𝓛𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓑𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭

𝓉𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓋𝑒

Some traits are blood bound. They pass on from father to son or from mother to daughter. Not only the great features but also the bad have their way to show eventually. And so Dhalia's daughter witnessed for the first time the effects a powerful man can have over a woman. And she did not like it.

+ + + + 

Nellie woke up with a massive headache. The events of the day prior burned on her retina. Whenever she closed her eyes she saw Veronica Lodge, the dark haired beauty in innocent white, her hands delicately folded together in front of her. That haunted image was often replaced by the memory of Dhalia's coffin being lowered into the ground. And somewhere in the back of her mind, a tall Serpent with brooding eyes loomed over the scenery, somehow bringing her frantic heart to rest.

Barely registering her movements, she woke up. The sun was already shining bright in the small trailer room. Nellie had no idea of the time. Her eyes fell onto the phone on the floor. 

With a sigh she picked it up and unlocked it. Another message of Poppy graced her screen. However, she ignored it. The clock on the display caught Nellie's attention. 

9.15 a.m. 

Suddenly wide awake, she quickly picked up her Five Seasons uniform and flats. Scurrying in the bathroom, she quickly brushed her teeth and combed through her short black hair with her fingers. Somewhat presentable, she hurried out of the trailer and onto the road. 

Once she was seated in the bus, she let her mind run free again. It irked her immensely she had noticed Sweet Pea's absence this morning. She had just acknowledged his empty, unmade bed, his motorcycle missing in front of the trailer. He would be at school by now. It was Monday after all. For some reason, it annoyed her that she started paying attention to the gang member's whereabouts.

As the Five Seasons came into view, nerves replaced the numb feeling that had dawned over Nellie as she had gotten ready. If she lost her job at the Five Seasons, she would be back at the bottom with no sights to leave Riverdale and Hiram Lodge behind. 

Standing in front of the tall building, Nellie once more let her eyes roam the luxurious facade. Somewhere inside, a fuming Mr. Harrington would wait to hear her explanation. Why did she leave her shift way too early? On her way she had thought of all the possible excuses. She sure would find one. It was only a matter if Mr. Harrington bought it.

Deciding against her instinct to run, Nellie headed to the side of the building towards the employee's entrance. Once inside, she discarded the oversized blue sweater she had borrowed from Sweet Pea's brother. She quickly ran through the schedule of the day. Her name was still on it. She wasn't fired. Yet. 

In the cramped staff corridors, Nellie encountered some of the other maids who threw her hateful glares. Perhaps they had to take over her chores once they noticed her absence. Feeling no need to defend herself, she followed her usual routine, her eyes strained to her feet, ignoring the other girls.

When she was ready with the first room, she headed to the next. But unlike the sign on the door said, the room wasn't vacated. Standing in front of one of the large windows with his hands crossed on his back, was Mr. Harrington. 

"Miss Hearst," he acknowledged her without turning around. Nellie immediately felt a lump form in her throat. Slowly, her boss turned around. She couldn't see any emotion in his pale green eyes as he merely observed her.

"Your uniform is wrinkled," Mr. Harrington stated, throwing one disgusted look at her outfit. She didn't miss the way his big nose scrunched. 

Nellie followed his gaze to the creases in her skirt.