Chapter 4: Carnations

Its history dates back more than two thousand years, and it’s no wonder carnations are rich with symbolism and stories. They can be found in a wide range of colors. Red carnations symbolize love, pride, and admiration. White suggests pure love and good luck while the purple carnations imply capriciousness. The pink carnations, which carry the greatest significance, symbolize the love of a woman or a mother’s undying love.

I froze up, not knowing how to respond. The towel I had wrapped around me fell to the floor. The hand that gripped mine was similar to iron, it wouldn’t let go of me. Not only that, his hand was cold. Gray eyes narrowed down at me and all I could do was blink back. What’s his problem? Did I do something wrong?

“Let my hand go,” I muttered loud enough for him to hear. “I said let go.” Sadly, my plea fell on deaf ears as Lucas Xavier pushed me back. I let out a grunt when my back hit the cold sturdy wall. What the hell? Quickly maneuvering my way to escape, I knew I was too late once he placed both his hands on the wall, one on each side of my head. Even his feet are blocking my way. All that was given me was being forced to look up at his glare with no escape, face inches away from mine.

But what pissed me off is that his face remained untouched by the emotions that are clearly in his eyes. It was like pinning a person against a wall is like an everyday occurrence, similar to walking in the park.

A few seconds passed while we remained like that. Just staring at each other, him in exasperation and me in irritation until it morphed into uncertainty. What’s he going to do to me?

My thoughts were answered once he motioned to the door where his grandma was. The old woman and Matilda were oblivious to what was happening in the living room. “Are you trying to steal from us or you’re just plain stupid?”

“W-what?” Steal? Stupid? What the hell is he blabbering about? Trying to keep my anger at bay, I clenched and unclenched my hand in an act to keep myself from punching him. At least I get fired on the spot and sent home with tears on my face. I shot him a smile, “What do you mean, Sir? I have no intention of stealing… I just want to work.”

“Then you’re really stupid.” Before I could even get a retort out, he continued. “Just pack your bags and go home. Tell her that something came up and you can’t work– do anything so you won’t have to work here– “

“No!” I refused strongly, not wanting to give up on the job I just got. Is he crazy? As if expecting this answer, Lucas shook his head with a frown on his face. “I’m not letting you take advantage of my naïve grandmother. You’d get her hopes up too high and then what? If you fail to do what you promised to do, will you fucking fix the mess you made?”

“But I wasn’t joking! I mean what I said! I’m going to make Rosette the way it was again! Sure, it’ll be a rough journey but I’ll do my best!”

He backed away with an emotionless face, freeing me. I watched as he slowly headed out of the room in silence until he turned his head slightly to glance at me. Cold gray eyes ordered me alone to leave. “Do me a favor and go. Leave us alone.”

“But– “

“Did I fucking stutter, Dawson?”

I swallowed thickly, heart heavy with sadness. No, no, no! I can’t lose this job! Not now! Not when I’m so close! “I’m just trying to help. I don’t mean any harm! I just need a job.” Tears started to form in my eyes, blurring my vision but I forced myself to continue smiling. “But I want to help your grandmother! So, please let me…”

“What’s going on here?” Lucas stepped aside and in came his grandmother, eyes shifting between me and her grandson. While Lucas didn’t seem like he was caught red-handed, I was different. All I could do was stand there in shock, not knowing what to say. She must’ve heard the two of us! She must’ve sensed the tension in the air– which you could cut with a knife –Mrs. Xavier faced her unfazed grumpy grandson and laughed. A scary one, to be exact.

“I thought you said I could do whatever I want? Why were you trying to convince her to leave?” When Lucas didn’t answer, she continued. “I know you’re worried about me and all but you can’t keep me from deciding what I want.”

“Tch. What makes you so sure you could trust this woman?” His cold stare renders me speechless, unable to defend myself quickly. “She could be a fucking thief for all I care. That’s the last thing I want in this house.”

When Mrs. Xavier became silent, these four walls surrounding us suddenly began closing in. Trapping me in with negativity. Lucas took it upon himself to give the finishing blow. “And, I don’t trust her with your flower shop. If she came from the city, why would she bother going here to get a job? It’s suspicious enough.”

Feet stood firmly on the ground, I put on my most determined look. “I know I’m just a stranger to you all, I understand that you don’t trust me. I know you can’t trust people these days… But that doesn’t mean I’m trying to rob your house. I just need a job. No more no less.”

Turning to Mrs. Xavier, I softly smiled. “And I wasn’t trying to get on your good terms by promising that I would bring back Rosette to its feet. I said that because I meant it. Even if you didn’t offer a place for me to stay, I would still do the same.”

“So please, Mr. Xavier… Don’t mistake me for some thief because you don’t know me. Since I’m a stranger, you must think all strangers are thieves... Which is not a right mindset.”

