The Flower Maker

Chapter Twelve

The shadow that washed over the window wasn't as big, a void of light making its way through.

Miss Klepper and Miss Gen were soon inside with Miss Scuttlebutt nowhere in sight.

'Good afternoon, Rebecca.' Miss Klepper shook the snow from her coat.

'Good afternoon. No Miss Scuttlebutt with you today?' Rebecca thought it very odd as they were always together.

Miss Klepper and Miss Gen each gave her a glare.

'We don't keep company with that woman anymore.' Miss Gen looked like someone who should not be trifled with.

Startled, Rebecca swallowed. 'Sorry to hear that.'

'We heard you've made a new flower.' Miss Klepper came over. 'We came by to have a look. The lotus.'

While Rebecca went over to the shelf, the two ladies began to gossip.

'I'm very sad to hear about Mr Fowler,' said Miss Gen. 'I heard he's not doing to well.'

Rebecca came back over and placed the lotus down on the counter, getting looks that would always warm her.

'Oh, wow.'

'Yes, very lovely, Anne.' It wasn't long before the gossiping returned, though. 'Back to Mr Fowler. I heard that he's on his deathbed.' Miss Klepper suddenly moved her attention from the lotus to Rebecca. 'Have you heard anything? Heard anything from Brian?'

Rebecca lied. 'This is news to me.'

'Ooh.' Miss Gen lit up. 'I completely forgot. Speaking of Brian. I saw him this morning. He was with a woman. Walking together. I would say they were lovingly embracing.'

While Miss Klepper gasped at the announcement, Rebecca dived into it hard, feeling as if she had taken over Mr Fowler's broken body, confined, trapped.

'Who is she?' asked Miss Klepper.

'I could not say, but my word she was radiant. Blonde. Beautiful. Flawless.'

Rebecca became lightheaded.

'Rebecca, please. You must know something. Rebecca?'

'Rebecca? What's wrong? Is everything all right?'

Rebecca was not, but she nodded. Fortunately for her, Miss Klepper and Miss Gen departed just in time - both very eager to start their quest for more information on Brian's mysterious woman - just in time before Rebecca caved to her swooning body.