The Widow and The CEO.

Chapter 1. Desperate times.

Chapter 1. Desperate times.

Ruth let out a long-lamented sigh, as the landlord shook his head at both Naomi and her. They were behind on their rent when he had decided to double the price, after spotting Ruth entering the house with her bags of food, purchased with the food vouchers given to immigrants.

After Clay had died, there had been a small payout from the government. However, word spread fast that the women had no guaranteed source of income, and so the debtors of Naomi’s late husband had arrived at their door in droves. The more legitimate companies accepted small p*****t plans, but the lone sharks, demanded p*****t, immediately, threatening to take Ruth to ‘work’ for them. Naomi knew what ‘work’ they had referred to, and she would never subject Ruth to that, she was her daughter now, and she would protect her with all she had. Naomi had paid them in full, leaving them both with nothing, reliant on government handouts, food stamps for Ruth, and a part-time cleaning job for Naomi. Not even James’ and Clay’s service medals had survived; all had been sold so that they could afford to live. That was three years ago, and they have existed hand to mouth ever since.

“You have until Friday, either have the rent, in full, or get out of the house,” the landlord stated, before turning on his heel, and striding down the short path. Pleased he would finally be rid of the immigrant and Naomi.

Ruth looked at Naomi, she knew the reason for the rent increase was because the landlord, and even some of the neighbours hated her. At least once a week, Ruth had been spat at, or subjected to some negative comment since people realised, she had no protection after her husband had died.

“I am sorry Ruth, I have failed you,” Naomi cried.

“No, I have been a burden. Unable to work. I just wish my citizenship would come through so that I can help,” Ruth sighed, guilt flooding her, that Naomi blamed herself for something that was beyond her control.

“I think we need to pack, Ruth. I am not sure where we will stay, but we will not have the money by Friday to cover the rent, and what we owe,” Naomi said, looking around the house that had once been so full of joy.

Other than a single bed each, and two chairs, an old oven, the home was now bare. They had sold everything over the years, to make rent, and pay bills. There was nothing left to sell.

“Wherever you go, I will follow Naomi,” Ruth said, desperate to somehow financially help. But all she brought to the table was some meager food vouchers that bought only the bare essentials. Using them was a necessity. Although the looks, comments, and sneers Ruth received when they saw a woman of her skin tone, using the vouchers at her local shops, always filled her with dread.

“We need a miracle, Ruth, a real miracle,” Naomi sighed. She walked to her small box filled with her things, and grabbed her rosary beads, kneeling on the floor, she began her extra prayers, as she always did during times of need.

Ruth walked beside her, kneeling with Naomi, joining her in her prayers. She could not contribute much else, but she could say the words she had learned over her years of living with Naomi, of what she now knew as the Lord’s prayer. An hour passed, with both women praying to the heavens above, for help and guidance, before Naomi looked at the time on the old clock that hung on the wall.

“I must go to work,” Naomi smiled. She may not have any answers, but she felt a peace engulf her, like always when she prayed.

“I will come to help,” Ruth offered, hating that her mother-in-law was the soul breadwinner between them.

“No, Ruth, your citizenship and work permit is coming. We cannot afford for them to think you are working illegally, even if you are only helping me, and not taking any money from Mrs Coin,” Naomi smiled at her daughter, giving her hand a small squeeze.

Ruth sighed, she knew Naomi was correct, yet it felt wrong to let her go alone, and clean the large house by herself. She felt so helpless, as once again she apologised to Naomi.

“Hush, now. All will be well. Do not apologise. You are the light of my life now, Ruth. I thank God every day that Clay brought you home. I could not have survived these past years without you by my side,” Naomi gave a soft smile, meaning every last word. It was not Ruth’s fault they found themselves in such dire straits, the blame led to only one person. Naomi’s, alcoholic dead husband.

Naomi pulled her woolen cardigan around her thin frame, to protect her from the wind and rain, as she made the mile walk to the large house. She stepped inside, soaked to the skin, where Mrs. Coin stood waiting, a warm smile on her face. She had helped Naomi and Ruth throughout the years, giving her extra cleaning shifts, and recommending Naomi to her friends. She was the closest thing they had, that they could call a friend.

“I saw Steve coming from your house when I happened to pass by Naomi. Is everything okay?” Mrs Coin asked.

Naomi swallowed the lump in her throat, as her eyes stung with unshed tears.

“Oh, what is wrong?” Mrs. Coin kindly asked, motioning for Naomi to sit beside the open log fire and get warm.

Naomi wiped her tears with the back of her hand, and took deep breaths, to steady her voice.

“He is evicting us. He doubled the rent four months ago, and we fell behind. We have to leave on Friday,” Naomi sobbed out, finally letting the tears flow without restraint.

“What, why did he put the rent up so high?” Mrs Coin asked.

