(no subject)
oh yeah...
here ya go:
It's roses. Completed. And unedited. So expect it to suck. Hope this works...
Don’t Bring Me Roses
**Adrian**
“I got you something.”
“You did? That’s so sweet.”
“Ta-da! Red Roses.”
“Roses.” Oh, no…Not another guy…and he was so nice, too.
“Yeah, what’s the problem? Don’t you like roses?”
“Oh, sure.”
**Joey**
“Hey, you ready?”
“Yeah, just let me lock the door.”
“Before you do that, I think you better put these into some water. Otherwise they might wilt, you know.”
“What might wilt?”
“These!”
“Roses….” I should have known…
**Eric**
“Here, I brought you some flowers.”
“Really? I love flowers!”
“Don’t you want to see what kind of flowers they are? Open the box.” I’m afraid to look…
“Oh…Roses…Thanks.”
“I knew you’d like them.”
“Yeah, sure…I love them….” Not.
**Adrian**
“Look, Adrian…I want to break up.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m married. Sorry.”
“You’re what?! Wait, hold on…Don’t hang up!”
**Joey**
“Joey, I want to see other people.”
“Why?”
“I’m going to die, and I don’t want to put you through that.”
“What are you talking about-”
“-Bye.” I’m going to die? That was so bad… I’m running out of excuses.
**Eric**
“Eric, I think we should break up.”
“Wait, we can work things out!”
“No, we can’t. Hold on. I have another call.” Yes!!! Kali called. This means I have an excuse.
“Why?”
“Eric, I’m sorry, but I have to take this call. Bye.” Phew. Glad that’s over.
**Kali**
“Hey, Kali. I’m so glad you called.”
“Really? I can’t imagine why.”
“Wipe that smirk off your face, I can hear it from here. And don’t ask stupid questions.”
“First of all, you can’t hear smirks, you see them, genius. And second, which poor slob did you break up with this time?”
“Eric. And I’m gonna let that genius comment go, but only because I’m in a good mood.”
“Yeah, breaking guys’ hearts must be so fun.”
“Shut up! You know it’s not like that.”
“Yeah, I know. But still, poor Eric. He was so nice.”
“But-”
“-And so cute too.”
“But-”
“-Not to mention how he was completely head over heels for you.”
“But he DIDN’T pass, and that’s what matters.”
“You didn’t have to shout.”
“I DID have to shout. You talk too much.”
“I will pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“Go ahead.”
“Wait a minute, did you say he didn’t pass?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you talking about that stupid rose test?”
“Yeah. And it is NOT stupid.”
“It is stupid! I can’t believe you gave up a guy as great as Eric because he brought you the wrong flowers. You’re lucky he brings you anything at all, with the way you treat him.”
“Hey! I am not that bad!”
“Yeah you are-don’t even try to deny it. And what about Adrian and Joey? You dumped them, too. Three guys in a month. Don’t you ever date someone for more than a week?”
“I would, if they stopped bringing me roses.”
“When are you going to get over that stupid test?”
“Never.”
“But it’s impossible!”
“It is not.”
“No guy is going to know that you hate roses, especially if you don’t tell them.”
“I can’t tell them! It’s a test. There’s no point if I tell them.”
“It’s impossible.”
“Don’t say that. You know why I have this test in the first place.”
“And sometimes, I wonder if that’s impossible too.”
“Nothing’s impossible.”
“Fate has better things to do than drop your true love on your front steps, you know.”
“I believe in the destiny.”
“Have you ever looked at mythology? The Moirai are three old, blind ladies. They can barely take care of themselves, how could they help you?”
“Only if you go by the Greek version. And they’re not blind. They have an eye.”
“One eye. That’s your defense?”
“Even if it’s only one, an eye is better than being blind.”
“Why are you so stubborn about this?”
“Mom believed in fate.”
“There’s nothing I can say to that.” Damn. I shouldn’t have said that. She hates talking about Mom.
“You’re her daughter, too, you know.”
“But I’m not her.”
“Kali…”
“Don’t you ‘Kali…’ me. Stop sabotaging yourself, and then maybe I’ll talk about Mom.
“It’s not sabotage.”
“Bye.”
Kali…why do you hate her so much?
**Eric**
“We can work things out, I know we can.”
“No, we can’t.”
“Please!”
“Find someone else.”
“I don’t want anyone else.”
“And stop stalking me.” I can’t believe he’s actually following me around.
“I’m not stalking you. I just want to talk.”
“We’ve talked. Now go.”
“Wait-”
“I’m getting a restraining order, Eric, if you don’t leave me alone.”
“But-”
“-Now!”
**The Creep**
“Hey!”
That had better not be Eric again…
“Hey, stop!”
Please God, don’t let that be Eric!
“Hey you with the red coat and the brown hair! Stop!”
Couldn’t he just have said my name?
“Wait!”
Whatever. I am NOT waiting.
“Ugh….stupid girl…”
“What are you doing?! Let go of my arm!”
“Relax, would you?! It’s not like I want to touch you or anything.”
“First you attack me, and then you insult me?!”
“Ow, Stop screeching in my ear-”
“-I am NOT screeching!”
“Fine, whatever you say.”
“Why were you following me, creep?”
“Creep?! Well, this creep just ran 3 blocks, missed his ride, and is late to work because he had to chase some idiot girl who’s deaf, apparently, which isn’t a surprise since your screech could stop rhinos in their tracks-”
“-Is there a point somewhere in your speech?”
“Here’s your wallet, smartass.”
“Oh.”
“Oh? Is that all you have to say? Oh? How about thanks? Or sorry for screaming you?” Of all the people who could have picked up my wallet, it had to be some loud-mouthed asshole with an anger management problem.
“Well, it’s your fault I screamed. You startled me when you grabbed my arm.”
“If you’d stopped and listened, like a sane person, I wouldn’t have had to touch you.”
“Am I that repulsive?”
“Yes.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“And I was being honest.” What is he, three years old?
“Whatever. I’m leaving.”
“Go ahead.”
That jerk! I can’t believe how rude he was…hold on…my money! He stole all my cash!
“Hey, you! Get back here!”
“No way.”
“Give me back my money.”
“Relax! There was only ten bucks in there. Think of it as a reward for returning your wallet.”
“You can’t just take it!”
“Bye!”
