Chapter 6: Protea

“Who the fuck are you?”

Anita narrowed her eyes at Lucas, obviously annoyed by his brash question. “You… You’re Lucas, right? Rose’s grandson– “

He cocked an eyebrow at the woman, “And what if I’m her grandson? Are you going to win the lottery with this discovery?” Deciding to ignore the infuriating man, Anita directed her gaze at me and pointed an accusing finger. “You! Why are you here?”

Do I need permission from you to be here?

“I’m working for Mrs. Xavier now,” I replied proudly, a huge grin on my face. “I’m here to restore her flower shop and its glory.”

“W-what?” Anita cracked up at my words, finding them funny. “You’re working for the old woman now? You’re just going to disappoint yourself.” Holding back my fisted hands, the urge to punch her growing, I just shot her an impassive stare.

“And why would I be disappointed? To be honest, I’m happy that you rejected me. Right now, even if I’m still new, Mrs. Xavier is good to me. I wonder what my life would be if I worked for you.”

This insulted her. “You’d be honored to work for me, girl. Well, you decide to work for crazy old people, not mine. You’re dumber than your boss. Other than being naïve, Rose Xavier is nothing but an old geezer who– “

It was as quick as lightning, I didn’t even see him do it but when Anita coughed hard and made a face like she ate a lemon, plus the scent of floral that lingered in the air… I didn’t have to see that Lucas sprayed Anita with a can of air freshener.

“W-what the hell’s your p-problem?!” Anita demanded in between a fit of coughs. Lucas just remained standing by my side, a face without any expression but he was oozing with sass. I fought hard to straighten my face and not burst out in laughter.

“Your mouth was foul and I thought I’d take action,” he nonchalantly responded, lifting the air freshener in the air for everyone to see. “I don’t want the smell to surround the whole place, that’s the last thing I want to happen.”

Regaining her composure, Anita pointed her nose in the air and waved at us. “Enjoy cleaning this dirty shop. I’m sure it won’t even last a week since it’ll go bankrupt. No customers would come and buy your wilted flowers. So, farewell!”

I bit my lips out of frustration as I watched the annoying woman walk out of the shop. “That little…” I sighed and slapped the woman silly in my head. “I can’t believe she would talk ill about Mrs. Xavier.”

“Dawson.”

“Yes?” I turned to face Lucas, only to be flicked by him on the forehead. “Hey!” Eyes shut in pain, I rubbed the spot where he flicked his finger before I shot him a glare. “Sir, what was that for?” Picking his broom up from the ground, he continued to sweep the floor.

“Don’t be haughty when you haven’t even done anything yet,” he said in a low tone. “Before you become enemies with that woman, clean the shop first and fulfill that promise you made with my grandmother.”

Realizing my mistake, I lowered my head in shame. “I’m sorry, Sir. It won’t happen again, but Mr. Lucas…”

“What?”

“Weren’t you angry? When she insulted your grandmother like that, weren’t you mad?”

He didn’t even face me, too focused on sweeping the dirty floor. Nah, never mind him, Terra. He won’t answer you. You’re just wasting your time. Inwardly sighing, I went back to finish my task. Matilda, who just listened in the background, didn’t even say a word in defense of Mrs. Xavier. They just ignored the insults that were sprouting out of Anita’s mouth.

What’s wrong with them?

Thoughts of asking them why all left my mind as time passed by. All that filled my head was how to clean this place thoroughly and how was I going to reach the ceiling that was covered in cobwebs. Standing on my tippy toes, I reached up with the broom pointing up and started dusting the spider’s silk threads.

This would be easier if I had a chair!

We finished just before lunch, just as Lucas predicted. After wiping the sweat that rolled down my forehead with a handkerchief, I groaned as I tried to massage my sore arm and back. The glass doors and windows are now clear of grime. The floors are now sparkly cleaned and mopped. Not only that, the place smelled like roses due to the air freshener Lucas sprayed around.

“Finally, we’re done.”

“Terra, what do you think should I prepare for lunch?” Matilda asked as we loaded the mops and brooms at the trunk. “Should I make beef stew? Or spaghetti?” As soon as the answer popped into my mind, Lucas sighed and shook his head at Matilda.

“You’re seriously going to ask her?” He took a white handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his hands. “Matilda, just make the usual. Grandmother needs to eat what the doctor recommended, not food that would push her to the hospital bed.”

The old woman sheepishly chuckled, “Oh, how silly of me. You’re right Lucas, I’ll just make that vegetable soup.” He then gave her orders to check the shop once more and see if the doors were locked securely. “I don’t want that lunatic woman to bust in and ruin everything.”

While waiting for Matilda, we both waited outside. “Sir, we cleaned the shop really well!” I grinned, overflowing with enthusiasm. Lucas merely nodded, lacking excitement and cheer. It really bothered me. Isn’t he happy that his grandmother’s flower shop would be back again? And why did he let Anita just insult her like that?

“Sir?”

“What is it, Dawson.”

His clipped tone would be spine-chilling to anybody but I didn’t have time for that. My head was starting to ask for questions that demanded immediate answers, but my mouth wasn’t moving. Impatient, he turned to face me and frowned. “Tsk, spit out already, Dawson!”

