The Widow and The CEO.

Chapter 2. A New Start.

Chapter 2. A New Start.

Ruth could not help but let out a sigh of relief as the train pulled away from the small station, heading northbound to the City of Durham. It was a fresh start, something both she and her beloved mother-in-law needed. The icing on the cake was her citizenship had finally arrived, and now she could officially work, and contribute to their small household.

Naomi sat by her side, a small tear falling onto her cheek. It was both a blessing and a curse to leave the small home her son had rented for them when they had moved here. It was the last place she had seen him, the morning before he was shipped out. He had looked so bright, so happy. Both Clay and Ruth had glowed after declaring their love for each other, and after years together, finally consummated their marriage. The happy smile on her son’s face was her fondest memory of him, and she would be forever grateful to Ruth for giving him that glow in his final days. But what happened afterward, the racial hatred of her daughter-in-law, and the poverty they had endured, had sullied the happy memories of their home.

“I know it is difficult. That house was filled with our love for Clay, but Naomi, he will be happy to know that we are starting anew, that life will now be easier. It is a blessing for us both, and Clay will forever remain in our hearts,” Ruth smiled at her mother-in-law.

“You are a source of great comfort to me, Ruth. I thank the good Lord for you every day,” Naomi smiled.

Ruth smiled, then took out of her bag, her most prized possession. The small blue book, gifted to her by Clay, all those years ago, and she began to read ‘The Pilgrims' Progress’ once more, as they travelled to their destination.

The slowing of the train, and screech of the brakes, indicated the arrival of the train, as it pulled into the station. Ruth pulled the heavy bergen onto her shoulders, her knees almost buckling under the weight of it, as Naomi pulled a small case behind her, as they nervously stood at the doors, waiting for them to open. As the button turned green, Ruth took a deep breath, and pressed it, stepping out onto the platform, the first step towards their new life. Naomi stood behind her.

“We walk through those barriers, and Mrs.Ferry will be waiting for us at the other side,” Naomi indicated to where Ruth should walk. Not having really been further than her small town, and Middlesborough, since moving to England, Ruth looked around the station she noted the large cathedral that loomed over the city. It was a work of art, and from what she could see of it, Ruth desperately wanted to explore the beautiful building.

They walked through the metal barriers, stepping out through the old station, onto the small pathway, which led away from the station. A large SUV pulled up, blocking the flow of traffic towards the car park, as a woman in her mid-fifties stuck her head out of the window.

“Naomi, Ruth?” she asked them.

“Yes, that is us,” Naomi smiled.

As someone beeped their horn behind her. Ruth watched shocked, as the middle-aged woman flipped off the driver behind, but then turned with a smile.

“I am going to pull up, just up here, and let these impatient bozos get passed me,” she declared with a smile.

Ruth and Naomi turned to follow the car, as it pulled up in the first available spot, before getting out. Ruth noted that the woman was small, with hair that had streaks of blonde pulled through, and her makeup was immaculate, as she greeted them once more.

“Hi, I am Charlotte Ferry. I am very pleased to meet you both. Vera has nothing but good things to say about you, and since my last housekeeper left a couple of months ago, I have been desperate for help,” Charlotte grinned at the pair.

“Oh, dear, let me help you with that bag, it looks heavy,” She continued and attempted to help Ruth out of the bergen, almost dropping it due to its heavy weight.

Pressing a button, the boot of her car opened, and she half dragged the bergen, as Ruth ran to help lift it into the back of the SUV. Naomi followed with her smaller case, which wheeled relatively easily, as Charlotte lifted it into the boot.

“Please, get in. It is about a half-hour drive north from here, we shall chat on the way,” Charlotte declared, then looked at Ruth, a smile on her face.

“Hot damn you are a beautiful girl. Vera said you were a looker, but you are outstanding,”

Ruth felt her cheeks heat at the compliment, she was more used to sneers, rather than someone telling her how beautiful she looked.

“Erm, thank you,” she replied.

“Hey, it is just the truth, you should own it, girl, because you have got it all going on!” Charlotte complimented again, waving her hand all over Ruth, with a flourish.

