Guns & Tulips

Chapter 6: An Ordinary Day?

***Westly***

After Benny and the doctor leave, Penni does stuff around the shop. Like sweeping, cleaning the windows and glass doors, making pre-made bouquets. Just normal little things, that make me wish I could help. But Mr. What’s-his-name, the doctor, kinda scares me. So I do exactly what he told me to do.

Which is sit here.

Like a bump on a log.

God I’m board!

“Do you want to do something, or do I have something on my face?” Penni says. I’m a little surprised, but then I realize that I was staring at her. I blush a bit, and nod.

She hands me a plastic bag, a pair of scissors, and some flowers. “Cut the ends off of those, and do it at an angle.” I smile, and get to work.

It doesn’t take long for costumers to come it, and I get to watch Penni in action. One costumer brings in a little girl, about seven or so, and Penni is so kind that it makes me smile. Most of the day goes by slowly, and I get to watch just about the whole town go in and out of the store, and talk to Penni. Not everyone bought flowers; some would come just to see how she’s doing, or giver her some kind of sweets. Seeing all this kind of makes me miss the country.

Then one of the Hillis boys comes in, and I’m immediately reminded of why I’m here. It's James. He was the one that said they should just send me off with a warning. He’s here with a red head girl, and a little boy.

“Hey!” Penni immediately greets the girl with a hug, and gives the little boy a kiss on the forehead. “Just wanted to stop by and Trenton wanted to buy some flowers.” the girl said. She then takes note of me and raises her eyebrow. “Who’s that?” she asks. Penni, who seems to have forgot I was there, blushes and walks over to me. “This is Westly Wood. He’s a friend visiting from New York. Can you believe that he got mugged on his first day here?” she says. So she’s going with my pathetic excuse. I smirk. Then she places her hand protectively on my shoulder and looks directly at James. Wait, how’d she guess it was the Hillis’ who knifed me?

She’s sharp. I gotta watch out for that.

I smirk. The girl looks shocked and walks over me, giving me a hug. “Poor thing! How are ya, sweetie?” she says. I shrug. “Not that bad, Ma’am, just need a few days to recuperate.” she smiles and holds out her hand. “Well that’s splendid! My names Judy Hillis! How long you staying?” I shake her head and think about how to answer. ‘well I got to let my stab wounds heal, then after that all depends on your husband, and his brothers on how fast if can leave’ might be a little much. “I guess in don’t know.” Judy smiles a smile that looks like it has another motive, and turns to Penni. “Well at least you have a man around the house!” she says and makes Penni blush.

“Well anyway, we have to get going.”, James says, and the little boy, Trenton I think, says, “But what about the flowers?” James looks down and ruffles his hair. “Maybe some other time, we’ve got business to discuss with your uncles.” The boy pouts, but doesn’t say anything.

James looks at me and I raise and eyebrow. “Well it’s always good to see you, James.” Penni says. James nods to her, and tips a imaginary hat. “See you soon. Oh, and Penni?” he says turning around. “I think my brother Marcus will be stopping by tomorrow. Just wanted to give you a heads up.” she stands her ground and nods her head. “Well it was nice meeting you!” Judy says, and on the way out she gives Penni a hug.

So the leader, Marcus is coming tomorrow.

Oh, boy.