Two days after, Lavender did not enter the flower shop. She just murmured in her room, savoring the taste of defeat and embarrassment she had suffered two days ago. The act she put up was totally outrageous, though no man can think sensibly of what he has done. Even her parents scolded her, her daddy almost had a heart attack. But two days of poaching the pain is enough for her, she found her baring. She realized that whatever she does - either good or bad, she must face the consequences.
“Lavender, sweetie. Thank goodness you’re alright.” Her mother tossed her like she was a newborn baby.
“Sweetie, I'm so sorry for what we've done.” Her father tapped her back and smoothly stroked her hair. Lavender just cried, she was so lucky to have such good parents.
After breakfast, she cleaned herself up. Although the swelling of her eyes is still visible, she still forced herself to enter the flower shop. She wants to negotiate with the man as soon as possible. No pottery enables her to instill resentment. Lavender quickly fires the engine and speeds up. Out of her flying mind, she almost ran away but fortunately she was fast enough to brake the car. She hurried out of the car and looked around the man in front of his car. A grumpy old man she saw was wearing an old hat and a high beard. He was not very thin but obvious on its face the extreme pallor as if it can be blown by the wind.
“Are you all right?” she concernedly asked the old man as she supported it to stand up.
“I’m fine, lady. Thank you very much.” its voice growled.
“Wait, I’ll just take something inside.” When she returned, she was carrying water and food. “Here, eat first.” She handed it to him and the old man immediately accepted it. It tasted like pork. “Are you sure you're okay, sir? I can take you at the hospital.” she insisted.
“Don't worry, you feed me enough. Thank you for caring for an old man like me. Your heart is so bright.”
“A-All right, if that's what you want then. I'll be ahead of you, sir.”
“Just a moment, lady.” He grabbed her arm and placed a small bottle.
“W-What is this?” Lavender asked, frowning.
“That is my gratitude to you for your kindness and for helping me. That is called a potion.”
“Ha!” Lavender almost let go of the handle. She was horrified by what she heard from the old man. It's already 21st century and who else would believe in potion?
“But why did you give it to me?” She was trying to lighten the conversation. She is very tense.
“I gave you that because I know your needs, lady. I know that your heart wants it, so with that you can fulfill it.”
“But---”
“Use that, lady. Just one drop and he will look for you. But remember that the potion will only work when you make him drink that and it will expire when the time comes for him to tell you that he loves you.”
A car near her peeped so her sight was diverted to it for a second but when she looked back at the old man, he was already gone. She intervened.
She went back in the car. She first looked at the contents of the bottle. In an instant, she felt the urge to use it.
Lavender parked her car in front of the shop's garage before she doze off inside
the flower shop. She went straight to the personnels area to change her clothes
right before she started her daily chores. She is not a flower shop worker
but she just helps here as a consolation to herself - but she seemed like
one. Like the florists, she also enters early, she never wants to be late.
She turned to Mars' office when she saw the bulk of the young man from its glass wall. Lavender cupped the pocket of her gray apron and glanced at the little bottle the old man had given her. She stared at it carefully then looked back at the shadow of the young man. There is a developing plan in her brain.
“Lavender?” Gertrude mentioned her name like a scary cat. “I heard what happened. Are you okay?”
“I'm okay, Gertrude.”
"I'm so sorry, Lav. If it weren't for my plan, it wouldn't have happened to you. I am truly sorry.” Lavender gave her the assuring smile that everything is alright
and everything will be.
“Don't say sorry, Gertrude. It isn't your fault, you are not at fault for what happened. I've been so stupid that day so that happened.” Gertrude held her hand. “But thanks to you I realized that I shouldn't force things that are too impossible to happen. You should not care what destiny wants for you.”
“What's that smile all about, Lav?” Her friend mysteriously asked her.
“I just found out that planning to get Mars was an impossible idea. If he doesn’t want me, then let it be.”
“So what does that mean?” Her friend continued.
“So I'm giving up on him.” Her friend’s eyes widened and she knew that Gertrude was happy for her decision... But is she happy especially if that was hypocrisy and a lie gain? Right now, she was tempted to use the magic again to take the young man’s heart.
“I am happy for you, Lav. It's good that you finally realized that sir Mars isn’t really for you.” The girl just nodded at what her friend said and continued what they were doing.
Time passed quickly. It's already ten in the evening and respectively everyone went home. But Lavender felt the urge to stay, she won’t go home until her plan will be put into action. She has a chance now especially when the man is going overtime. Lavender gathered all her courage and made her way to the pantry. She took a cup and brewed coffee. She looked around first before the potion carefully seals the smoky coffee. She added toasted cookies and then put them in a tray. Then Lavender gratefully marched into Mars' office. She carefully open the glass
door and she found the young man drenched in work - but not long enough before he notices her. It smiled and stood on its own swivel chair.
“Lavender.” His voice was too obvious. Lavender knew full well that it was being suppressed as he greeted her with a mischievous discourse.
“Am I welcome?” The girl asked with mixed questions.
“Yes. you are. Come in.” She went inside and laid the tray in front of the young man.
“I bought you a snack. M-Maybe you haven't had dinner yet. It might help you.” She forcefully smiled.
They stared at each other until Lavender just decided to come out. If she had stayed longer inside, she would suffocate in the presence of the young man.
“L-Lavender, wait.” Lavender turned to Mars before she could finish turning the door out. “A-About what happened earlier. I am truly sorry for what I've said. Sorry for those bad words I told you. I was really awful to you, I didn’t restrain myself.” Lavender looked at the young man's expression, it was sincere..
“N-No, don't say sorry, Mars. It isn't your fault at all. If only I hadn't been
selfish that night, it would not have happened. So I should be the one apologizing.”
“So I guess we're okay?” Mars continued.
“I guess so...”
“And Lavender.” she looked back again. “One more thing. Don't do it again. You never reported to the shop for two days, you made me worry.”
“I will never do it again, Mars. Never.”
“I think I should go.” Her voice lowered a bit. There will be nothing on her face but a frugal smile that wants to disappear as a successful laugh.
“Bye.” Mars waved a hand.
“Bye.” Lavender turned the door open and left.
She hopes her plan works.