“Jerk.” I never got his name…oh well, it’s not like I’ll ever see him again. I have to get home anyways…
**The Creep, again**
“You again! What are you doing here?! You followed me home, didn’t you? I knew it, I knew it, you’re some kinda weirdo stalker-”
“-Shut up! First, didn’t follow you home. Second, NOT a weirdo stalker, like I’d spend my time stalking some stupid, conceited-”
“-I am NOT conceited-”
“-Sarcastic-”
“-I’m not always sarcastic, only to jerks-”
“-Bitch-”
“-What?! How dare you call me-”
“-Who does nothing but insult people-”
“-You deserved it! And it’s not like you’re not calling me-”
“-Lame insults too-”
“-They are NOT lame-”
“-in a voice that would make a banshee cringe-”
“-ARE YOU DONE YET?!!!”
“Almost.”
“Then hurry up!”
“Fine, whatever. Third, came to give you these.”
“Roses?! What are you doing giving me roses? I don’t even know you!”
“ I’m not giving them to you! See the hat? Can you read or are you too stupid?”
“……..” Grr…I don’t think I’ve hated anyone as much as I hate him.
“You can glare at me all you want, it’s not gonna make me anymore polite.” Might as well read the hat.
“Rosy’s flower shop?”
“So you can read. It’s a miracle.” And here I thought no one could be more sarcastic than Kali. Guess he proved me wrong.
“You’re a… delivery boy?”
“Yeah, so what?” Hold it in, it’s really rude, just don’t laug…
“HAHAHAHA!”
“Shut up! It’s not like there’s anything wrong with being a delivery boy.”
“A delivery boy…for a FLOWER shop!” This is priceless!
“Just take your stupid flowers and sign the damn sheet!” He’s just as proud and defensive as Kali. I think I see a match made in heaven.
“Wait, there’s no card. Who sent them?”
“Why’d you ask? Do you have so many people who hate you that they’d want to poison you or something? That’s not hard to imagine.”
“Just tell me who sent them.”
“Fine, let me see….some guy named Eric Dursmith.”
“Eric?!” Stalker boy? ew, Ew, EW…
“Yeah, what are you, deaf?”
“Shut up! And take them back! I don’t want them.”
“I can’t take it back! Rosy’ll think it’s my fault and fire me!”
“Fine. I’ll sign the paper and you can throw the roses away or get rid of them somehow.”
“Why can’t you throw it away?”
“I don’t want to! And next time Eric comes in, tell him sending me flowers won’t work.”
“No way. I got my own problems, I don’t need you dumping yours on me.”
“Look, I’ll give you 20 bucks to do what I asked, okay? And make sure you stop him from sending me anything!”
“Fine. Give me the 20 bucks first-and I don’t take checks.” What a money vampire…
“There. Now leave me alone.”
“Wait!”
“Now what?!”
“Where’s my tip?”
“You actually expect me to give you more money? You’re lucky I don’t go to the shop and have your boss fire you!”
“I don’t think so. You see, if I don’t get a tip, next time this Eric guy comes in, I’ll tell him that you were so glad to get the roses and you can’t wait to hear from him.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I would.”
“Fine. Ten more bucks. Happy?” That’s forty dollars he’s taken from me today. If this continues, I’ll be broke by Friday.
“Of course.”
“Now get out of my face!”
“Gladly. I’ve been wanting to do run away since that door opened.” Damn him, that stupid, greedy jerk…
“Wait!”
“What now, bitch?” grr…
“What’s your name?”
“And why is that any of your business?”
“It’s not. But tell me anyways.”
“Tell me yours first.” Oh, for god’s sake, he’s worse than a three year old!
“Aurelia. But just call me Aura.”
“What the hell kinda name is that?!”
“It’s Latin! Means golden. Now tell me your name.”
“Call me James.” I think smirks like that should be outlawed.
“Is that your real name?”
“Not even close!”
Shoot. Now I can’t complain to his boss. Maybe she’d know his alias…?
*Kali*
“Hey.”
“Hey.” I wonder if she’s still mad…?
“Relax already. I’m not mad.” Good. Now I don’t have to tiptoe around her.
“You know, sometimes I think you’re psychic. It’s disturbing.”
“I’m not psychic. You’re just way too predictable-”
“-I am not!”
“You are. And besides, I’m the one who raised you, remember? I know your body language. And you were just biting your lip.”
“That doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”
“What it means is that you’re nervous.”
“I don’t care what you say. It’s still creepy how perceptive you are.”
“Spoken like a true little sister.”
“Wipe that self satisfied smile of your face. Let’s order already. I’m starving.”
“Okay, but your treat. I won the argument.”
“Nope, sorry, no can do. I just got conned out of forty bucks yesterday.”
“What?” Raised eyebrows and that superior expression should be outlawed, too.
“Some jerk, said his fake name was James, tricked me out of forty bucks. So, your treat.”
“Fine. As long as you tell me how he managed to get money out of you. It’s like making a rock bleed.”
“I’m not that bad! And you know I always give to those charities-I don’t have any money to spare. This jerk just took half a year’s worth of chocolates away from me.”
“Those charities, as you call them, are nothing more than fancy scams. I can’t believe you were that stupid. But hey, at least no more of that horrible stuff you like to call candy-”
“-that’s not fair, you didn’t even try to enjoy it before you spat it out.”
“I spat it out, Aura, because it was disgusting.”
“Hmpff.”
“Don’t pout. Look on the bright side, at least your skin will be spared.”
“I guess that’s true…let’s eat. I hear this place has the best okonomiyaki. It’s been forever since I’ve eaten that. ”
“So impatient.”
“…”
“ I was joking! Fine. Let’s order. But easy on the food, okay? I’m not made of cash either.”
“Finally, waiter! Over here please.”
“Hi, can I take your-” It’s him! James/creep/delivery boy!
“-you!”
“What’s wrong with you now, Aura? Whatever. Waiter, we’ll have two orders of the house’s specialty okonomiyaki, please. And a lemonade for me. Aura, what do you want to drink?”
“…Water’s good.” That way, I’ll see if he spat in it.
“That all? I’ll be back in a few minutes with your food.”
“What was that about, Aura? An ex-boyfriend or something?”
“No way! I don’t even know his name. He’s just the creep who took the forty bucks from me.”
