Tulips

1. Becca's Blooms.

Becky.

I woke up at 6:00 am. I stared at the ceiling with thoughts running to my head.

I feel empty... lonely... so alone... I've been like this for a month now. It was worse on the 1st week. If not for my family and friends, I would've survived my first ever heartbreak to my first boyfriend. Well, he's an ex now so...

I looked at the box that's on top of the cabinet. I stashed there all things that reminded me of him.

I sighed deeply thinking that the sayings were right. First love really is hard to forget. I looked past the clock and was shocked to see it's already 6:35 am.

I immediately stood and made up my bed. I then run for 15 minutes on the threadmill. After that I took a shower, ate cereals and drank hot chocolate.

I went downstairs to the shop around 7:30 am. I arrange everything first before I opened the shop at exactly 8am.

Around 3pm I saw the Armstrong's House of Blooms blue van pulled up in front of the shop. I pretended I didn't see it and continue with the bouquet that I'm arranging.

"Excuse me, a delivery for the strong headed ugly owner of Becca's Blooms." The familiar teasing voice said behind me.

I faced my annoying brother and replied:

"I apologize sir, I'm afraid you're mistaken for the owner is an ever lovely sophisticated lady."

Richie began acting like he's going to throw up. We then laughed. Emman and Rey came in carrying the flowers I've ordered.

"Hi pretty! Where do you want these?" Rey asked.

"Over there please. Thanks Rey." I smiled at him.

"Anything for you Ms..."

"Stop flirting. There are more in the van Rey. And remember that's my sister you're staring at." Richie said with his arms crossed.

Richie has always been protective of me specially boys. Before, Dad had to talk to him for wanting to punch my ex. He watched as Rey went back to the van laughing. He mocks Richie whenever he can.

When they all put the orders in, Richie handed me the list and the receipt. I went through it and check it before giving it back to Richie.

"Thanks bro."

"This is the biggest batch you've ordered. Way to go sis."

"By the way, why are you here, who's at the shop?"

"Leo is there. What? Can't I see my sister for a while."

I noticed the van already left. Then I know. He'll be visiting someone here.

"Ah. I see. Who is it this time?" My brother being the handsome guy that he is, never had a girlfriend whom he really loves. All were flings which he was always open about to the girls he's been with.

He is really kind and a true gentleman. He says he tell the girls because he don't want them to invest in him emotionally cause he couldn't do the same. He don't want to hurt them the same way he don't want me hurt by guys. That's why he hate my ex so much enough for him to almost beat him. If it's not for my Dad, he would've succeeded.

"A friend's friend. He's been trying to set me up with her but she's been busy."

"Ah, entrepreneur or employed?"

"Entrepreneur. You know me I like independent girls."

"Okay. Okay..." A customer went in. "Stop keeping me from work. Leave."

"Ow. Nice talking to you sis." He walked towards the door. "By the way, mom and dad will be home by Sunday. You need to be there. You know how mom is nowadays."

I gestured for him to go away that made him shake his head.

"Uhm. Miss, can you help me pick a bouquet for my girlfriend."

"Sure. Uhm. What do you want to tell her?"

"What do you mean?"

"Each flower has it's meaning. Like for example this pink Camellia, this means missing or longing that person. The  Edelweiss means devotion. The Daisy means innocent love. The Blue Salvia means I think of you. Every flower you chose gives more meaning rather than just a gift. "

"Wow. You really know your flowers. The owner is lucky to have you here."

"I'm actually the owner."

"No way! You're so young. Well then, lucky you."