When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

11: Now You're Blaming Me?

"GOOD MORNING, SUGARPLUM!" Elimae greeted me, her voice light and warm. She was holding a bouquet of roses and lavender.

I frowned. Where did the flowers come from? I knew she had admirers, but...

"These are for you," she said, interrupting my thoughts. "I bought them for you, so smile." Her lips curved in a small, shy grin.

I closed my eyes and exhaled. "That's a relief," I said, chuckling.

She pinched my cheek. "It's just you, Ren. Always just you," she said, handing me the flowers. "Flowers will fade, but my feelings won't."

I took them, smiling back. "Thank you, my Eli." I hugged her and led her inside for breakfast.

"Ate Lilac texted me," she said between sips of water.

I smiled. "Does she text you often?"

She nodded. "Yes. Your siblings check on me every day, and your cousins talk to me too." She giggled.

"What did she say?"

"She asked how we're doing and mentioned the Fitzmael Foundation tree planting tomorrow. She wants me to join because all of you will be there," she said, cheeks flushed. Her excitement was contagious.

"I was going to ask you today, but Lilac beat me to it," I replied. "She's usually... not the texting type."

"It's an honor!" she said brightly. "I'd love to go."

"Of course, you're coming with me."

"Any plans for today?" she asked once breakfast was done. We lingered in the living room, just looking at each other.

"Nothing. Why?"

"I was hoping to tag along."

"Where to?"

"I want to buy a brooch for the upcoming pageant. Mayor Santiago's team invited me to be a judge for the fiesta pageant."

"Which pageant?"

"Ms. San Roque. It's our town tradition. The Mayor wants it at Austin Academy, big space, benches for the audience."

"Aren't you going to compete?"

She shook her head. "I just won Ms. San Tiago. The city pageant is bigger, it wouldn't be fair. Plus... I won last year."

I laughed, astonished. "You're unstoppable!"

"Thanks, sugarplum," she said softly. "So... will you come with me?" She pouted playfully.

I hesitated, then remembered. "Catmint and Lilac have lots of unopened brooches..."

Her forehead creased. "How did you know?"

"They love buying accessories. You know them."

She smiled knowingly. "But... it feels awkward to take them."

"Trust me, they won't mind." I grabbed my phone. Lilac picked up after a few rings.

"Hello?"

I smiled at Cadmium's voice. "Cadmium?"

"Yes, Uncle Ren." The background was noisy with his brothers arguing over the phone.

"Where's my sister?"

"Sleeping. Both she and Dad are on the sofa."

I sighed, understanding. "Make sure you join the tree planting, okay?"

"But our grandparents will be there," Cadmium said.

Krypton spoke. "Mom and Dad said we shouldn't force peace. We just want to move on, Uncle."