The day started out perfectly normal for Sage Tasel. Get up, shower, tie back hair so not a strand is out of place. Get dressed in a fabulous suit with killer heels, grab some coffee from the kitchen--ready thanks to her maid/cook--and climb in to the limo.

Of course, the 'perfectly normal' days are the ones you have to look out for the most, something most people don't realize.

When her limo stopped suddenly and she heard her driver get out, Sage did as well, immediately seeing why they'd stopped. There was a girl in the road, looking almost frozen there, with her green eyes wide open. Her dirty hair and clothes and face made it obvious that she lived on the streets, though it was also obvious that she was a very beautiful--and young--girl.

"Move!" Sage heard her driver order the girl, who whipped her head around to look at him. Sage didn't miss the hand that went automatically to her side as if ready to pull some weapon. The girl stared at the driver for a minute longer, then complied.

"Wait," Sage called to the girl, not quite sure why she was doing so. "Where do you live? We almost ran you over, so giving you a ride home wouldn't be any problem."

The girl laughed bitterly. "Thanks, but you're looking at my home."

"Then come with me anyway," Sage offered. "If you're willing. My maid and cook could use some help, and the job involves a roof and comfortable bed." The girl stared. "You have nothing to lose."

"...All right." Sage climbed back into the limo, leaving the door open for the girl to follow.

"What's your name?" she asked the girl after they'd started moving.

"Marciella," was the answer. "I prefer Marcy."

"Then Marcy it is. I'm Sage. Well, Marcy, my driver is going to drop me off at work, then take you back to my house. I'll have someone call so that my maid--Beth--is expecting you. She'll get you set up. Okay?"

"Sure," Marcy shrugged. "I guess."

XxX

Oh, my... Marcy thought, as she climbed out of the limo and looked up at the house. This place is huge! A few seconds later, the front door opened, revealing a kind-looking woman. With a glance at the driver, who simply nodded over at her, Marcy walked up the stairs to the door. The woman smiled and stepped back, gesturing for her to come inside.

"You must be Marcy," the woman--Beth, Marcy finally guessed--said. The door closed behind Marcy, and the girl looked around, taking in the set-up. It looked like it belonged to someone who was rich. "I'm Beth. I suppose Sage told you that you would be assisting me?" Marcy looked back over at Beth, and saw the woman looking critically at her.

"Yes..." Marcy answered.

"Hm. You need a shower. And some new clothes. I think I have some that'll fit you until we can get you out to get some new. Follow me, I'll show you to the bedroom next to Sage's, so you can clean up. Okay?" Marcy nodded, a little scared, and followed the lady up the stairs and into a bedroom.

"The shower is through that door--" Beth pointed to one-- "and that door--" she pointed to another--"leads into Sage's room, in case you need something during the night. Go shower and clean up, and I'll have some clean clothes on the bed when you get out. Then come back downstairs and I'll fix you something to eat. Okay?" Again, Marcy just nodded, nervous. Beth smiled at her before leaving, giving her the feeling that someone was on her side.

Marcy lingered in the shower, enjoying the feel of the hot water. She washed her long hair three times before she was satisfied that it was clean enough, and then washed it again just because she could. Reluctantly, she stepped out and dried herself off, walking into the bedroom as she did so. As promised, there were a set of clean clothes laid out for her. She dressed, drying her hair the best she could with a towel and brushing it into place with a brush she found in the bathroom.

Ten minutes later found Marcy in the kitchen, nibbling on a piece of toast as Beth made her an omelet. Keeping her eyes on the maid just out of habit, Marcy tried to remember the way back to her room from the kitchen, for future reference. The house was big and confusing, and though Beth promised it wouldn't take too long, Marcy knew it would take a while before she knew her way around.

"Here you go," Beth said as she placed the plate with the omelet on it in front of the younger girl. "Eat up. I've got some work to do, so feel free to explore the place when you're done, okay?"

"All right," Marcy answered. "Thank you."

XxX

"Relax," Beth said to Marcy, putting a hand on the younger girl's arm. Sage was late, and Marcy was growing very nervous. She hadn't seen her now-employer since she had stepped out of the limo for work early that morning. Marcy liked the house and Beth and was willing to give it all a chance, but was worried that Sage would have changed her mind. Beth couldn't completely convince her that Sage wouldn't do that; and so Marcy stayed worried.

"That'll be Sage," Beth told Marcy a few minutes later as they heard the door open. "Relax." She walked into the other room to greet Sage, leaving Marcy at the kitchen table to try and calm herself down some.

"How," Marcy heard Sage ask as they walked toward the kitchen, "have things been here?"

"She's a remarkable girl," Beth said back, knowing just what Sage was asking. "And dinner will be ready in an hour." Marcy heard Beth's retreated footsteps as the woman went off to do...something. Sage walked into the kitchen a few seconds later, unbottoning the first two buttons of her shirt.

"Good evening, Marcy," Sage greeted her after a few seconds of staring. She's prettier than I thought, Sage thought. Marcy smiled shyly in response. "How was your day?"

"It was alright." Marcy's voice was soft, but pretty, as she looked at the other woman. "It was nice to be able to really wash my hair again..." Once again, as it had throughout the day, the struck Sage how hard Marcy must have had it on the street.

"Your hair is very pretty," Sage told her. "Do you plan on staying here?"

"If I can, yes," Marcy answered, her voice stronger.

"I'm glad." Sage smiled. "It's been a while since I've had anyone else staying here with me."

A/N:: Review and I'll love you for ever and ever. Thanks bunches for reading!