“And by took, you mean that he was smart enough to outsmart you, miss full ride scholarship? If so, I say he deserves it.”
“That’s not how it went.”
“Regardless, stop sulking. Our food’s here.”
“That was fast.”
“It was. Thanks, Mr..”
“Just call me James. And no problem. It’s my job. Call me over if you need anything else. ” Oh sure, he’s polite to her.
“It’s probably old. And filled with his saliva.”
“There’s steam rolling off it.”
“He could have just reheated it.”
“When did you get this paranoid?”
“Yesterday.”
“You know, he’s not horrible to look at. Kinda cute, actually.” Please tell me she didn’t just say that…
“Nothing about that toad is cute. Nothing. ”
“Think what you want. But don’t delude yourself. I know tons of girls who’d kill to get a guy who looks like that.”
“Then the girls you know must be blind.”
“Oh come on. Stop being so stubborn and just look at the guy.” Well, he is tall. And his hair is nice. I wonder if I could get the name of his shampoo…?
“I see nothing attractive at all.”
“Oh really? You don’t see blue-green eyes? Or the fact that he’s obviously athletic? What about his butt?”
“And suddenly I’m not so hungry anymore. You eat my dish.”
“Food waster.”
“Did you really expect me to keep my appetite after that conversation? And I don’t really care, as long as you’re paying.”
“Next time, I’m going to make you treat, even if it kills me.”
“Good luck with that.” The water looks clear enough. It’s probably safe…
*Kerry*
“Ugh…” It wasn’t safe…
“What’s wrong, Aura?”
“I don’t feel so good…”
“Didn’t you just come back from lunch? …Maybe it was something you ate?”
“More like something I drank. That bastard…” What did he do to my water?
“Who’s a bastard?”
“Never mind. Kerry, do me a favor?”
“Sure, anything…”
“I need to go home. Tell Andrew I’m taking the rest of the day off, okay?”
“…but that. Aura, you know how much work we have to do. The wedding’s on Saturday and we haven’t even finished half of the flower arrangements, not to mention the catering. I can’t do all that work alone! Have mercy on me!”
“Please, Kerry!”
“And Andrew is so not going to let you take the day off. He’ll just end up yelling his head off at me! I can’t survive another one of his hissy fits!”
“But Kerrrrrrrrry….”
“But Auuuuuuuuura…”
“…Fine. I’ll stay and work even though my stomach is killing me…”
“Good girl.”
“…And I’m so hungry I’m about to collapse.”
“How brave of you. Pass me the sample Irises.”
“…I’ll work until I pass out. And you guys will just step on me as you work some more…”
“Don’t be silly, Aura. I’ll step over you. I’m not that mean.”
“And when I wake up, on brink of death, it’ll just be to arrange the stinkin’ roses.”
“Well, you are our best florist.”
“How many times have I told you, Kerry? I’m not a florist. I’m an event planner who just happens to be good with plants.”
“True, but you’re so good with flowers I really think you should open a flower shop.”
“Where would I get the start-up money?”
“…Err…win the lottery…?”
“Fat chance.”
“You’re such a pessimist.”
“It’s called being realistic.”
“Whatever. What do you think of this?” Ew, no way the bride would want daisies in her centerpiece…
“…*Growl*…”
“What was that?”
“…My stomach…I told you I didn’t get to eat anything.”
“Aura, Aura, Aura…why do you insist on giving me headaches? Is this fun for you? Are you sadistic?”
“Sorry…I’m just really hungry. And I’ve had a really bad week, with all the extra work and that stupid jerk…not to mention breaking up with Eric, who just stopped stalking me.”
“Okay. Here’s what we’ll do…we still need to pick up more flowers from the shop, so you can go do that while I hold down the fort here. And let me guess, you have no cash on you?”
“Nope. Not a cent.”
“Here’s ten bucks. On your way to the shop, stop and get a hot dog or something. But remember, I expect you back here in 2 hours, okay? No skipping off on me.”
“Two hours…? The shop is a 20 minute walk, at most.”
“It’s not the usual place, they closed down for a month. Owners are on vacations, how lucky is that? Still, I’m giving you extra time because of the traffic.”
“What traffic? There’s nothing at this time of day, everyone’s at work…”
“Aura. Please tell me you’re not that slow.” She winked! That means…
“Oh! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kerry! You are the best! I owe you one.”
“Sure, as long as you don’t bring anymore of that ‘candy’ of yours.”
“Why does everybody hate it?! It’s good. I swear!”
“Whatever. Here. Take my car. It’ll be faster than walking.”
“Have I ever told you I love you? Because I really, really do.”
“Have a good time. Oh, wait! Aura, the flower arrangement…”
“Oh, take out the daisies…and the roses…don’t put irises next to daffodils, they clash. Take those out too. The bluebells look wilted. Take them out.”
“But that’s everything!”
“Really? Oh well…see you in two hours!”
“Wait! Aura! Great…she’s already gone. Now what do I do?”
With an extra hour and a half I can pop back home for a quick nap. Or just eat something from home and use the money Kerry gave me for some headache medicine. This day is looking up…
*James/creep/delivery boy*
“Let’s see, the directions Kerry gave me say that the shop should just be around this corner. There it is…Rosy’s flower shop? Why does that sound so familiar…?”
“Do you always talk to yourself?”
“Ack! Who?! Oh, it’s you again.”
“Yes, it’s me again. Brilliant deduction.”
“Go away…I’m tired. I can’t deal with you again today.” That’s rude. He could have at least held the door open for me when we walked in. It’s just common courtesy.
“Not. My. Problem. I work here. You go away.”
“I can’t. I’m here to pick up some flowers. Just get them for me and I’ll get out of here as quickly as I can.”
“I’m on my break.” You know, up close, he does have really weird eyes. Not nice…just weird. If only there was a flower that color. It’d be gorgeous.
“You’re the only one here! I need to get back to the office by 3 o’clock and it’s already 2:35!”
“I repeat. Not. My. Problem.”
“Come on! If you don’t help me, I’ll just stick around here and annoy you for the rest of the day. And when your boss gets back, I’ll tell her you were rude to me.”
“Bitch. What’s the name on the order?”
“Fushika Planning.”
“Wait here.” He turned around…don’t look at his butt, don’t look at his butt, don’t look at his butt! Stupid Kali, planting stupid, stupid ideas in my head. He does NOT have a nice butt.
