The Flower Shop

Chapter Ten

        Nadia tried to process the words that had just come out of Darryl's mouth. But more than anything, she tried to rationalize her anger which seemed to be growing by the second.
          "What did she tell you?" Nadia asked, her voice void of any emotion.
           Darryl could tell that Nadia was getting upset and he stood up straight.
           "She told me that you were single. And that you were also looking to someone and you'd mentioned my name in conversation," He said and watched Nadia's anger grow. "Nadia- are you ok?"
           Nadia scoffed and shook her head. "No. I need to find Michelle."
           "Did I say something-"
          Nadia held up her hand to cut him off. They stared at one another for a few seconds and Nadia could see that he was confused and concerned.
           "Darryl...I'm not single. I'm in a very happy relationship with Jalil." Nadia paused. "And I'm sorry, but she lied to you."
           Darryl nodded and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Nadia- if I would've known, I wouldn't have tried to push up on you. For that I'm sorry."
          Nadia shook her head. "Its not you. It's Michelle."
          With those words, Nadia turned and began walking the way she came. She only had one person in mind. And that person was Michelle.

           Jalil rolled his eyes as Michelle sashayed her way to him. She had been near him all day and he was more than agitated. He scanned the room, looking for an escape route.
           That chunky guy is by the exit. I might be able to squeeze past him, Jalil thought as he pretended to pull out his cellphone and press it towards his ear. Avoiding eye contact, Jalil strode towards the exit and managed to squeeze past the man standing next to it.
           Once he was on the other side of the door, he put his phone in his pocket and looked up, realizing that he was inside of the main ballroom. He looked around for Nadia, but didn't see her.
        He stuffed his hands in his tux pants and looked down surprised. He'd forgotten that he was now dressed in a tuxedo. The thick fabric made him feel heavy- in a good way. Growing up, he only wore suits a church with his grandmother and always felt like he was handling official business. Today felt no different.
           Feeling someone tug at his arm, he turned and smiled seeing Mrs. Samuels.
           "Mrs. Samuels, it's nice to see you. Nadia told me you'd be here."
           "Yes, she implied the same of you. You look very nice, Jalil. How are things going for you?"
           "Mrs. Samuels, things are well. I'm looking forward to getting a car."
           "Nadia did mention that. My husband saw a truck on his way to work and he mentioned it to me. You should check it out."
           Jalil nodded. "Thank you. Where is it located?"
           "He said it's close to the hardware store that Nadia likes? The one near the gas station that sells hot wings."
           Jalil made a mental note to run this information by Nadia. He scanned the room once more and just as he did, he saw Nadia enter into the room. As he did, his breath got caught in her throat as he took in her attire.
           She's so beautiful, Jalil thought as he started at her. He watched as she scanned the room and when they met eyes, she seemed to relax.
           He watched as she got closer to him and the closer she got, the more he could see her frown. He knew that something was wrong- because Nadia's face always held a smile. Just as she got closer to him, the overhead speaker cut on.
           "Everyone please, let's take a seat. The event is about to start and we need everyone in place." Jalil recognized Michelle's familiar voice.
           Nadia looked at him and he winked at her, seeing her mouth twitch into a small smile as she walked to her seat that was far away from his own.

