Chapter 32: The Flowers

Orely

After a whole night spent perfecting my new floral moisturizer while writing the report for the lab, I finally stretched out in my comfortable ergonomic armchair.

I head towards the bathroom, where that famous scene resurfaces in my distant memories, but I am so exhausted that I really don't have the energy for it. I lean over the sink to wash my face and to brush my teeth at the same time.

The cool water splashes against my skin, jolting me awake for just a moment. When I look in the mirror, I see mild dark circles under my eyes and a crumpled look of fatigue. As I scrub my teeth, the minty toothpaste offers a brief respite, a small comfort, to feel refreshed. After a quick wash-up, I leave my studio to make myself a cup of coffee in the kitchen before running a few errands. My mother left me a note on the refrigerator door. She's gone to offer croissants to the neighbor, who's a bit ill.

"Honey, I have gone to visit our neighbor, Mrs. Berta, and brought her some croissants I baked this morning because she is bedridden. There are a few left in the oven, enjoy. Mom."

I feel a gentle warmth in my heart when I think of her little mom. Leaving a few croissants carefully arranged for me, I silently express my affection and gratitude. This simple but tender gesture becomes a precious sign of maternal love, showing how much she cares for me, her beloved daughter. She always does her best to offer me a little happiness every day.

Great! I immediately open the oven door to serve myself one on a plate. Since it is plain and still warm, I decide to top it with cheese and a few slices of tomato. Then I take my coffee and sit on the porch to admire the beautiful view from the garden.

Since I have already put on a denim short overall with sneakers, all I have to do is finish my delicious breakfast, do the dishes, and head out.

On the way back, I see my mother walking home. I honk the horn to show her into my car. This Fiat 500 is a little Italian car that seduced me with its cute face, small size and value for money. A true love story that lasts. I stop the car and roll down the window.

"Get in!"

"Oh thank you dear, and where did you go?

"I am from the local supermarket. I wanted to cook dinner for us today."

"Great, and what are we going to eat?"

"And how about some quick chicken enchiladas?"

"Hmm but of course!"

"Great! So how is Mrs Berta?"

"She is doing a bit better. We had a good time talking about her grandchildren and enjoying croissants that we lost track of time !"

"Yes, I see that, talkative as you are!" I remarked playfully and she laughed heartily.

We finally arrive in front of our home, and the scent of flowers from the garden already greets me.

"Ah, my little darlings, I'll see you later," I murmured as I got out of the car.

I ask Mom if she'd like to pick her daisies, but this idea is quickly forgotten as soon as she sees a huge multicolored bouquet outside the door.

"Flowers? I am sure they are from him. Look at the card, darling." she exclaims, rushing over to the bouquet.

"Let me open the door first so we can get in! This bouquet is huge!" I exclaimed, reaching for it.

After closing the door behind me, I place the flowers on the coffee table. My mother has already put her basket down in the kitchen and settled comfortably on the sofa, obviously waiting for what's to come. She intones a sort of hymn of encouragement.

"The card, girl! The card!"

"I have got it," I reply in exasperation, placing the car keys on the table before grabbing the envelope hanging from the bouquet.

On the card inside, there are just two sentences.

I appreciate the time I spent at your superb workshop, even though the earlier experience was not as sweet.

P.S: We'll call each other.

I hand the card to my mother, who hurries to read it. Then she hits the table with the air of someone who has had a revelation.

Dare to tell me there is nothing going on between you? If that isn't a sign!

"But what is the sign? He just sent me flowers to show his appreciation. He enjoyed being with me that day. That's all."

"Girl, read between the lines!"

"There is nothing to read between the lines, Mom."

"Of course it is !" He could have said "thank you for the time I spent at your workshop, but instead, he says he enjoyed being with you, and there's even a P.S. A grateful man doesn't focus on the card. A simple "thank you" would have been enough. He even sent you flowers. Believe me from my experience, my dear, you have a chance with this man."

"The experience of a woman who got sunburned while walking on the road after forgetting her parasol!"

"Your story is getting interesting. Call him!"

"No," I concluded categorically.

"I won't give up, darling."

"I am sure of the contrary. When you get bored waiting, you'll want to get back to your tasks. I know you so well."

"That's right. So call him now and thank him for the flowers. It's only a matter of politeness, isn't it?

"You are annoying me, Mom. I won't call him. But as you say, politeness matters. So, I will text him, okay?"

"Oh no, a call would be better."

"I told you, I am not going to call him. A text or nothing."

"Hmm. Okay for a text message." she grumbles.

I take the phone out of my pocket and unlock it. My mother stands beside me, staring at the screen as if her life depended on it.

"Are you going to keep staring at me while I write?"

"Of course."

"Let me write my message in peace. You are disturbing me.

“In the meantime, go take the ingredients out of the shopping bag.”