Chapter 7

Diya

Two years ago,

He was back again. Mrs Dani was not around. This was the fifth time he was in the store getting flowers and this time I couldn't hide. I was still embarrassed. Every time he came here was a reminder that I almost lost a dress because of the wind.

"Hello," he said, glaring at me.

"Welcome," I shifted, organizing the flowers in front of me, "Do you want your usual flowers?"

"No."

"Ok um- Uh," I swallowed, looking up, "What flowers do you need today?" I tried to smile.

"I want these," he said, looking at the flowers on the side.

"Well, those are for a funeral. They are reserved."

"I don't see a sign on them."

"I can give you something else. I can't give you those flowers."

"You don't even know half of the flowers here?"

I narrowed my eyes at him and crossed my arms. "Why are you really here?" I asked.

"For flowers. What else?" his jaw clenched as he stared at me.

"Maybe you should come some other time. I - I think," I sighed when Mrs Dani walked in.

"I'll take the usual," he said, and I raised my brow.

"Welcome back," Mrs Dani smiled as I arranged the flowers.

"There you go." I handed him the bouquet.

"Thank you."

He was a strange man. Instead of leaving, he lingered, looking around.

"Are you still going to the funeral?" Mrs Dani asked.

"Yes." I responded. "He might have harassed and laughed at me, but he was a good boy. I want to pay my respect to his family. I wish the police would catch whoever hurt him like that."

"You are too good for this world," Mrs Dani said. "You can take the flowers to the car so long."

"I'll help you." I frowned, looking at the strange man.

"No, it's fine." I shut him off.

"They must be heavy." he grabbed one and walked out.

I looked back at Mrs Dani, who smiled. "You are going to let him do that?"

"Only you are too blind to see what's happening here. He is trying to court you."

"No," I shook my head, "He is intimidating, and he barely speaks to me when he is here."

"It's because you always hide from him."

"Yes, I have to. I'm embarrassed, and I don't think he is courting me."

I cleared my throat and grabbed another crate of flowers, which he took from me before I took over five steps. There was no way this man was courting me. Everything about him was scary. He always carried a crease on his forehead. Like he was always angry with me.

*****

Present day,

“I didn’t think this would work,” I looked at Ruby, who giggled as she wiggled out of my jeans.

“We better hurry before Sister Josephine has a fit.”

“Got it,” I said, pulling her dress off.

I couldn’t believe that I walked in with my head held down enough for them not to see me. He spotted Ruby, but I was glad she kept her word and said nothing. We finished changing clothes in time before Sister Josephine walked in as I was fixing Ruby’s veil.

“Diya?” she stopped as she looked at me. “I heard whispers. You were here, and I thought it was a rumor.”

“Hello, Sister Josephine.” I went in for a hug.

“Hello dear, how are you? I noticed your husband outside earlier. I didn’t know you were in town.”

“I tried to ring you last night and let you know, but you never answered.” I responded, totally ignoring the mention of my husband.

“That was you calling? You know we have prayer during that time before supper.”

“I know,” I spoke as Ruby began shaking her head. I was getting teary again.

“What is it, child? You seem troubled.”

“It’s nothing, really. I just missed you so much.”

“There, there,” she pulled me in another hug, “I know you, Diya. I raised you,” she smiled at me. “I understand if you can’t talk to me about it.”

“I know,’ I sniffled, “I- I- I mean.” I mumbled.

“She’s pregnant,” Ruby confessed.

“Ruby,” Sister Josephine shook her head, “How many times have I told you not to be in other people’s business?”

“I’m sorry Sister Josephine, sorry Diya.”

“Can you go see if we can get Diya something warm to eat?” she smiled looking at me.

“Yes, Sister Josephine.” she bowed her head before leaving as I gave her an apologetic smile.

“This is the best news you could bring. Your husband must be happy.”

“He is beyond happy,” I smiled. Regardless of everything, deep down, I know he is happy.

“I know that is a lie.’ I looked at her as she pointed a finger at me. “You used to use the word beyond as a girl when I rebuked you for lying.”