“3 dozen red roses, 3 dozen pink ones, 2 dozen white ones, and 2 dozen cream colored roses. What are you, obsessed with the most overrated flower on earth?” So he doesn’t like roses either.
“No. It’s not for me. I hate roses. But brides always demand those stupid things.”
“Yeah, whatever. Don’t mistake me for someone who’s actually interested. Those are prepaid, so just take them and get out of here.”
“Gladly. See you later, delivery boy.”
“I certainly hope not.” Jerk…
*James/creep/delivery boy, again*
“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no…please tell me this isn’t happening. This cannot be happening! Work, you stupid car. Work, Dammit!”
“Hey, shut up! I’m trying to do business in here!” Not him too…
“WHY IS THE WORLD AGAINST ME?!” And now he’s coming out…great…
“Keep your mouth shut. You’re scaring away the costumers!”
“I WILL NOT KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT!”
“Idiot girl, what are you yelling at now?” Fate hates me. I give up.
“ Bump. Bump. Bump…” If I keep hitting my head against the steering wheel, maybe the car will start…on the other hand, maybe I’ll just a get a lovely bruise…
“Don’t tell me you’re having a nervous breakdown…”
“Close. Bump. Bump. Bump.” Looks like it’s going to be the latter…
“I’m going to regret asking this…what’s wrong with you now?”
“The car won’t start. The office is a ten minute walk, but I only have 15 minutes. Bump. Bump. Bump” I wonder what color the bruise will be…?
“I don’t see the problem.”
“There are too many roses. I can’t carry them all. Bump. Bump. Bump” Why is he even asking me this? If I didn’t know him better…
“So you’re a few minutes late. Who cares?”
“My boss cares. He’ll fire me for sure. Bump. Bump. Bump” …I’d think he was going to help me. But, no... that’s impossible.
“Get out of the car. And stop hitting the steering wheel! That’s annoying.”
“Why should I get out? I won’t be able to make it.”
“Just get out.” My arm! Ow…he wasn’t kidding about the getting out thing.
“Now what?”
“Give me half the roses.” Did I hear him right?
“…What?”
“Are you stupid?! Give me the damn roses and start walking!”
“You’re helping me…?”
“Not if you don’t start walking!”
“Oh…this way.” Why is he helping me?
“Hurry up! I gotta get back to the shop, too, you know. I don’t have all day!”
“Alright.”
“Idiot…”
“Hey.”
“What now?”
“Thanks.” I think.
“Whatever.” He looks nice when he’s not yelling or frowning…I wonder what he would look like if he smiled…
*Kerry*
“Finally! You’re back!”
“…Yeah…I’m back.”
“Who’s your friend?”
“I’m not her friend.”
“He’s not my friend.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“I’m leaving. Don’t ever come back to the shop. Got that? I don’t wanna ever want to see you there again. ”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“Okay, tell me everything.”
“Tell you what? Is Andrew back yet?”
“No, you’re safe. And it’s obvious that he’s your newest boyfriend. What happened at the shop? Why doesn’t he want you back there? Are you okay? Did you get attacked or something? And I bet he saved you and that’s how you met, right? How romanti-”
“-He’s not my boyfriend.”
“What?!”
“He’s not my boyfriend. I don’t like him. I’m perfectly okay. And he didn’t save me.” Kinda.
“Huh? But-”
“-Now, let’s get back to work. Are you finished with the centerpiece?”
“Aura…are you okay? You seem out of it…”
“Just tired.” And really confused.
“Whatever you say…”
“Okay…” I don’t get it…
“You’re not listening to me at all, are you?”
“Hmm…yeah…I agree.”
Why did he help me?
*Kerry, again*
“Aura. Who was that guy who came in with you last week?” Some jerk who stopped being so jerk-ish.
“Nobody. Hand me the roses.”
“Here. So, his name is…” That’s right…I don’t even know his name…
“Now the lilies.”
“Have you seen him since?” No…why is that depressing?
“Are you done talking with the catering company yet? The anniversary is in 3days.”
“Yep. And don’t change the subject.” She’s so annoying. I wish she would just drop the subject and let me forget him.
“Kerry. Stop asking me. What makes you think that I’m going to answer you now if I haven’t said anything for the past week?”
“I’m wearing you down. I can feel it.”
“No, you’re not.”
“So, do you like him?”
“Nope. Not at all. Not even a tiny bit. Of course not. I don’t even know the guy.”
“If that isn’t denial, I don’t know what is.” Oops. Okay, not another word…
“It’s not anything. Just the truth.”
“Yeah, sure. Who is he?”
“Just the stupid jerk I’m obsessed with…” Did I just say that out loud?
“Reeeeeeeeeally? Well, this is interesting…” I really don’t like the look on her face…
“Sorry, Kerry. I’m taking my lunch now. Bye!” Gotta get out before I say anything else…
“Wait! It’s only ten in the morning!”
“Bye, Kerry!” Phew…
*The stupid jerk I’m obsessed with*
“Damn…It’s pouring…”
“Huh?” That voice sounds familiar…Who?
“I’m gonna get soaked…” It’s him…
“…” He doesn’t sound very happy…He hasn’t seen me yet, so maybe I should just go somewhere else? It’s a huge street, he won’t notice…
“Stupid Rosy…Sending me on these stupid trips. I’m not a fucking errand boy.”
“…”But…my umbrella is big enough for two…
“I hate this stupid job-”
“-Do you always talk to yourself?”
“Huh?”
“Speechless? Am I that magnificent? Or are you just that dumb?” This is fun…
“Heh. Yeah, right.”
“Someone’s in denial…” Ha. It’s probably me…
“I’m not in anything!”
“I never said anything about you…”
“Bitch.”
“Jerk.”
“…”
“…”
“I’m not saying thanks.”
“You just did.”
“Damn!” I’m actually winning the argument for once…
“You’re too easy-Whoa!!” Ow…stupid slippery ground.
“Hahahaha… You’re such an idiot.”
“Oww….”
“Here.” A hand? He’s helping me up?
“Huh? Are you…?” Is he actually…?
“What?” He doesn’t even realize it…
“…you’re smiling.”
here ya go:
It's roses. Completed. And unedited. So expect it to suck. Hope this works...
