Petals (Short Stories)

4~ A Valentine story ❤

     Golden bells chimed against the edge of the door as it opened. The sound of the bell added to the comfortable silence in the gift shop and reached the ears of a light auburn haired woman. Isabel Moore raised her head from the novel she was engrossed in, to the direction of the door. Two lines marred her forehead as she noticed the absence of a person near the door. For a split second, she had expected someone else. Before her mind could puzzle her any further, she heard the sound of shoes squishing against the floor. Small shoes. Her question was answered as she lowered her head to meet the eyes of two chirpy kids, rounding her counter.

“Good afternoon, Grandma!” A seven year old boy and a five year old girl greeted her, their eyes twinkling.

Removing her reading glasses, Isabel finally greeted, “Good afternoon kids! How are you today?” She smiled, though couldn't mirror the same energy as them. She often envied them but then let that slide. As she talked to the kids about the day, she heard another chime of the bell and jerked her head almost immediately, only to find her daughter- in- law entering the shop. A wave of disappointment rushed through her. She must have sighed for like the hundredth time since that day.

Carrie, her daughter- in- law, caught Isabel's disheartened face as she approached her. She knew what was troubling Isabel, all too well, but Isabel was just too stubborn to admit it. The two ladies greeted each other and soon involved themselves in the usual chatter. In the middle of their conversation, Carrie asked, “Mom, you keep looking towards the door? Perhaps you are expecting someone.”

Isabel's face didn't waver one bit, “Of course dear Carrie, my customers. There haven't been many customers since morning and it's one in the afternoon now.”

A small smile appeared on Carrie's face, “Does that include Carter as well?” she teased.

That name did something to Isabel's fifty- six year old heart, despite the protests from her mind. She raised her brows cooly, trying to maintain a straight face. “I don't differentiate between customers, Carrie. Everyone is welcomed to our shop.”

“But Carter is a special customer, right? Considering how many times he visited this shop or to be more precise—”

Carrie was interrupted by the another chiming of the bell. A young man dressed in navy blue suit entered their premises this time, saving Isabel from pointless interrogation. Thank goodness!

The man approached the counter, taking long strides. It seemed as if he was in a hurry. “Where's the Valentine gift section?”

“It's in the corner to the left side. Here,” Isabel pointed out the direction with her finger. “Is there something I can help you with? What gift do you have in mind?” 

Carrie and her kids left soon after while Isabel carried on with her duties. The rest of the afternoon was hectic which was no surprise— Valentine's day was around the corner. Isabel was grateful to George for staying an extra hour in the shop today. George was a college student who worked part time in her absence. As she left the shop, she looked around, a wishful part still hoping for his presence. She convinced herself that she was being naive. She walked home, feeling dejected.

.

Seven months ago, Isabel came across a certain customer named Carter West, who wanted to buy a birthday gift and a card for his son, Reyes. She had helped him select a decent gift when he was having a hard time selecting it. Three days later, Carter visited her shop again, just to thank her. She was overcome by his polite attitude and wanted to know where he was from, since she had never seen him around the neighborhood. Turns out he was working for the Navy. He lived in Plymouth with his ex wife to attend his Navy duties. Even after his divorce four years ago, he continued to live there till the duration of his post. He shifted to London, a month ago, residing in an apartment near his son's. Isabel too, shared her story about how she established the gift shop, almost all on her own. It was something she and her husband dreamed it together but unfortunately, her husband's health took its toll before they could bring it to fruition. Isabel, however, wasn't the one to give up as she continued to build what was left. It had been almost six years since then. The shop was running successfully.