The Flower Shop

Chapter Three

Oh my goodness- I have missed y'all. I'm so sorry for the late upload. Life got hectic. But I'm back. Expect more frequent updates. Jalil and Nadia will continue! Now, let's get into this chapter

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A week had passed since the Nadia had been over to Jalil's home. Each day she thought about it. And each day her longing for Jalil's kisses grew stronger and stronger.
The only problem was that Jalil hadn't said much to her since they kissed. Sure, they saw one another at work, and spoke to one another. And yes, Jalil walked her to her car everyday, but it seemed as if he was hiding something from her.
Nadia sighed as she thought about this. Tapping her foot against the wooden floors in her shop, Nadia watched the people on the street pass by. Valentine's Day was a few days away and the street were filled with people trying to buy gifts. Her shop was busy as well- as red's and pink's filled her store.
The bell dinged, signaling that someone was coming in. Moving herself from the door, she looked and saw one of her favorite customers.
"Hello, Mr. Ruffin." Nadia smiled. The little old man hobbled over to her, his wrinkled fingers gripping his cane.
"Hello Miss Nadia." He smiled at the younger woman.
"Tell me, what can I do for you? Nadia smiled as she looked at the older man.
"You know my Margaret's and I's favorite holiday is coming up. I would love to purchase a dozen red roses for her." Mr. Ruffin said.
Naida nodded her head. The older man waited patiently as Nadia went to the back of the shop and began to fix the roses fresh. She did this every year. And while she had roses already on display, she always cut them fresh for Mr. Ruffin.
While she was gone, Jalil entered through the front doors of the store. He had come back from his lunch break and also his running errands. The store was unusually quiet. Lately it has been filled with people, but for some reason today- it was empty. All except for one man standing at the counter. He saw the older man standing alone and immediately went into work mode.
"Excuse me sir," Jalil started. "Have you been helped already?"
The older man looked at the younger one. "Oh yes, I have." He nodded with a smile. "I'm getting some roses for my wife. You know Valentine's Day is coming up? Do you have a special someone?"
The smiling face of Nadia immediately popped into his mind. Jalil nodded, "I do. It's new. But I know that I like her."
The older man smiled widely. "Ah yes. I remember those days with my Margaret. When it was new. We tiptoed around it for a while. But God sent her to me. And when that happens- and you know- don't hesitate."
Jalil listened with an intensity as the older man spoke. He felt the words root themselves into his heart.
Don't hesitate, Jalil repeated to himself. Before he could say anything, the doors that led to the back opened and out walked Nadia.
Nadia's heart skipped a beat when she saw Jalil standing there. They met eyes and he smiled at her.
"Hi Jalil." She smiled at him before turning her attention to the older man. "Alright Mr. Ruffin. These are for Miss Margaret. When you see her, please tell her I said hello."
The older man took the bouquet. But, because of his cane, he couldn't maneuver both.
Jalil saw the need for help and grabbed the flowers for him. The pair walked outside and once they were at his car, Jalil placed them in the backseat for him.
"Drive home safely." Jalil said.
The older man laughed. "Home? Son, I'm not going home. I've got to visit Margaret."
Jalil was confused. The older man saw the confusion written across Jalil's face and smiled gently.
"Margaret is at a facility. She has Alzheimer's disease. It got to the point where I couldn't take care of her alone, so she's at a care facility. But I visit her everyday." Mr. Ruffin explained.
Jalil was speechless. He didn't know what to say. But he could feel the love this man had for his wife, and could see the devotion to her. Jalil admired it, praying that he could love someone that strongly one day.
"That's why I tell young cats like you- don't hesitate. Now all Margaret and I have are memories together." Mr. Ruffin spoke. His voice faltered, and Jalil felt something stir inside of him.
"If you know she's the one, go for her. Make memories with her. And don't waste time." Mr. Ruffin said, pointing his cane at Jalil's chest. His voice suddenly became stern as he looked at the younger man.
"Yes sir." Jalil said. "Yes sir."
The older man got into the car methodically and waved his hands at the younger man.
Jalil watched his car pull out slowly and stood there until it was out of sight.
Don't hesitate, Jalil thought to himself.