Five Flowers

March 23^rd

           I met a boy. There was a spring festival a few days ago, at the city park. I went alone since everyone else was busy. I usually don’t go out and do things alone, but it was such a nice day, and it’s been a hard winter. The sun was high in the sky, with a rare agreeable temperature, and a slight breeze. The overabundance of Springtime feeling compelled me to wear one of the many sundresses my mom keeps getting me. I even put on some makeup. Just some blush, and a little eye-shadow, but still, more than I usually wear.

I was sitting on a bench, watching the festivities, from a comfortable distance. There was music blasting from unseen speakers, and people dancing in the fountains. I was sort of daydreaming when he walked up to me. A flower appeared in front of my face, a bright, explosive purple, with small point petals, like a tiny pine tree. He told me it was called a Celosia. I looked up and saw a face, straight out of a magazine. I asked him why he gave me the flower.

“Why not?” he replied.

He asked if he could sit with me, and I tentatively agreed. We sat and talked, awkwardly at first, well, I was awkward. It was mostly him commenting on our surroundings, festivities, and some questions, and me, only replying in mumbles, or short answers. There was a moment of silence, while I was twirling the stem of the flower, he gave me, then he asked my name. We finally introduced ourselves, and he told me he was a florist.

Isaac, the florist.

He asked for my number, and I gave it to him. He gave me a radiant smile, stood up, and began walking away.

“I’ll talk to you soon,” he said, waving.

I just got home from the festival. I have to admit, I think I like him, but it’s kind of embarrassing to be this excited over someone I barely know. I have put the flower in a little glass of water, hoping it retains its color and vitality. I am excited to hear from him.

May 20^th

Isaac and I have been spending most of our free time together. When he first stayed over at my place, he saw my lone Celosia. The next morning, he left early, and came back with a bouquet of hydrangeas, ranging from white, to blue, to pink. It was such a nice gesture. I don’t feel stressed with him at all. He always knows when to crack a joke, when to be serious, to hold me, or to give me some space. He knows exactly what to say, and when to say it. I’m seeing him again tonight, and honestly, I couldn’t be happier. I know it’s only been two months, but his really is amazing. I never feel the need to hide myself from him. Everything he says and does is with the utmost sincerity. I’ve even had some bad days, but he was there, with food, flowers, and comfort. I’m hoping to learn more about him.

July 16^th

So, a lot has happened in my life in the past couple of months. Isaac has kind of moved into my place, and I got a major promotion at work, so I’ve had barely any free time to really enjoy things for myself. The responsibilities at work keep piling up, which I’m glad for. I like the challenge, but that also means longer days, and when I do finally get off, I go home to Isaac, who I have since learned, is extremely averse to doing chores. So now I’m working more hours, and cleaning up after two people, and he is unbelievably messy. At least he takes care of the plants. He has planted some flowering bushes out front, called Astilbe. They are bright, and beautiful, and provide me some much need catharsis, at least before going inside. Isaac really does have a green thumb. I just wish he would… never mind.  But hey, there’s nothing good communication can’t solve, right? I’ll figure it out.

October 15^th

I think I’ve spent most of the Fall in my office. There’s plant in there, with small, white petals, and a spiraling, almost fractal nature, in how it grows. Isaac gave it to me, back in September. Queen Anne’s Lace he said it was called. It’s sat on the corner of my desk ever since, slowly climbing up, sprawling out. It calms me to look at it. Makes me feels safe. Isaac and I have talked a lot, well, I’ve talked a lot. I tried telling him what I want, but I just think he doesn’t get it. He loves his job as a florist and told me that’s what he wants to do for the rest of his life. I’m glad he’s happy, but I think I want him to have more drive, more ambition. But he’s content, living in our two-bedroom house, keeping things the same as they are now. He texts me how much he misses me whenever I’m at work, but I just turn off my phone. I love him, but I feel like he loves me so much more.

I don’t know what to do.

Talking leads to fighting. I don’t know what’s going to happen when I get home tonight, but we’ll see.

October 17^th

Isaac and I talked all night. And all morning. I had to call in sick to work, which wasn’t necessarily a lie. I did feel sick. I still feel sick. Things between Isaac and I are over. He cried. I cried. I didn’t want it to end, but I just couldn’t see a future for us. He’s too comfortable, too placid. Isaac spent last night at a friend’s house. Said he would come get his stuff today, but I don’t know if I can handle seeing him, especially not after the state I put him in. I really wish things would have worked out.

October 17^th, part 2

Isaac came by to get some of his stuff. Mostly his plant stuff. There’s a lot less color in this house now. He brought me one, final flower. A Sweet Pea. He told me they represent departures. That was like a punch in the gut. The tall, dainty flower now sits in my living room. I don’t know what to do with it. Whatever I decide, I know I’ll never forget Isaac.