The little bell stationed above the shop’s entrance dinged, signalling the arrival of a customer.
“Welcome to Alora’s Floral Bliss. What would you like to- Oh! Gem!” the short and plump middle-aged woman squealed as she hurried from behind the counter, where she had been arranging a few bouquets of flowers, to grip Emerald in a bear hug.
Emerald chuckled, always wondering where she had gotten such strength, especially for someone her age. “You know, sometimes I can’t help but wonder if you perhaps visit the gym,” she laughed as she wrapped her arms around the woman who was like a grandmother to her.
“You’re just so strong,” she teased, earning a hit from Alora who pulled back and feigned a displeased glare.
“Oh shush! You can’t blame me, it’s one of the perks of having been a veteran nurse. Back then, you gotta be strong and tough to survive the war, be it a man or woman,” she held Emerald at arm’s length as she explained.
“Ever heard of survival of the fittest?” She winked and made a show of kissing both of her now non-existent biceps. Emerald laughed again, watching the display of the woman in front of her before pulling her into her embrace once again.
She snuggled up against the short woman, basking in her warmth and flowery scent as she dug her nose into her black hair. Emerald was much taller than the old woman who stood at a height of 5’5 thereabout but that didn’t hinder the comfort she always derived from being in her embrace.
She couldn’t deny the fact that the woman always reminded her of her mother and at this moment, she realised how much she actually missed her. She sighed.
“Is everything alright, Gem?” Alora asked, rubbing soothing patterns on Emerald’s back.
“I’m ok, Lori. I just realised how much I’ve missed you,” she smiled.
“Then you should’ve come more often.” Another voice echoed round the empty shop, causing the two women to pull away to look at the intruder.
The tall middle aged man with salt–and–pepper hair walked in through the backdoor which led to the beautiful garden where the breathtaking flowers they sold, were grown.
Another wide grin graced Emerald’s face and in record speed, he pulled her into a bone crushing hug just like his wife had done earlier, eliciting a groan from her. “Again with the killer hugs,” she teased.
“You say you miss us, yet you refuse to come see us and we’re just a road cross away from you,” he complained as he pulled away.
“I’m sorry, Levi. I have no excuse, really but I’m here now to spend the hour with you guys.” She promised.
“Fine, if you say so,” his childish pout remained on his face.
“Oh, come on,” she giggled, before placing both her hands on either side of his cheeks. “Don’t gimme that look, Lee. And I need fresh new flowers for my vases. The roses have withered.”
“Oh, we’ll be happy to help!” Alora exclaimed excitedly while clapping her hands together, her husband mirroring her expression. These two basically lived for flowers.
Levi hastily flipped the board dangling from the entrance door, turning the Open to Closed before all three of them started making their way towards the garden, only to be stopped by a phone ringing.
Lulu flashed across the screen as Emerald looked down at her phone. “Uh. . . You guys go ahead. I need to take this call.” The couple nodded and Levi held the door open for his wife as they both walked through the backdoor.
“Hi, Lulu.”
“Piccolo, come stai mimma?”
“I’m doing great, Lulu and you?”
“I’m ok, amore. Thanks for asking. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“No, of course not.” Silence followed after. “Well. . . Why’d you call? Is something wrong? You sound strangely. . . nervous,” she observed.
A deep sigh came from the other side. “It irks me sometimes when I’m so predictable to the most important women in my life.” Emerald chuckled at his grumble.
“It shows how much we love and know you. Now, spill the beans.” And just like that, Luca explained to Emerald why he was nervous.
Instantaneously, a grin spread across her face from ear to ear at his words.
“I thought this day would never come.”