The world we live in is a world that is round. From the same point is the same distance; all being equal but this doesn’t prove the way things are done on this Earth, the way countries survive and the way people live is accomplished in the same way. Its this which leads people to destruction and its this that is slowly being wiped away, yet with all not wanting to stand on that same point, how can equality be established?

Awakening to the gold surroundings, soft satin sheets and the smell of fresh flowers, would bring any smile to paradise yet hers felt it was being dragged. The smile used was false, like the things around her and as she rolled over onto her side, the tears that dripped off her face and soaked the pillow brought that smile she would have to use to another closed door. Trapped in a room with no doors willing to open made that beam try and break through; as time moved on, this beam was going to grow weak and as it did so, something would have to help her soon. Would happiness ever be found?

Brushing away her tears and leaving their stains to settle on the pillow, she climbed out of bed and headed straight to her bathroom, ready to prepare herself for the day. Emerging, dressed in plain jeans and a polo shirt, the towel that dried her hair, dropped to the floor as she made her way to the dressing table. Sitting rigidly as she stared at the gloomy reflection, light tried to bounce back, giving her the perfect life, but in all power she didn’t want it. She was powerless.

"Are you ok madam?" The young girl asked who suddenly appeared behind her, brushing her wet hair.

"You know not to call me that by now, Christie. It’s Lou." She smiled as she took the brush from her hands. "And you know that I can brush my own hair too. Just like I can open my own window and just like I can make my own bed."

"Yes, I know ma… Lou. But this is what I am employed to do by Mr Aphex-Campbell and if its what I am meant to do, then I should do it." Christie explained, hands behind her back.

"Oh, don’t listen to Anton!" Louise laughed, turning on the stool as she faced Christie. "He thinks he helps but he’s really just destroying my independence! You take what he says far too seriously…"

"So you did not with his marriage proposal?" Christie asked, seemingly quite shocked.

Louise chuckled. "Anton doesn’t really want to marry me. I’m just there as an object for now and until he finds some real use for me, I’ll be stuck on the shelf for a whole lot longer!"

"But he… he loves you." Christie stated. "Do you not love him?"

Looking back towards the mirror, Louise sat quietly, questioning the strength of words and whether what people thought, applied to her. Did she love this Anton, and more importantly, did he love her?

"That’ll be all now Christie, thank you." Louise said, facing her once again.

Nodding, Christie dubiously left the room, taking the wet towel with her.

Continuing brushing her hair, she soon pulled it taught into a small ponytail before slipping on her white trainers and following in Christie’s footsteps.

Closing her grand white door behind her, she headed down the hallway, glancing occasionally at the royal red carpet that graced her feet. Huge paintings hung on the plain white walls, the gold furnishings adding the classic touch while dark oak tables with the odd bouquet of yet more fresh flowers brought the nature in, making the duplicity of the place, flee. Reaching the immense staircase, leading to the main importance of the house, Louise drew in a deep breath before she made her way, elegantly of course, down the spiral staircase. The marble shone, as if it was just cleaned and as she approached the bottom, that thought became true as another maid was sat, cleaning the last of the stairs.

Smiling as she passed her, she headed through to the dining room, a common occurrence for him to be at this time in the morning, and where she was expected. Opening yet another grand door, few faces peered back at her. Greeting them nervously, she walked in and sat opposite him, the usual routine being undertaken.

"So Louise, did you sleep well?" He asked, smiling.

"Yes thank you Anton." Louise grinned, taking a gulp of her orange juice. "How about you?"

"Oh, splendid. I think the maids are doing a great job after I had that talk with them last week. They seem to pay far more attention to the work they are doing." Anton said.

"Erm, about the maids actually…" Louise trailed off, knowing that her efforts in him understanding her point would never pay off.

"Have they not been doing what they are supposed to? Is it Christie?" Anton questioned. "I knew she did not quite understand me fully when I…"

"No, no, no, Christie is doing a great job – perfect in fact – but is it really necessary that I have my own maid? Having my own bathroom is good enough, but a maid…"

"Louise, everyone of your class has a maid. It would not be correct if you were the only one in the house not to have one…" Anton disregarded.

"Yes, maybe, but I can perfectly do all the things she already does for me. Having someone do such simple things that I should do, to me feels wrong…" Louise tried informing.

"You do not have to do anything Louise. I am here because I worked hard and deserve this place. I am better then others and because you are my fiancée, so are you." Anton told her. "You do not have to do the simple things because you are better then that – I am better then that. Now that is the last I am going to here about the matter. The idea of not having a maid… absurd!"

Sighing as she looked down at the table, the orange juice that stared up at her, compared so differently to the life she was living. It was bright, and full of colour whereas the life she was living was dull and boring. The only feature they both had in common was they were both rich, and she hated it: the juice to was too sweet and her life was too false.

"Ah, Anton dear…" Came a voice from the door. "Have you told our Louise about the plans for today?"

"What plans?" Louise looked up, a little alerted.

"Oh, no need to worry dear…" She said, heading towards Anton. "You have not told her, have you?"

"I was just about to mother…" Anton said.

"Well no need to now, I might as well seeing as I am here. Did you sleep well Louise?" She suddenly asked, turning her attention onto her.

"Yes, fine thank you Abigail."

"Ahh, good good." Abigail smiled. "Ok, well what Anton and I were thinking is that maybe you would like some piano lessons. We both know you have a passion for music and with the county ball coming up, it would be a great place to show off some of the skills you have. Now I know that you are not that skilled yet, but with the help of a few lessons, you would be so tip top, that everyone at the county ball would be so impressed!"

"Ok, erm…" Louise began.

"Ah great! I knew you would love it! Well the young gentleman will be here at two o’clock so make sure you look professional. Jeans will not quite make it I am afraid so maybe Anton here could take you shopping?" Abigail suggested.

"I cannot today mother, I have meetings all morning…"

"I can quite easily go on my own." Louise added. "I will be fine and if not, I can always get Albert to take me in."

"That is a swell idea Louise!" Anton cheered, wiping his hands with his napkin from breakfast.

"Yes, that would work. Just ensure you pick something out that looks presentable." Abigail advised.

"Of course Louise will. She has great taste!" Anton complimented. "She did pick me!" He chuckled.

"Yes, yes that is true." Abigail chortled whilst Louise looked on, smiling uncomfortably.

"Now do not worry about money. Will plastic be ok for you to take because notes I am not too sure for you in taking…"

"Plastic will be fine…" Louise sighed, trust issues being raised in her own mind as well as independence and responsibility.

"Ok, just make sure you arrive back here by two o’clock as that is when Mr Read will be here." Abigail informed, sitting at the table.

"Mr Read?" Louise questioned.

"Yes, Mr Read, the gentleman giving you piano lessons…"

"Of course…" Louise realised.

"So remember, two o’clock and do not be late. That would not make a very good impression upon Mr Read at all…"