A Twist Of Fate (PREVIOUSLY A Purple Garden)

Chapter 33

Eight Years Ago

As he adjusted his tie, Lucas examined himself in the mirror of his bedroom. Looking at his reflection, he was proud of the clean-cut and put together young man that looked back at him. It was crazy how much of a difference a clean black suit could make. The black in his tie made the white of his button down shirt stand out bright against it.

He hoped that Sydney would like it.

Quickly, he ran a comb through his hair one last time. Adjusting the collar of his suit jacket, he smiled at himself. He felt like he was walking on a cloud.

"You look so handsome," he heard his mother say in awe as he passed through the living room of their small house. 

"Thanks, mom," he grinned. 

She smiled as she walked over to him, pulling him into a hug. "Sydney is one lucky girl."

He felt like he was glowing all over. "Thanks," he said as he hugged her back. "I'm gonna go get her some flowers on my way. Any recommendations?"

"You could go to the Carol's Floral Arrangements," she suggested as she found herself fixing his tie. Carol's Floral Arrangements was the city's local flower shop. He had seen the sign multiple times passing by. "Get her some roses. Those are always a winner."

"Okay," he agreed. "Love you, mom."

"I love you too," she told him, hugging him one more time. "Good luck, honey."

As Lucas hopped in his car and peeled away from his mom's house, he headed in the direction of Carol's. As the sign came into view, he slid into one of the five small parking spots that lined the sidewalk in front of the small building. Stepping out of his car, he made his way inside. He walked over to the selection of roses and started to grab the first red bouquet he saw.

"Red's a good choice."

Turning quickly towards the female voice he had heard, he saw a kind grey-haired lady organizing the flowers behind him. Her name tag said 'Carol.' He smiled appreciatively. "You think so?"

"I do," she chirped. "Most people would agree too. It's definitely the most popular. It means Passion."

"Really?"

She smiled. "Each color rose has a meaning."

Lucas raised an eyebrow. "I didn't know that. I thought people just picked the colors they liked."

"That they usually do," she chuckled to herself. She looked closer at him. "You look awfully nice. Are you going to the prom? It's tonight, right?"

He nodded. "That's the plan."

"And you need these for your lucky date, right?"

"Well, I need these to ask her with," he explained hesitantly.

Her eyes widened as she looked at him. "You're asking her the day of?"

He nodded, noticing the surprise on the old lady's face. "It's, uh, complicated."

She looked at him with understanding eyes as she smiled. "Every relationship is."

"Ain't that the truth," he agreed emphatically. She laughed with him. With all the ups and downs he endured waiting for her, there was no doubt that it was complicated. But it was definitely worth it.

Carol gestured to the roses he was carrying. "Is that all for you?"

"Actually," he drew out turning back to scan the other colored roses."If you don't mind telling me, what do the other colors mean?"