Chapter 76: Memories Await
The bustling florist shop hummed with the vibrant energy of its customers and the sweet aroma of fresh flowers. Mysa delicately arranged a bouquet of lilies and roses, her focus intent on creating a harmonious display.
Her mind went to what she replied to Draven. It was, “I don’t know a chance for what. But I don’t mind giving you a chance, Draven.” And she remembered the wide grin on his face hearing that from her.
Suddenly, the bell above the door chimed as it swung open, announcing a new arrival.
Draven looked up from where he was organizing a stack of vases, surprised to see Diva walking in. His brows furrowed in confusion and concern.
"Diva?" Draven called out, his voice tinged with surprise. "What are you doing here?"
Diva flashed a mischievous grin as she approached her brother, gone were her depressing expressions with a lack of liveliness in her eyes. "Oh, just thought I'd lend a hand," she replied casually, her tone betraying a hint of mischief.
Draven crossed his arms, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "Lend a hand? Since when do you volunteer to work?"
Diva shrugged nonchalantly, her gaze drifting towards Mysa, who was still engrossed in her floral arrangement. "I figured Mysa could use some company," she said with a sly smile. "And besides, it's not every day I get to see my big brother in action."
Fabian, catching on to the playful dynamic between the siblings, chuckled softly as he joined the conversation. "Well, look who decided to grace us with her presence," he remarked teasingly, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Didn't know you had a knack for flower arrangements, Diva."
Diva shot Fabian a playful wink. "Oh, I am full of surprises," she quipped, her grin widening.
Draven shook his head incredulously, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Alright, fine. But don't mess anything up," he warned, his tone light but with a hint of protectiveness.
Diva raised an eyebrow mockingly. "Oh, come on, Aven. I am hurt you don't trust me," she teased, her voice laced with mock offense.
Draven sighed dramatically, knowing all too well his sister's penchant for mischief.
"Just behave," he replied with mock seriousness.
Meanwhile, Mysa looked up from her work, surprised to see Diva in the shop.
She smiled warmly at Diva, genuinely pleased to have her company. "Hey, Diva, right? It's great to see you here," she greeted warmly.
Diva grinned at Mysa, her eyes softening with affection. "Hey, Mysa! Figured I'd come by and make sure you're not being harassed by these two troublemakers," she said playfully, gesturing towards Draven and Fabian.
Mysa chuckled softly, appreciating Diva's light-hearted presence. "I appreciate the backup," she replied, her smile brightening the room.
Fabian flashed a charming grin at Diva. "Well, if you are here to keep an eye on us, you are more than welcome," he teased, his tone light and teasing.
Diva rolled her eyes playfully at Fabian's antics. "Don't worry, Mysa. I will make sure these two behave," she promised with a wink, earning a chuckle from Mysa.
Draven watched the playful banter between Mysa and Diva with a mixture of amusement and fondness. Despite his initial hesitation, he couldn't deny the warmth that Diva's presence brought to the shop.
He glanced at Fabian, silently communicating the need to keep an eye on Diva.
As the afternoon wore on, the shop continued to buzz with activity. Customers came and went, each admiring the vibrant arrangements that Mysa and Diva expertly put together.
Draven kept a watchful eye on Diva from across the shop, ensuring she didn't cause too much disruption amidst her playful banter with Fabian.
Meanwhile, Mysa and Diva found a moment alone near the back of the shop, amidst buckets of freshly cut flowers and the faint scent of soil and petals.
"Mysa," Diva began hesitantly, her expression softening as she looked at her brother's fiancée. "I... I owe you an apology."
Mysa looked up from the bouquet she was preparing, surprise flickering in her eyes. "Apology? What for, Diva?"
Diva sighed softly, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Everything that happened... it's because of me," she admitted quietly, her voice tinged with regret.
Mysa furrowed her brows, concern etching her features. "What do you mean, Diva? What happened?"
Diva hesitated. "I... I can't explain it all," she replied carefully, choosing her words with caution. After all, Clave instructed everyone to not give pressure to Mysa as per Dr. Roude’s word. "But Mysa, you saved me once. And... that's how we lost you."
Mysa's eyes widened in surprise and confusion. "I saved you?" she echoed softly, trying to piece together Diva's cryptic words.
Diva nodded solemnly. "Yes," she affirmed, her voice filled with gratitude and remorse. "You are a wonderful person, Mysa. You saved me, and I am sorry for everything that happened because of it."
Mysa studied Diva's sincere expression, sensing the weight of unspoken history behind her words. "Diva," she said gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Diva's arm. "I don’t remember, but all I can say is, whatever happened, it's not your fault. And if you ever need saving again, I'll be here for you."
Diva's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she met Mysa's gaze, touched by her kindness and understanding. "Thank you, Mysa," she whispered gratefully, her voice trembling with emotion. "You have no idea how much that means to me."
Mysa smiled warmly, her heart swelling with empathy for Diva. "I feel like we are a family, Diva," she replied softly. "And family looks out for each other."
Diva nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the tears in her eyes. "Yes," she agreed quietly. "Family."
After Diva left to go to the washroom, Draven approached Mysa with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.
"Hey, Mysa," he began, his voice gentle yet earnest. "How about we take a trip to Disneyland tomorrow? Just you and me?"
Draven's suggestion hung in the air as memories of their childhood visit to Disneyland flickered through his mind. He remembered vividly how he and Mysa had marveled at the magic of the park, Clave and Zinnia guiding them through a whirlwind of joy and wonder.
That day, he had bought Mysa the Tinkerbell pendant, a small token of their shared adventure and budding friendship.
Perhaps returning to Disneyland could spark something within her, a glimmer of the past that had been lost to her memory. He longed for her to remember those carefree moments, to feel the same enchantment they had experienced together as children.
Mysa's gaze met Draven's, her heart stirred by the earnestness in his expression.
"Disneyland?" she repeated softly, her voice tinged with curiosity and anticipation.
Draven nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face as he gazed at her fondly. "Yeah. I thought it could be fun, just the two of us. What do you say?"
Mysa couldn't contain her delight, her heart fluttering at the thought of spending a day with Draven at such a magical place. Besides, she remembered nothing. Did she ever go to Disneyland before?
"I'd love that," she replied eagerly, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
Fabian, who had been eavesdropping nearby, couldn't resist chiming in with a playful grin. "Count me in too! I'll make sure to capture all the magical moments on camera," he added, his tone light and friendly.
Draven chuckled, shaking his head at Fabian's enthusiasm. "Sure, Fabian. You can come along. Just don't go overboard with the photos," he teased, knowing Fabian's newfound love for documenting everything.
Diva came back and heard the conversation too. "I will join too," she announced. "For my dear brother and to spend time with Mysa."
Mysa beamed at Diva, touched by her gesture. "Thank you, Diva," she said sincerely, feeling grateful for the chance to bond with everyone.
Draven nodded appreciatively, feeling a rush of happiness at the prospect of creating new memories with Mysa and having his sister and Fabian join them. "It's settled then," he declared, his voice filled with excitement. "Tomorrow, Disneyland it is."