“I am excited about starting work, Mrs. Ferry,” Naomi changed the subject, to spare Ruth’s blushes.

“Oh, Charlotte, please. I know Vera likes the formality of Mrs. Coin, but honestly, it makes me feel old. I do not need any help with that, I just have to look in the mirror!” Charlotte laughed, then reversed the car, before she slammed the brakes on, catapulting Ruth and Naomi forwards, another car honking at her, as she cut them up.

Again, she flipped her middle finger, with a light-hearted laugh, shrugged her shoulders, and sped off.

The journey to the large house on the edge of a village just north of Durham city centre, felt like it took longer than it did, as both Ruth and Naomi prayed for their lives. Charlotte was clearly a lovely woman, but her ability to drive without causing chaos was clearly lacking. They pulled up the long-gravelled driveway, large trees flanked each edge, with solar-powered small lights between them, which led to the huge stone-built house.

“The house was built in the 18th century and is far too big for me and my husband. But it is a hand-me-down,” Charlotte laughed.

“It belonged to my husband’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents, so we are kind of stuck with it,” she continued, jovially.

“Our kids have flown the nest, and all three of them bought brand new modern homes, which are easy to maintain and clean. However, once we pop our clogs, this place with its leaky roof and noisy plumbing will become their problem,” She laughed again.

“I need help with the cleaning of the rooms. I do have another lady who comes in three times a week, but it is still too much for both of us to handle. Hence, where you come in Naomi. The work will be full-time, from 9 am till 5 pm with an hour for lunch. It may look like we are filthy rich, but honestly, with the cost of repairs to this place, we can only afford minimum wage, unfortunately. However, the icing on the cake is the small two-bedroom cottage, which is absolutely lovely. It is fully furnished and perfect for you both, and it is included, rent-free, with your employment,” Charlotte continued.

“Now, I am going to have my husband carry that heavy thing you have with you, Ruth. A, because you are a slight thing, whose back could possibly break, and B. Because it is going to be the funniest thing ever to see him act all macho, and watch his knees buckle underneath him,” Charlotte let out a raucous laugh, at the image she had conjured up in her mind.

“You will officially start on Monday, which gives you both plenty of time to settle into your new home. I have stocked the fridge-freezer and the cupboards with food for you both, which should last till your first paycheque. After that, the food is not included,” Charlotte explained.

“I can start work tomorrow if you need me to,” Naomi said, wanting to help the woman who was throwing her and Ruth a lifeline.

“No, no, Monday is fine. Now, Ruth. Vera tells me you have a degree in business, but do not have your work permit,” Charlotte, smiled at her.

“Actually. I got my citizenship yesterday. So, I no longer need a work permit. I will be looking for gainful employment as soon as I can,” Ruth smiled, hoping that Charlotte would offer her a position in her house.

“Well, as much as I would love to offer you a job, I am maxed out on my budget. Plus, cleaning is not a job for someone with your intelligence. Now, Mrs Doubtfire, well, her name is actually, Mavis Hurst, but she is the spitting double of Robin Williams in that film. Well, she runs a temp company, which sends people into offices to help when needed. She is always crying out for people, to work with her clients. You can get a day’s work, a week, sometimes a few months' contract. It will be ideal for you so that you can gain some work experience to add to your resume. Would you like me to talk to her on your behalf?” Charlotte kindly offered.

“That would be amazing, thank you so much,” Ruth replied. It would be so good for her to get some experience under her belt. At the moment, she would scrub toilets with a toothbrush and a smile on her face, if it meant that she could earn some money to give to Naomi.

Charlotte walked them to their small but beautiful cottage and handed Naomi the keys.

“I will love you and leave you now. I have to head off to the women’s institute, with a Victoria sponge I have baked,” Then looking over her shoulder, to check if anyone was around, and able to overhear, happy, she leaned forwards, and whispered.

“I bought it from Marks and Sparks. Shh,” she giggled, placing her finger on her lips, then with a bright smile, Charlotte turned on her heel and walked away. Leaving both Ruth and Naomi speechless, a sense of relief washed over them, as they thanked all that was holy that they had been so incredibly blessed.