HIS FLOWER

CHAPTER NINE

FLORIA

"I don't know why I always end up in tears. Considering all the cruel and almost inhumane ways my father chooses to discipline me, this should be the least of the things that makes me cry. But it just hurts so bad, too. It hurts on a different level. With my dad, there's a getting-used-to, but this... I don't think there's ever getting used to the squeezing pain in my chest. This one that reminds me that breathing is a luxury.

I cried harder as we arrived at my place of work. Driving myself into panic mode, "Madam! What's wrong?" the driver inquired, rushing to open my door.

"Ivy! Ivy! Please get Ivy!" I gasped, pointing in the direction of the cafe. She's the only one who would know how to handle this.

After what felt like forever, Ivy came running out, frantic in her movement as she saw me sprawled on the passenger seat, one turn from hitting the ground.

"Lori! Oh my goodness! What happened?" She helped me onto the floor, and we both settled down, not bothering about the dust and filth we'd get on our clothes.

"Breathe, Angel!" She cuddled me to her chest. "Come on, we'll do it together. Take a deep breath, Lori. In and out. We'll do it again, in and out." She continued rubbing my back as we tried her breathing exercises.

"Listen to the rhythm of my heart, Lori. You'll be fine. I promise you'll be fine. I'm here for you."

We sat there for God knows how long, and by the time I was able to gather my bearings, the driver was gone.

"I didn't pay..." I whispered to Ivy.

"I did," Ivy assured, rocking me on her chest.

"What happened, Angel? Please talk to me."

"He kissed me..." I murmured.

Ivy let out a very audible gasp in surprise. "Does that mean he admitted his feelings?"

I shook my head. "No. He did it to piss his ex-girlfriend off. It was just a front, Ivy. He used me. Just when I came to terms with what I feel for him. It was my first kiss, Ivy. I had wanted it to be something special, but he took it all for a charade."

I cried, clutching onto Ivy for dear life.

"That bastard!" Ivy groaned. "It's okay, Angel. You have to stop crying now. He's not worth your tears, Angel. If he chooses to be a punk ass, then let him. But you, my darling, are gonna dust up and let him be."

I nodded, pulling myself off the ground with Ivy.

A few hours passed, and the sun began to set when a delivery man walked into the eatery, requesting me. I was skeptical until Ivy arrived.

"Over here! This would be your lady," she said, gesturing to me.

"Hold up! Before anything, who is that from?" Ivy's tone took a 360-degree turn, and a frown marred her face.

"It has no name, but there's a card on it for Miss Floria," the delivery man responded nervously.

I shrugged and took the package, signing on the column he showed me. Ripping off the note first, I found a drawing of me as a little girl and boy holding hands, with the message: "I hope you enjoy it." The drawing looked familiar, like something I'd done years ago as a child.

"Rings a bell?" Ivy asked, peering at me curiously. I shrugged, choosing to leave the note for later.

I unwrapped and unboxed the package, finding a 'Milka White Chocolate' bar, a brand I was addicted to as a child. The only brand my mom would let me have due to my caffeine allergy.

"Who do you think this came from?" Ivy questioned beside me. I gave a blank stare, unsure how to respond.

"It could be one of your secret admirers," Ivy suggested, and I chuckled at the ridiculous idea.

"Secret admirers? Who says I have those?" I laughed.

Ivy shrugged. "And who says you can't have those? My best friend is a very pretty girl. So, we can't put it past her to have heads spinning in private."

We fell into laughter. "Well, you did make Jayden's head spin," Ivy added.

"Then he fell and crushed his brain," I grunted, shoving the box into my bag.

As we left, I was exhausted. We headed to Ivy's place, where I'd been staying since my father got tangled in a minor assault case and landed in jail for a month. I tried visiting him, but he didn't care about seeing me, so I left him be.

Near Ivy's apartment block, I spotted Jayden's familiar car.

"Ivy, Jayden is here," I whispered, and she gave me a quizzical look.

"I can't face him, Ivy," I groaned.

Ivy assured me, "I'll deal with him, alright girl? Don't worry."

Jayden calls out once we alighted from our taxi. "Lily." Catching us by the gate

"Hi, Mr. Wellington," I stuttered, hating that I was still affected by his presence.

"Jayden, Lily - baby, please," he pleaded.

I looked away from his enthralling eyes. "What do you want?" I asked in a low voice.

"It's not what you think it is. Give me a chance to explain."

Ivy intervened, "Listen, Jayden, you can't come around here hoping to get an audience with my friend after the stunt you pulled. Lori means the universe to me, and until we agree on that, I don't think this is going further."

"I was rooting for you, thinking you'd give my bestie the love, security, and stability she deserves. But I'm not letting you near my friend if you're just some punk ass with a whoring issue and can't value the good thing in front of you."

"Let me make it right," Jayden pleaded.

Ivy snapped, "I don't see how that's our business. Have a lovely night, Mr. Wellington."

As we walked away, I glanced back, and Jayden was still standing there, staring at our retreating backs.