The Flower Shop

Part Three: Full Bloom

          "MR. THOMPSON, PLEASE RISE." The baliff said and Jalil did as he was told. He stood, hands shaking as he touched the buttons on his suit. Turning around, he looked at Nadia who winked at him, causing him to smile softly. He focused his attention back on the judge whose stern face sat unmoving as he looked at the young black man before him.
           Jalil took the old, white man in. He had to be at least 60, Jalil presumed. His round glasses sat at the bridge of his nose and he moved with practice: shuffling papers quickly while breathing easy. After a pause, the judge looked up at Jalil.
           "Mr. Thompson, after reviewing your case and hearing testimonies on your behalf. I am pleased to let you off of parole. You are one of the few people that I have seen in my 20 years working as a judge that has taken the time to be rehabilitated from actions in their past. Please keep up the great work. And it would be my pleasure to not have to see you in this place again. Court dismissed." The judge said with a smile, and he pounded his gravel.
           Jalil let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and turned to shake hands with Officer Jenkins who shook hands with him.
           "I'm so happy I don't have to see you again." He joked as he patted Jalil on the shoulder. "But please visit sometimes. You are a success story. I'd love it if you could come and talk to some of the current inmates."
           Jalil nodded. "Anytime. Thank you, Officer Jenkins, for staying on me."
           "It's my job." Officer Jenkins said as he shook hands with Jalil one last time before walking away.
           Jalil turned and was met with the smiling face of his sister.
           "Jalil I am so proud of you!" Jacquie said as she hugged her baby brother. "You are such a star!"
           Jalil laughed at her exclamations and hugged her tightly. Mr. Ruffin slowly treaded his way.
           "Now you're officially free." He said as he shook hands with Jalil. "Thank you calling on me. I'd speak highly of you a thousand times over if you'd ask."
           Jalil took in the older man's words and felt blessed. He'd never had his father in his life and knew that having Mr. Ruffin was truly a blessing from God.
           More people came up and greeted him, mostly people from neighboring shops who, upon finding out that he was an ex-convict, treated him kindly. Not everyone had been so kind, but most people had been. And for that, he was always grateful.
           He saw Nadia's parents and walked over to them. Mrs. Samuels hugged him and Mr. Samuels shook his hand. Letting him know that he was proud of him.
           Upon seeing Nadia, his heart skipped a beat as she smiled at him.
           "Baby, I am so happy for you." She said as she hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her waist softly. Still holding her, he looked into her eyes.
           "Thank you." He said as he kissed her lips lightly.
           Nadia smiled at the action, allowing herself to get lost in the kindness of his eyes.
           "Yeah, yeah- you two love one another. We get it. But let's get go back home to celebrate." Jacquie said as she squeezed in between the couple, causing them to laugh. They held hands as they walked out into the cool September day.

