Heather

The day I changed was the day I quit trying to fit into a world that never really fit me.

—J. M. Storm

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Eva wanted to go after her in hopes of relieving her anger. But as soon as she saw the Sun setting in the distance, she knew it was time for her mother to come back home. She felt bad for leaving her sister angry but she understood that if a month was over and nothing happened, then the marriage was confirmed. She shuddered thinking about it.

Out of habit, she exited the cottage and walked towards the market nearby where her mother sold hand-woven clothes.

As she walked past several shops, she noticed people staring at her, pointing in her direction, and murmuring in their fellow partner's ears.

Her mind instantly jumped to her mother. Everyone in Gleana knew that the Blythes' were poor but they had gotten to a worse position after Eva entered their family. Nobody was aware that Mrs. Blythe was pregnant with her so it came off as a surprise to many people when the Blythes' got another daughter when they were already having hardships with money.

After Dominic's death, there was no source of income left and the family was reduced to eating mere scraps of food. Half of the money had been given off to debt collectors which hadn't been paid by Mr. Blythe, so the responsibility naturally fell upon the two daughters.

Vanessa usually stayed at home when she was not invited to tea parties held by her rich friends which she loved to impress. The obligation of earning money fell on the mother and the youngest daughter.

Growing up, Eva had to bear the burden of her family's demise. Many people accused her of her father's death. They said it was stress that led to his death. Stress which started after her birth and soon Eva started blaming herself for her father's end.

She had been told that she was a sick and weak child since birth. A ton of money had been spent on saving her from dying. Her condition did improve but the consequences were not worth it as she later thought.

Growing up, Eva remained in her sister's shadow. Her face was pretty enough but no one had ever seen her hair in public. This was one of the mysteries that she was yet to solve. Where did she get silver hair from? Her father and mother were both gifted with brown and blonde hair and so Vanessa had dark brown hair as a result.

Eva did not mind remaining behind Vanessa. She disliked going to public gatherings and drawing attention to herself. The two sisters were polar opposites of each other from birth. Vanessa was used to getting noticed because of her beauty while Eva felt uncomfortable with people's stares.

As Eva caught sight of her mother, she knew now why people were staring at her so weirdly.

Two burly-looking men were standing in front of the clothing stall, busy harassing Mrs. Blythe; Eva recognized them instantly. They were the men who came to their house to demand back their money. The debt collectors.

Eva could feel the humiliation her mother had to suffer. It sparked something inside her and she soon found herself taking large steps. Within minutes, she was standing in front of her mother, facing the two males.

"Why don't we take this to our house gentlemen? All this shouting will attract unwanted attention." suggested the girl, her brown eyes blazing with a smoldering fire.

One of the two men, who were taller than her, stepped forward. He towered above her expecting the girl to cover up in fear behind her mother. " Nonsense! We want our money back right here and right now. The deadline has gone past a week! Do you take us for fools woman?" he shouted, spraying the atmosphere with his saliva.

Yes, yes I do! Eva stepped back, scrunching her nose. She realized that if she didn't think of something quick, they would be toasted meat sooner or later.

Her eyes darted around hastily. An apple cart? She could throw apples at them as a distraction and make a run for it. Eva contemplated this idea in her mind.

- Too risky

- A waste of good fruit

- She couldn't piggybank her mother in two seconds!

Was her guardian angel sleeping? Where was her prince charming when she needed him?

Sigh. She had to be her knight in shining armor herself once again.

What fun! As usual.

"How about we give you triple the amount but in two months' time? In this way, you will get thrice the sum that we promised you. How about it gentlemen?" she requested, smiling the sweetest smile she could muster.

Please, please...

The man opened his mouth to retort back but quickly shut it close after realizing that he was not getting double but triple the amount! Jackpot!

Eva could see that he was considering her offer and hope arose inside her heart. If this didn't work, her foot would be meeting his crotch sooner than expected.

Minutes ticked by and finally, the man aggressively nodded, agreeing to her offer after sensing its logic. Eva exhaled, her shoulders sagging in relief and ease. Silently thanking God, she took her mother's hand in hers and picked up the rest of her stuff, the duo left the market leaving the villagers whispering after them. Some were impressed though they didn't show it while the others were lamenting they didn't get to see a good show.

"Eva I would've handled them fine. How can we give them triple the amount when we couldn't pay the original sum?" questioned Mrs. Heather Blythe after they had traveled a distance and were out of hearing.

Eva smiled reassuringly for her mother. "Mama, it'll all be fine. I will earn enough money in a month by taking extra jobs. It will only take a little hard work, nothing else. Please don't worry about it," she tried to relax but Mrs. Blythe immediately spotted the depressed look in her eyes.

"Did something happen today?" she asked in a worried tone, stopping her daughter by taking her arm.

Eva took a deep breath to steady herself. She would not cry, No, she promised herself that she would be strong for her mother.

Wetting her lips, she answered, "Lord Ken arrived at the house today. He came intending to propose but I lied to him saying that I will answer him in a month. I don't want to marry him." she blurted out in one breath and stared at her mother expecting an angry reaction.

Mrs. Blythe gasped loudly. It was evident in her expression that she was surprised but not enraged or angry. A reaction totally different from that of her sister.