𝐍𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐠𝐢𝐚

O N E

[☀︎☀︎☀︎]

"We're running out of tulips already" Zoya yells from the front of the little flower shop.

She's reorganising the front window with flowers, making it look as aesthetic as possible.

"Yea, I convinced almost every customer to buy a bouquet" I yell back, from behind the counter.

Zoya seems to be done as she turns around, approaching me. A few strands of her curly hair fell out of her ponytail, which are now falling into her face.

"All done, it's perfect" she excitedly tells me, presenting her work in the front window.

Vases with big bouquets of beautiful lilies and roses are standing on the floor facing the streets of Warlington. My Home town.

I've lived here for my whole life and it truly feels like home. It's a little city in Louisiana, near the beach.

Besides my flower shop the beach is my favourite place. I used to go there everyday when I was a little girl. Mostly accompanied by my best friend Everett.

But that's not my life anymore. We've grown up. Everett moved away and I started my own business.

I still go to the beach sometimes, but I sadly don't find the time for that too often.

Zoya moved here about three years ago. When I met her and her boyfriend Darren in a café all those years ago she told me about her past life. She lived in Illinois before but met Darren here in Louisiana. Together they decided to move here to Warlington. She didn't have a job so I told her about my plan to open a flower shop.

With the help of her and Darren's family I was able to open it four months later. We found a little store that was perfectly located.

Darren is a very rich guy. Mostly through the heritage of his grandfather who unexpectedly passed right before they moved. Zoya told me that when she met Darren he was ready to give her all he has. He supports her in every way so I guess because she helped me pick out the store and helped with the designing and mostly because I hired her— he gladly wanted to spend some money.

I won't lie it wouldn't have been possible without him. At least not this fast.

By now I have paid them everything back. Today my flower shop is the only one in Warlington so it's pretty busy and well known. Over the years I have made a name for myself. Everyone knows me here.

My Parents don't live here anymore. Back when Everett and I were kids our parents always said they would stay here for the rest of their lives.

That quickly changed when Everett and I turned 17. His dad got a job offer in New York so they moved away. And then as soon as I looked for my own apartment by the time I had turned 19, my parents were gone too. They are now living in South Carolina owning a beach house, Everett and I have always dreamed of.

The bell ringing at the front door catches my attention as a dark man enters the shop. Approaching the counter he wraps his arms around Zoya turning her around and leaning in for a kiss.

I probably shouldn't stare but the way they're so affectionate with each other has my chest aching.

I continue creating a bouquet of purple flowers, trying my best to avoid staring.

I can see them moving, when Darren's voice echoes through the room.

"Hey Maisie" he mumbles, giving me a little smile while his chin rests on Zoya's shoulder holding her tight.

"Hi Darren! How are you?"

"Pretty good, thank you. You look horrible though"

The flower I just picked up falls to the floor and I hear a slap. The next thing I hear is Zoya's high pitched voice.