Lucas had one eyebrow up, gaze set on me in observation. “And what about the flower shop? What do you have to say about it?”

“I’m asking you to put your faith in me. Please have faith.” The responses I got were different. Mrs. Xavier could only nod while grinning, quite pleased with my words while her grandson only cast me a nonchalant stare. It gave me the impression that everything he sees and hears is boring. Not just that, but when he stares at me like that with a ‘constipated’ face… It makes me question if he’s ill or not.

“I know it’s an important thing to ask from you but I hope– “

The old woman held up her hand, signaling for me to stop. Once I did– confused beyond relief –she faced her grandson with a knowing smile. “So? What do you think, Lucas? Are you pleased now or not?”

“I still don’t trust her.”

Mentally, I fell on the floor with a crestfallen face, bemoaning why he still hasn’t. Were my words not convincing enough? Shall I start walking back to town? How am I going to face Papa? Plans of hiding in humiliation vanished into the back of my mind until they became nothing when a hand touched my shoulder.

“Huh?” I spun my head softly to see it was only Mrs. Xavier, already standing at my side. She had a sweet smile directed at Lucas. “I knew you would say that… But I trust she wouldn’t do all the things you accused her of.” Then, she grinned at him which had a hidden meaning behind it. “Well, to put your mind at ease, why not watch her as she works? I’m sure you’ll be able to sleep well at night after observing her. Even better, you could be her boss!”

At her suggestion, I couldn’t help but gasp and inwardly beg he wouldn’t agree. Lucas, as calm as he can be, just blinked and crossed his arms across his chest. “Tsk. Fine, she can stay… But don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

A light laugh escaped the old woman’s lips as she patted me on the shoulder, “Of course, of course. You have nothing to worry about my boy.” She glanced at me and nodded. “You heard my grandson, Terra. You can stay now. No need to be bothered.”

Oh, Mrs. Xavier… How can I ever thank you? Bless your kind soul!

“Now, then…” She moved away, feet heading back to the kitchen. “I’ll go and make tea. You two want to join me?”

I softly turned down her offer, “I still have to get my things back in the hotel. Although I won’t mind having one later.” Even if I like coffee more than tea. But I won’t tell her that and risk her feeling rejected. Lucas would probably chew my head off if I did.

“Alright, I’m counting on that then.” With a small wave, she walked out of the room with her cane. Before talking (or rather, threatening me), Lucas made sure this time that his grandmother was out of earshot, and he pulled me over. “Listen well because I won’t fucking repeat myself. You may have gotten off the hook this time but I’ll be watching. Be sure to achieve your sole purpose and don’t let her down. Make one mistake and I’ll send your bags out of the house. Understand?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Despite how harsh his words were directed at me, I knew he was only looking out for his grandmother. With one last glare, he walked out as well. Leaving me all alone in the living room and my running heart. Heaving a sigh of relief, I took the fallen towel and wiped the big drops of sweat that rolled down my forehead. Well…since it’s over, I must get my bags now and get out of these damp clothes!

Bidding Mrs. Xavier and Matilda a quick farewell, I went out of the house and down the path. But before I could even walk ten steps away from the gates, the sound of a car’s engine breathing loudly reached my ears and I spun. A black vehicle emerged from the gates of the Xaviers, looking very new and shiny under the heat of the sun.

It approached me and I blinked at the tinted windows that rolled down to reveal Lucas Xavier behind the wheel. Black shades covered his eyes, hand gesturing to the seats behind. “Get in.”

“Eh?”

He frowned. “Don’t make me repeat my words and get inside.” Swallowing visibly, I opened the car door and climbed in, feeling the cold leather seat brushing against my legs. Once I was settled in, Lucas locked the doors with one click and drove on. The vehicle slightly rocked as it crawled down the path. Silence made itself at home between us but it wasn’t until we reached the main road that Lucas spoke.

“The old woman wanted me to drive you back to town to get your bags.”

Ah, that’s why. I was surprised that he even wanted to give me a ride, considering what he just told me a few moments ago in the living room. “I see. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet, kid. I haven’t even dropped you off at where you’re staying.” He responded, “I might even kick you out of the car if you become too noisy.”

That’s a joke, right? “A kid? Sir, I’m twenty-five years old… That’s not the age where you still consider a person a kid.” Whether he heard my words or not, Lucas didn’t respond. And if he had one, he didn’t say it out loud. He’s probably cursing me with that colorful language in his mind.

Pouting to myself, I stared at the green scenery and the bright blue sky outside. Everything I see here seems like a small town you could only read in the novels that the library offers. This time, I’m not reading words but experiencing them. A smile made its way to my face as I watched two children playing with a muddy puppy. The other was busy flying a red kite.

They’re so cute!

Curious, I looked at Lucas whose face was directed at the same scene. But instead of a smile, he had a disgusted frown. “Grimy.” I could only give him a questionable look in my thoughts, not wanting to get kicked out of the car. The road looks very deserted, it’ll take hours for me to hitch a ride!

