"Mother when is Aunty Bruce coming to pick me up," Aure asked excitedly
Harriet could not be happier to see her little one happy. Brucella or Bruce as she insisted people call her was a very close friend probably the only one she had after her husband passed away.
mother ....Aure touched her mother since she was no longer listening to what she was saying.
" mmm yes my dear she is probably on her way, I hope you remember what I said" She watched her daughter who was putting on her shabby look coat since it was the time of winter.
little Aure look at her mother with her clear blue eyes and brought up her hands and counted
"don't cause trouble, don't break anything, and make sure not to let any find out that we are out cast whispered the last line.
Harriet knew that her daughter was not particularly fond of their kind but what could she do but keep it a secret because if anyone even got a clue they will not hesitate to burn them alive, Harriet's train of thought was back to reality when she heard the sound of a carriage bolted in front of their house.
" Aure!!! come out or we are going to be late!" Shouted Bruce as she stepped out of the carriage
and saw little Aure come running towards her and giving her a hug
"how have you been Bruce?" Harriet said as she walked towards them. Bruce let go of Aure and smiled at her friend "fine and I hope Mrs. Florence has not given you a hard time?" Bruce ask.
Mrs. Florence owned a shop at the town's market where she sells vegetables. well, let's just say that she was kind enough to let Harriet work with her which she earned a few coins.
Harriet just smiled back at her friend for being considerate of her.
"let's just say she has been both, and I also hope that Aure won't be too much trouble" stated Harriet as she looked at her daughter who could not get her hands off the carriage.
don't worry my friend, I will make sure we return early. and with that, they step into the carriage "Mother bye Aure waved at her mother, and with that, they rode off.
as the carriage rode with little Aure in it, Bruce said" I heard that just last week you throw some stones at Mr. Gilbert's widow "Aure turned to look at her aunt who did not look happy about what she about her little mischief she caused.
"Aunty....mm it was an accident" replied Aure
"yes it's always an accident when it comes to you " as she came close to the little girl and pinched a little chick, you know how hard your mother works just to take care of you so don't make things hard for her okay?
yes Aunty, but to little Aure, Mr. Gilbert deserved
it probably more. Mr. Gilbert was their neighbor, Harriet needed some money and Mr. Gilbert was kind enough to lend her some money she was supposed to pay back the money in a week.
when the money was due to pay Mr. Gilbert came to their house to collect his money but unfortunately, Mrs. Florence did not pay her that week.
Mr. Gilbert was not so happy about his money being delayed which later resulted in a series of insults thrown at her "Harriet where's my money " Mr. Gilbert said angrily and soon some people gathered to see what caused the commotion.
"Mr. Gilbert please bear with me I have not received my payment yet, when I do I will give you your money "she pleaded with him
"How is that my problem answer me, Harriet, you asked for money I gave you, now pay me back".
Aure who was looking through the small window could not help but worry about her mother. Harriet could feel the hurtful looks the villagers gave her.
"I heard she is a whore " one of the women said, "I can imagine what kind of sinful things she can do for money, yet she still can't afford to pay back such a small about of money," another said.
the matter was later resolved when Harriet promise to pay twice the money he gave her.
"no Aunty he deserved much more " Aure murmured under her breath.