Memories in Flowers

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

A miracle was what Mrs Hill called it. She went as far as saying that Aiden had to be the reincarnation of her husband, who had supported her on her ambitions since the very beginning.

In one day, we had sold ten pieces — a couple pots, and bouquets made-to-order. Mrs Hill was going to be rather preoccupied now. I could see how Aiden did it, but I couldn't understand how. He was just able to be so charismatic all the time as he spoke to random people on the streets, getting them to take a look here and there, completely no pressure. Customers were mostly at ease, even amazed. They hadn't even realised that there was a gardening shop! I made a mental note to myself to think of ideas on how Mrs Hill could make the exterior of her shop more striking.

The day ended cheerfully. With customers going in and out of the shop nearly the entire day, Mrs Hill was sure that things were going to look up from now on. Word would spread about the shop, and more customers would arrive. It seemed refurbishing hadn't been a good idea at all, which I agreed even though I'd given Mrs Hill the idea, as everyone who came had commented on how homely the shop was, and that was it possible if they never left? I didn't want to leave either, but by five, Mrs Hill was ready to close. Aiden and I walked home without any pay on our insistence.

"That was really fun. I never thought I would actually help out at a shop like this." I turned to look at him. He had on this look of awe on his face, something that made me smile unconsciously.

"I didn't expect that you were capable of it either."

He walked backwards a few steps, seeming to take in the sight of the old shop. I was tempted to do the same, to look at it with a stranger's pair of eyes. Was it as conspicuous as what the others had said?

He turned back to the front. "I'm so glad I didn't go play baseball." He looked at me eagerly. "What are we going to do tomorrow?"

I frowned, defensive mode turned on. "We are not going to do anything. I am. I'm really thankful for your help today, but that doesn't mean we're going get all chummy from now on." I forced myself to look forward as I said that, not wanting to see what expression Aiden would wear.

Aiden chuckled. "Okay, okay. Relax. We're not going to do anything tomorrow, but right now, let's go get some dinner. I'm sure my parents will be home soon. Let me text them to let them know we're gonna get food back for them as well."

I couldn't say anything to that, so I just followed along.

We ordered some lasagne for takeaway, then we headed to my house so that I could get some of my own clothes to change, even my toiletries. I just unpacked the backpack from this morning to make it lighter and more relevant, since I was only going to stay for the night. By the time we headed to the Lockwoods', there was already a car parking outside. We walked past a grassy patch of a front lawn before heading in. Aunt Fallon, still in her work clothes, greeted us. Her demeanour held no indication of the fatigue I was sure plagued anyone at work.

"Emma, I haven't seen you in a while!" She moved to hug me. I returned the embrace shyly. As we stepped away from each other, she gave me a once over. "My, you've grown up to be a fine young lady. I'm sure your father must be really proud of you. So, tell me, what have you been doing so far? Is life good? How's your summer getting along?"

"Erm..." I said, struggling to catch up with the endless amount of questions, but I wasn't irritated. This was Aunt Fallon, all right, bright and totally chatty. I always wondered if she was the one who made Aiden who he was, seeing as how she was the one who spent the most time with him when he was younger, but even I could tell the difference between them both. While Aunt Fallon was always in her own happy bubble, she could be quite unaware of her surroundings. Aiden, though... he was friendly, sure, but he could be sensitive about those around him as well. There was a good balance.