IS / WAS

vi. is

3 DAYS AGO

"A small bouquet, please." I smile at the cashier, "One with lots of lilies." 

I watch as the person behind the counter (a middle-aged woman with pink hair and a very artistic tattoo of a flower on her left arm), bends down to find what I asked for.

"Special occasion?" She asks, as she hands me the flowers. 

"Oh, just a small gift for my -uh," I stop breathing for a second and gather up my courage; There's nothing to be ashamed of, Cece, "my girlfriend." I breathe out and smile wider, "We celebrate our anniversary in three days and I've decided to buy her a small present as a pre-celebration gift"" 

The lady doesn't even flinch, "Ah, to be young and in love. I used to be that way when I was your age." She smiles a little at me, "That'll be $12.50, Miss." 

I hand her in my money, "Thank you." What a great person. 

She winks, "Not a problem. Good luck with your girlfriend!" 

I look back and smile at her as I walk out of the shop. I plop down on my seat and look down at the bouquet of flowers sitting next to me and feel butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I haven't felt that way since when I won the election as the Student Council President. 

"Oh god, Jess Levine; you have me in too deep, you loser." I say, trying had to wipe of the smile on my face. 

✿    

I knock on Jess' door instead of ringing the door bell [i find it more romantic], the door opens literally just as I'm about to knock the third time. 

"Happy Pre-Anniv - !" I jolt backwards, seeing not Jess but Jess' mom smiling at me widely [suspiciously so], "Mrs. Levine! I'm sorry, I was expecting Jess to answer the door." I smile at her, "We were going to the park and get ice cream to celebrate our pre-anniversary today."

"Is she here?" I add.

"Oh, darling! Are you sure you told her? She went out with Leo just a few hours ago." She chirps. 

"Oh," I try not to look crestfallen, "She -uh, she probably just forgot." I look up to see her frowning in a cartoon-esque way and we stay awkwardly staring at each other for a minute before I choke out, "I - um, I should go -"

"Nonsense! Come in, come in." She gestures for me to go inside, "We'll come wait for her together and we can have tea and chat a little bit." 

"Oh, um, okay then." I force a smile, stepping inside, my sneakers squeaking at the glossy floor tiles.

I've been in Jess' house a few times here and there, but I keep forgetting how gigantic and fancy it is every time. I stand in the middle of the hallway feeling out of place with my floral skirt and unkempt hair, pathetically clutching on to a bouquet of lilies. 

I follow Mrs. Levine to the living room and she literally tells me to "Sit." with no other punctuation (other than an emotionless period) and disappears into the kitchen.

She comes back with a tray stacked with cookies and tea. I cautiously grab a cookie, hoping I don't break anything; especially since the teacups look extremely expensive. She hands me a cup and pours tea in it. I smile and mumble a thank you. 

I take a sip and almost choked when Mrs. Levine suddenly said, "I don't like you." 

My eyes widen, "Excuse me?"

"I don't like you." She says, "I'm sorry for being blunt but I am a naturally straightforward person and I really don't." She shakes her head and sips her tea calmly saying this.