CAMILLA
As the sun was setting, Archie and Aria were moving away from the diner; I watched them out of sight. Now, my head was spinning—it was a new reality that I agreed with. I turned my body back to the empty diner, rudely interrupted by the voice of Clara.
"So what did he want?" Clara asked; she could hardly hide her inquisitiveness.
I smiled, taking a deep breath. "He offered me a job."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Employment? For what kind of work?
"Cooking for his daughter, Aria. Full-time," I responded.
Clara had her mouth hanging open. "No way! Alright! But. Are you sure about this?"
"I guess," I said, kind of excited and jittery. "I mean he is offering me ten times what I make here. And I love Aria; it's an opportunity.”
Clara nodded slowly. "Well, if anyone can deal with it, it's you. I'll miss you, though." She only smiled in response and reached up to pat my back. "You'd best visit, or I'll hunt you down.”
***********
One week later, I stood with my suitcase in front of Archie's penthouse house. I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The door opened almost immediately, and Aria's face was all smiles and enlightening.
"You," she squealed and launched forward into my embrace, "what on earth are you doing here?"
I embraced her, laughing warmly. I am here to cook for you, love—every single day.
Aria's eyes sparkled with delight. "Really? Well, it's the best birthday gift ever!"
A smile lit Archie's face as he saw us in the doorway. "Welcome, young lady. Come in; I will show you around."
We walked through the entire house while Archie showed me where everything was and which staff member was responsible for each section—until we reached the kitchen. It was a vast, modern space with every implement I would ever require.
"This is your kingdom," Archie smiled. "Make yourself at home."
I nodded, and a wave of excitement consumed me. "Thank you, Archie. I will do my level best."
So the next few days followed, settling into the new packing of meals for Aria and getting to know the staff. And before I knew it, Aria's birthday party was fast approaching. Archie entered the kitchen on the eve of the party just as I placed the last cupcake in a fresh tray.
"This looks so good," he said right at the table, surveying all of the treats I'd prepared.
"Thank you," I said while drying my hands on a towel. "I'm sure Aria would love this."
He stepped closer, his expression serious. "She will. And thank you again for agreeing to do this. It means a lot to me."
My heartbeat raced, and I looked up at him. "It's my pleasure, Archie. Really."
The house sort of buzzed the next day. Aria's birthday party was up, and the kids poured out into the garden while adults maintained their smiles and laughter. I stayed along the wall.
There, at the brink of the conclusion of the party, Archie drew everybody's attention. "Thank you very much for coming, everybody," he said against the general noise, "There is just one more surprise left for Aria.
He looked at me, and I nodded, carrying this considerable cake all covered in candles. Aria's eyes sparkled, and the crowd let out a burst of applause.
"Happy birthday, Aria," I bid her with a smile.
And she giggled as the candles were blown out and quickly ran into my open arms around my waist. "Thank you," she whispered. "This is the best day ever." I hugged her tightly, with my complete heart. Finally, after so many mysteries and uncertainties, at least this one thing was sure: I was precisely where I should be. The guests streamed out slowly after the party until the house was quieter than it had been all day. I found myself in the kitchen, cleaning up and putting away the leftover food, when I heard the pitter-patter of little feet behind me.
"Camilla?" Aria called.
I turned to see her standing in the doorway, the party dress just a little rumpled, a tired but happy smile on her face. "Hey there, birthday girl," I said with a smile. "Did you have fun today?"
She nodded vigorously. "That was the best birthday ever. Thanks for the cake and cookies—everything!"
I knelt at her side. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. You deserve nothing less, Aria."
She looked knowingly into my eyes for a moment, then shuffled closer and let her face be serious. "Camilla, can I ask you something?"
"Sure," I replied, with much curiosity. She looked at her feet, then back at me, her eyes wide and searching. "Why did you come live with us? I mean, I'm glad you did, but did my dad threaten you that day? Loads of the kids there would miss your cookies." I reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, your dad asked me to. He doesn't think it's good for you to be alone, and I love cooking for you. And… I think I needed a place to belong."
Aria lifted her chin, thinking it over. "A place I belong?"
I nodded, already feeling the lump begin in my throat. "Yes. A place where I feel needed and can make a difference. You make me feel like that, Aria." She threw her arms around my neck and squeezed. "You belong here with us, Camilla. So glad you're here." I hugged her tight, feeling warmth and gratitude flush through me. "Me too, sweetheart. Me too." We stayed like that for a moment; then Aria pulled back, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Can we have a tea party tomorrow? Just us?" I giggled aloud, the sound echoing in the quiet kitchen. "A tea party sounds perfect.
"I'll even make you some special treats," and Aria's face lit bright with excitement.
"Yay! The best tea party ever!" I stood up and took her hand. "Come on, let´s get you to bed. It's been a long day." We walked past the eddy to the elevator, Aria running excitedly by my side, talking about her party and friends with the energy to squander despite the late hour. I listened, smiling at the enthusiasm, content but ever so tired.
Taking her to her room and helping her change, I got her into her pyjamas. She crawled into bed and looked up at me with sleepy eyes. 'Goodnight, Camilla. "Thank you for everything." I leaned down to place a kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight, Aria. Goodnight." I went on to turn off the light and walk out of her room, gently shutting the door.