A Dozen Dahlias and a Taser

1: Dahlia

Authors note: Okay the protagonist is annoyingly innocent but I promise you that there will be character development

My first month in my new apartment has been completed.

My apartment is a snug, inviting haven tucked away in a bustling city of London. As you step inside, you're greeted by the warm, flickering glow of candles clumsily scattered on shelves, windowsills, and tables, casting a soft, golden light that dances on the walls. The scent of vanilla and cinnamon fills the air, enhancing the cosy atmosphere.

I loved the feeling of having my own space and not being constantly bothered by the press and being free. I don't have to work because of my father's money, but I chose to work at a bakery because I have always loved baking.

Especially cookies.

I turned on the TV as I took a sip of my glass of white wine, and it immediately opened to the news.

My dad stood there in the Houses of Parliament, saying how he wanted to get rid of immigrants. No doubt, expressing his opinion in a racist fashion.

He was always like this. Obviously, I love him because he's my dad, but I disagree with so many of his opinions.

"They cause crime, they aren't good, and when you go to town, there are no bloody white people there anymore! We need to get this country back to the way it was!" He yelled, a vein popping out in his forehead and spit gritting through his teeth in the middle of the heated debate.

I don't know why he thinks like this, but I really wish he didn't.

Sighing at his outdated and obnoxious opinion, I turned over the channel to a documentary about some random britpop battle in the 90s.

Boring.

There is never anything good on TV anymore. I don't even know why I own one at this point. I switched the television off, the glow illuminating my room evaporating in a second and I fell into a heavy slumber quickly.

The next morning, I was strolling to work when I stopped in my tracks to look at the gorgeous bouquet of white Dahlias in the window of a florist shop.

White dahlias. My favourite flowers. With their pristine petals and intricate geometry, exude an air of elegance and purity. Each blossom is a delicate, star-shaped wonder, with layers of velvety petals radiating from a tightly packed centre. The blooms are strikingly luminous, reflecting light in a way that makes them seem to glow softly.

Or you know. Pretty flowers and stuff.

I continued my journey to the bakery, arriving a few minutes late, but that wasn't unusual for me.

"Good morning!" I beamed to my colleagues. They always look so grumpy and grey and miserable. Sometimes, it puts me out of my good mood. Not today, though. The pretty flowers I saw in the shop before had set a happy tone for the rest of the day.

They met my cheery greeting with dead mumbles and murmers as if they were zombies.

Making my way behind the counter and putting on my apron, I smiled at my colleague Darius. He was undeniably handsome, but I never thought of him in a romantic way because he never spoke to me.

Ding!

The bell above the door vibrated as it rang, a couple entering the bakery. I couldn't help but notice little signs that the couple wasn't happy.

Bruises up and down her neck. Maybe he's abusing her, but I shouldn't say anything.

"Hiya, what can I get for you?" I smiled, keeping up my friendly persona.

Before he spoke, the man cleared his throat and made his order of a chocolate éclair and an apple turnover, then leaving.

The rest of the day passed slowly, but I enjoyed it. The manager asked to lock up, and I obeyed her command because I didn't mind staying a little extra late.

As I pulled down the cold metal barrier from the front of the shop, I noticed a bouquet of white Dahlias in the same pale green packaging that was in the Florist's, accompanied by a little white slip of paper with writing.

Despite being the only person left in the bakery, I couldn't help but think that they were left for someone else. I had never got flowers before.

I knew I shouldn't read what the note says. It's nosy.

But I might as well. They'll never know.

A dozen Dahlias for my Dahlia.

Wait, were these... for me? Or is he just calling his girlfriend a dahlia like the flower?

Should I take them?

No, I shouldn't. They are probably for someone else, and I would feel awful if I did.

I made my way back home, excited to get in. I fancied a hot chocolate, and I planned on making cookies as soon as I put my key in the front door.

But to my suprise, I saw the flowers on the kitchen island and another note. I opened up the slip of paper.

Don't deny my gifts, Angel. I might have to reveal myself and punish you if you don't submit.

Punish me? What was this person gonna do? Ground me? Take my phone off me? The idea seemed laughable.

But the more important question was, how did this mystery person get in my house?

My first thought was to ring my dad, even though I knew he probably wouldn't answer because he was busy with his work.

Ring...Ring...Ring...I'm sorry, but thenperson you have called is unavailable. Please leave a message-

I wouldn't bother leaving a message because he never gets back to me. My mother always used to say to just accept it because men don't care.

Hopefully, one day, someone will fall in love with me, even if he doesn't have time for me. As long as that, when we are together, we can do cute couple activities. Like making cookies or brownies in the kitchen and spend time with eachother.

But I really shouldn't focus on that right now. Re-dial.

"Yes? What do you want?" My father's agitated voice finally answered after it was about to ring out.

I cleared my throat as I responded, "Oh, uhm, Hi Daddy. So some flowers arrived in my apartment, and there was a note that said it was gonna punish me -"

"What the fuck are you telling me for? I don't wanna know about your weird love life." He sighed loudly to make his point clearer.

"No, Daddy, whoever it is, I don't think I know them, and they broke into my apartment, and I don't know what to do!" I rushed my words, trying not to waste any more of his time.

"Look, I need to go, just.. I don't know. I'll send a bodyguard for you to arrive in the morning, just don't ring me again."

My face lit up at the thought. Maybe she would become my best friend! Maybe we could go get coffee together at a little cute and cosy café.

This will be good.