Don’t Bring Me Roses
**Adrian**
“I got you something.”
“You did? That’s so sweet.”
“Ta-da! Red Roses.”
“Roses.” Oh, no…Not another guy…and he was so nice, too.
“Yeah, what’s the problem? Don’t you like roses?”
“Oh, sure.”
**Joey**
“Hey, you ready?”
“Yeah, just let me lock the door.”
“Before you do that, I think you better put these into some water. Otherwise they might wilt, you know.”
“What might wilt?”
“These!”
“Roses….” I should have known…
**Eric**
“Here, I brought you some flowers.”
“Really? I love flowers!”
“Don’t you want to see what kind of flowers they are? Open the box.” I’m afraid to look…
“Oh…Roses…Thanks.”
“I knew you’d like them.”
“Yeah, sure…I love them….” Not.
**Adrian**
“Look, Adrian…I want to break up.”
“What? Why?”
“I’m married. Sorry.”
“You’re what?! Wait, hold on…Don’t hang up!”
**Joey**
“Joey, I want to see other people.”
“Why?”
“I’m going to die, and I don’t want to put you through that.”
“What are you talking about-”
“-Bye.” I’m going to die? That was so bad… I’m running out of excuses.
**Eric**
“Eric, I think we should break up.”
“Wait, we can work things out!”
“No, we can’t. Hold on. I have another call.” Yes!!! Kali called. This means I have an excuse.
“Why?”
“Eric, I’m sorry, but I have to take this call. Bye.” Phew. Glad that’s over.
**Kali**
“Hey, Kali. I’m so glad you called.”
“Really? I can’t imagine why.”
“Wipe that smirk off your face, I can hear it from here. And don’t ask stupid questions.”
“First of all, you can’t hear smirks, you see them, genius. And second, which poor slob did you break up with this time?”
“Eric. And I’m gonna let that genius comment go, but only because I’m in a good mood.”
“Yeah, breaking guys’ hearts must be so fun.”
“Shut up! You know it’s not like that.”
“Yeah, I know. But still, poor Eric. He was so nice.”
“But-”
“-And so cute too.”
“But-”
“-Not to mention how he was completely head over heels for you.”
“But he DIDN’T pass, and that’s what matters.”
“You didn’t have to shout.”
“I DID have to shout. You talk too much.”
“I will pretend I didn’t hear that.”
“Go ahead.”
“Wait a minute, did you say he didn’t pass?”
“Yeah.”
“Are you talking about that stupid rose test?”
“Yeah. And it is NOT stupid.”
“It is stupid! I can’t believe you gave up a guy as great as Eric because he brought you the wrong flowers. You’re lucky he brings you anything at all, with the way you treat him.”
“Hey! I am not that bad!”
“Yeah you are-don’t even try to deny it. And what about Adrian and Joey? You dumped them, too. Three guys in a month. Don’t you ever date someone for more than a week?”
“I would, if they stopped bringing me roses.”
“When are you going to get over that stupid test?”
“Never.”
“But it’s impossible!”
“It is not.”
“No guy is going to know that you hate roses, especially if you don’t tell them.”
“I can’t tell them! It’s a test. There’s no point if I tell them.”
“It’s impossible.”
“Don’t say that. You know why I have this test in the first place.”
“And sometimes, I wonder if that’s impossible too.”
“Nothing’s impossible.”
“Fate has better things to do than drop your true love on your front steps, you know.”
“I believe in the destiny.”
“Have you ever looked at mythology? The Moirai are three old, blind ladies. They can barely take care of themselves, how could they help you?”
“Only if you go by the Greek version. And they’re not blind. They have an eye.”
“One eye. That’s your defense?”
“Even if it’s only one, an eye is better than being blind.”
“Why are you so stubborn about this?”
“Mom believed in fate.”
“There’s nothing I can say to that.” Damn. I shouldn’t have said that. She hates talking about Mom.
“You’re her daughter, too, you know.”
“But I’m not her.”
“Kali…”
“Don’t you ‘Kali…’ me. Stop sabotaging yourself, and then maybe I’ll talk about Mom.
“It’s not sabotage.”
“Bye.”
Kali…why do you hate her so much?
**Eric**
“We can work things out, I know we can.”
“No, we can’t.”
“Please!”
“Find someone else.”
“I don’t want anyone else.”
“And stop stalking me.” I can’t believe he’s actually following me around.
“I’m not stalking you. I just want to talk.”
“We’ve talked. Now go.”
“Wait-”
“I’m getting a restraining order, Eric, if you don’t leave me alone.”
“But-”
“-Now!”
**The Creep**
“Hey!”
That had better not be Eric again…
“Hey, stop!”
Please God, don’t let that be Eric!
“Hey you with the red coat and the brown hair! Stop!”
Couldn’t he just have said my name?
“Wait!”
Whatever. I am NOT waiting.
“Ugh….stupid girl…”
“What are you doing?! Let go of my arm!”
“Relax, would you?! It’s not like I want to touch you or anything.”
“First you attack me, and then you insult me?!”
“Ow, Stop screeching in my ear-”
“-I am NOT screeching!”
“Fine, whatever you say.”
“Why were you following me, creep?”
“Creep?! Well, this creep just ran 3 blocks, missed his ride, and is late to work because he had to chase some idiot girl who’s deaf, apparently, which isn’t a surprise since your screech could stop rhinos in their tracks-”
“-Is there a point somewhere in your speech?”
“Here’s your wallet, smartass.”
“Oh.”
“Oh? Is that all you have to say? Oh? How about thanks? Or sorry for screaming you?” Of all the people who could have picked up my wallet, it had to be some loud-mouthed asshole with an anger management problem.
“Well, it’s your fault I screamed. You startled me when you grabbed my arm.”
“If you’d stopped and listened, like a sane person, I wouldn’t have had to touch you.”
“Am I that repulsive?”
“Yes.”
“I was being sarcastic.”
“And I was being honest.” What is he, three years old?
“Whatever. I’m leaving.”
“Go ahead.”
That jerk! I can’t believe how rude he was…hold on…my money! He stole all my cash!
“Hey, you! Get back here!”
“No way.”
“Give me back my money.”
“Relax! There was only ten bucks in there. Think of it as a reward for returning your wallet.”
“You can’t just take it!”
“Bye!”
