CHAPTER TWO

IT WAS him. Black’s master!

Gretel’s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. He was talking to Lady Arcie, the daughter of one of the wealthiest residents in the village. Lady Arcie was smiling from ear-to-ear. As always, she looked lovely with her elegant dress and jewelry. She was also holding a basket of daisies in her hand.

How did Lady Arcie know that man, and why did it seem like she was the only one around who did not know him? Not that she was interested, really.

“My father is looking forward to building a partnership with you. You know you are always welcome in our home.”

“How kind of you to say that, Lady Arcie.”

Gretel looked away and walked quickly. But Black barked and followed her. She stopped and bit her lip. She did not know how to drive Black away without being obvious.

“Come here, Black.”

Gretel jumped at the sound of that voice. She glanced at him. Lady Arcie was not around anymore. Her body tense, and she tried to breathe normally.

“I told you to give those flowers to the most beautiful woman in this village. When did you start disobeying me?”

Gretel clenched her fists as she took a deep breath.

“Your master must have a very poor eyesight to give you that job,” she told the dog as calm as she could. She turned to the arrogant man and smacked the flowers in his chest. He gasped in shock, but he recovered quickly and glanced at the poor flowers that fell on the ground. “Go give the flowers to the most beautiful woman in this village yourself.”

He chuckled. It took Gretel by surprise. She did not know a man’s laughter would affect her that way.

He picked the flowers on the ground and shook the dust off them.

“There you go.” He put the flowers on top of the sweet potatoes.

Gretel stared and blinked.

“Do you have a death wish?” she asked through gritted teeth.

He chuckled, a little louder this time.

“I just did what I was told. Let’s go, Black. We won’t like it when she’s mad.”

Gretel turned to him sharply as he began to walk away with Black. She did not know what to do or say. She was annoyed. And she had never been annoyed like this before!

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

“BEAUTIFUL flowers. Who among your suitors gave it this time?” her mother asked as Gretel was preparing their dinner.

“I-I…” Gretel pretended to focus on arranging the utensils. She put the flowers in a vase on the dining table because she did not want it to go to waste. “N-no one, Mother. You know I don’t entertain them. I just found it on the ground when I came from Dory’s shop.”

“I don’t mind if you date, you know.”

“A man will be just a distraction, Mother. I’m only nineteen. When I have saved enough, I’ll go back to school and become a teacher,” she said and smiled.

“If only your father was alive, you would not need to sacrifice like this.” A sad smile flashed her mother’s tired face.

“I wish father’s still with us, too. But, we can do this, Mother. As long as we stick together.” Gretel grabbed her mother’s hand and squeezed it.

“I know. Anyway, let’s eat. Wow, there’s plenty of sweet potatoes here. Where did you get them?”

“Mr. Rodman gave them to me this morning,” she replied with a smile. “I’ll just call brother so we can eat together.”

Her brother was talking to his friends outside their house.

“I’m not sure about it. I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Hansel said.

“Hansel, you won’t be directly involved. You just have to wait for us and let us do the job,” said Dario.

Gretel did not like some of Hansel’s friends, especially Dario. He was a big man with no permanent job. He had a bad reputation. He stole from people in the village, but he wasn’t always caught. He also had a habit of gambling. She was afraid he would influence her brother.

“Dario and I had planned it carefully. Leave everything to us,” said Jones. He was a thin man who always followed Dario around.

Honestly, they were the worst tandem ever.

What are they talking about? I hope it’s not something dangerous again.

“Brother,” she called in a stern tone.

Hansel jumped as he turned to her. He looked nervous. On the other hand, Dario and Jones remained calm and smiled at her.

“Is everything okay?”

“Of course, Gretel,” Dario replied. “We’re just catching up, you know. It’s been a long time since Hansel hanged out with us.”

“Dinner’s ready.”

“O-okay, sister. I’m coming.”

“Let’s talk again tomorrow, Hansel,” Dario said and patted Hansel’s shoulder. “I know you’ll make the right choice. You’re doing this for your family, remember?”

Hansel did not respond.

“We’ll go ahead, Gretel.” Dario smiled at her.

“Bye, Gretel.” Jones waved at her before he followed Dario.

“What are they up to now, Brother?” Gretel asked suspiciously as soon as the two left.

Hansel avoided her gaze.

“It was just about work, Gretel. No need to concern yourself.”

But Gretel would not buy it.

“You’re talking to Dario and Jones. You know their reputation. Why do you keep being friends with them?”

“Gretel, I can handle myself, okay?”

“I’m just worried about you.”

“Hey, I’m your big brother, remember?” Hansel gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll do everything I can to give our family a better life. I want you to reach your dreams, and I want to see Mother happy.”

“You and Mother are the most important to me. I value our family more than my dreams. And I don’t want you to risk yourself just for me.”

“Just have faith in me, Gretel.”

Gretel sighed and pressed her lips altogether.

“I’m serious, Hansel. If you get in trouble because of Dario and Jones, I will kill you first.”

Hansel laughed.

“I know you can.”