The children and the puppy disappeared from our sight as we went on to our destination. Soon, we reached the road where all trees were standing firmly, offering shade to all passersby. Green leaves fell to the earth in slow motion, like something out of a movie. I gaped at how amazing it seemed, face close to kissing the glass window.

Thirty minutes ran past us quickly–since we were in a car–we arrived in town at ten. A lot of people were buzzing around, unlike earlier this morning. In a few seconds, the car slowly went to a stop in front of the hotel. “Thank you,” I smiled and got out of the car. Making haste, I threw everything in my suitcase, slipped into clean, dry clothes, and almost stumbled on my feet as I neared the lobby.

Mr. John was quite silent as I handed him the money before checking out. He didn’t even ask whether I got accepted or not. However, he continued to eye the car outside like it was some ticking time bomb. “Is there something wrong?” At my inquiry, he immediately shook his head.

“N-no! There’s nothing wrong, Ma’am. Have a great day!”

Not bothering him anymore, my suitcase rolled behind me as I neared Lucas, who was waiting outside. I hope he won’t scold me for being slow this time. He had a black suit jacket on, much to my surprise, appearing ready for work. He even had his raven hair combed back, it suited him so well. Not wanting to get caught staring, I made myself known.

Seeing me, he then pointed at the taxi that was parked a few feet away. “That will take you back to the house. I’m heading for work.”

“Oh.” My eyes widened at how dejected I sounded, “Uh sure! I’ll take care of the stuff back at the house. I won’t let you down, Sir!”

“Remember, Dawson. One mistake and I’ll send you packing.”

“Yes, Sir!”

Accepting this, he didn’t bother to say goodbye and got behind the wheel. Instantly, he drove away at a speed that may seem illegal. I waved at his disappearing car and greeted the driver of the taxi, who took my suitcase. On the way back to Xavier’s household, I rang up Papa’s phone number to give him the good news. He’ll be so ecstatic, he won’t be able to sleep!

“Hello? Is this Terra, the most lovable daughter on earth?”

I giggled, “Oh Papa! You won’t believe it!” Putting a few silent seconds to add tension, I broke out the news. “I got a job!” His joy of laughter filled the other line as I let out my own. It is indeed a victory for our family.

“I can’t express how happy I am for you, dear. Your mother would be very proud of you.” At the mention of her, I almost tear up. “I know you’ve been waiting for this your whole life and now you finally have it.”

“Thank you, Papa. I would never achieve this if it weren’t for you.”

“So, when do you start working? Once you do, don’t overwork yourself, alright? Get sick and it’ll take time to recover. Remember, prevention is better than cure.”

“Yes, Papa. I’ll keep that in mind.” Our conversation continued until the taxi driver began to ask for directions. “Papa, I have to go. I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Take care, dear.”

“Which way?” Memorizing the road and how to get to Mrs. Xavier (it’ll be embarrassing if I lose my way), I gave out specific directions. “Thank you!” I praised the driver once we arrived and took my suitcase which he pulled out of the trunk.

The small wheels of the suitcase rolled noisily against the rocky path as I headed toward the house. Whistling loudly in a familiar tune. I swung the gate open and entered the premises, the cool wind brushing against my cheek. As soon as I stood in front of the door, I knocked twice to let them know I arrived. Matilda answered the door and let me in. But before she shut the door, she peeked outside as if she was expecting somebody else.

Knowing who it was, I immediately smiled. “Lucas left for work, Miss Matilda. A taxi took me back here.” Her expression was the epitome of disappointment. Mrs. Xavier, who has sharp hearing skills despite her age, came out and shook her head. “That boy… He shouldn’t have abandoned a lady, especially when she has a lot of things with her.”

“It’s alright, Mrs. Xavier.” I waved her worries off, “Mr. Lucas is busy and I won’t like it if I bothered him.”

She heaved a sigh and sat down on the couch. “Terra, I apologize if I’m requesting this of you… But can you accompany Matilda to town tomorrow? I’ll give you the money to buy everything you need to open the shop.”

“Yes, of course! It’s no burden at all, Ma’am! I can go today if you’d like me to.” This made the elder woman smile and nod, quite pleased.

“No, tomorrow’s fine.” She then pointed at Matilda, “She’ll help you with anything you need. If Lucas is available tomorrow, he’ll help you clean the flower shop.” Lucas? Clean? “And when it comes to having supplies, I have this logbook in my drawer. It has all the lists of farms that grow the best flowers… I’ll give it to you later this evening. Right now, Matilda will show you to your room so you can unpack.”

Thankful for this woman, I bowed slightly. Bless her kind soul! “Thank you so much, Mrs. Xavier, for trusting me with your shop. I won’t let you down!”

This is it… No turning back now, Terra!