“Jerk.” I never got his name…oh well, it’s not like I’ll ever see him again. I have to get home anyways…
**The Creep, again**
“You again! What are you doing here?! You followed me home, didn’t you? I knew it, I knew it, you’re some kinda weirdo stalker-”
“-Shut up! First, didn’t follow you home. Second, NOT a weirdo stalker, like I’d spend my time stalking some stupid, conceited-”
“-I am NOT conceited-”
“-Sarcastic-”
“-I’m not always sarcastic, only to jerks-”
“-Bitch-”
“-What?! How dare you call me-”
“-Who does nothing but insult people-”
“-You deserved it! And it’s not like you’re not calling me-”
“-Lame insults too-”
“-They are NOT lame-”
“-in a voice that would make a banshee cringe-”
“-ARE YOU DONE YET?!!!”
“Almost.”
“Then hurry up!”
“Fine, whatever. Third, came to give you these.”
“Roses?! What are you doing giving me roses? I don’t even know you!”
“ I’m not giving them to you! See the hat? Can you read or are you too stupid?”
“……..” Grr…I don’t think I’ve hated anyone as much as I hate him.
“You can glare at me all you want, it’s not gonna make me anymore polite.” Might as well read the hat.
“Rosy’s flower shop?”
“So you can read. It’s a miracle.” And here I thought no one could be more sarcastic than Kali. Guess he proved me wrong.
“You’re a… delivery boy?”
“Yeah, so what?” Hold it in, it’s really rude, just don’t laug…
“HAHAHAHA!”
“Shut up! It’s not like there’s anything wrong with being a delivery boy.”
“A delivery boy…for a FLOWER shop!” This is priceless!
“Just take your stupid flowers and sign the damn sheet!” He’s just as proud and defensive as Kali. I think I see a match made in heaven.
“Wait, there’s no card. Who sent them?”
“Why’d you ask? Do you have so many people who hate you that they’d want to poison you or something? That’s not hard to imagine.”
“Just tell me who sent them.”
“Fine, let me see….some guy named Eric Dursmith.”
“Eric?!” Stalker boy? ew, Ew, EW…
“Yeah, what are you, deaf?”
“Shut up! And take them back! I don’t want them.”
“I can’t take it back! Rosy’ll think it’s my fault and fire me!”
“Fine. I’ll sign the paper and you can throw the roses away or get rid of them somehow.”
“Why can’t you throw it away?”
“I don’t want to! And next time Eric comes in, tell him sending me flowers won’t work.”
“No way. I got my own problems, I don’t need you dumping yours on me.”
“Look, I’ll give you 20 bucks to do what I asked, okay? And make sure you stop him from sending me anything!”
“Fine. Give me the 20 bucks first-and I don’t take checks.” What a money vampire…
“There. Now leave me alone.”
“Wait!”
“Now what?!”
“Where’s my tip?”
“You actually expect me to give you more money? You’re lucky I don’t go to the shop and have your boss fire you!”
“I don’t think so. You see, if I don’t get a tip, next time this Eric guy comes in, I’ll tell him that you were so glad to get the roses and you can’t wait to hear from him.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I would.”
“Fine. Ten more bucks. Happy?” That’s forty dollars he’s taken from me today. If this continues, I’ll be broke by Friday.
“Of course.”
“Now get out of my face!”
“Gladly. I’ve been wanting to do run away since that door opened.” Damn him, that stupid, greedy jerk…
“Wait!”
“What now, bitch?” grr…
“What’s your name?”
“And why is that any of your business?”
“It’s not. But tell me anyways.”
“Tell me yours first.” Oh, for god’s sake, he’s worse than a three year old!
“Aurelia. But just call me Aura.”
“What the hell kinda name is that?!”
“It’s Latin! Means golden. Now tell me your name.”
“Call me James.” I think smirks like that should be outlawed.
“Is that your real name?”
“Not even close!”
Shoot. Now I can’t complain to his boss. Maybe she’d know his alias…?
*Kali*
“Hey.”
“Hey.” I wonder if she’s still mad…?
“Relax already. I’m not mad.” Good. Now I don’t have to tiptoe around her.
“You know, sometimes I think you’re psychic. It’s disturbing.”
“I’m not psychic. You’re just way too predictable-”
“-I am not!”
“You are. And besides, I’m the one who raised you, remember? I know your body language. And you were just biting your lip.”
“That doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”
“What it means is that you’re nervous.”
“I don’t care what you say. It’s still creepy how perceptive you are.”
“Spoken like a true little sister.”
“Wipe that self satisfied smile of your face. Let’s order already. I’m starving.”
“Okay, but your treat. I won the argument.”
“Nope, sorry, no can do. I just got conned out of forty bucks yesterday.”
“What?” Raised eyebrows and that superior expression should be outlawed, too.
“Some jerk, said his fake name was James, tricked me out of forty bucks. So, your treat.”
“Fine. As long as you tell me how he managed to get money out of you. It’s like making a rock bleed.”
“I’m not that bad! And you know I always give to those charities-I don’t have any money to spare. This jerk just took half a year’s worth of chocolates away from me.”
“Those charities, as you call them, are nothing more than fancy scams. I can’t believe you were that stupid. But hey, at least no more of that horrible stuff you like to call candy-”
“-that’s not fair, you didn’t even try to enjoy it before you spat it out.”
“I spat it out, Aura, because it was disgusting.”
“Hmpff.”
“Don’t pout. Look on the bright side, at least your skin will be spared.”
“I guess that’s true…let’s eat. I hear this place has the best okonomiyaki. It’s been forever since I’ve eaten that. ”
“So impatient.”
“…”
“ I was joking! Fine. Let’s order. But easy on the food, okay? I’m not made of cash either.”
“Finally, waiter! Over here please.”
“Hi, can I take your-” It’s him! James/creep/delivery boy!
“-you!”
“What’s wrong with you now, Aura? Whatever. Waiter, we’ll have two orders of the house’s specialty okonomiyaki, please. And a lemonade for me. Aura, what do you want to drink?”
“…Water’s good.” That way, I’ll see if he spat in it.
“That all? I’ll be back in a few minutes with your food.”
“What was that about, Aura? An ex-boyfriend or something?”
“No way! I don’t even know his name. He’s just the creep who took the forty bucks from me.”
