Free Eternal Melody by Anisa Claire West Page B

“What kind of provider is Gregory anyhow?  I can’t believe that he would actually want to live off the earnings of his baby sister.  It seems somehow emasculating.”
    “I agree.  I certainly wouldn’t want you to support me.  But Gregory has always been cut from different clay .  Being married to that princess Ethel hasn’t helped develop his character either .  She expects to do nothing and gain everything.”  Ryan mused.
    “Well at least they’re compatible, then.  Though you’d never know it by the way they interact.”
    Rebecca sat back in the wooden chair across from Ryan, grateful that she had at least one sibling with whom she could speak freely.  She did not, however, feel comfortable enough to raise the subject of Luke and how the confrontation had occurred in his presence.
    “ What do you think I should do, Ryan?  I mean, first thing after work tomorrow I’m going to see Grandmother and then…”
    Ryan interrupted.  “Did you say work?  I haven’t even had a chance to ask you if you found anything.  Attending rehearsals and then the symphony performance with Luke has precluded me from doing all else the past few days.”
    “I know.  But let’s not talk about my work, it’s not important.  Suffice it to say that I am legitimately employed and will commence my duties tomorrow. ”
    Ryan peered at her curiously, wondering why she would be so secretive.  “Becky, you know I’m not going to bid you good night until you tell me what you do.  Just spill it.  I promise I won’t judge.” Ryan said sincerely, sensing that Rebecca had found a post that was less than prestigious.
    “I’m a maid, Ryan.  A maid.  Are you happy now?   The job pays cash, and I need it in order to pay rent. ” She turned her face away, embarrassed.
    “Becky, why are you looking as though you’re ashamed?  That’s as honest work as any!  At least you have a job, which is more than I can say for our brother.  If anyone should be doing a job that is less than spectacular , it’s him, the husband and new father.  I’m proud of you that you got this job.  It just confirms how determined you are.”
    Rebecca had the courage to meet her brother’s gaze and gave him an impulsive hug and kiss on the cheek.  “Thank you, Ryan.  I should have known you would react with such love and encouragement .  I’m going up to my room now, but we’ll talk tomorrow and iron out this whole sticky mess.  Good night…I mean Gute Nacht .” She managed a small smile .
    Ryan replied solemnly , “ Gute Nacht , Becky.  Don’t worry about a thing.  M usic might sound dissonant in the black of night, but all will ring in harmony come the morning light.”

Chapter Seven
    Rebecca suffered a fitful night of sleep, her comfort once again compromised by the horrendous mattress.  But her racing mind also kept her from slumber, as she tormented herself speculating what Luke was thinking after the humiliat ing hallway showdown.  W orries about how Gregory and Ethel’s presence in Vienna could affect her career also plagued her through the long hollow night.  By the time the waxing sun flooded the room, Rebecca was a wreck of nerves and troubling scenarios.
    Trying to cork the bottle on her anxiety, Rebecca hopped out of bed, remembering the parting words Ry an had spoken to her last night: “Music might sound dissonant in the black of night, but all will ring in harmony come the morning light.”
    She reflected on him affectionately, how he was a born poet, possessing a gentle heart that had soothed her as a young orphan and continued to do the same in womanhood .  Saying a silent prayer that Ryan would one day find happiness with a lady who would shower him with love and appreciate his poetic heart, Rebecca slipped into a plain beige frock .  She was not sure if the job would require her to wear a uniform, but if it did not, she wanted to wear the most unattractive garment she owned.
    Arriving to ground level,