Blooming Emotions

~Δεκαέξι

I took a deep breath, trying to pluck up the courage. You can do it. It's only one conversation—one measly conversation. I exhaled, pushing open the door. There was a gasp from inside. "Calantha? Is that you, darlin'?"

I smiled, avoiding her eyes. "It's me, Blodwen."

My ex-boss engulfed me in a hug. "Where've ye been? You had me worried sick darlin'! I thought you was missin'!"

"In a way, I guess I was. I, I needed to get away for a while. My mental health wasn't exactly stable last summer. I'm sorry that I left without telling you."

"Oh, darlin', don't be sorry!"

"I was wondering, um, is there any chance I could have my job back? I completely understand if you don't think I'm trustworthy anymore."

"Nonsense! 'Course ye can keep workin' here! We're in small-town Mississippi! Nobody not nobody is fixin' to be a florist!"

I grinned—my shoulders relaxing in relief. "Thank you so much, Blodwen. I promise nothing like... that will ever happen again."

"'Course, dear. Just if your mental-health ever gets that bad again, promise me you'll go an' see a shrink or somethin'?"

"I do, and I will. Thank you."

She wrapped me in a hug for a second time. For the first time in a few days, I appreciated the touching. "When can ye start?"

"I'll come in first thing tomorrow."

I reached up to scratch my nose. Blodwen gasped. "Darlin', is that a wedding ring?"

I smiled, showing her the pink opal. "It is. My husband was part of the reason why I am okay."

"Who's the lucky fella?"

"Do you remember a man named Aidon? He moved here last summer for a brief moment. I followed him once he moved."

"Well, I'm happy for ye, and I wish you two many blissful years."

As assured, at six the next day, I strolled into the shop, ready for the joys of retail. There was a steady stream of people, but Blodwen refused to let me handle the register, saying that rude customers aren't beneficial to me. She had me in the back, watering the plants.

But I took my break up in the front, where there was a section of chairs for me to sit. As I neared the end of my break, a woman came in. Blodwen ducked into the back just as the customer drifted to the register.

I decided to forgo the three minutes left and help her. "Hi," I said, pasting on a smile. "I can help you if you're ready."

"Uh, yeah. I recently moved into town. I wonder if you have any flower suggestions or something to spruce up my house?"

I sucked in a breath as the memory crossed my mind:

"Since your mother is not here to intervene, I want to ask you again. Will you come over for dinner?"

"W-what?"

"I want you to have dinner with me. Will you?"

"Um, um..."

"It is okay. I get it—you do not want to. Thank you for the flowers, anyway."

"Wait! I, um, I would love to. When?"

"Excuse me!" the lady shrieked, snapping a finger in front of my face. "I asked you a question!"

"So-so sorry about that, ma'am. If you would come with me, I-I can show you some lovely daffodils or pansies that enjoy full sunlight. Or some bloodroot that likes shade."