“And by took, you mean that he was smart enough to outsmart you, miss full ride scholarship? If so, I say he deserves it.”
“That’s not how it went.”
“Regardless, stop sulking. Our food’s here.”
“That was fast.”
“It was. Thanks, Mr..”
“Just call me James. And no problem. It’s my job. Call me over if you need anything else. ” Oh sure, he’s polite to her.
“It’s probably old. And filled with his saliva.”
“There’s steam rolling off it.”
“He could have just reheated it.”
“When did you get this paranoid?”
“Yesterday.”
“You know, he’s not horrible to look at. Kinda cute, actually.” Please tell me she didn’t just say that…
“Nothing about that toad is cute. Nothing. ”
“Think what you want. But don’t delude yourself. I know tons of girls who’d kill to get a guy who looks like that.”
“Then the girls you know must be blind.”
“Oh come on. Stop being so stubborn and just look at the guy.” Well, he is tall. And his hair is nice. I wonder if I could get the name of his shampoo…?
“I see nothing attractive at all.”
“Oh really? You don’t see blue-green eyes? Or the fact that he’s obviously athletic? What about his butt?”
“And suddenly I’m not so hungry anymore. You eat my dish.”
“Food waster.”
“Did you really expect me to keep my appetite after that conversation? And I don’t really care, as long as you’re paying.”
“Next time, I’m going to make you treat, even if it kills me.”
“Good luck with that.” The water looks clear enough. It’s probably safe…
*Kerry*
“Ugh…” It wasn’t safe…
“What’s wrong, Aura?”
“I don’t feel so good…”
“Didn’t you just come back from lunch? …Maybe it was something you ate?”
“More like something I drank. That bastard…” What did he do to my water?
“Who’s a bastard?”
“Never mind. Kerry, do me a favor?”
“Sure, anything…”
“I need to go home. Tell Andrew I’m taking the rest of the day off, okay?”
“…but that. Aura, you know how much work we have to do. The wedding’s on Saturday and we haven’t even finished half of the flower arrangements, not to mention the catering. I can’t do all that work alone! Have mercy on me!”
“Please, Kerry!”
“And Andrew is so not going to let you take the day off. He’ll just end up yelling his head off at me! I can’t survive another one of his hissy fits!”
“But Kerrrrrrrrry….”
“But Auuuuuuuuura…”
“…Fine. I’ll stay and work even though my stomach is killing me…”
“Good girl.”
“…And I’m so hungry I’m about to collapse.”
“How brave of you. Pass me the sample Irises.”
“…I’ll work until I pass out. And you guys will just step on me as you work some more…”
“Don’t be silly, Aura. I’ll step over you. I’m not that mean.”
“And when I wake up, on brink of death, it’ll just be to arrange the stinkin’ roses.”
“Well, you are our best florist.”
“How many times have I told you, Kerry? I’m not a florist. I’m an event planner who just happens to be good with plants.”
“True, but you’re so good with flowers I really think you should open a flower shop.”
“Where would I get the start-up money?”
“…Err…win the lottery…?”
“Fat chance.”
“You’re such a pessimist.”
“It’s called being realistic.”
“Whatever. What do you think of this?” Ew, no way the bride would want daisies in her centerpiece…
“…*Growl*…”
“What was that?”
“…My stomach…I told you I didn’t get to eat anything.”
“Aura, Aura, Aura…why do you insist on giving me headaches? Is this fun for you? Are you sadistic?”
“Sorry…I’m just really hungry. And I’ve had a really bad week, with all the extra work and that stupid jerk…not to mention breaking up with Eric, who just stopped stalking me.”
“Okay. Here’s what we’ll do…we still need to pick up more flowers from the shop, so you can go do that while I hold down the fort here. And let me guess, you have no cash on you?”
“Nope. Not a cent.”
“Here’s ten bucks. On your way to the shop, stop and get a hot dog or something. But remember, I expect you back here in 2 hours, okay? No skipping off on me.”
“Two hours…? The shop is a 20 minute walk, at most.”
“It’s not the usual place, they closed down for a month. Owners are on vacations, how lucky is that? Still, I’m giving you extra time because of the traffic.”
“What traffic? There’s nothing at this time of day, everyone’s at work…”
“Aura. Please tell me you’re not that slow.” She winked! That means…
“Oh! Thank you, thank you, thank you, Kerry! You are the best! I owe you one.”
“Sure, as long as you don’t bring anymore of that ‘candy’ of yours.”
“Why does everybody hate it?! It’s good. I swear!”
“Whatever. Here. Take my car. It’ll be faster than walking.”
“Have I ever told you I love you? Because I really, really do.”
“Have a good time. Oh, wait! Aura, the flower arrangement…”
“Oh, take out the daisies…and the roses…don’t put irises next to daffodils, they clash. Take those out too. The bluebells look wilted. Take them out.”
“But that’s everything!”
“Really? Oh well…see you in two hours!”
“Wait! Aura! Great…she’s already gone. Now what do I do?”
With an extra hour and a half I can pop back home for a quick nap. Or just eat something from home and use the money Kerry gave me for some headache medicine. This day is looking up…
*James/creep/delivery boy*
“Let’s see, the directions Kerry gave me say that the shop should just be around this corner. There it is…Rosy’s flower shop? Why does that sound so familiar…?”
“Do you always talk to yourself?”
“Ack! Who?! Oh, it’s you again.”
“Yes, it’s me again. Brilliant deduction.”
“Go away…I’m tired. I can’t deal with you again today.” That’s rude. He could have at least held the door open for me when we walked in. It’s just common courtesy.
“Not. My. Problem. I work here. You go away.”
“I can’t. I’m here to pick up some flowers. Just get them for me and I’ll get out of here as quickly as I can.”
“I’m on my break.” You know, up close, he does have really weird eyes. Not nice…just weird. If only there was a flower that color. It’d be gorgeous.
“You’re the only one here! I need to get back to the office by 3 o’clock and it’s already 2:35!”
“I repeat. Not. My. Problem.”
“Come on! If you don’t help me, I’ll just stick around here and annoy you for the rest of the day. And when your boss gets back, I’ll tell her you were rude to me.”
“Bitch. What’s the name on the order?”
“Fushika Planning.”