***

           Nadia felt her mom touch her leg and she looked at her, stilling her leg that was shaking.
           "Baby, stay still." Her mother whispered to her. "Relax."
          Nadia only nodded but the more she thought about Michelle, the angrier she got. She couldn't believe that she would blatantly lie to Darryl, but then again, Michelle had always lived from drama.
           The Holy Spirit was right, Naida thought to herself as she shook her head at her thoughts. Her mind flashed back to when she and Michelle went out to lunch. Nadia had felt uneasy and now she knew why.
        God touch her before I do, Nadia thought as she took a sip of her water. She looked around at her flowers and thought they were beautiful. She was happy to have catered such an event. But she hated how much deceitfulness Michelle had done.
           As the smooth jazz ended and only the clatter of plates and scraping of forks could be heard, Nadia looked up at the podium and saw Michelle strutting to the microphone. Grabbing it, she made sure that it was on before she began to speak.
           "Ladies and Gentleman," Michelle smiled. "I am so thankful that everyone was able to make it to our event. In keeping with our schedule, I would like to remind everyone that in just a few moments we will start our workshops. Workshop A is on hair loss and mental health and workshop B is our wig tutorial class for those who want to learn how to secure their hair all while securing the bag." She paused. The audience laughed.
           "While I am here, I want you guys to take a look around at the beautiful flowers placed. While I picked them out- I could not have done this without my wonderful friend, Nadia Samuels. She is the owner of Nadia's Flowers- a local business. Nadia, please stand and show the people who you are."
          Nadia stood and forced a smile on her face. People clapped and cheered for her, but she didn't feel happiness in the moment. Instead, she felt anger and hurt- all inside of her.
           Sitting down, she felt her mother grab her hand. "Come with me."
           Without another word, Nadia and her mother stood and she walked her to the nearest bathroom.
           As soon as she entered the stall, Nadia released her tears.
           "No, no, no." Mrs. Samuels said. "You are too pretty to cry, baby. Stop that."
           Nadia took the tissue and dabbed her face. "Mama, I'm so upset."
           Her mother nodded head in understanding. "I know you are baby. I'm assuming this has something to do with Michelle?"
           Nadia nodded and dabbed her face more. Through her sniffles she told her mom about Michelle.
           "That doesn't surprise me. That low down heifer ain't no good. Strutting around here with the too tight dress on. I'm surprised I can't see her panty line."
           Nadia laughed at her mother's words. Mrs. Samuels smiled at her daughters smile.
           "There's my baby." Mrs. Samuels said. She grabbed Nadia's hands. "I know you're not feeling this, but God got you. The enemy can only roam for so long."
           Nadia nodded. "I know, Mama. But I wanna snatch that lace front from her edges."
           "I do too. But violence will only beget you looking crazy. All you need to do is stand. Stand still and watch The Lord work on your behalf. People like Michelle love reactions. But Our Father let us know the battle is already won. You're covered." Her mother assured her,
           Nadia hugged her mom and listened as her mother whispered a silent prayer in her ear before they both exited the stall. As soon as she and her mother were outside of the restroom, she saw Jalil standing with a concerned look on his face.
           Mrs. Samuels looked at the both of them and knew that they needed to talk by themselves. Nodding at Nadia, she squeezed her hand one last time before walking back into the foyer.
           "Baby are you ok?" Jalil asked, looking into her eyes and walking closer to her.
           She was quiet for a few seconds before feeling him squeeze her hand.
           "Talk to me, Nadia." Jalil spoke softly. Nadia looked at the concern in his eyes and knew that he loved her.  
           Without another thought, she told him what had happened with Darryl leading up to her current predicament now.
          When she was done, Jalil was silent for  a few seconds before he spoke.
           "I'm glad you told me. So now I gotta be honest with you baby." He paused. "Michelle has blatantly flirted with me in the past. And I was gonna tell you, but I knew she was your friend so I didn't want to upset that or cause drama."
           Nadia shook her head at his words, feeling more and more frustrated as she learned that Michelle had been showing out more and more.
           "I...I don't even know what to say." Nadia said as she turned away from Jalil. Silence befell the couple in the hallway.
           "Are you upset with me?" Jalil asked.
           Nadia turned to face him. "Yes and no. Yes because I wish you would've told me sooner. No because it feels like she's trying to wreak havoc on me and I- I don't know if I'm built for this." Nadia shook her head. She couldn't understand why her friend seemed to be hating her. She had tried to live a good, peaceful life with everyone. And here she was- dealing with someone she considered a friend who didn't seem to want kindness in her life.
           "I'm sorry, baby. I should've told you sooner. Mr. Ruffin told me to tell you. I was just...scared."
           "Scared of what, Jalil?"
           "I was scared that maybe you wouldn't believe me over her. I mean- you've known her for a while and I've only been in your life for a year."
