Chapter 6: A Mother's Visit

Beth's modest apartment was tidy and comfortable, with a few framed photos and a cozy throw blanket adding a touch of warmth. She had just finished cleaning and was preparing a simple snack when her mother, Amelia, arrived for a visit. Amelia still worked as a maid for the Willer family, and Beth had grown up seeing the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy family. "Welcome, Mummy" Beth said to her mother while hugging her. " You really have a nice place" Amelia responded to her daughter's greetings. Amelia was quite impressed with Beth's apartment, she particularly liked the color of her draperies. It was a really really cozy one, she admitted. As they sat down at the small kitchen table, Beth poured two cups of coffee, placing the snacks she made in a tray. "So Mom, how have you been?" Beth asked her Mom trying to make conversations. "I have been good. Work has also been good." She replied. "I don't know why you still work with the Willers?" Beth asked her mother, genuinely curious. She had convinced her mother times without number to stop working as a maid and maybe retire but she always refuses. "I have worked with the Willers all my life" Amelia responded. "It would feel very foreign not working with them" "Does she even treat you well?" Beth asked her mother. She in this context referring to Mrs Willer, she remembered how Mrs Willer threatened to fire her Mom if Beth continued being friends with her son, Louis. Beth thought it was odd to threaten to fire someone that has worked with you for years simply because their child was friend with yours. "She has changed, Beth. I can assure you of that" Beth's mother tried to defend Mrs Willer "If you insist, Mom" "I insist, Mom" Amelia replied teasing Beth by calling her "Mom" They both burst out laughing, throughly enjoying each other's company. "All right about me, tell me, how is your work going?" Amelia inquired. She began to share stories about her job as Louis' secretary at Hallow Empire. "I have always wondered what it would be like working for Louis." "It's nothing fancy, Mom." Beth scrunched up her face in disgust wondering what her mother would have to say if she knew she was having sexual relations with her Boss' son who so doubled as her boss. In a bid to change the topic away from Louis, she told her mom about the workers there and the friends she has made so far. " I genuinely enjoy working at Hallow Empire. I always feel somewhat fulfilled working there." Amelia listened attentively, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I'm so proud of you, Beth" Amelia said, "You've worked so hard to get where you are. And now, you're working for the same family I've devoted my career to serving. "Now, that you say it, I don't think that so much of a good thing," Beth told her mother and both of them burst out laughing. "Thank you, Mummy. Thank you for being proud of me." Beth appreciated her mother with nothing but gratitude sparkling in her eyes. It felt so good to hear kind words again especially from a parent. Beth smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her mother. Amelia had always supported her, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and never give up. "That reminds me, Mom. Do you know how Marcus is faring?" Beth asked her mother remembering Louis' elder brother who got into an accident. Amelia's smile is replaced with a sad expression, "Marcus is still in coma, he is not responding to any treatment". She explained to Beth, looking like she was in pain herself. "The boy's issue is a source of concern to his parents especially his father. Mr Willer greatly misses her son. He secretly goes to Marcus' room and weeps when he thinks no one is looking." Beth's heart reached out to the Willer family especially in that moment, she must imagine how hard it must be for them. Marcus was a gentleman to the core, one who had a good sense of business, extremely responsible and also blessed with the purest of hearts. "I really hope he wakes up soon" Beth said to her mother. "Me too, Beth." As they chatted, Beth's mind wandered to Louis. She wondered how he was taking Marcus' absence. She must admit he was quite a strong one, when she was around him, she rarely even remembered he had a brother who was bedridden. She had grown accustomed to his demanding nature and had developed a deep respect for his business acumen. But beneath the surface, she knew he must miss his brother sorely, she lost her Dad so she understands how it must feel loosing a loved one. She wished he would open up and try to talk to her, maybe and only maybe, she could be of comfort and not in a sexual manner. Amelia's voice brought her back to the present. "Beth, are you okay? You seem a bit distracted." Beth forced a smile, pushing her thoughts aside. "I'm fine, Mom. Just a bit tired, that's all." "I should let you rest then," her Mother said to her preparing to leave. "No, Mom. You should not leave now. It is not everyday that I see you around," Beth said to her mother faking a pout. "You shouldn't pout, it doesn't suit you" Amelia said to her while laughing. Beth's put her hand on her chest pretending to be hurt "you greatly hurt me, Mother." "All right, I would stay." Her mother finally agreed to staying since she didn't really have so much to do at work. " Do you have foodstuffs at home?" "Hmmm, relatively" Beth replied her Mother. "All right then, let me prepare something for you" Beth goes to hug her mother, genuinely grateful that she decides to cook for her. Beth excelled at a lot of things but cooking wasn't one of them. As the visit came to a close, Amelia hugged Beth tightly. "Always remember, you deserve happiness. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back." Beth savoring the hug responded, "thank you, Mummy. I absolutely enjoyed having you over" "Thank you for having me", Amelia responded. Beth nodded, feeling happiness swell within her.