“Wait here.” He turned around…don’t look at his butt, don’t look at his butt, don’t look at his butt! Stupid Kali, planting stupid, stupid ideas in my head. He does NOT have a nice butt.
“3 dozen red roses, 3 dozen pink ones, 2 dozen white ones, and 2 dozen cream colored roses. What are you, obsessed with the most overrated flower on earth?” So he doesn’t like roses either.
“No. It’s not for me. I hate roses. But brides always demand those stupid things.”
“Yeah, whatever. Don’t mistake me for someone who’s actually interested. Those are prepaid, so just take them and get out of here.”
“Gladly. See you later, delivery boy.”
“I certainly hope not.” Jerk…
*James/creep/delivery boy, again*
“No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no…please tell me this isn’t happening. This cannot be happening! Work, you stupid car. Work, Dammit!”
“Hey, shut up! I’m trying to do business in here!” Not him too…
“WHY IS THE WORLD AGAINST ME?!” And now he’s coming out…great…
“Keep your mouth shut. You’re scaring away the costumers!”
“I WILL NOT KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT!”
“Idiot girl, what are you yelling at now?” Fate hates me. I give up.
“ Bump. Bump. Bump…” If I keep hitting my head against the steering wheel, maybe the car will start…on the other hand, maybe I’ll just a get a lovely bruise…
“Don’t tell me you’re having a nervous breakdown…”
“Close. Bump. Bump. Bump.” Looks like it’s going to be the latter…
“I’m going to regret asking this…what’s wrong with you now?”
“The car won’t start. The office is a ten minute walk, but I only have 15 minutes. Bump. Bump. Bump” I wonder what color the bruise will be…?
“I don’t see the problem.”
“There are too many roses. I can’t carry them all. Bump. Bump. Bump” Why is he even asking me this? If I didn’t know him better…
“So you’re a few minutes late. Who cares?”
“My boss cares. He’ll fire me for sure. Bump. Bump. Bump” …I’d think he was going to help me. But, no... that’s impossible.
“Get out of the car. And stop hitting the steering wheel! That’s annoying.”
“Why should I get out? I won’t be able to make it.”
“Just get out.” My arm! Ow…he wasn’t kidding about the getting out thing.
“Now what?”
“Give me half the roses.” Did I hear him right?
“…What?”
“Are you stupid?! Give me the damn roses and start walking!”
“You’re helping me…?”
“Not if you don’t start walking!”
“Oh…this way.” Why is he helping me?
“Hurry up! I gotta get back to the shop, too, you know. I don’t have all day!”
“Alright.”
“Idiot…”
“Hey.”
“What now?”
“Thanks.” I think.
“Whatever.” He looks nice when he’s not yelling or frowning…I wonder what he would look like if he smiled…
*Kerry*
“Finally! You’re back!”
“…Yeah…I’m back.”
“Who’s your friend?”
“I’m not her friend.”
“He’s not my friend.”
“Oh. Okay.”
“I’m leaving. Don’t ever come back to the shop. Got that? I don’t wanna ever want to see you there again. ”
“Yeah, whatever.”
“Okay, tell me everything.”
“Tell you what? Is Andrew back yet?”
“No, you’re safe. And it’s obvious that he’s your newest boyfriend. What happened at the shop? Why doesn’t he want you back there? Are you okay? Did you get attacked or something? And I bet he saved you and that’s how you met, right? How romanti-”
“-He’s not my boyfriend.”
“What?!”
“He’s not my boyfriend. I don’t like him. I’m perfectly okay. And he didn’t save me.” Kinda.
“Huh? But-”
“-Now, let’s get back to work. Are you finished with the centerpiece?”
“Aura…are you okay? You seem out of it…”
“Just tired.” And really confused.
“Whatever you say…”
“Okay…” I don’t get it…
“You’re not listening to me at all, are you?”
“Hmm…yeah…I agree.”
Why did he help me?
*Kerry, again*
“Aura. Who was that guy who came in with you last week?” Some jerk who stopped being so jerk-ish.
“Nobody. Hand me the roses.”
“Here. So, his name is…” That’s right…I don’t even know his name…
“Now the lilies.”
“Have you seen him since?” No…why is that depressing?
“Are you done talking with the catering company yet? The anniversary is in 3days.”
“Yep. And don’t change the subject.” She’s so annoying. I wish she would just drop the subject and let me forget him.
“Kerry. Stop asking me. What makes you think that I’m going to answer you now if I haven’t said anything for the past week?”
“I’m wearing you down. I can feel it.”
“No, you’re not.”
“So, do you like him?”
“Nope. Not at all. Not even a tiny bit. Of course not. I don’t even know the guy.”
“If that isn’t denial, I don’t know what is.” Oops. Okay, not another word…
“It’s not anything. Just the truth.”
“Yeah, sure. Who is he?”
“Just the stupid jerk I’m obsessed with…” Did I just say that out loud?
“Reeeeeeeeeally? Well, this is interesting…” I really don’t like the look on her face…
“Sorry, Kerry. I’m taking my lunch now. Bye!” Gotta get out before I say anything else…
“Wait! It’s only ten in the morning!”
“Bye, Kerry!” Phew…
*The stupid jerk I’m obsessed with*
“Damn…It’s pouring…”
“Huh?” That voice sounds familiar…Who?
“I’m gonna get soaked…” It’s him…
“…” He doesn’t sound very happy…He hasn’t seen me yet, so maybe I should just go somewhere else? It’s a huge street, he won’t notice…
“Stupid Rosy…Sending me on these stupid trips. I’m not a fucking errand boy.”
“…”But…my umbrella is big enough for two…
“I hate this stupid job-”
“-Do you always talk to yourself?”
“Huh?”
“Speechless? Am I that magnificent? Or are you just that dumb?” This is fun…
“Heh. Yeah, right.”
“Someone’s in denial…” Ha. It’s probably me…
“I’m not in anything!”
“I never said anything about you…”
“Bitch.”
“Jerk.”
“…”
“…”
“I’m not saying thanks.”
“You just did.”
“Damn!” I’m actually winning the argument for once…
“You’re too easy-Whoa!!” Ow…stupid slippery ground.
“Hahahaha… You’re such an idiot.”
“Oww….”
“Here.” A hand? He’s helping me up?
“Huh? Are you…?” Is he actually…?
“What?” He doesn’t even realize it…
“…you’re smiling.”