**

           Nadia poured herself a second cup of lemonade as she watched Jalil dance with Jacquie. He'd been wearing a smile on his face all day and it made Nadia's heart swell with joy. She could tell that he was living his best life- something she prayed for earnestly.
           Allowing her petite body to rest on the side of the oak tree, she admired how well she and Jacquie had transformed the once barren backyard. Autumn plants were planted strategically around her backyard and a string of lanterns lit up the place, adding to the glow that was already on everyone's faces. The sun hadn't quite set, and the orange and pink hues made the South Carolina sky beautiful.
           Nadia was enjoying the mid-September weather. The air was cooler and she could wear her dresses without sweating through her clothes, which made her feel so much more at peace. She wore a long blue skirt that moved gracefully paired with a sleeveless white top. Nadia felt comfortable.
           Hearing Jaheim cry from the inside, Nadia moved from the oak tree and walked up the stairs and inside of the home. Going to the familiar route, she saw the now 1 year old. He was standing in his crib, crying. When he saw Nadia, he stretched his arms out for her to pick him up, which she did.
           "Aw Jah, it's ok. I got you." She said as she rocked him in her arms. He calmed down and began to move his hands in a certain way, signaling to her that he was hungry.
           Nadia knew where his snacks were and walked over to where they were placed, giving him his favorite: strawberry puffs.
           Awkwardly placing them in his mouth, Nadia smiled as he watched her, trying to offer her some.
           "Oh no, Jah. I already ate. But come on, let's go fix you a real plate."
           Jaheim babbled and Nadia smiled at his incoherent words as she walked back outside with him. Going over to the food, she fixed finger foods she knew Jaheim could eat. Sitting down with him on her lap, she helped him put mashed potatoes in his mouth and watched as he chewed with his little lips poked out.
           Feeling someone walk over to her, she looked up and saw that it was Jacquie.
           "Hey Jacquie." Nadia smiled at her and watched as she pulled a chair closer.
           "Hey girl. And hi mama's baby." Jacquie cooed to her soon. He giggled and reached for her.
           "Ma...ma." He said and Jacquie grinned, kissing his neck. She looked at Nadia. "Nadia thanks for helping me get this together. Jalil is extremely happy."
           Nadia nodded. "Oh, I didn't mind. You know I'd do anything for him."
           "I know you would." Jacquie grinned. "But seriously- thank you for coming into his life. Jalil seems to glow when you're around. I've never seen him this happy."
           Nadia blushed and looked at Jaheim who was busy eating his fingers.
           "Thanks for that. Your brother is special to me."
           Jacquie nodded and fed her son. The ladies continued talking and laughing when an early 2000's song came on and Jaheim squirmed from his mother's lap to stand and dance.
           "Now what does he know about Usher?" Nadia asked.
           "Your boyfriend! He's always playing this around the house. And Jah just loves it. Look here comes Jalil now. Watch them two starts cutting up."
           As Jacquie predicted, Jalil- now dressed comfortably in jeans and a collared shirt, squatted down so that he was at his nephew's level. They began to dance with one another and Jaheim's giggles made everyone cheerful. When the song was over, Jalil and Jaheim got a round of applause.
           Another song began playing- this time an old 70's love song. Jalil looked at Nadia and held his hand out to her. Nadia took his hand and stood, allowing him to lead her to the makeshift dance floor.
           Holding her softly, he held her waist and moved them, so they rocked back and forth.
            "I feel like I haven't really spoken to you all day, Ms. Samuels." Jalil said and watched as Nadia smiled.
           "That's because you were busy greeting and loving on everyone. Not that I'm upset at it. I can tell you're happy." Nadia replied.
           "Happy isn't the word. I feel like I can finally do what I've been wanting to do for so long." Jalil said which caused Nadia to scrunch her eyebrows up at him in confusion.
           "And what's that?" She asked.
           Without another word, Jalil dropped to one knee which caused everyone to take pause. Nadia stood frozen as she watched him fish in his pocket and take out a brown shaped box. When he opened it, a diamond ring flashed back at her.
           "Over the last few years of my life, I have found one thing that I cannot live without. And that thing is you. Nadia you complete my space. And when you're not there- my space feels empty. You are the love of my life and I thank God for you every day. With that being said.....Nadia Desselle Samuels, will you marry me?" Jalil said. His hands were shaking as he was beyond nervous, but his love for Nadia wouldn't let him wait.
           Nadia felt her tears form in her eyes and then spill over. She looked at Jalil and saw the nervousness in his eyes as he waited for her answer. Smiling, she nodded her head.
           "Yes!" She said and Jalil slid the ring on her finger before standing up and kissing her. Claps erupted and Nadia took Jalil's face in her hands.
           "I love you."
           "I love you too." Jalil said as she spun her around, causing her to laugh.

**

           As people left the party and congratulated both Nadia and Jalil, she felt as if she was on cloud nine. Waving goodbye to the last of the guests, she found herself standing alone in the backyard.
           Let me look at it one last time, Nadia thought to herself as she looked at her ring. Looking at the diamond flash, she enjoyed how it twinkled under the stringed lanterns, creating flashes of light on the ground.
           Suddenly feeling hands wrap around her waist, she relaxed and allowed Jalil's mahogany smell to envelop her.
           "What are you doing?" He asked as his chin rested against her neck.
           "I was looking at my ring." She said as she held her hand out.
           "Do you like it? I know it's not big."
           Nadia turned to face him. "Jalil, it's perfect." Nadia said. "You could've handed me a ring pop and I would've said yes."
           "Foreal?" Jalil asked with an arched eyebrow.
           "I mean...no." She said and they both burst out laughing. "But baby, this ring is beyond perfect. And I like the side because I gotta dig in some flower pots. I'm more than happy. We're so blessed."
          "Jalil kissed her forehead. "We are. So, let's pray real quick."
           Intertwining one another's hands and closing their eyes, Jalil began to pray for them.
           "God, it's me- Jalil and Nadia. I followed Your lead and now she's about to become my wife. God, please bless our journey. I know that You have put us together and I pray that you protect us from anything or anyone who does not have our best interest in mind. God, thank you for us. We praise you. In Jesus' name, Amen."
           As they opened their eyes, a peace fell upon them- a peace that surpassed all understanding.
           "Let's dance," Jalil said as he began to move them to a beat only he could hear. He hummed in her ear, which caused her to close her eyes and enjoy the moment she found herself in.
           Unbeknownst to them, Jacquie stood in the doorway of her patio holding a sleeping Jaheim in her arms. She watched her brother and his new fiancé, engrossed in their own little world seeing no one but each other.
          Rubbing her son's back, she smiled at the pair.
           "You can't see them," she whispered to her son. "But your Uncle  and your future Auntie are so happy. And I pray that God blesses you with happiness like that one day." Jacquie prayed. Jaheim sighed a deep, sleeping sigh which made his mother smile. Looking once more at the couple dancing to their own music, she rubbed her son's back before quietly tip-toeing away- as not to disturb the peace that had fallen in her backyard.

***

These two make my heart smile.

Only a few more chapters left! But I won't leave y'all hanging. I have a new project in store!

See you soon,

Love, Malaysia