“Sir, you didn’t answer my question a while ago and– “

“Forget about it.” With his harsh order, I didn’t think twice and followed. He narrowed his eyes at me, “Don’t even mention what happened here earlier to my grandmother. You’d just get her worked up. If you have any problems, report them to me. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Before I knew it, Lucas stepped closer. The slight scent of sweat, lemons, and his cologne invaded my nostrils. It was a pleasant odor. Staring into those gray eyes of his, I almost mistook them for an endless pool that just goes deeper into his soul. But in Lucas’ case, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking even if I was already gazing into those eyes of his.

“You’re so dirty.”

E-excuse me?

My heart almost leaped out of my chest when he pulled me closer, face inches away from mine while his eyes were squinting down at me. His hard chest pressed against mine, I wouldn’t be surprised if he felt and heard the erratic beating of my heart.

“S-Sir? What are you doing?”

He then held up his hand and lifted his handkerchief, rubbing the smooth cloth on my cheek. “You… Do you love dirt so much?” I frowned hard at his question, finding it completely strange.

“What makes you think that?”

He scoffed. “You’re the only person I know who shows up to a job interview and aced it with wet filthy clothes. You looked like shit that day.”

I pushed his hand holding the handkerchief away and narrowed my eyes at the grumpy man. That last comment wasn’t necessary! I knew I looked like shit that day! You don’t have to remind me of it. “I wouldn’t have fallen on the fountain if you didn’t scare me!”

“You shouldn’t have fucking trespassed then. What do you think I was going to do? Welcome you in?” He shook his head at me in disbelief and went on to wipe my cheek. “Honestly, do you think I would trust a stranger and let them in? I’m not fucking stupid if that’s what you were wondering.”

“I never said you were stupid,” I mumbled softly in reply. “And I’m sorry if I made you think that I viewed you as an idiot.”

He went silent for a few moments, concentrating on his work before he finally backed away. “There are still cobwebs that are stuck to your hair.” At his revelation, I hastily reached up to feel for any webs, slightly embarrassed. Matilda came back and handed the keys to Lucas, smiling brightly.

“The shop is locked, Lucas. We can leave now.”

Opening the door for the woman, Lucas let Matilda in first before gesturing for me to go inside. Blowing the last silk thread that remained, I was about to climb in until he shoved the handkerchief he used to wipe the dirt from my cheek into my hands. “And clean this up.”

***

“The pots and the rest of the furniture needed will be delivered first thing tomorrow.”

Mrs. Xavier clapped her hands in delight at Lucas’ information. “Splendid! I can’t wait for the shop to open again. I called the mayor while you were out and he said he’d be very happy to have Rosette back in town again.”

After a good long bath to wash away the sweat and gunk that stuck to our skins, Matilda served lunch and filled Mrs. Xavier with the details of our trip to town. It didn’t surprise me when she didn’t mention Anita’s outburst and the insults she said about the old woman. No, it would break her heart to hear it.

“So, Terra dear, are you excited to open Rosette?”

Realizing I spaced out, I instantly nodded even if I didn’t hear the question. “Y-yes, very.” Lucas, who was sipping his tea quietly, stood up from his seat and disappeared out of the dining room. The feeling of his handkerchief in my pocket, the slight bulge brushing against my hand ever so slightly, reminded me that I still had to wash it.

“Mrs. Xavier,” I beamed at the elder woman, “If I may… Can I bake a batch of cupcakes for everyone? It’s my token of gratitude for letting me work and stay here with you. I’d be very happy if you let me.”

She nodded vigorously, her eyes wide similar to a kid who got what he wanted as a Christmas present. “Of course, Terra! Bake anything you’d like. Just hearing that you’ll make cupcakes is now stirring up my appetite.”

Matilda couldn’t help but laugh. “But Madame, you just ate! Are you still hungry?”

Her wrinkled hands patted her belly. “Matilda, my friend, there is always room for dessert. And it’s a desert I want to taste so you better not stop me!”

It was late in the afternoon when the heavenly smell of cupcakes in the oven filled the air. Mrs. Xavier, who was waiting for it to be finished, fell asleep in one of the couches in the living room. Matilda didn’t waste time and took a blanket to cover the lady from the cold breeze that kept entering the household.

“She might catch a cold. Lucas will never forgive me and I’m sure Madame would argue with him, reassuring him that she is fine. Even if she’s sneezing and coughing, she would continue to roam around the house like there’s no tomorrow!” Matilda heaved a sigh, watching Mrs. Xavier by the doorway that led to the living room. “Lucas would fuss over her, creating another headache for the boy.”

Stuffing the pastry bag with pink frosting, I cocked my head to the side and my lips formed into a grim line. “Mrs. Xavier has been sick before?”

“It’s hard to believe that a robust-looking woman like her would be lying sick in bed.” Matilda went near to me and leaned against the kitchen counter. “But yes, she has been sick before. Lucas and I would tirelessly take our turns watching her at night. Ready to aid Madame if anything happens to her. She is getting old and may not live long, but she always tries to live longer.”