Naomi raised her eyebrows, as Mrs Coin closed her eyes.

“The narrowminded fool. Ruth is not an immigrant; she was your son’s wife, a man who gave his life in service for this country!” Mrs. Coin declared.

“You need to get away from here, a fresh start. I will be sorry to lose you, but I think it is the best. My husband's sister-in-law is looking for a live-in housekeeper. She lives a few miles north of here, on the outskirts of Durham. The house is bigger, so the work will be harder, but she is good people. The pay is only minimum wage, but you have a small two-bedroom cottage that comes with the job. Let me call her. I am sure she will agree to you both staying there and once Ruth is able to work, she can help you as well,” Mrs. Coin smiled.

Naomi stood in shock, this would be an answer to her prayers, and she could never repay the kindness of her employer.

Taking off her cardigan, Naomi walked to the cupboard under the stairs and got out her cleaning supplies, and began her work. She polished the expensive wood furniture, till it shone, before dusting around the ceiling coving, to remove any spider’s webs, which had formed since the last time she had deep cleaned that room. She tackled two rooms, every shift, three shifts per week. But with the house being as big as it was, she had a never-ending battle with the house spiders that spun their webs. Finished, she took her pale, and headed towards the kitchen, filling it with hot soapy disinfectant, before going back to the living room, and pulling out all of the furniture, and washing down the skirting boards, and doors.

Mrs. Coin entered the room, a soft smile on her face.

“You start on Thursday. Here is your wage, plus a little extra to buy you and Ruth a train ticket. Charlotte or Mrs.Ferry will meet you at Durham station on Wednesday. I am sorry to see you go, but I am happy to help you, Naomi,” Mrs Coin sighed.

“Does she not wish to meet with me?” Naomi asked.

“Nope, my word is enough,” Mrs Coin smiled.

Naomi let out a sigh of relief, happy that when she returned home, she had some good news to share with her darling Ruth. Her faith in humanity was restored because of the kindly woman. She would miss her, but Naomi understood the only way they could survive now, was to keep moving forward.

Ruth opened the last tin of baked beans, opening it, and popped it into a pan, placing it on the hob. She grabbed the four slices of stale bread, and placed them under the grill of the old oven, toasting them. It was not the best food in the world, but it was food. Naomi walked through the door, just as the beans bubbled and the toast browned, as Ruth placed them on two plates, and walked out towards her mother-in-law.

“Food,” she smiled.

“I have some news,” Naomi excitedly told her.

Ruth listened as Naomi explained to her about Mrs. Coin's husband's relatives and her need for a live-in housekeeper. The information about the small cottage that came as part of the employment, which was fully furnished, and the increase of her hours to full-time, afforded them a little more money, without expensive, and grossly inflated rent to pay.

“What about immigration? I will need to tell them about my change of address,” Ruth said, happy that they were at least catching a break, but concerned that the move may stop her receiving her ability to work.

“We will contact them as soon as we get to the new place,” Naomi reassured her.

Naomi emptied her pay packet onto the table, then gasped.

“Ruth, there is more here than I expected!” she exclaimed.

Ruth looked over at the wad of cash Naomi held in her hand, with tears streaming down her face.

“Mrs. Coin said she had given us some extra for train tickets, but I never in a million years expected this much!” she exclaimed.

They ate their beans on toast in stunned silence, both of them looking at the money, which would not only give them enough for shopping and train tickets to Durham station, but also enough money to pay off the back rent so that they could leave with their heads held high, plus a little bit for emergencies.

“It is a miracle, we have been so blessed. Thank you, Lord!” Naomi praised the heavens above.

The next day, Ruth packed up both their belongings into Clay’s old bergen. For all they did not have a lot in this world, it was still heavy. Naomi had gone to the station, to purchase their tickets for the next day, before heading to the landlord’s small office, and paying the extortionate rent for the last time. Informing him, he had his wish, and that they would be leaving before Friday, but did not tell him when or where they were headed. She had held her head high, as she walked out of his office, as the man stood glaring at her. He had looked forward to kicking her and that girl who married her son out onto the street. He hated Ruth, for no good reason, other than the place of her birth and the colour of her skin. She headed back to the house, probably for the last time, as they would leave at seven in the morning, to catch the eight o’clock train.

Ruth cleaned the house, for all the landlord had been a nightmare, she was determined not to leave the place with a speck of dust on it. Plus, it gave her something to do whilst she waited for Naomi to return. As she worked, the sound of mail being pushed through her letterbox caught her attention. Placing her duster down, Ruth walked to the door, picking up the mail from the mat. Her heart stilled as she saw the big thick brown envelope with the home office postmark. With trembling fingers she ripped open the envelope, hoping and praying that finally she would have her citizenship, and she could work, to help out her beloved Naomi.