The Cinder Bullies (4)

Everything immediately became chaotic in Cindy's mother's home when Cindy was no longer there to be the scullery maid for everyone.

"Maddie, there is a lot of work for you to do!" yelled her mother. "Build a fire going in the fireplace! Then, draw several buckets of water from the well."

"No, Mother, you will have to do it yourself!"

Maddie, the sister designated by Cindy as the new scullery maid when Cindy rebelled against the cinder bullies and left home, was not about to assume that role. In fact, she quite indignant about it, as scullery maids were usually forced into their roles before they were old enough to know any better, or refuse.

Maddie, on the other hand, had already been introduced to the leisurely life of a young lady, like the rest of her sisters. She was not about to give this lifestyle up and become the new scullery maid for the family. She was very upset because she had been embarrassed in front of her mother, sisters and friends by Cindy.

"I am your mother, not the family scullery maid!" her mother hollered at her. "As if one is not enough, another rebel daughter," she thought to herself.

They could both hear the other sisters laughing in the other room.

Cindy's mother tossed a ragged blanket at Maddie.

"From now on, you sleep on the floor by the fireplace!"

Maddie was shocked that her mother would do this to her. She turned as pale as a ghost.

"This is actually happening," she realized.

"Now build the fire and make tea for us."

Maddie started to cry and proceeded to have a full blown temper tantrum.

"I won't do this! You cannot make me."

"I am your mother!"

Cindy's mother continued to insist and thus, Maddie had no choice but to comply with her demands.

"It's not fair!"

Rosa, who was strolling by, heard all of the ruckus. Although she was shocked to hear Maddie screaming at her mother, she was not about to interfere.

She knew that it would be a battle of wills, no matter who was designated to become the new scullery maid for the household. Maddie was very much like Cindy in many ways, and thus, Rosa was not really surprised that she had been designated the scullery maid.

"Her life will not be easy from now on," thought Rosa to herself. "I will have to keep an eye on her too."

As she walked away, Rosa heard Maddie screaming again.

"I don't know how to do this!"