Poppy's POV
"Ma'am, the white flowers won't go well with the theme we're going with," I tried to reason with the client. She went on and on about the symbolism of white flowers and how they played, I quote, a vital role in the construction of her relationship. She was by far the most difficult bride I've had to deal with in a long time. I rolled my eyes as I listened to her ramble on and Jack chuckled from across of me at his desk.
I have to go, I mouthed to him, and looked at my watch. 1715. I told Lulu I'd be home by five.
To hell with being polite, I thought, I have to go home.
"Umm, Ma'am, I hate to interrupt you, but I have an urgent call to attend to. I will think about the white flowers and let you know. It was nice talking to you again. Have a good night ahead. Bye," I said quickly before she could get a word in and hung up the phone.
"That wasn't very long," Jack said and laughed.
"Not long at all. It's been, what, only forty minutes since I've been on the phone," I said and let out a sigh. Being an events planner was nice until you had to deal with brides who made two-hour appointments to discuss the beginnings of her relationship to understand the essence of the wedding because it should reflect on the decor. Her words, not mine.
"Alright then, I should get going," I said as I packed up and switched off my laptop. I looked at my phone. Two missed calls. Lulu.
*Reaching in fifteen minutes. I'm sorry* I quickly wrote a message back.
"Jack, don't forget to call me as soon as you reach, alright? I'll meet you there," I told him as I hurried out the door.
---
It was only a ten-minute walk back home but the road seemed to never end the faster I walked. As I approached the house, I looked up at the window looking out on the street on the first floor. They were shut and the curtains were closed. I stopped at the steps, closed my eyes for a second, catching my breath. I hope she isn't asleep yet, I thought. I opened the door and my thoughts were confirmed on seeing Lulu on the couch, completely engrossed in a documentary showing on tv. Or maybe it was a tv show. I wouldn't know since we never watched tv.
So she is asleep, I couldn't help but feel mad at myself.
My bag and shoes fell to the floor in a thud and Lulu immediately scrambled to her feet, fishing for the remote on the sofa to switch off the tv. I smiled despite myself. No matter how many times I told her she shouldn't be afraid of making noises in the house, she still tiptoed everywhere in silence. She even watched the tv on mute.
"Hi Lulu."
"Afternoon Poppy," she replied, giving me a smile.
"Is she sleeping?"
Lulu nodded.
"Did she cry a lot?"
The look on her face was enough to send me running up the stairs two steps at a time.
I stopped at the door of the pink bedroom, looking at the tiny girl in her bed, cheeks visibly stained with fresh tears. Promise me you'll take care of yourself and of her, promise me Poppy, a voice all too familiar resonated in my head. My throat constricted at the memory, my eyes pricking with hot tears. Everyday I found myself breaking more and more of that promise. I was trying my hardest, but it was never enough.
Wiping off my tears, I walked up to the bed and sat down on the edge beside her.
"Summer," I cooed as my fingers eased the frown between her eyebrows. "Summer, wake up baby." I gently smoothed her hair as tiny green eyes opened up at me. "Hi Sunshine," I said, smiling. Summer sat up, hair tousled and eyebrows frowning again as shaky lips said in a small voice, "Mommy, late."
"I know, baby. I'm sorry?" I said, as I brought her onto my lap. She threw her arms around my neck, her head buried in my chest. I kissed the top of her head and she tightened her grip on me. That was her way of telling me that I was forgiven and I smiled. Summer was wiser beyond her three years. She was so small when it all happened, but somehow it seemed like she knew all about it and understood.
"Carnival?" She lifted her head off my chest, eyes hopeful, glimmering with fresh tears.
"Mommy promised, right? Now, come on, let's eat something before we head off." That sent her jumping off my lap, running down the stairs to the kitchen, squealing in happiness.
"No running on the stairs, Summer Alice," I called after her.
When she reached down the stairs, Lulu scooped her up in her arms, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Lulu!" Summer protested and wiped her hands across her cheek. This made Lulu laugh and she planted another kiss on her other cheek. Summer shrieked and Lulu carried her off to the kitchen, sitting her on the counter as she prepared her food. While she fed her, I took a shower and got ready.
Lulu had been the last of five babysitters who came for Summer. All the others had run off after a day or two, saying she was a difficult child. It was true that she had a mind of her own, even as young as she was, but what Summer really wanted was someone who understood her, someone she knew wouldn't leave her, and Lulu, having raised three children of her own, gave her just that. I'd even say Lulu and Summer got along even better than Lulu and I did.
An hour later, we were out the door, Summer bouncing up and down as we walked to the city centre.
A/N: Liking it so far, peeps? Comment please.
