Chapter 4 The Union 3

Three Days Later

Although she was not familiar with Mrs. Owens, the fact that there was someone, who understood her plight, was enough for her. She prepared the Plantago flour with joy, and care. That day, she took the stuff to her shop, before she left for school. She returned to the store to wait excitedly for her benefactor. Nevertheless, she was already certain of the day of her departure for her internship.

"Isn't she coming again?" She asked herself anxiously after she waited for thirty minutes. Subsequently, she saw her car halt in front of her shop.

"Wow!" She exclaimed. Then, Sarah got out of her car at once while her driver moved to a nice spot, and parked.

"Good evening, ma'am," she greeted with a broad smile when she got into her shop.

"Good evening, my dear. How was your school today?"

"School is fine. And your work?"

"My work is fine," she responded and sat in the seat that Rose had offered her. Then, she gave her a searching look and discerned that her inner joy was visible.

"Welcome, ma'am. I wish to offer you water."

"Thank you, dear."

Now, Rose walked into the store and returned with a bottle of water.

"Here it is, ma'am," she offered respectfully. Nevertheless, Mrs. Owens developed more likeness for her because of her generosity.

"Thank you, Rose."

"It is my pleasure, ma'am," she responded, Likewise, Rose sat beside her, and watched her drink her water. Afterward, she called out, "Rose."

"Yes, ma'am," she responded and waited for her reason. Then, she advised, "You are free to address me as mom if it makes you happy."

Now, Rose was bewildered, and responded with glee, "I got it, Mom. Thank you for loving me."

"You are welcome. Permit me to ask, please do me a favor." At that point, Rose's mind wandered to so many negative things, 'I hope she had not found me wanting,' she thought. Then, she responded. "That will be my pleasure. What could be the favor?"

Now, she surveyed her to get her body language, and to her delight, she was composed. Then, she carried on, "Did you say that I reminded you of your late mother?"

"Yes, mom. I'm happy that I'm worthy of your love."

"Yes. I wish to request that you find me worthy of your love, too."

Now, Rose was baffled. Mrs. Owens was aware that she loved her, and could not decipher the meaning of her statement. Then, she clarified,

"You are worthy of my love, Mom."

"Good, but I would be happy to have you as my daughter-in-law. I can't afford to be separated from you. Or do you have any man in mind already?"

Now, Sarah was on the edge of her seat. The few seconds that passed before Rose gave her response was too much for her. She feared that her answer might be 'yes', and that would break her heart.

"No, mom. There is no man yet," she responded sharply. Nevertheless, the satisfied Sarah waited for the response to her request. Then, Rose locked eyes with her for three seconds before she looked down, and responded coldly, "Being your daughter-in-law is my heart's desire, but..."

"What? There is no man yet. So, what is stopping you?"

"My mother's grave is still fresh. I would love to honor her for a year before I think of getting married."

Now, Sarah breathed freely, and inquired further, "Is that the only challenge? I'm not thinking of disrupting your honor to your late mother."

"Yes. Thank you, mom."

"You are welcome. I will give you time to consider my request."

"I will give it a thought, Mom," she cheered up.

"It is all right. Can I have my stuff?"

"Certainly."

She walked into the store, brought the bag of the Plantago flour, and announced, "This is it, ma'am."

"Thank you for this, Rose."

"Don't mention, mom. Meanwhile, I didn't exhaust the funds you transferred to me. I can wire it back, if..."

"Never mind, my dear. You can keep the difference. By the way, when is your internship coming up?"

"I have two weeks to leave. I will conclude my exams the coming week, and leave the upper week."

"That is good. What about the store? Have gotten a Shop Attendant?"

"Not at all, but I hope to get one before I travel."

"That is good."

They concluded afterward. Thereafter, Rose carried her stuff to her car and watched her leave.

"Bye, mom. Bye Sir," she greeted Richard, the driver.

"See you later."

Two Weeks Later

Presently, all was set for Rose to leave for her summer internship. She had looked forward to it because it would be an opportunity to have a change of environment and meet new people. Nevertheless, Mrs. Owens' appearance in her life, and her request to be her daughter-in-law, gave her cold feet. She would miss her new-found joy.

"Is this the Shop Attendant?" Mrs. Owens asked after she walked into her shop and met a strange face.

"Yes, mom. Her name is Adeline Seymour. Meet my mom, Adeline," she introduced. Nevertheless, the eighteen-year-old girl greeted warmly, "Good evening, ma'am. I am happy to meet you."

"Good evening, Adeline. It is a pleasure meeting you," Sarah responded with a soft smile. Then, she turned to Rose and advised, "Be a good girl."

"I will, mom. I will miss you," she declared with an emotional voice. Howbeit, Sarah looked into her wet eyes, and consoled, "I understand. I will keep in touch."

"All right Mom."

"Inform me when you arrive. Is that clear?"

"Yes, mom."

"Remain a good girl, and always remember our discussion."

Now, Rose grinned from ear to ear, and responded, "I will, Mom."

"That is good to hear. Safe trip."

"Thank you, mom."

Afterward, Sarah left, and Rose faced the Shop Attendant, and instructed her on what she expected of her. Then, she encouraged her by saying, "I do not doubt that you would deliver."

"You can always depend on me," the attendant replied with confidence.