Sylvia had been the family maid for over a decade. She had first met Sebastian Jones and his wife at her job interview. Sebastian's wife, Melinda, was heavily pregnant at the time and they had just moved into a four bedroom home in Kensington. Sebastian's job in the financial sector brought in a six figure salary and he and his wife had decided it was time to get some hired help, especially with the baby due to arrive soon. They sat in Sebastian's home office as Sylvia walked in. She was young, still in her early twenties with bright red hair. She was petite, not standing any taller than 5 feet on a good day, but her body was toned, with curves in all the right places. None of this was relevant for the job she was applying for, but Sebastian noticed this nonetheless. As the interview went on, it became clear she was perfect for the role. Bubbly, kind, and caring, with an impressive CV and glowing list of recommendations, which was incredibly impressive for someone her age. Sebastian and Melinda couldn't offer her the job quickly enough.
Over the following thirteen years, Sylvia had been there to help raise Sebastian and Melinda's three beautiful children. She had changed nappies, read bedtime stories and everything in between. She had become somewhat of a confidant to both of her employers at their lowest moments and was now truly part of the family. Despite all of this however, as he sat in his luxurious office, Sylvia sitting across from him, he was dreading the conversation to come. While Sylvia was now in her late thirties, her looks hadn't faded one bit. She now wore an elegant pair of thin metal spectacles and her hair was a bright purple colour. She changed her hair colour every couple of months, seemingly never settling on one for too long. She was dressed comfortably in a pair of tight fitting grey leggings and a pink Nike tee, pretty standard attire for her maid duties.
When she had arrived earlier that afternoon, Sebastian had asked her to meet him in his office once she was finished with her cleaning for the day. Melinda was out for coffee and yoga with her friends, as she was every Tuesday, so now was the perfect time to do what needed to be done.
Sebastian cleared his throat awkwardly before speaking. "So Sylvia, how are you doing? Everything ok at home?"
Sylvia looked a little confused, but smiled and answered, "Yeah, everything is fine thanks Sebastian! James is starting school soon, so I've been buying school uniform and rucksacks and all sorts, but everything's fine!"
James was Sylvia's son, who had only just turned five. Sebastian recalled that Melinda had bought him a particularly extravagant gift; she always went overboard when it came to major milestones like birthdays. Sylvia had been a single mother even since James' father had walked out on her when he found out she was pregnant. Just thinking about it made Sebastian's blood boil.
"Ah yes, of course, school uniforms are so ridiculously expensive these days aren't they? Eleanor's cost us an arm and a leg!" Sebastian commiserated.
"Yes, they really are!" Sylvia replied, "These companies must be making a killing! Maybe you should get out of the financial sector and into school uniforms!" She joked, both of them laughing warmly together. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Sylvia asked curiously, looking at her employer and friend earnestly.
"Well, Sylvia, do you remember those break-ins that were happening in the area a couple of months ago?" Sebastian mused.
"Yes Sir, I remember," she replied, still a little confused about this line of questioning, but going with it.
"You know how seriously I take the safety of my family, so I decided it was time to install some security cameras around the house." Sebastian's voice has grown a little more gravely and serious as he spoke.
"That sounds like a good idea Sir." Sylvia raised her finger to her chin, "Did you install them yourself; I don't remember seeing any workmen?"
"No Sylvia, I had them installed while you were on your holiday. So I was certain that you didn't know about them, as they are all very discreet."
Sebastian rose from his seat and walked over to the window, looking out over the tree lined street below, a row of perfect, pristine homes. He turned back to face his maid, hands resting on the windowsill behind him. He sighed deeply.
"I'm just going to come out and say it. Money has been going missing from my wallet." A look of concern spread across Sylvia's pretty face. "So, I checked the cameras, and my worst fears were confirmed. It was you Sylvia. Our trusted maid. You have been stealing from me." Sebastian looked angry now, hands gripping the windowsill tightly, knuckles turning white.
"No Sir, I would neve...."
"DON'T DENY IT!" Sebastian had lost his cool, and he instantly regretted it, he saw Sylvia cower away from him, fear in her eyes. This isn't how he had planned it. He stepped forwards and saw the petite woman before him wince, as if expecting to be struck. That bastard ex of hers.
"I'm sorry Sylvia," he said softly, "I didn't mean to shout." His body slumped against the wall. "I'm just so disappointed. Have we ever treated you badly? Or acted like you aren't a part of this family?
A tear formed in Sylvia's eye, she brushed it away before speaking.
"No Sebastian, you and your family have been wonderful to me." Her head dropped, staring at her feet. "I'm sorry," she said weakly. "Just, you've seen the news. The cost of everything is going up. My gas bill, my food. I didn't have enough for the rent and, in a moment of weakness. I stole from you. From Melinda. From the children. I'm so sorry. Really."