“I could hide nothing from you." I looked down.

“This is not a confession and I can’t force you to speak, child.”

“I know,” I sighed, “Marriage is not easy.”

“Yes, dear. It’s not,” she agreed, “You are two people trying to make it work as one.”

I hummed at her words. I was glad to have diverted to marriage because I would have spilled my guts to her, too.

“I bought veggie soup,’ Ruby burst into the room, making both of us jump.

“How many times have I told you to be as quiet as a mouse child?”

“Sorry,” she walked in nervously.

“I know you two want to catch up, so I will allow it only this once.”

“Thank you,” Ruby jumped, squealing.

“Hush child, Father Joseph is in the middle of his morning reading,” she spoke as she walked out. “Come look for me, dear, before you take your leave.”

“I will,” I smiled.

“I had to run to the kitchen and almost collided with Sister Marian, and she was not pleased,” she giggled.

“Thank you. I think I would have spilled the beans earlier.”

‘Pfft, don’t worry.”

“I missed you,” I smiled. I tried to take a spoonful of the soup before I set it aside on her desk as I sat down in the bed. It tasted different from what I remembered.

“Believe me, it tasted horrible,” she pretended to gag.

“Ruby!” I shook my head. “I loved Sister Marian’s cooking,”

“It’s because that’s what you grew up eating. I joined six years ago.”

“It’s long enough,” I replied, and she shrugged.

“What will you do about your husband? He is here with Filip.”

“I don’t know yet, but I will figure it out.”

“I know you will,” she reached for my hand and we intertwined our hands.

“I think it did me some good being here. It brought back memories of me running down the hall.”

“You are one special lady.”

“I was the reason for Father Joseph’s many headaches,” I smiled.

“Now you left that role to me,” I laughed at her comment.

“It’s still funny how they fought to keep me here instead of a foster. Now look at me, about to become a mother.”

“This place is special. It makes being here worth it.” Ruby’s smile widened.

“I know it’s going to be hard to leave soon.”

“I wish you would stay here longer.”

“You want to make me cry again? You have been warning me of the waterworks. I will miss you as well."

“Be careful, okay.” She looked at me.

“I will be. Come here,” I pulled her in a hug, “You better not be crying.”

“I’m not," she sniffled.

I was going to miss her, but I know I will be back again. Somehow something always brings me back, be it good or bad, this place always helps me find my way. I was already halfway to making my decision regarding my husband.

“Where will you go now? Do you have money?”

“Yes, I have some money left. It’s enough to last me a day. Depending on my decision, it’s enough to lead me back to Ace or to Mrs. Dani,” I added.

“What about food? It’s still morning and you haven’t eaten,” she asked worriedly, flooding her face.

“I ate before I came here, but don’t worry. I have enough money.”

“Okay,” she smiled before leaning on my belly, “Keep mommy safe baby,”

“I'm sure it’s still a little bean to be a baby yet.”

“I know, but she heard me,”

"She?” I looked and her, “What makes you say that?”

“I hope so,” she grinned.

“We will see. Come on, if we keep at this I won’t leave,” I spoke dragging her.

“Don’t go,” she pouted.

“Sister Josephine gave us a few minutes. It’s not fair that you are here with me and missing out on your daily schedule.”

“It won’t hurt if I’m a little late,” she responded nonchalantly.

“I’m not letting you miss Divine Office. It's almost eight.”

“Fine, but I will walk you to Sister Josephine.”

“I know what you are trying to do, but the moment we walk out, you are going to the hall with the other sisters.”

“You are more like Sister Josephine than you know,” she groaned.

“She raised me well,” I smiled.

We walked out and hugged twice before I went to say my goodbyes to Sister Josephine and, just like Ruby; she had fussed over me before I took my leave. I promised to come back soon, probably when the baby is born for christening.

I walked out of the church and was glad Ace was gone as I made my way to the park and, hopefully, he won’t spot me there. The walk did me good, but it was too hot, and my feet were tired by the time I sat on the bench.

I was alone again with a decision to make. Either I go back to him or go forward away from him.