' residence?"
"It is," the guard replied cautiously. "What's your business here?"
"I'm Kevin. I was asked to come for a job interview. I believe Mr. Clem is expecting me."
The guard raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Interview with Mr. Clem? Are you sure?"
"Yes, sir. I applied for the helper position, Miss Jane's caretaker."
Recognition flickered in the guard's eyes. "Ah, right. One moment."
He disappeared behind the gate. Kevin waited, his heart pounding with anticipation. A few minutes later, the gate creaked open, and the guard offered a faint smile.
"Sorry for the wait, Mr. Kevin. You can come in now....Mr. Clem is inside."
"Thank you".....Kevin said, giving a slight bow as he stepped through the door.
The compound was absolutely stunning. Flowerbeds flanked the cobbled path, and the mansion loomed like a scene from a movie Kevin's walked calmly as he followed the guard to a bright, spacious guest room.
"Please wait here. Mr. Clem will be with you shortly."
Kevin settled onto the plush sofa, his eyes wandering in awe. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, marble floors gleamed, and the walls were adorned with art. He couldn't help but let out a soft whistle.
"So this is what it's like to be rich…"
"Do you like the place?" a calm voice asked from behind him.
Startled, Kelvin stood on his feet. A well dressed man stood in the doorway, glancing at his wristwatch.
"Good day, sir!" Kevin greeted, bowing slightly.
"It's all right, take a seat".....the man said, waving his hand as he entered. "I'm Clem Rolands."
Mr. Clem was a distinguished gentleman in his early forties, with neatly combed black hair and an air of cool confidence. He wore a tailored black suit, and his red tie stood out crisply against his shirt.
"You must be Kevin".. he said, sizing him up from head to toe.
"Yes, sir."
"Hmm. Not bad." Mr. Clem nodded. "I assume you're already familiar with the job description?"
Kevin nodded again.
"Great. You'll start right away"...He glanced toward the door. "Sam!"
A young man stepped in, his tousled brown hair framing a warm, handsome face. Sam looked to be in his early twenties and moved with the ease of someone who knew the place well.
"This is Sam".... Mr. Clem introduced. "His been helping my mother until now, but he's moving on. He will inform you on the details of your work before he leaves. I have a trip to get ready for."
"Yes, sir," Kevin replied.
Mr. Clem gave a curt nod. "I hope you enjoy your time here."
With that, he turned and walked out.
Sam smiled and extended his hand. "Hey there. I'm Sam."
Kevin shook it. "Kevin."
"No need to be so formal. You're one of us now." Sam chuckled
Sam threw an arm around Kevin's shoulder and said, "This place might look all serious, but trust me, it's not as strict as you think."
Kevin let out a nervous laugh. "I hope so."
"Come on, let's get you introduced to the rest of the crew. It's time to meet the 'ladies.'"
"Ladies?" Kevin blinked, a bit puzzled.
"You'll see," Sam replied with a mischievous grin.
They made their way to the kitchen, where a few middle-aged women were bustling around. Sam introduced him to the cooks, the gardener, and a couple of other staff members. Everyone welcomed Kevin warmly, which surprisingly put him at ease.
Eventually, they reached a quieter part of the mansion. Sam paused outside a large room and turned to Kevin.
"This is where Miss Jane stays. She's Mr. Clem's mother, your main responsibility."
He knocked gently before pushing the door open.
Inside, an elderly woman sat in a wheelchair, gazing out the window. Her silver-blonde hair was neatly tied back, and while age had softened her features, she still had a striking presence.
"Miss Jane," Sam said softly. "This is Kevin, the new helper."
She turned her head, her sharp blue eyes locking onto Kevin. A slow smile crept across her wrinkled face.
"Ah… fresh blood," she said with a hint of amusement.
Kevin bowed respectfully. "Nice to meet you, ma'am."
Miss Jane chuckled. "Polite. I like him already."
Sam leaned in closer and whispered,..."Don't worry. The head maid will give you the daily schedule. You'll get the hang of everything in no time."
As they stepped back into the corridor, Kevin looked around, still soaking it all in.
"So," Sam said with a wink, "welcome to your new home."
Kevin smiled, feeling his earlier doubts start to fade. Maybe, just maybe, this job would turn to change everything.