Heavy Heart

Chapter 2

After work on Friday afternoon I went to the garden centre to pick out some plants for the flower pots in my backyard. It was the end of April, the perfect time to start putting in my flowers. I took a box and started walking around the greenhouse to see what was available. They had some lovely pansies in purple and gold, as well as snapdragons. I put six of each in my box and continued walking. My hand was holding a package of Miracle Grow when someone clears their throat behind me. I turned around to see Zack Truelly; he was also holding a box in his hands. I didn't make eye contact, I just stepped to the side so he could walk around me. I expected Zack to walk past me but instead he took a small step toward me.

I turned my back to him and continued down the aisle of plants. There were plenty of ways to get around me, I had left plenty of room for him. Zack shuffled toward me again, still not saying anything to me. I didn't meet his eyes when I asked, "Can I help you with something?"

"No, I was just trying to see what you are getting." he said quickly. I set my box down on the table and stepped away from it. I continued to look through the different kinds of plant fertilizers. When I didn't say anything to him, Zack attempted to continue the conversation, "Are those pansies?"

I nodded, still unwilling to look up. He sighed slightly before he asked, "Do you like purple and yellow?" I shrugged as I picked my box up and started to walk away. Before I could get very far, Zack was on my heels, "I think those are my mom's favorite. I'm here getting flowers for her actually for the front path in her yard. Do they have more of those?" I chose my box of plant fertilizer and set it in my tray. I pointed to the area where I got the pansies from and continued to walk away.

"Thanks Layla." he whispered before I got too far from him. My heart was pounding as I made my way to the checkout. I had no desire to engage in a conversation with Zack Trulley, he had been one of my tormentors for years. He and Brock used to take it upon themselves to insult me and hurt me on a regular basis, I had no interest in talking about plants with him. I had no interest in talking with him about anything.

While I waited in the lineup to pay for my bedding plants, Zack stepped up behind me. I rolled my eyes when he leaned over and made a casual comment about the waiting. He cleared his throat again and asked, "So, what are you doing this weekend, Layla? Anything fun?"

I shrugged and shook my head. Zack nodded and added, "I'm going to put in my mom's flowers tomorrow. She will love those pansies." I didn't reply. After I paid I went to my car and put my tray in the trunk. I climbed into my car as quickly as I could and pulled out of the parking lot. Zack came rushing out, he seemed disappointed to see me driving away. I glanced at him in my rearview mirror, only to sigh with relief that I didn't have to talk with him any longer.

I decided to put the plants in on Saturday morning, so I brought the plants in the house to keep them warm overnight. As I was making supper I got a text from my friend Sara, she wanted to go out that night. She had broken up with her boyfriend and wanted to have a girl's night out at the local bar. Though it wasn't really my thing to go out drinking, I decided it could be fun. I replied that I would meet her there by 8pm. After I ate some supper, I took a hot shower and started to get ready.

My hair was a natural blonde, I never had to dye it. I had hazel eyes and natural ruby red lips. I rarely wore make-up, but since we were going out I applied mascara and a touch of eyeliner. Nothing else. I picked out a longer purple shirt, pairing it with a thick black belt. I pulled on my black skinny jeans and black ankle boots. I blew out my hair and let it hang down, since I had to wear it pulled back for work it felt nice to have it down.

I stared at myself in my bathroom mirror as I brushed my teeth. I wasn't a small woman. I had spent many years of my adolescence hating my body. Both boys and girls had called me names and told me I was disgusting and gross. As I got older, I realized it said more about them then it did about me. By the time I was in grade twelve I began to love the skin I was in; the curves I had. My body was mine alone, and I refused to allow anyone to take that away from me.

By the time I was in university I was more comfortable with myself. There were a couple of guys I had dated, nothing serious. Though I was still technically a virgin, I had explored my sexuality quite extensively while I was away at school. The dating pool was pretty small in my home town though, I hadn't dated anyone from town since I'd moved back. Online dating was hit and miss, but I had my share of admirers. Getting dates wasn't hard, a relationship wasn't easy to find.

Sarah texted me that she was inviting a few others out to the bar with us. I sent her a thumbs up emoji before I put on some lip gloss. I stared at myself in the mirror, looking over the outfit I had put together. I was happy with it. As I turned off the bathroom light, grabbed my black clutch and headed out the door. It was party time with the girls.