54

[REBECCA]
I lay in my cozy bed, engrossed in the captivating pages of the book I was reading. Suddenly, my door swung open without warning, jolting me upright and causing the book to slip from my grasp, silently landing on the mattress. My heart pounded against my chest, its rhythm loud and erratic.
In walked Lynda, her face beaming with excitement, clutching a magnificent bouquet of delicate pink and white flowers in her hands. “Artemy got you flowers!” she exclaimed.
Again? My eyes widened as she approached, allowing me a closer look at the exquisite blooms. I eagerly extended my hand, my heart dancing with anticipation. Lynda handed me the flowers, and I couldn’t help but gasp.
They were simply breathtaking-far more stunning than any flowers he had given me before. And the bouquet itself was grand, an impressive display of beauty and color.
I pulled the bouquet close to my chest, my smile radiant as I gazed up at Lynda. “What are they called?” I asked.
“They’re peonies. Gorgeous, aren’t they?” she replied.
I nodded, utterly speechless. The flowers were a sight to behold, their vibrant hues mingling together in perfect harmony. A wide grin spread across my face, and a small giggle escaped my lips. “I can’t believe he got me flowers again,” I whispered.
My heart raced with joy within my chest, and a swarm of butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Holding the flowers tenderly against me, I sighed contentedly. In that moment, all I wished for was to see Artemy-to have him be the one delivering this gift. I longed for him to be here so I could express my gratitude, to show him just how immensely happy he had made me.
Looking up at Lynda, I noticed her smiling down at me. “He can be quite the romantic at times,” she teased, winking mischievously.
I couldn’t help but giggle once more, the sound seeming almost surreal. Placing a hand over my mouth, I glanced down at the flowers and nodded in agreement. “He kissed me,” I confessed, my smile so wide that my cheeks ached.
Lynda gasped in astonishment. “What?” she squealed.
Blushing, I lowered my head and nibbled on my lower lip as Lynda’s excitement reached new heights beside me. “He kissed you? Artemy kissed you? When? How?” she bombarded me with questions.
Closing my eyes, I inhaled the sweet fragrance of the flowers. “Yesterday. When he took me to the creek,” I revealed, relishing the memory.
I could still feel the lingering sensation of his lips on mine, their gentle movement as he held me tightly in his embrace. Ever since that momentous kiss we shared by the creek, it consumed my every thought.
The memory of his tender touch and affectionate kisses was etched deeply within me. It made me feel significant, cherished, and irreplaceable in his eyes. Such a precious connection was something I vowed to treasure forever in the depths of my heart.
Beside me, Lynda let out a breathless whisper, her voice filled with disbelief and overwhelming happiness. “Oh, Becca, I can’t believe this! You have no idea how ecstatic I am for you.”
A contented smile curved my lips as I whispered back, my eyes remaining closed as I savored the moment. “I am happy too. Immeasurably happy. He brings me so much joy, Lynda.”
Opening my eyes, I glanced up at her and a sudden realization struck me. “I should go and express my gratitude to him for the beautiful flowers.”
“Now?” Lynda asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. I nodded enthusiastically, and she chuckled, taking a step back.
“Go ahead, babe. The last time I saw him, he was downstairs,” she said with a supportive smile.
“Thank you,” I replied, hastily slipping on my flats while still clutching the bouquet in my hands. With a rush of exhilaration, I darted out of the room, my heart performing acrobatics within my chest.
As I descended the stairs, my pace gradually slowed when I spotted Brayden and Avim engrossed in a tense conversation. They halted mid-sentence upon noticing my approach. “Rebecca,” Avim greeted me, his tone warm and friendly. Brayden simply nodded, his eyebrows rising in surprise at the sight of the flowers cradled in my hands.
In a soft voice, I inquired, “Do you happen to know where Artemy is?”
Avim’s brows furrowed momentarily before he responded, “He’s in his office.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you,” I acknowledged them with a smile before retracing my steps toward the staircase.
“Wait,” Brayden called out, causing me to pause in my tracks. I turned back, awaiting his words.
“Yes?” I questioned, curious about their sudden interest.
“Where are you going?” Avim queried, a note of concern lacing his voice.
“To Artemy’s office. I want to express my gratitude for the flowers,” I explained softly, my intentions innocent and pure.
Their widened eyes met, and a silent communication seemed to pass between them. “No,” Avim promptly interjected, his tone firm and resolute.
Confusion welled up within me as I flinched at his unexpected sharpness. However, his expression softened upon witnessing my reaction, and he appeared somewhat sheepish.
“That wouldn’t be a good idea,” Brayden added, swallowing nervously. Their cryptic words left me bewildered. What were they trying to tell me?
Perplexed but determined, I insisted, “I won’t disturb him, I promise. I’ll simply express my gratitude and then leave. That’s all.” The truth was, I longed to see him desperately. There was a strange ache within me, a sense of yearning and an unanticipated void in his absence.
Avim put forward his argument, suggesting that I should go later because the person I wanted to see was currently busy. Brayden quickly nodded in agreement, his face displaying a tinge of anguish. The defeat weighed heavily on my shoulders, and I cast my gaze downward at the flowers in my hands. Uttering a soft “Okay,” I whispered my acceptance. As I looked up again, I noticed Avim and Brayden exhaling in relief. Their tensed expressions intrigued me, but I brushed it off and mustered a smile for them. “I’ll go later,” I reassured. Brayden concurred, saying, “Yeah, later.” I turned around and ascended the stairs, a sense of longing washing over me. I wished I could see him at that moment.
Clutching the bouquet against my chest, I shook my head and muttered, “Oh well. I’ll see him later.” I buried my face in the flowers, momentarily losing myself in their scent. The feeling of defeat dissipated, and my smile returned. Reaching the top landing, I intended to turn left towards my room, but something caught my eye to the right.
Artemy.
Swiftly pivoting around, I was about to call out to him when I noticed someone else. And not just anyone-it was Bernadette. In an instant, my smile vanished.
He had his back turned to me, unaware of my presence. But Bernadette saw me, and her smile was anything but innocent. It was a wicked smile, one filled with triumph. She placed a hand on Artemy’s arm and moved closer.
“Artemy,” she purred, loud enough for me to hear.
He responded, but his words were lost on me. All I could see was how close Bernadette was to him, practically glued to his body. My stomach twisted painfully, and I instinctively took a step back. My arms hung limply by my side as a sting permeated my nose.
All the happiness and everything I had felt just moments ago evaporated, leaving me hollow.
But then, a surge of unfamiliar emotions welled up within me, crashing like turbulent waves. My chest constricted, tightening with each step I took backward. Why would he do this?
He let me play the piano. I played for him every night. He shared the creek with me. He kissed me. He held me in his arms. And he gave me flowers. I believed we had something special. I thought it meant something. I thought I meant something to him.
Tears welled up in my eyes, and I hastily wiped them away. My heart ached, the pain searing through me. Placing a hand over my mouth, I stifled any sounds that threatened to escape.
“It’s like a wave. It crashes into your heart, carrying so many conflicting emotions… it hurts,” Lynda’s words echoed in my mind as I watched Bernadette and Artemy. When I saw them disappear into his office, frustration welled up within me, and I turned around, blinking away the tears. I pressed my hand against my chest, feeling my heart raging within.
I couldn’t comprehend it. Could Lynda be right? Was I… jealous?