The Mothers' Group by Fiona Higgins Page B

over to the security booth and, holding Made’s hand, smiled at the guard.
    â€˜Sir, this is my cousin. She is a village girl from the mountains, looking for work. She needs a bath before I can take her to see Ibu Margono. May I seek your approval to take her to my quarters?’
    The guard smiled at Ketut. There was a leering quality to his gaze. ‘Well, since you asked so nicely, Miss Ketut, certainly.’
    He pushed a clipboard towards Made. ‘Sign here. But make sure you report back to me by this time tomorrow,’ he added. ‘We don’t want people overstaying their welcome.’ His breath stank of cigarettes and coffee. Made recoiled, stepping away from the booth.
    â€˜Thank you, sir,’ said Ketut, shepherding Made up the driveway.
    â€˜You’re welcome,’ the guard called, his eyes following them. ‘Have a nice day, Miss Ketut.’
    Made showered in Ketut’s room, then borrowed a fresh change of clothes. While she was changing, Ketut telephoned ahead to organise a meeting with Ibu Margono, the manager of guest amenities.
    Don’t get your hopes up, though,’ said Ketut as they walked to ‘Ibu Margono’s office in the administration building. ‘She’s a bit of a dragon.’
    Made bowed her head and said a silent prayer, preparing for the worst. Ketut knocked on the door.
    â€˜Come in,’ commanded a voice.
    â€˜I’ll wait outside,’ whispered Ketut. She turned the handle and pushed Made into the room.
    Ibu Margono’s office was dominated by a large timber desk. Bangkiri wood, Made guessed. Papers, folders and clipboards were stacked in neat piles across its varnished surface.
    â€˜You’re a village girl, then?’ asked Ibu Margono, leaning back in her chair and studying her.
    Made nodded.
    â€˜Did you complete your schooling?’
    â€˜I finished middle school,’ Made replied.
    â€˜And what experience do you have working in this sort of environment? Where’s your CV?’
    â€˜I don’t have a CV,’ said Made. In truth, she wasn’t entirely sure what it was. ‘I’ve never worked in a resort before.’
    Ibu Margono put down her pen with a loud sigh. She looked irritable.
    â€˜But I’ve worked hard all my life, with my parents,’ said Made quickly. ‘I have experience cooking, cleaning, sewing, tending fields and animals. I’m a diligent worker. I’m willing to learn new skills.’ She swallowed, desperate. ‘And if you give me a chance, I’ll be loyal to you always.’
    Ibu Margono drummed her fingers on the desk.
    â€˜Loyalty is hard to come by in this day and age,’ she said. ‘Especially in this part of the island.’
    Made hesitated. ‘Whatever you ask, I will do your bidding, Ibu.’
    Ibu Margono looked at her. ‘We’ll just see about that.’ She opened the top drawer of her desk and removed a clipboard. ‘One of our housekeeping staff resigned yesterday due to ill-health.’
    Made began to smile. ‘Oh, thank you, Ibu . . .’
    â€˜But this is a Western-style resort,’ barked Ibu Margono. ‘And these are difficult times. Do you understand what that means?’
    Made shook her head.
    â€˜It means standards of cleanliness that you can’t even imagine. It means being able to eat breakfast off the bathroom floor. Do you understand?’
    Made nodded, uncertain if she did.
    â€˜And you’ll also be responsible for placing offerings around the resort. Every morning, without fail. Can you do that?’
    â€˜Oh yes,’ Made replied. It was an activity she was familiar with at home. ‘I’m an early riser.’
    Ibu Margono unclipped a form and passed it to Made. ‘Fill this in and return it to me tomorrow. Report for duty at six am.’
    Made nodded again. ‘Yes, Ibu Margono.’
    â€˜You’ll be working under Gusti Agung, head of housekeeping. If