           "Jalil, that's ridiculous. Just because I haven't known you for long doesn't mean that you don't have a very important place in my life. Sure, I've known her longer. And yes, she has seen me wake up looking crusty in a dorm. But I don't love her the same way that I love you. And Jalil I am in love with you. So please- don't start with me about not knowing me longer than her because you are my man. A man that I love." Nadia said, feeling her emotions well up and tears pool in her eyes.
           Jalil said nothing as he used the pads of his thumb to wipe away her tears. He kissed her, deeply and passionately. He backed them up unto her back softly hit the wall and even then, his strong arms wrapped around her waist holding her protectively.
           Nadia was speechless when he broke the kiss. They stared at one another for a few minutes in silence, trying to catch their breaths.
           "Nadia, I love you deep." Jalil said.
           "I love you deep too." Nadia replied, pecking his lips once more.
           "You wanna go home?"
           Nadia nodded and Jalil kissed her once more. He turned to leave and Nadia grabbed his hand stopping him.
           "What?" Jalil asked with his eyebrows furrowed.
           "Nothing. It's just that your lips are covered with my lip-gloss. And I love you baby, but I like my lips shiny not yours." She said as she wiped his lips with her hands. Jalil smiled at her actions and kissed her forehead before grabbing her hand with his own and leading them back into the foyer. As soon as they did, Nadia saw her mom standing near the door, waiting for her.
           "Mama we're gonna go home." Nadia said and Mrs. Samuels nodded understanding.
           "I figured." She said as she ate a piece of cantaloupe. "I'm about to leave as well, after I speak to one of my sorors though. Your flowers were beautiful baby." Her mom said as she kissed her daughter's chek. Turning to Jalil she kissed his cheek. "Take care of my baby." She winked at him before turning to leave.
           "You got all your stuff?" Jalil asked and Nadia shook her head no.
           "I left my stuff by Mama's plate and in the back room."
           Jalil nodded and the pair managed to grab her things before heading to the door. Just as Jalil held the door open for Nadia, he heard his name being called.
           "Jalil! Nadia! You guys can't leave." Michelle said as she walked frantically towards them.
           "We can and we are." Nadia said as she looked at her former friend.
           Michelle could tell that something was bothering Nadia. "Nadia, what's wrong? Did Kimberly mess with you? I know she did. Let me handle that right-"
           "Michelle lets cut the bull. Kimberly has been nothing but great. But you on the other hand have been trifling and acting like a mean girl." Nadia said.
           Michelle looked taken back and Nadia composed her face as she stood, waiting for her to say something back.
           "Nadia, what are you talking about?"
           "Why did you tell Darryl that I was single? When you knew full well that Jalil and I were dating?"
           Michelle attempted to compose herself but the shocked look on her face told both Jalil and Nadia that she wasn't expecting them to find out.
          "Well I- I just um...Nadia I forgot." Michelle stammered.
           "You forgot that we were together so you flirted with Jalil too, huh?" Nadia snapped. "Michelle, our friendship has ran it's course. Loose my number and God bless."
           Michelle said nothing as her eyes darted back and forth between Jalil and Nadia.
           "Nadia I tried to do you a favor." Michelle finally spoke. "I mean look at you: you're stuck in your hometown, running a business that isn't going anywhere and you're dating your employee?" Michelle rambled. Unbeknownst to her, loud voice had drawn a crowd behind her.
           "...I tried to get you on a level like myself: classy and elevated. Even your mother understands what that is. But no- you just wanna walk around like you're everyone's hero. Living some low class life with a man who walks to work. Please...you're pathetic." Michelle said as she sneered at Nadia.
           Nadia smiled and shook her head. "Michelle, the only pathetic person that I see is you. I'm happy, Michelle. I always have been content with myself. And maybe you need to heal that place within yourself because it's not me you're upset with. I pray you seek God- because only then will you recognize what a fool you look like."
           With those words, Nadia grabbed Jalil's hand and left the building. Michelle watched them go and fumed as she watched them walk away hand in hand. Trying her best to compose herself, she exhaled before turning around only to be met with stares. Most people shook their head at her while others scoffed at her.
           She attempted to smile but failed as she watched many simply walk away from her, just as Jalil and Nadia had done.

***

           Jalil looked at Nadia as they walked down the street, the humid August air meeting them.
          "You ok?" He asked as they turned the corner.
           "Nadia looked at him and smiled. "I'm fine baby.  I feel amazing."
           Jalil nodded. "Good because you handled her. She couldn't even keep her face straight. Lookin' a mess!" He  said as he burst out laughing, doubling over.
           Nadia couldn't control herself as she laughed along with Jalil. Calming down, the pair stood on the street, looking into one another's eyes.
           "I love you." Jalil said.
           "I love you too.' Nadia confessed and they shared a kiss.
           And although it was hot, the pair only felt the coolness of their love as they walked down the street, hand in hand.

***

Jalil and Nadia: 1......Michelle: -25  ;)

See y'all soon.

With love,

Malaysia