A MAZE OF GREED

Watching people from both parts of Vincardine at one place was a rare sight. The O'Dells declined the request of the people of the western side about having two different marketplaces for both parts.

Because the O'Dells were convinced that allowing people from both sides in common places like markets, gardens, etc would keep them bind together as residents of the same town. And after years, their belief became reality except for occasional skirmishes.

But the people of lower social strata only knew that the outward-looking harmonious town of Vincardine had inside flaws. But they didn't blame the O'Dells for them as they could only do as much they have already done and still were doing but they couldn't change people's mindset.

Little did the people of the Vincardine knew that there was another face behind that facade of equality and justice when it came to their beloved originators. And for their wellbeing, they didn't need to know the dark truth.

The second section of the market in Vincardine was buzzing with people. The sellers were calling attractive offers and how fresh their products are to attract the customers.

The customers were checking the products before buying them and not forget the endless bargaining.

The whole place was packed with various seafood like oysters, octopuses, rays, crabs, shrimps, mackerel and what not. Anything that one wished was ready to be served.

Thea scrunched up her nose when the pungent and salty smell of the fish market entered her nostrils.

"Oh, God! This smell is aweful!"

Ruth smiled amusedly. "I can't believe you are born in a port town and still can not handle the smell of fish which is your favouriye food by the way."

"I can handle the smell of fish very well. But this is tonnes of seafood. And I can handle a little bit of smell if it meant that I can get to taste the heavenly goodness!" She winked and approached one of the vendors to her right.

"Welcome, milady! What would you like to buy?" The man smiled at the ladies calculating the equations of how much money he would get from them.

"Hello! Umm... I would like to get some shrimp." Thea answered while looking at the various types of seafood that was kept in containers for display.

She picked up a shrimp to check for its firm meat and mild odour which were signs that it was fresh.

"Very well. It is fresh and has just brought to the market."

The man started packing the fresh shrimps that had a light pink tint.

"And what would you like to get, madam?" He asked confused Ruth.

It had been months, she had come to buy fish. Her mind was calculating and thinking about every penny she had. After doing the maths, she concluded, "I would like to buy some shrimp as well and mackerel. Please pack them separately."

She gave the man the quantities she needed and let him pack her order.

"Is the mackerel for Mr and Mrs Payne?" Thea inquired.

"Yes. Mr Payne is a huge fan of it!" Ruth answered with a smile.

During years of stay as a neighbour of the old couple, Ruth had learned a lot about them. From their love story to their struggles, their likes and dislikes, she knew everything by heart.

After getting the seafood they needed, Thea suggested getting some delicious street food after a day of working and treat themselves for surviving a month with Mr Cooper and his endless complaints.

Ruth was hesitant at first. It was not her nature to pamper herself with such things. She didn't get any chance after her mother's demise. But she didn't want to break Thea's heart and the temptation to taste those tasty items were strong.

"What would you like to eat?" Thea asked eyeing every stall and shack.

Ruth and her mouth watered at the aroma that wafted in the air blanketing their senses and the surroundings.

"I don't know. You can choose." Ruth answered absentmindedly, her eyes hungrily taking in the sight of various delicacies.

After pondering for ten minutes, Thea decided to go for hot eels and ham sandwiches. Ruth agreed to her choice and let her place their order.

After taking their food and paying the money, they found a good spot to seat on one of the benches that were placed on the other side of the road.

"Thea, it should be me treating you with food and not the other way around." Ruth complained for Thea didn't let her pay for their food.

Ruth wanted to treat Thea because, without her help, she wouldn't have got the job at Mr Cooper's tailoring shop.

"It's fine, Ruth. You have all our lives to treat me. Just because I didn't let you pay this time doesn't mean that I will spare you the next time."

"But-"

"Now stop talking and start eating. My stomach is screaming at me for making it wait for too long." Her tongue darted out to move on her bottom lip, her eyes twinkled with excitement.

"Ummm..." Thea inhaled the aroma that came from the hot food they had.

Ruth giggled at her friend and her obsession with food. She opened looked at her food and mirrored Thea's expressions. "It looks appetizing, Thea."

"Oh, it tastes more delicious than that." Thea had already torn a chunk of her sandwich and was chewing the bite while savouring the taste on her tongue.

Ruth also followed her friend and the moment her taste buds registered the taste of the food, her mind couldn't agree more with her friend's opinion.

'It indeed tastes more delicious than it looks,' she thought.

They finished half of their food in silence, slowly munching onto it and Ruth realised how hungry she was.

She had never thought that a day would come when she would enjoy the tasty food with her best friend while watching the beautiful sight of Vincardine and its people without any worry.

Her eyes travelled to Thea and she couldn't help but smile at her.

"What? Is there something on my face?" Thea touched her face consciously when she felt Ruth's stare.

Ruth giggled shaking her head lightly. "No. There is nothing on your face."

"Then why are you staring at me like this? People will get a wrong impression." She stuck her tongue out at Ruth then laughed at her joke.

Ruth's face softened and with utmost genuineness, she said, "I know you don't like when I thank you over and over. But I seriously feel so, Thea. You are the best and the closest person I have after my mother." Her voice became thick with emotions.

Thea's face turned serious as she knew that it was not often that her friend opens up to someone. She stopped eating and listened attentively.

Her heart skipped a bit when she heard that Ruth considered her close to her after her mother. Those words coming from Ruth meant a lot to Thea because she knew the value of Ruth's mother in her life.

"I never thought that we could be such close friends and I am grateful that I found you! If it was not for you then I don't know how I would have survived it."

"Oh come on, Ruth! You are my friend and I care for you! I did what I did because I wanted to help you. Seeing you in troubles hurt me and I wanted to come to your help in any way. It was you who have proved your skills and earned Mr Cooper's trust." Thea smiled.

"Yes, but you were the one who gave me that confidence to put my best self in front of the world. I just... I..."

"What it is?"

"I just want to let you know that... That I also care for you. I am not good with expressing myself and I didn't want to miss the right time to tell you this before you get married.

I want everything the best in the world for you! And I wish that our friendship will remain the same... stronger and pure forever."

It was hard for a bashful person like Ruth to open up and spoke up her mind to another person but she had to do it.

Thea's eyes flooded with great emotions as she listened to her friend's kind words.

She put her hand on her shoulder and said with sincerity.

"I promise that I will always be with you, Ruth! Don't ever think that you are alone in this world because now you have me. Our friendship is not an interim and anaemic thing, it is perpetual and robust! And we will keep it that way forever!

Even after I get married, we will always be like this. Happy and together! And if Rees ever tries to steal our time, we both will lock him up in the bathroom till he learns his lesson." Thea said smiling through her tears.

"Promise?"

"Promise!"

They both smiled widely that turned into a hearty laugh while thinking about Thea's idea to lock Rees in the bathroom.. Then continued eating their food.