Ruby Ring : War in Life

**Chapter Two: The Heart of the Harbor**

The city of Aisling, nestled on the rugged Irish coast, awoke to the salty tang of the sea and the cries of gulls. The houses, huddled together like gossiping neighbors, clung to the cliffs overlooking the harbor, their colorful facades a vibrant contrast to the gray expanse of the Atlantic. In a small, cozy house overlooking the bustling fish market, a different kind of warmth was brewing.

Margaret Williams, a woman whose beauty belied the hardships she'd endured, moved with a quiet grace through her kitchen. Years had etched lines around her kind eyes, but they still held a sparkle that reflected the boundless love she held for her daughters. The loss of her husband, years ago, had left a gaping hole in her life, but the discovery of baby Ruby on a rain-swept street had brought a new purpose, a new source of light. She'd raised both Ruby and Runa with equal love, her heart overflowing with a mother's devotion.

Margaret's hands, weathered and strong from years of working at the bustling fish market, moved expertly. She hummed a traditional Irish tune as she prepared breakfast – a hearty spread of soda bread, fresh-caught salmon, and steaming mugs of tea. Her features, once sharp and elegant, now carried the gentle softness of a life dedicated to family. Her smile held a quiet strength that spoke of resilience and unwavering love.

Once breakfast was ready, she carefully and proudly placed everything on a tray, and then began to clean and arrange the kitchen. She finished preparing the breakfast, a small, but important act of love that she performed every morning. She paused, a thoughtful expression on her face. It was a ritual, a small act of defiance against the ever-present harshness of their reality; and more importantly, it was a simple act to show the love she had for her two beautiful daughters.

With a deep breath, she made her way to the hallway, the worn wooden floorboards creaking beneath her feet. She knocked softly on Ruby's door first.

"Ruby, darling, breakfast is ready," she called, her voice gentle but firm.

Ruby, already half-dressed and rushing to prepare for work, responded with a hurried, "Coming, Mom!" She opened her door, her fiery red hair only half-brushed, a few strands escaping the haphazard bun she'd attempted to create. She wore a vibrant dress, which matched her bright smile, a vibrant splash of color that contrasted sharply with her somewhat disheveled hair.

Next, Margaret knocked on Runa's door. "Runa, sweetheart, breakfast!"

Runa emerged more slowly, her movements languid, her dark hair a tangled mess around her face. She was wearing an old pair of night clothes and her eyes still held the hazy remnants of sleep. Her beauty was undeniable, but she seemed to lack the vibrancy of her sister.

The two sisters joined their mother in the kitchen, and although the sisters had very different personalities, they both shared the love and affection from the warm, welcoming home. The simple act of eating together, sharing stories and laughter, was a cornerstone of their family life.

As they ate, Margaret noticed that Runa seemed unusually quiet and withdrawn. "Runa, darling, you haven't said anything yet, are you feeling okay?" Margaret asked.

Runa's eyes fluttered slightly. "I'm not feeling too well, Mom," she mumbled, avoiding her mother's gaze. "I think I'll take the day off work."

Margaret's brow furrowed slightly. "Are you coming down with a cold? Should I give you some tea?" she asked.

Runa hesitated, then lied with a practiced ease. "No, Mom. Just cramps. A little rest will do the trick." She gave a small, unconvincing smile.

Margaret, ever trusting, accepted the explanation without further question. She turned her attention to Ruby, her eyes shining with pride. "And how is Ethan? When is that wonderful young man planning on popping the question? I can't wait to call him my in-law." She reminisced and let out a hearty laugh at that memory.

Ruby laughed, a bright, infectious sound. "Mom, you and your dreams, he's still got a few years before that, ha!" Her eyes twinkled with amusement at her mother's eager anticipation and she gently corrected her, but in a tone that carried love and respect for her mother's dreams. She happily shared her news and some of the difficulties she faced with her work project.

"Years?" Margaret asked, her eyebrows playfully arched. "He should be quick about it, before some other wealthy fellow steals you away!" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. She knew how much Ethan meant to Ruby, and the thought of her daughter's happiness filled her with joy.

