Chapter Two

Stella

" So maybe it didn't went exactly as I said, but it was pretty amazing"

" That's great, I hope he will propose to you soon"

Belle and I was having a conversation about her date last night. Her boyfriend for eleven months took her out to this Italian restaurant where they ate some of the most tastiest delicacies and then danced the night away to a love song. Wasn't that the most romantic thing ever?

" Me too. I want to get married and have many kids that will grow up and go to prom then college , you know the whole package"

I nodded at her the smile never left her face. Belle was a short twenty five year old woman with a great personality. She had short brown hair and smooth skin that looks like that of a baby. If Mark doesn't propose to her very soon I'm sure she'll break down. I've never thought about marriage or kids because the time was far from right. Of course I want them, but not now.

A customer came in and she went to assist her. The boss was suppose to come in today but she called earlier saying she had a family emergency. Kash wasn't here either and that I was grateful for. I can't stand watching him flirt with every lady that comes in here using his charming voice to seduce them.

The customer wanted a bouquet of bougainvilleas for her grandma which I thought was very sweet. My grandma died a few years ago from stage four cancer. It broke me because she was angel that loved when I would read to her or when I baked her favorite treats; and now she was in heaven living a peaceful life.

" Thank you so much, have a nice day", Belle said to the lady as she left with a smile on her face. Belle smiled at me before going off to the bathroom.

The telephone started ringing and I went to answer it.

"Happy Blossoms, how may I help you?"

"hi, I need a flower catering for my sister's wedding two days from now? Is that possible?"

" ofcourse, just send me the location info on the HappyBlossoms email and I'll inform my boss about it"

"OK thank you"

The call finished and I placed the phone back where it belonged. Our catering services were incredible and done by the Blossom Team who consisted of ten persons which were hired by the boss. I've only met them on a few occasions when we do catering. They were fast and reliable workers who always seems to make everything perfect.



The day went by pretty fast and now I was waiting on Brad to pick me up. He said six and it was almost half past.

My phone started ringing and I answered it.

"Ummm, hae babe I don't think I'll be able to take you to dinner today. I'm sorry but I have to work late at the office"

I sighed feeling a bit disappointed.

"OK, call me when you get home"

"Sure thing babe"

I placed the phone in my bag before flopping down on a bench. I knew his work was important but what about me?. I wanted to spend time with him. He's been working so hard so I shouldn't see any problem with him coming off early from work.

"Hey!"

I looked up towards the direction of the sound and saw a black Range Rover with a handsome middle aged looking man inside. He was smiling at me as I went up to the car slowly

"would you like a ride?"

"No thanks I think I'll manage"

"oh come on don't be like that, I'm offering you a ride, plus the place is getting dark and I'm sure a pretty lady like yourself don't wanna be on the roads when it gets late?"

Was this man a persuader or what?

"But you're a stranger, I said smirking with one eyebrow raised.

" Just think of me as a friend. My name is Jackson"

I shook his large hand before giving him a genuine smile.

"Stella, nice to meet you"

He opened the car door at the front and I entered. He was wearing a very expensive looking navy suit with a matching white striped tie.

"So tell me about yourself Stella. Where do you work?"

"You said you're offering me a ride, you didn't say it involves asking questions"

He olny laughed a bit before glancing at me. He was truly handsome even if his age was pass forty. His hair looked like silk and his Hazel eyes could capture yours at any moment.

" like I said, think of me as a friend"

"Well I'm a florist"

"Great,  I'm pretty sure the flowers you work with gets jealous because you're more beautiful than all of them"

I didn't really say anything else. This guy surely has swag that's all am saying. He had a peaceful look on his face as he drived and kept glancing at me occasionally then smiling to himself. I shook my head a small smile playing at my lips.

A few minutes later he pulled up at my apartment. My mom was sitting on the porch reading a book and sipping something. Jackson held his hand out once more and I took it.

"It was very nice to meet you Stella, hope I'll see you again. I didn't reply just smiled and exited the car. I saw him looked behind me as he waved to my mom who waved back eagerly. I made my way to the porch as Jackson drove away.

I kisses mom on the cheek as she held my hand and smiled.

"Who was that handsome man?"

"mom! He just offered me a ride OK?"

"Is he interested in you?"

"Mom, it doesn't matter OK?, I'm with Brad remember?"

She didn't say anything else and neither did I. I went to have my shower then ate my dinner of steamed fish which mom cooked. It had all the perfect spice and sweet to it; just how I liked it.

"The bills are piling up on us, I may have to borrow a loan, mom said as she strolled into the kitchen.

" We will mange OK?, we always have. There's no need to borrow a loan"

"But what if we really can't manage stel, if we can't pay the rent we'll be given a notice and then we'll be in debts and-

She started coughing loudly as I filled a glass with water and handed it to her as fast as I could. She took it and drank half of the glass. I rubbed her back before drying the tears in her eyes.

"Mom maybe you shoud sit down"

I placed her in the chair before taking a seat myself.

" We can't live like this forever Stella. We have too much bills with not enough money. We-

" Sshh mom it's OK? We'll survive we always do. We have each other remember that"

"I know sweetie, I know"

We stayed silent after that. Maybe I should start looking for another job. I'll still be a florist but have another job that I can balance between times. It would be better for us. I hate to admit it but mom is right. What if we get noticed?. The landlord Mr. Smith wasn't a very reasonable man and I'm sure he'll notice soon that a month's rent was missing. Maybe if he calls I'll try to talk him to giving us more time.

Mom has been nothing but stress and I hated it. She dosen't deserve this type of life after what she's been through with dad leaving and stuff. Sigh. I just hoped for a miracle soon.

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