Laundry maid

Jen came back that evening with a big smile plastered across her face, she’d found Mei a job! Although it would be subject to a simple interview and a short trial. Mei was ecstatic and could not believe her luck. She gave Anna a big hug, said finally things are looking up and can only get better. Anna was very pleased for her mama but at the back of her mind she was still worried that there was no talk of school for her yet. She would follow Mei to work. That night the Mah Jie and Mei all sat down in the communal area, laid out white tablecloths and had a celebration of sesame biscuits, a round of watered down Chinese wine, followed up with a game of mahjong. Watered down wine because otherwise there wasn’t enough to go around!

The next morning, they woke up at four. Anna felt as though she had only just closed her eyes. She hadn’t slept well what with the chat and laughter, the click-clack of the mahjong tiles and the smoky air. Mei borrowed some of Jen’s clothes as she didn’t really have anything suitable. Anna helped her mama plait her hair. Together, they all set off to the Smiths. It was a brisk half hour walk. Although it was still dark, the streets were already getting busy with people starting their work.

The Smiths lived in what to all practical purposes was a mansion. It was the biggest, grandest house Anna or Mei had ever seen. Not wooden, no attap roof, built in the colonial style with many windows, white columns and a large portico at the front. It almost resembled a castle in their eyes. They entered the house from a little gate on the side instead of the main gate. Jen explained that the housekeepers were never to use the main gate under any circumstances. Anna was completely transfixed by the splendour of the house.

Jen took Mei and Anna to the housekeepers quarters; a separate annex used by housekeepers for their break. Even the quarters were luxurious, there were two toilets, three rooms, a kitchen and diner, a living room and all the amenities one could ask for. Anna was to sit in the quarters while Jen took Mei around the rest of the house. It was still too early to meet Mrs. Smith so Mei would be helping Jen in the kitchen to start with.

The kitchen was enormous, row upon row of white cupboards with gleaming copper pans hanging down from racks. There were cookers that Mei had never seen before. Jen showed her the menu and schedule for the day. They were to go to the market for fresh produce shortly. Jen explained that the sooner they could get there, the more fresh meat, seafood and vegetable would be available. Apparently, by about seven, most of the fresh produce would have gone! They have to get breakfast on the table by quarter past seven. Lunch must be served promptly at half past twelve for Mr. and Mrs. Smith but the children would have their luncheon at half past one. Tea will be served at half past three and dinner at half past six. Jen also must ensure snacks are available for the children at all times. Before leaving, she would also have to prepare snacks for supper for the whole family.

The trip to the market was fascinating for Mei; she struggled to keep up as Jen walked quickly down the narrow busy streets deep in to the Chinese quarter. The market was an experience for all the senses; crowded, loud, noisy, sweaty, smelly, wet but great fun. Fresh fish swimming in barrels, lobsters with claws taped, crabs trying to escape their cages, giant prawns, wriggling octopus, cuts of fresh meat and every kind of fruit and vegetable imaginable. In her ears a cacophony of shouting as everyone tried to get the best possible deal. She loved seeing the haggling Jen.

The experiences Mei has had over the last few days since her arrival in Singapore have been exhilarating but she was still worried about meeting Mrs. Smith; would she be able to keep the job? It was so important that she hardly dared to think about it.