A MAZE OF GREED

A week had passed smoothly for Ruth. During this time she had learned all the details of her new job at Mr Cooper's tailoring shop. It was not that she needed anything to learn about sewing and designing but her training was mostly related to how to handle the rich customers of the Western part of the town.

Her friend Thea, who gladly put a good word for Ruth to Mr Cooper after quitting her job, was always there to help her with everything. During this period, Ruth managed to complete the dress for Florence that she loved at first sight. For that task to accomplish Ruth had to work extra at home and spend sleepless nights. Florence needed that dress to wear as she had to visit a guest.

Also, Ruth and Thea's friendship that started initially as mere acquaintances had turned into something strong and powerful. Their bond had grown well as they spent their days together. After so many years Ruth had dared to let anyone enter her heart, dubiously at first, but the decision turned out positive for both of them. Ruth was happy to finally have someone in life to rely on.

Thea was not the only new relation in her life because her heart had started warming towards Florence too. But as they didn't get a good chance to talk, Ruth was taking it slow to call their relationship a friendship.

After finishing another debilitating day at the end of the week, both Ruth and Thea were ready to pass in their beds in no time.

The winters were approaching fast and thus the demand for new coats, jackets and warm clothes was high than ever. That made Mr Cooper ask Thea for help. He asked her to continue work for some more time as four employees and his own efforts were not enough to meet the demand of the customers.

Thea was excited to spend her days at home and learning about her future role as a wife but she couldn't say no to the old man and accepted to work for him. That made her spend more time with Ruth. After a week's training and inspection, Mr Cooper was satisfied to let Ruth take the actual work.

"Finally.... it's a weeekend..." Thea sang excitedly as she couldn't control the happiness of spending the Sunday lazily and without any work.

Ruth giggled at her friend's antics as they walked on the roadside. The air was cold that made Ruth's bulbous tipped nose turn pink along with her ears and cheeks. She rubbed her palms together then tightened her old coat around her slim frame.

"And do you know why I am more excited about this Sunday?" Thea asked wiggling her brows.

Ruth just raised her straight brow but she knew the answer.

"Because tomorrow two best people of my life are going to meet each other for the first time!" Thea exclaimed giddily.

Ruth laughed while shaking her head. "yes. I am also eager to meet Rees. When are we going to meet?"

"He said he had some work in the evening so he is free in the morning. We will meet at 'the baking delight' for the breakfast. It's my and Rees's favourite place. Have you ever been there?" Thea asked putting her hands in the pockets of her coat.

'the baking delight' was a well-known place ran by a couple who got it in inheritance. They served some brilliant coffee and tea with delicious baking goods. Though the place was affordable it was not for people like Ruth. She had watched it while walking by the same street and wondered how their products would taste. And now she was getting a chance to get the answer.

"No. I haven't. But isn't it the place where the nobles and rich class people visit?" Ruth inquired.

"yes. They do. But we have been there a couple of times only with our families. As Rees got busy with his work we barely get a chance to visit the place. But now that it's time for you both to meet, he had taken special permission from his lord to get the morning off." Thea said.

Her words made Ruth arch her brows. "But tomorrow is Sunday. Doesn't he get a weekly holiday?"

Thea shrugged while kicking a stone on the road. "He used to get it before but not now. We haven't talked much recently so I don't know what's going on. But thanks for the reminder. I will ask it him tomorrow."

Ruth nodded her head when they reached the place from where they had to take different routes to get to their respective homes.

"Ok then. I will see you tomorrow in the morning." Ruth said while turning to face Thea.

"Yes. I can't wait to get into my warm bed but of course not before filling my stomach with mom's tasty food. She must be waiting for me." Thea said.

Ruth's face fell instantly at the mention of food prepared by Thea's mother. She watched Thea taking hurried steps in the other direction.

"Good night, Ruth. Don't be late in the morning." She heard her say while Thea waved her hands.

Ruth stood at her spot for a minute longer after Thea left. She remembered how caring her mother was. Though they never had the pleasure to taste delicacies, her mother made sure to make her favourite dishes whenever it was possible.

Ruth recalled how stubborn she was and made her mother feed her at times. Her mother never complained. She always had that warm smile on her face and a caring look in her eyes.

Memories of her mother made Ruth's heart clench in pain.

"oh, mother. How much I miss you!" She whispered.

****************

"Edwin... Edwin! Where are you going?" Theodora followed her nephew as he took long strides ahead of her.

"Edwin... I am talking to you. Don't ignore me!" She raised her voice after he didn't stop.

Edwin clenched his jaw and slowed down. He let her catch up with him.

Theodora came to face him. She looked at him with a glare then freed her dress that she was holding a little up so that to not trip while walking at a fast pace.

"I am asking you something."

"And I don't want to answer you." Came Edwin's rude reply.

Theodora's face hardened. "You can't keep disrespecting your elders. You are a grown-up man. We understand that you are going through a lot but don't shut us out. We are your family, son." She said with glossy eyes.

Edwin sighed as he didn't know how to handle emotional women especially when they are family. "Aunt Theodora, I don't intend to hurt anyone. But please stop pestering me for everything. I need time to sort out things."

Theodora watched how stressed he looked. She gently put her hand on his arm. "I understand, Edwin. But you know how your uncle is. By disobeying him you are only making everything difficult. I am trying my best to save your relationship but I have my constraints too. You know that your uncle loves you but he will never initiate so I request you to do it. Please stay for the dinner."

Edwin and Theodora shared a decent relationship as they usually kept out of each other's ways. What Theodora felt for Edwin was partly because she didn't have her own child and the relationship between her stepdaughters and her was not exactly full of love.

As for Edwin, he didn't dislike her but he neither liked her. He knew how much of a support she provided to his uncle and the business and for that, he had his respect for her.

But Theodora wanted to be more than just his aunt. And Edwin couldn't consider her as a mother figure.

"I appreciate your efforts, aunt. But let me have it my way." He said as he didn't want this conversation to stretch further.

"So, you are joining us for dinner?" Theodora asked hopefully.

"No!" With that said Edwin disappeared out of her sight making her clench her fists.