Taking the baked cupcakes out of the hot oven, I set them aside for them to cool before taking out the cupcake stand. Decorating them didn’t take much time and soon all the cute little pink cupcakes with sprinkles dredged on them sat daintily on the dinner table. I took out my phone to take a picture with Matilda, who was grinning ear-to-ear at the camera. A cupcake in her hand.

“I’d better go wake Madame now,” She set her cupcake down and headed for the living room. “She has been waiting for it a while ago.”

I took a glance at the clock ticking on the wall before focusing my gaze on the cupcakes. What’s Lucas up to now? With a cupcake in hand, I ventured up the staircase after passing by Matilda now heading to the patio. Apparently, Mrs. Xavier woke up and headed out to the garden.

Standing in front of Lucas Xavier’s room was nerve-wracking but I stood firm. I mean, I’ll just be delivering cupcakes to him. I’m sure he’s pretty busy with whatever he’s doing inside that room of his. And it would be rude if I didn’t give him one, considering he took care of all the things the flower shop needed.

Giving the door a knock, I waited outside for him to open it but apparently, a single knock didn’t suffice. Slightly frowning, I knocked once again but there was still no response. Is he even inside? Did he leave to attend to some business or something without saying goodbye?

Pressing my ear against the door, I tried to make out any sounds. At first, it was quiet but the undeniable sound of typing reached my ears and I knew he was inside. I tried my luck and knocked once more, patience slowly wearing thin.

“I know you’re in there,” I spoke a bit loudly for him to hear. “I’m here to give you something.”

“Go away.”

I rolled my eyes at the wooden door, knowing I couldn’t do this without him seeing. Lucas Xavier, if I don’t know any better, I think you’re a bit of a child.

“Don’t roll your eyes at me, Dawson.”

Now that made me gasp and stand straighter. How did he know I was rolling my eyes?

“Just tell me why you’re here and leave. I’m very busy and I don’t want to answer why I know you were rolling those eyes of yours.”

So, he’s psychic now?

“Sir, I’m just here to give you this…” I lifted the cupcake, even if he couldn’t see. Or can he? There are probably cameras here and he’s watching me through them. At this idea, I couldn’t fight but maintain my stiff posture. “I figured you’d be busy but Mrs. Xavier wouldn’t be happy if she finds out you’re working with an empty stomach and– “

I squeaked out in surprise when the door flung open, revealing a grumpy Lucas. I almost dropped the poor cupcake, it probably had a heart attack like I did. His gray eyes narrowed down at me, it looked like he was already demanding an answer with that stare alone. When I didn’t say a word, his frown grew deeper.

“Well? I don’t have all day. What the fuck do you want?”

“I baked this and I want to give it to you to show my appreciation.” Can I crawl into a hole and just sleep now? “I know it’s not much but I hope you like it. There are more downstairs.”

It was quiet for a bit, save for our soft sounds of breathing. Then, he waved me off. “I don’t need it. In case you’re hoping that you’d win over my trust with this, you’re practically naïve.”

“But Sir, I’m not trying to win you over this. I know I can’t.” I lifted the innocent cupcake for him to take, “Just please take it, Sir. I’ll be very happy.”

“For the last time, I don’t want your fucking shitty cupcake!” He was about to close the door when I blocked it with my foot. It hurt but nothing pains me more than people rejecting the food I just made. “Get that foot out now.” He gave my foot the evil eye as if it was carrying some viral disease which is just silly.

“Sir, all I’m asking is for you to taste it.”

“I said I don’t want your shitty cupcake, alright? I don’t want any of it so scram.”

That’s it!

I removed my foot from blocking the door and gave him a fierce stare. “You don’t want the cupcake? Fine. You won’t have this cupcake, in fact, you won’t have any!”

“The ingredients you used are bought with my money, which means I have the right to eat it even if I don’t want to.”

“I baked it and it is mine. Those ingredients would’ve been useless if I didn’t use them, right?”

Lucas became silent before scowling at me. “Fine. It’s yours for all I care. Eat that shitty cupcake you baked. To be fucking honest, I don’t even like it.” Shooting him a ferocious stare, I took a bite out of the cupcake. The sweet taste made my taste buds dance, but what made me smile victoriously was the stunned expression he wore while I was eating the cupcake which was supposed to be his.

My lips were covered with pink frosting once I finished it all. And, to prove that it was indeed very delicious, I licked my lips slowly. Savoring the sweet pink frosting and the sprinkles that decorated it. Lucas stared at me, preferably at my lips. I stood proudly in front of him, a huge satisfied smirk on my face.

How’s that Lucas?! I ate your cupcake and you won’t have any!

Just as I was about to come up with a smart remark, Lucas stepped forward and caressed his thumb on my cheek. It wasn’t even in a romantic way but it did make my nerves tingle. It was like a live wire touched me and I don’t even know the feeling of being electrocuted. My body stood frozen as I watched him survey the pink frosting that stuck to his thumb. He then frowned at it, seeing it as filth.

“You’re such a fucking dirty girl, Dawson.”