Chapter 11 Finally meet again

"Yes. He misses you too and he has been asking a lot about you," said Margaret before adding," Uh, I came here to ask something from you. Could you get Hazel a job? She's currently going through a lot and the only relatives she has turned their backs on her and she has nowhere to stay," she explained.

Lauren looked at Hazel before returning her eyes to her sister. Later she replied," I don't think I can be of any help honestly. I don't have any vacant positions right now." Hazel couldn't help but feel disappointed at the moment. This was her only hope. She anxiously looked at the woman and Margaret said," I know you can come up with something."

She didn't speak for a moment and she turned her eyes to look at the girl who was looking at her anxiously. "Do you know how to read and write?" she asked and Hazel nodded.

"Yes I do." Thanks to Duke Raven and her skills of stealing Lilith's work each day her governess came at the house. "That is good then. I will get somewhere to fix you," she said.

Hazel couldn't stop the smile of relief that spread on her lips and she clutched her fingers tightly before saying," Thank you so much Ms Lauren. I promise not to disappoint you at all."

She nodded before saying," You will be sleeping here when we close." She smiled again and thanked the lady whose expression didn't change much.

"Ms Lauren, I have just brought the material," came a male voice and Hazel turned to see who it was. It was a boy who seemed to be in his mid twenties with green eyes and dirty blonde hair. He looked at them and his eyes lingered on her for a while before he stepped forward to greet them. "Welcome to Hemm's tailors. I'm Lucas Easton and I work here," he introduced.

Lauren said," This is Margaret my elder sister and this is Hazel. We are going to be working with her starting today and I think you should show her around." He nodded at the women and outstretched his hand for her to take. Bowing at the two ladies, Hazel left with Lucas.

"Are you from Hollowvale lady Hazel?" asked Lucas as they headed towards the production room. She smiled and turned to look at him. It was rare for her to be called a lady. "Yes. And you?" she asked. "I'm from Padsley," he spoke and she nodded. She had heard of the village. As he showed her around, she realized that he was well versed with the work and place and she asked," For how long have you been working here?" "Not so long. It's coming to four years," he replied and she nodded. "Everything they make here is beautiful," she commented. "That is true and you don't have to worry about it. You too will get to do them," he told her and she nodded.

A while later, Ms Lauren came to inform her that Margaret had left. Lucas left them to go run some errands.

"So Hazel, this is Hemm's tailors," she stated. "We started six years ago and we are known in the whole of Peeker's valley for our quality work," she continued explaining.

A month later...

Hazel had gotten used to her job and she had learned a lot of things. She was genuinely happy because it was her first time being in a place without being insulted or looked down by anyone.

They had become great friends with Lucas and so far, everything was moving smoothly.

One day, as they were soon closing the shop, Lucas approached her. "Hazel, I want to ask you something," he said. "Tell me," she said as she continued sorting the dresses. "I wanted to ask if you could come with me to the theater," he spoke. "Theater?" she asked excitedly and stopped what she was doing to look at him. "The one you told me about?"

"Yes. There's a new play they have been advertising. Let's go watch it tomorrow," he proposed. Smiling, she said," I would love to. At what time?" "At exactly seven it is starting," he said and she nodded. That was okay because they closed the shop at six.

Just as they were still talking, there came a customer and Lucas smiled at seeing the regular client. "Mr Rufus," he called as he walked forward and Hazel immediately turned over to see that it was the same man. She clenched her jaws and couldn't help but curse at her bad luck. Of all people, why did it have to be him to see her here?

Mr Rufus was surprised to see the brunette in this place. He had wondered where she had gone these past weeks. He couldn't forget that she rejected him even when she was on the streets. "Lady Hazel. We finally meet again," he said smiling mischievously at her.

"Oh? You two know each other already?" asked Lucas. "Of course. We know each other too well," he replied before asking," Does she work here?" "Yes- " "Mr Rufus," came Ms Lauren's voice who had come to the room and spotted her customer.

"Lady Lauren," he replied and on reaching him, he got her hand before kissing the back of her hand. Hazel used this opportunity to run away from the place.

"You had taken long without coming. I had been worried thinking that I lost you," she said adjusting her glasses. "That can never happen. You know how I love your products," he spoke peeking inside to search for Hazel.

"It's just that, I have been busy," he said and she nodded. "I understand. How should I help you? I have new coat designs. Do you want to have a look?" she asked. He took a while to say," Give me one of your best."

"Why don't I let you choose for yourself?" she asked after taking several steps away. "It's okay. I trust your judgement," he said and she nodded before disappearing into the storage room.

Coming back with a brown fur coat, she raised it to him and asked," How is this one?" "Absolutely amazing as always," he commented. "You will take it?" she asked him. "Of course. How much is it?" "This is a bit expensive than the usual ones. It costs five gold coins," she said and he nodded before checking in his breech pockets.