The Luck of the Irish [ON HOLD]

Chapter 11

Ingredients courtesy of DoChara.com

I didn't work today so I went to the market. On my way there I passed a few big street rats. Yeah, I'm starting to realize that it's not so sanitary here like I thought. If the streets were paved with gold, then they have turned black with dirt. At least I don't live in a sweatshop like the majority of the people here. If I hadn't met Collin, I don't know where I would be right now.

I passed a group of men standing in a corner, and I quickly averted my gaze.

"Hey,"

A medium sized man, covered in dirt stepped in front of me, and stood there grinning at me. I think There are holes in his teeth. I walked passed him, not wanting to deal with him.

"Hey! Where are you going, I just want to talk to you, and maybe explore what's under your dress."

Him, and the other guys started hollering. I was wearing a blue dress that puffed out at the hips, and was tight at the front, with a white bonnet and white shoes. I must admit, I looked pretty good. The day was warm and sunny so I had no sleeves.

I turned around and responded to the man, "Sorry I don't like people who have never heard of the word hygiene, let alone practice it. Besides, I'm engaged."

I stuck my nose in the air and walked away. I did not have to deal with that, him, or them, and gladly for me, he kept quiet!

*

When I arrived at the market, it was like an explosion of color. I was in a way glad that I saw all that color after what happened a few days ago between Collin and I.

I was going to prepare Irish Stew, so I had a few ingredients in mind. But, Vanessa told me to get a few things, and she gave me extra money for it.

MY LIST

1 lb lamb shoulder,( cut into cubes) 3 medium or 4 large potatoes 2 medium onions, (roughly chopped) 2 large carrots, (cut into quite thick pieces) 3 cups stock Small knob of butter Fresh parsley 2 Bay leaves Sprig of Thyme 1 lamb bone, (the larger the better) Salt and pepper

Vanessa's List

Bell Peppers, Pineapple, Papaya, Guava, Nectar, Limes and Ice

I had quite a job ahead of me finding and carrying all of these items home, but it was worth it. Vanessa also gave me a little extra for going for her. Collin and his uncle are working so none of them were able to help, and Vanessa had to go to the clinic to volunteer. The was an outbreak of Malaria and she wanted to help in any way possible.

So, I was left to do it myself.

*

I'm on my way home now, and struggling with the bags. I'm pretty strong but the weight of what I had was testing me. I spotted the same men a few feet away, so I crossed the street. I don't want or need scrubs.

When I got home Vanessa was there, and she helped put the bags away while I got started on dinner.

"Hmm, Din Din is smelling good! I can't wait!" Vanessa clapped her hands together with joy. Only Collin was missing at this point.

Dinner was ready an hour later and Collin was no where to be seen. "Maybe we should just eat without him, I don't want the food getting cold," Uncle said it while looking longingly at the stew.

"By the way Colleen, what's it called," Uncle asked. I proudly said, "Irish Stew."

He clapped his hands together and said, "Let's eat!"

"Wait!!" I yelled, "We need to get our drinks now because I'm not standing back up!"

We all laughed, "Neither was I," Vanessa said, "Or I," her husband said.