My Flower

Chapter 7 - The Bet

~ ~ ~ 1999

   The scent of lavender and something vaguely citrusy hung in the air, a familiar comfort that always greeted Hunter when he stepped into the Ahlgrim's house. Sunlight streamed through the large bay window in her living room, illuminating dust motes that danced like tiny, golden fireflies. Blossom was sprawled across the plush, floral-patterned sofa, her legs dangling over the armrest, a half-read book resting precariously on her chest. Hunter, perched on the edge of a nearby armchair, watching her. Her face was framed by her long blonde hair, and even in her relaxed state, there was an elegance about her that always made his heart do a little skip.

   "So," Hunter said, breaking the comfortable silence "What are you reading?"

   Blossom blinked, her blue eyes focusing on him. "Some sappy romance," she said with a dramatic sigh, "Don't tell anyone, but it's actually quite good." She tapped the cover dismissively. He'd seen enough of them around her room to know she was lying, she adored this stuff.

   "You know," she continued, finally putting the book down and sitting up, "it's all so... unrealistic. All these grand gestures and perfect soulmates. It's just not real, is it?"

   Hunter tilted his head. "Okay, coming from the queen of romance novels and rom-coms, that's a little surprising."

   She shrugged. "Yeah, well, I like the stories, the escapism. I just don't believe it. In real life, love is all hassle and disappointment."

   Hunter knew exactly what she was talking about, or at least he thought he did. Over the past couple of months, Blossom had pulled back from the dating scene. Heartbreak had a way of doing that to a person. It had started with quiet cancellations and vague excuses, then it was a solid, unwavering 'no' to any invitation. She rarely even talked about it anymore. He understood the pain she'd gone through but it tore him apart to watch his best friend become so jaded.

   "It doesn't have to be though, right?" Hunter ventured, a touch of hesitancy in his tone. "There can be good out there. You've just not had it yet."

   Blossom gave him a wry smile. "You're sweet, Hunter, but you're also hopelessly optimistic. I've... decided to take a break from all of that. Dating, romance, all of it. Let other people deal with the heart-ache."

   Hunter chewed on his lip, something within him bristling at the defeat in her voice. "But, Blossom," he argued, "you can't just...give up. There must be someone out there for you, someone who will make it all feel real, not like some cheesy film."

   She rolled her eyes, but there was a flicker of something in her gaze, a hint of that vulnerability he knew she hid so well. "And you think you know someone? You think that someone will just magically appear?"

   That's when an idea began to form in his mind, bold and a little reckless, but it took hold. It was a way, he figured, to reignite that spark in her eyes, to remind her that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for her. And maybe, while he was at it, she would finally see what was right in front of her.

   "Not magically, but..." Hunter said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Perhaps with a little nudge, or a little...effort."

   Blossom raised a questioning eyebrow. "Effort? From who?"

   "From me," Hunter declared, sitting up straight.

   She looked at him, her head tilted slightly, confusion and mild amusement warring on her face. "You? What are you talking about?"

   "I'm saying," he took a deep breath, "I'm saying that I don't believe you don't believe in love anymore. You're just scared to try again. So I'm going to prove you wrong."

   Blossom laughed, a short, sharp sound that he knew was masking her discomfort. "Oh, is that so? And how do you plan on doing that, oh great romance expert?"

   Hunter leaned forward, his eyes alight with mischievous determination. "Okay, here's the deal. I'm going to take you on a date. Every single day, for...2 weeks. 14 dates, Blossom. And if by the end of it, you still don't believe in love, then...fine. You can have my jacket."

   Blossom's eyes widened. She knew which jacket he meant; the worn, leather bomber that was coca-cola themed believe or not. He practically lived in it. She loved it, and always teased him about it. "You're serious? Your jacket? The one you never let anyone borrow?"

   "Dead serious," Hunter confirmed. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was a crazy idea, he knew, but the thought of seeing Blossom smile again, of seeing her eyes sparkle with genuine happiness, made it worth it.

   A slow grin spread across her face. "Okay." Her tone was dripping with playful skepticism. "Okay, Hunter. You're on. But if I win, that jacket is mine. And don't think I'll go easy on you. I'm a tough sell."

   "I wouldn't expect anything less," he replied, matching her grin. "So that's a yes?"

   "It is," she confirmed, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Bring on the dates. Let's see if you can break through my ice-cold heart."

   Hunter tried to keep his face neutral, but he couldn't help the surge of hope that coursed through him. He knew this wasn't just about winning a bet. This was about Blossom, about seeing the vibrant, passionate girl he knew she could be. But deep down, a secret hope bloomed that perhaps, these dates could mean something more. That maybe, beneath all the teasing and banter, she'd see him, just as he saw her. He could be the one to finally make her believe in love again, and, possibly even be the recipient of that love.

   He stood up. "Right then," he said, his voice a little breathless, "first date starts tomorrow. Any preferences?"

   Blossom laughed again, a genuine, light laugh that warmed him from the inside out. "Surprise me," she said, her eyes twinkling. "But make it good, Hunter. You have a lot to live up to if you want to win this."

   Hunter smiled, his heart full. He knew winning that bet was a long shot, but at that moment, he wasn't thinking about the outcome. He was thinking about the possibility, the thrill of the chase. And he was going to give it everything he had. The adventure was just beginning, and as he stepped out of Blossom's house a couple hours later, the sun felt like it was shining just for him.