Addictive Poison

1. BEFORE HIM

     Flowers. They're everywhere. The smell even lingers in my hair. Lilac and Baby's Breath. I can't complain, I love my job. Most people don't, and they come home smelling like takeout. Most of my days are spent working at "Kapono's flowers", arranging bouquets and selling them to hopeless romantics like myself.

     "I'm leaving Kapono!" I announce as I clock out.

     Kapono is a sturdy Samoan, who runs the shop. His size and tattoos may seem a little intimidating, but he's really just a big teddy bear. He's treated me like his own for the past two years since I moved to Portland and started working for him. He's like a second dad.

     "Alright Scarlett! Don't forget the trash on your way out!" He hollered from the back of the shop in his thick accent. "I'll see you tomorrow!"

     "I got it! See you!" I hollered back, grabbing the huge bag of garbage. Trying not to drag it on the floor, I awkwardly struggled my way out of the door and to the dumpster. I tried my best to lift the giant bag but it was too heavy for my petite frame.

     "Here, let me get that for you." A familiar voice startled me.

     Spencer, my co-worker grabbed the bag from me and tossed it in with ease. "I keep telling Kapono he fills these bags with too much crap but he never listens. I think he forgets he hired a mouse."

     "I am not a mouse!", I laughed. "Have fun on your shift Spence." He muttered something sarcastic and disappeared inside. Spencer has been working for Kapono two years longer than I have.

     As I unchained my bike from the rack, my phone buzzed in my back pocket. It's a text from Gwen. Where are you? You're gonna be late! I checked the time, five minutes till class. Shit! I texted her back a half-assed response about how I'll be there soon, as I threw my apron in my bike basket and hopped on.

     Everything in my area is pretty close together; school, apartment, the market, my job. I don't mind riding my bike everywhere, except on days like this, when I'm behind schedule.

     Late. Again. I walked through the door of my philosophy 101 class and took my seat beside Gwen. "You're late again, Normally I'm in your shoes, but I've been good lately", Gwen winked at me. I rolled my eyes, stifling a laugh and turned my attention to the professor. Gwen is probably the closest thing I have to a real friend in Portland since I moved here. We're not as close as she'd like to be. I keep to myself and she's learned not to pry. Besides, I have Caleb. My best friend since before I could remember. He may live in Happy valley, but it's not far enough to keep us apart.

     "He's got a nice bum, doesn't he?" Gwen nudged my arm, pulling me from my thoughts. She, and just about every other girl in the class had a thing for Professor Reed, but he never bothered to entertain the idea. Personally, I don't see it. He may be the youngest professor at the University, but I never thought of him as anything other than my teacher.

     "So, what ever happened with that guy you've been seeing?" I changed the subject.

     "Which one?" A smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

     I gave her my best no, seriously look, but the funny thing is, she was being serious. Gwen is one of those girls that men tend to throw themselves at. I don't blame them. She can be very alluring, like a siren. One flick of her fiery auburn locks, and the poor guy can't even remember his own name.

     "Your latest victim." I mocked.

     "Oh, you mean Matt?" She laughed and held up her two index fingers with quite some distance between them. A killer package, she mouthed. I snorted, trying not to laugh as I swatted her hands away. "I'm kidding! I wouldn't know. All he wants to do is take me to retro diners and buy me flowers. I've never seen so many bouquets on a doorstep before. Where do I even fit them all? I'm even starting to smell like roses!"