A Price Above Rubies

Chapter One

He lights candle for his father in law. He doesn't think Cevdet would mind and he believes God doesn't mind either even if Cevdet had been a Muslim. He does it every year on the anniversary of the man's death and then lights a second one for his mother in law. God is everywhere. What does it matter what you named him? That is a question for the philosophers, which Leon is not. He only knows as he stands in front of the votive candles, some of which were lit before he had arrived there, that he feels the presence of those he had loved and lost. Cevdet, Cevdet's wife Azize, Leon's father Vasili and his childhood friend Yorgo.

Father Kostas comes in from the side door, carrying a long bolt of cloth that will likely go on the altar and nods when he sees Leon as if not surprised to see him there. The old priest knows the date. Not the end of the war five years ago. No, the annual celebration for that will come later. This date is observed on its own, by those who had loved the man and woman who had given up their lives, whose sacrifice had lit the flame of victory for the Turks.

Leon closes his eyes and he is right back in the jail cell, his wife's father chained to the wall, telling him with words only the two men understood. That he is proud of Leon, that the fight will now move on to him. In his eyes Leon had heard everything the man could not say in front of Leon's uncle. You are worthy to carry on this fight. You are worthy of my daughter and I leave her in your care.

It's quiet in the church. A few parishioners dot the pews here and there, but mass won't start for another two hours so Leon has some time to himself, to just sit in the quiet and give reverent thanks to those who had sacrificed for the life he has now.

Father Kostas doesn't disturb him. Sometimes Leon goes over to the priest and they chat, sometimes just easy conversation, sometimes if something is weighing on his mind. Today, Leon bows his head and offers his prayers, remembers and then leaves, eager to see his wife. It's not an easy day for her, but she insists on going to work. It helps her to be surrounded by the children she teaches, by the life in their faces.

It's warm today but not uncomfortably so and Leon wonders if Hilal would like to have a picnic instead of dinner at home. He doesn't stop at a shop to pick up anything though in case Hilal decides she just wants to spend the evening at home with just Leon and their children. Some years she wants just that, just them in their home with their children's chatter around them.

The school is buzzing with activity as he makes his way inside, waving at the receptionist who Hilal insists has a crush on him, but Leon thinks his wife is just teasing him. Classes are being let out and he dodges the occasional speeding preeteen or younger child as they race to freedom. Leon recognizes a few of the children but none from his wife's class. She teaches eleven and twelve year olds, having worked her way up to where she feels she can make the biggest difference in helping their young minds prepare for the future.

He hears her laughter drift out from the open door to her classroom. Leon is grateful for that beautiful sound and understands why she wants to be here instead of mourning at home. He stands outside for a moment and just listens to her.

"That's exactly right. I have a friend of mine whose actually studying to be a lawyer right now so I say it'll only be a matter of time before we have many women lawyers in our courts. I think it's a wonderful ambition, Emine," Hilal insists.

"Ahmet will make sure you never run out of business!" A young male voice tosses from one side and a thump makes Leon think 'Ahmet' does not appreciate the joke though even Leon knows Ahmet is one of Hilal's more rebellious boys.

"Alright, that'll be all for today. Read chapters five, six and seven and I want you to be ready to discuss them tomorrow. And by discuss them I don't mean just throwing the authors words back at me," Hilal reminds them. A few groans follow and gradually a few students make their way out into the hall, greeting Leon when they spot him.