Ruby let out another peal of laughter, a bright, infectious sound that filled the small kitchen. "Mom, you're incorrigible!" she exclaimed, but there was no real reprimand in her tone. She knew her mother meant well and the humor eased the tension between the two. "I'm waiting for the day he proposes too, but he's got a lot on his plate right now with all the work he's been doing. Besides, what's the hurry?" she asked as she continued to eat. She tried to sound casual but she couldn't hide the small smile on her face.

Runa, already simmering with a low-level jealousy, muttered under her breath, her words barely audible above the clinking of cutlery. "She's just lucky with everything," she grumbled, her voice laced with resentment. She couldn't articulate why she felt this way; it was a deep-seated envy, an inexplicable bitterness that always bubbled beneath the surface of her personality. She was well aware that Ruby possessed natural charm and talent that she couldn't match, but what she lacked in skill and grace, Runa often made up for with determination and manipulation.

As they neared the end of the meal, a wave of nausea suddenly washed over Runa. Her stomach churned violently, a sudden, overwhelming urge to vomit rising within her. She tried to suppress it, her face paling slightly, but the feeling was too intense to ignore. She excused herself abruptly, pushing her chair back with a scraping sound that startled her mother and sister.

"Oh, excuse me," she whispered, her voice strained, before she fled from the table, rushing to the bathroom.

Ruby and Margaret exchanged concerned glances. Margaret had seen this before; Runa often suffered from bouts of nausea, which were sometimes explained as indigestion. Margaret was used to this, and she simply waited for Runa to return before making any judgment. She trusted that her daughter would seek her advice when she was ready.

After a few minutes, Runa emerged from the bathroom, her face still pale but her demeanor strangely composed. She returned to the table, her movements stiff and controlled.

Margaret, concerned, asked gently, "Runa, darling, are you alright? What was that all about?"

Runa hesitated, her eyes darting around the kitchen as if searching for an escape route. Then, she offered a flimsy excuse. "It's… it's nothing, Mom. Just… something I ate." Her voice was flat and unconvincing, and she avoided eye contact with her mother.

Margaret didn't push it. She knew Runa had a habit of hiding things, of bottling up her emotions. But this time, she couldn't help but feel there was something more to this situation than Runa was letting on. Margaret decided to let the matter rest until the right time. But an underlying apprehension weighed upon her as she finished her breakfast.

After breakfast, Ruby efficiently carried the plates to the sink, the clatter of china a cheerful counterpoint to her humming. She returned to her room, completing the task of brushing her hair, letting her fiery red locks cascade down her shoulders in a cascade of beauty that made her feel stunning. She smiled, a slow, contented smile as a pleasant thought crossed her mind; she whispered to herself, "Ruby Blackwood," savoring the name, letting the fantasy of becoming Ethan's wife wash over her. It was a daydream she often indulged in, a secret indulgence that fueled her ambitions and her happiness.

She carefully placed her earrings in her ears, their delicate sparkle catching the light. Then, she fastened the necklace Ethan had given her, the cool silver against her skin a comforting reminder of his love. She slipped on her sandals, carefully selecting a pair that matched her blue-black handbag and then efficiently made her bed, straightening the covers with precise movements. She closed her windows, pulling the curtains shut against the morning chill, before tidying her room with quick, efficient motions. Finally, she locked her door, the click of the lock a satisfying sound, a signal that she was ready to face the day.

She hugged her mother tightly, a warm embrace filled with gratitude and affection. Then, she turned to Runa, who stood stiffly, her arms crossed against her chest. The tension was palpable between them, a silent undercurrent that hung in the air.

"Goodbye, Mom," Ruby said, her voice bright and cheerful, ignoring the barely concealed hostility of her sister. "Bye, Runa. Feel better," she added, her voice softening slightly. She extended a hand towards her sister, but there was no response from Runa, who stood with arms still crossed and showing no sign of reciprocating the well wishes. It seemed that the earlier morning had taken its toll.

Runa offered a curt nod and a muttered "bye", clearly not interested in the interaction.

Ruby couldn't hide the hurt, but let it be as she stepped away and left their house. She carried with her the promise of a busy day at work, the pleasant anticipation of a romantic dinner with Ethan, and the persistent undercurrent of unspoken feelings between her and her sister.