Tea Leaves and Opal Necklaces

Acacia

Match Twenty-Eight: Acacia:

Alfred walked up to Florence and Lydia's door and knocked. He held a bouquet of red roses. He didn't care if they were as cliched as hell. The American man thought the color would look great with Florence's hair. Alfred couldn't wait to see her again today. He straightened up his shirt as the door opened.

"Alfred!" Florence said. "It's so nice to see me again." She raced forward and hugged him. The American man smiled.

"I'm sorry I haven't over to visit more often," he said. "I've just been so busy. Arthur's been acting strange lately. Can I come in?"

"Sure," Florence said.

"Thanks," the American man said. Alfred followed the tree spirit into the house.

Lydia sat on the couch with her cell phone out. She glanced up when she heard the door close.

"Yo!" Alfred said. Lydia pressed her lips together and rolled her eyes.

"Nice to see you too," the American man said. He sat down on the couch with her. "How have you both been?"

"Good," Lydia mumbled.

"A bit tired," Florence said. Alfred gave her an odd look.

"How tired?" he asked.

"I find myself falling asleep in the middle of the day," she said. Lydia froze over her phone.

"Why didn't you tell me about this?" she asked.

"I didn't want you to wait," her sister said. "You've just graduated and you'll getting to get into your new school."

"That's not the point!" the younger girl yelled. "You have to tell me these things so that I can get you to the doctor."

"What good will that do?" Florence asked. Lydia and Alfred peered at her.

"What?" they asked. The tree spirit's emotionless face didn't change.

"I already know," she admitted. "Your hushed tone over the phone told me everything." Lydia shut her eyes and cursed herself.

"How long have you known?" she asked.

"Since last month," Florence said. Lydia pushed her brown bangs from her forehead.

"Damn it," she muttered. Alfred looked between both girls.

"Uh... is there something wrong?" he asked. Lydia groaned and rolled her eyes.

"Nothing," she lied. "Why do you have to here again?"

"Lydia!" Florence said. "Enough!" Her sister stared at her with big eyes.

"Florence?" she asked.

"I actually like Alfred," the tree spirit with her pale wrists shaking. "I know, you're trying to keep him from getting hurt when I die, but can you try and get along with him." The younger sister's face became bright red.

"What?!" she cried. "I never said that!"

"I know you didn't," Florence said. "I saw it in your intent."

"No, I...!" Lydia started to shout. Her older sister eyed her, waiting. Lydia sat there with her mouth open. After a good three minutes, she finally closed her mouth. She folded her arms across her chest and puffed up her cheeks. Alfred sat there the whole time, looking at both sisters.

"Uh... Everyone cool?" he asked. Neither sister answered him. Alfred directed his eyes away from them.

"Okay then..." he muttered.