Kitchen confidential (Anna POV)

Anna was surprised to see Kali walking into the kitchen, looking nervous. She had mixed feelings about the new girl, but Kali seemed genuinely determined to make up for her past. Anna knew how hard it could be to break away from a tough upbringing, and adding demon influences probably didn’t help.

“Hey, Kali, did you need something?”

“Umm, Josh said I should come help you in here...”

“Ahh, ok! Master always has a reason for the things he does. Do you want to cut up some vegetables for the omelettes?”

Kali nods, getting a knife and expertly starting in on some peppers. Anna is surprised by her willingness and ability.

“You’re pretty good at that, Kali. I didn’t think you would have spent much time in the kitchen before.”

Kali smiles, chopping away. “Well, knives are kind of a common tool, even for demons. And I used to escape to the kitchen to relax as a child...”

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to bring up tough memories. I was just curious.”

“It’s fine, Josh has told me not to try forgetting my past. It’s motivation to be a better person in every way. Actually, I kind of wanted to ask you something, Anna. A few things, really.”

Anna smiles. She can see the difference in Kali now. She’s polite and shy, where before she was angry and loud. Reserved where she was brash. And seemingly happy to follow the lead of others now. The change in her personality was amazing, and Anna found herself taking a liking to the new Kali.

“You can ask anything, Kali. Whatever else we are in this house, we don’t keep secrets from each other.”

Kali nods, cutting some mushrooms before speaking. “First off, I know you were with Josh before anyone else. Are you ok with all the girls taking up his time?”

Anna laughs, amused that every new girl seems to ask this question. She asked it herself before suggesting that Josh apply to be a sponsor that first time.

“I don’t mind it at all, actually. You may not know this, but I’m the one who pushed master to get together with Maya. We weren’t even together at the time, I was just his longtime housekeeper.”

“Really? And he never made a move on you?”

“Master was...very depressed at the time. Maya broke him out of it. She even set up the first time with me and him. She really is the glue that holds everything together in the family. I love master more than anything, and I would give anything to make him happy. Besides, it’s not like he neglects my feelings. Honestly, compared to the relationships I’ve had in the past, master is incredibly attentive!”

Anna smiles, as she always does when thinking about Josh. The decision to make him the focal point in her life had been a risk, but it paid off with love and happiness. And Anna didn’t mind all the beautiful women around either. She didn’t indulge often, but pleasing Josh with another woman was an amazing experience.

Kali thinks for a minute, and speaks again, more hesitantly this time.

“I also wanted to ask...we were enemies until a couple days ago. H-how do you feel about me now?”

Anna looks up at the tall redhead. Kali looks nervous, which is a little amusing to the petite maid. Being the only one without power was a bit strange, and sometimes frightening. Everyone in the house could easily overpower her, with the possible exception of Lynn. And yet, everyone swore to defend her if bad things should happen. It was part of what mad her feel loved. But Kali was getting increasingly nervous as Anna thought about things.

“At first I was worried. I’m just a human, and a small one at that. If you turned on us, I can’t defend against someone like you. But I trust master, and he said you had changed. If I’m honest, your new look helps a lot...”

Kali looks down at herself. “I think this is how I would have looked had my mother raised me. This is what I look like without demon influences...”

“Well, you’re beautiful, Kali. Honestly, this conversation has helped me accept you a lot. Could I give you some advice ?”

Kali nods, listening closely.

“Today, when master is gone, talk to Elys. She is the one most unsure about you. I think she will come around with a conversation like this one, and in this family, we need absolute trust among ourselves.”

Kali smiles, as she finishes the last of the chopping. “I will do that, thanks for the advice.”

Anna smiles back, and turns to the stove.