Chapter 5

Aurora released a breath she was holding when the boy departed. She felt at ease when the sound of his carriage faded until there was complete silence.

She picked up the crumpled flower from the countertop and stashed it into her apron pocket. Her employer was a stingy man and he would happily deduct the cost of a single flower from her wages.  She looked around frantically for him but the man was strangely out of sight.

She continued to work by fertilizing and pruning the flowers garden. It was a lot of work for a female but Aurora knew the only reason she got the job was that no male would want to work in a low-ranking job. And the man paid a very low wage. The girl could hardly pay for her mother's medication and provide food at the same time. But she had to do what she thought was necessary. She wiped the beads of sweat that formed on her forehead with her handkerchief.

She plastered a fake smile across her lips when the bell dangled signaling a new customer. 

"Aurora darling, where are you?" 

A cheeky grin appeared on Aurora's lips. "Right here, grandma." She appeared around the counter. Her heart swelled with joy. "How was your day Mrs. Brian?"

"Not too bad my darling." She leaned against the counter.

"What can I do for you today Mrs. Brien." Aurora knew the lady for as long as she could remember. She was a joyous and jovial individual. The woman played the role of a grandmother in both her and Violet's life.

"I just wanted to drop by and see how you are doing." She replied. "Felix darling! Come to Grandma."

A young boy who seemed to be in his late teens rushed into the tiny shop. His eyes landed on the girl but eventually, they drifted to his grandmother. "Yes, Grandmother."

"You know my grandson right?" She pushed the boy forward. The boy reeked of embarrassment. He flashed the girl an apologetic look. Aurora noticed his discomfort and decided to help him out a bit.

"Yes, Felix right?" She said hilariously. Aurora grew up with the boy how could she not know who he was. The boy was her best friend. The only real friend she ever had. The blind could have seen vividly what endeavors the woman was perpetrating. 

"Yes, Felix." He snickered. 

"You two would make a fine couple." She switched gazes with the two youngsters in the room.

Felix's eyes went wide and he opened his mouth to speak but no words came. The old lady continued by saying. "The two of you are single and besides it would be a great benefit to you darling since that tragedy struct your family."

Aurora knew the lady was trying to help out a certain situation. But she couldn't stop herself from feeling offended and embarrassed at the same time. The lady was referring to the incident which occurred thirteen years ago. Ella had to raise two girls on her own until they came of age. Until then they were still her responsibility until a man asked for their hand in marriage. However, Ella failed at doing just that since Aurora always scared them off.

The incident about the mysterious disappearance of the girl's father spread through the village like wildfire. Aurora was puzzled, Ella's messed up story didn't ease the girl's curiosity. She wanted to investigate the matter herself,  starting was an issue for her though. 

"Aurora darling are you alright?" She was tugged from her pensive thought.

"Yes." She nodded.

"You zoned out for a minute I was starting to think it was something I said."  

"No, it's okay." She assured the old lady.

"Well, I better be on my way now. Take care of yourself darling it's always nice to see a young lady work. Don't push yourself too much." She held onto her grandson for support. The two left the small shop and Aurora took in a fresh breath of air. A sincere smile sneaked its way on her lips. Mrs. Brian always checked in on her to ensure she was alright. 

Felix was a nice kid but he wasn't her type. Besides she had nothing to worry about. The boy was head over heels for her older sister, Violet. Despite the ill-treatment he received and insults hurled in his direction. The boy was as solid as a rock. The boy stood against the raging storm. Her sister was more into men with money and Felix lacked that. The boy was only a woodcutter and he received even a lower wage than Aurora. The boy wouldn't be able to care for Violet. Aurora on the other hand despised men for their cunning behavior thus she never took a liking to any of them. She took interest in a type of man which only existed in the romance books she enjoyed reading at the library. Even though it was forbidden that young girls her age shouldn't read such books. They entailed scenes that only a married woman should know about. That didn't stop Aurora from reading those types of books. 

By the time she completed all her tasks for the day she decided to leave work. But her boss was nowhere in sight. She walked towards the front door but stopped in her track and her eyes went wide at the sound of his voice.

"Where are you going?" The voice asked.

"Home it's almost dawn. I should be halfway home by now." She turned around and was greeted by a disturbing sight. The man has the complexion of a bow pig. His face was a deep shade of red and his clothes clung to his chubby-like body. 

"Change of plans, you will work another extra hour."

Before she could protest the man was already out the door.