Changed

Chapter 6: The Gardenia

After Cam introduced me to Ashton, we went into the cottage and she let me put my things away. The rest of the night I sat in my room and looked through my plant book.  Everything has changed so much in a single day. My mom died a single day ago in front of my eyes. I haven't even truly grieved. I sat on the floor next to the small fabric bag of my mother's. She spent so much time protecting me. All the memories I have have changed. The way Cam described dad before was so different. I don't remember a day where he was that kind. Where he was really a father. I'm going to find out what happened. You don't just come home one day and suddenly abuse your wife and small children. That job was for another day. I stood up grabbing my mother's shirt and walked to the bed and collapsed. I cried for hours on end. I finally cried myself to sleep. 

I spent the next several days in that same routine. Wake up eat something small, go back to my room, and cry myself to sleep again. I didn't wake up til eleven o'clock three days later. I decided I needed to get out. Cam had left me alone for the past days, knowing I had every right to grieve this way. I lost the only parent I ever really had. My father was not a father, but my mother tried her damn hardest. She watched out for me and tried to keep me safe the best she could which I loved her more than anything for. I've made up my mind. She may be gone, but I can live for her and I can avenge her. 

I got myself out of bed and went to the shower with some clean clothes (lavender cargo pants, a black ribbed tank top that showed my ribs in the cutouts, panties ,and socks. I don't even bother to wear bras much. ) When I finally got out of the shower, I felt so much better. I'm gonna make the most of my life. I'm safe here and I can build and learn. 

After getting dressed, I packed my backpack with my knives, some snacks from Cam's kitchen, and my flower book. I grabbed some money and put it in my pocket so I could stop at a store and get seeds to start a garden here. 

On the way out of the house Ashton saw me and smiled. I smiled back. 

"Hey Ashton", I said to him. "I need to find seeds. Where can I do that and herbs, I need herbs. Oh and I need a new notebook."

"How about a guide do you need one of those?" he asked with a grin. 

I nodded my head and blushed bright pink. He giggled a little then walked over to me and lightly lifted my chin. 

"I'll take you wherever, whenever you need." he said. "Come along little birdie."

"Why'd you call me 'little birdie'? That doesn't make sense. I don't sing."

"The first time I spoke to you asked about seeds"

"Oh it's for my book. I grow flowers and herbs and stuff to make natural remedies with."

"That's cool. I just garden, but if you need advice I'd be more than happy to help.

He began to walk away, I quickly caught up and began to walk beside him. 

"So where'd you come from, little bird? You just showed up four days ago out of the blue. New people don't exactly come here."

"I was a Magnate, then my dad abused us, then he killed my mom while she was getting me out, and now I'm here. Safe and sound. WIth my older sister."

He looked like he'd seen a ghost. 

"I'm so sorry, birdie. I lost my mom when I was 5. She got sent to the mines. Also a Magnate, huh? Makes sense honestly you carry yourself differently."

I shrugged. I didn't know how to respond without consulting way too much emotion. It was all still too fresh to think about. 

When we finally got to the shop that he said had seeds and such it was beautiful. It was inside the rummage of an old mall that was completely glass. Some of the ceiling was broken so the sun was brighter in some places. I'd never seen so many flowers in my entire life. I was in awe. I was always taught that the Magnate were better. They were richer, more valuable, and smarter, but seeing this now and being in this village has taught me otherwise. Ashton smiled at me. 

"How do you like it, little birdie." he asked. He picked up a Gardenia and tucked it behind my ear.