The Old Woman & the Trash Collector, Reish -1972 part 2

Naajy entered the lounge and gave Reish his hand to lead him away from the Old Woman. As Reish raised his head, the old woman saw his hansom face, surprised by his gentle eyes she looked him over, noticing for the first time his strong hands and masculine build. An idea started to form in her head. Naajy lead Reish back to his room and brought rice and water for him. Reish suddenly realized how long it had been since he had eaten and filled his belly happily, as Naajy explain all that had happened to bring him inside the blue house. Naajy bade Reish to sleep for a while more, that he would be well enough to leave at the next brake in the rain, so as not to irritate the old woman. Leaving Reish to sleep he returned to his mistress. The old woman bade Naajy to sit by her and tell all he knew of his friend. Surprised but respectful he sat for an hour and delivered Reish's history to his mistress. When he had finished the old woman asked Naajy to bring Reish to talk to her before he left. Reish slept soundly until Naajy woke him for the evening meal. He hadn't expected to be asked to eat with Naajy's mistress, but followed him into a dinning room and was seated next to the old woman at the beautiful English style table. Naajy served their meal and pored drinks before his mistress bid him to leave. Curious Naajy hid himself in the lounge where her could still make out their conversation. Reish sat in silence eating his well prepared meal. It had been a long time since he had eaten anything other than rice and the food was incredible to his taste. Satisfied he had eaten well, the old Woman decided it was time to talk. "Naajy speaks very highly of you Reish, i wonder what you have done to earn his praise?" Reish was lost for words, his face blushed with gratitude and he wondered how he would ever return the favor to his good friend. "I do not know." was all he could whisper, so intimidated by speaking to such a high woman. "Well, i have a.....business offer for you. One that would give you means to higher your station in life, and also i believe what i would need in return you may enjoy giving. You see, i have a son, a beautiful daughter in-law, and yet as the years pass i still have not one grandchild to my name." Reish was confused, for what could he do to give her son children? "My daughter in-law will be coming to stay with me for some days while my son is away. She is a lovely girl you know, long silky hair, dark cat like eyes, and skin like the sun. You would...enjoy her i think?" Reish's mind was in uproar, visit with another mans wife!"I would pay you well, and i can also find you a tutor to further your education, get you a good job, and enough dowry for a good wife, but you will have to give me grand children." Shock and fear burned bright red into Reish's face, like he had been stung by a wasp. "Do i offend you?" Asked the old woman. "I...I...yes, you mean well for your son, but..It's not right to...his wife....she would never agree...I am no one...no family..dark skin...dirty feet....for her to lay with me?...and your son would know....I do not even know if i will be better than he....I have not done...that before....I can not." Reish's lips could not keep up with his head, he lowered his face in shame and sat in silence. "You have not been with a woman before?" "I am no one what woman could want me?" "It is true women want someone to support a family, and your job is not... ideal..but that can be changed." "She would never do it... who am i to her?" "It is not who you are...it's what you can give, you are an attractive young man. Naajy tells me the people respect you because you are kind and polite. This is what i want in a grand child. You have no family to shame, and you would like a wife?" "Yes i have dreamed often of a wife, but still i don't see why your daughter in-law will agree." "Do you think i am the only one longing to see children? My daughter in law has grown sad, she is often at my door for a shoulder to cry on, it hurts her as it hurts me. This is all she wants in the world, she will come with joy in her heart." Reish could find no more reason to disagree, he tried to organize the thoughts in his head but they would not stay still long enough for him to sting them into words. Luckily Naajy entered with sweets and tea, he cleared the table slowly before leaving the room once more. It gave Reish time enough to breath but still he had no answer. He drank his tea quickly, hoping to escape, but the rain was still heavy and the sun had left the sky. The old woman interrupted his thoughts "Stay another night here with Naajy before you give me an answer in the morning." It was more of a command than a suggestion. Having finished his tea, Reish left the table and found Naajy on his way to the bed room...........................................