After that conversation with Luther, I focused on my business to distract myself from the sadness I was feeling. I also took my pets back from Thes to alleviate some of the loneliness.
"Rose, Daisy, Dandy, Dahlia, Cherry, and Lily, did you miss Mommy? I'm sorry if I left you with Aunt Thes..."
I kissed each of my cats, mu pomeranian and white poodle, and they wagged their tails in excitement. They surrounded me now, staying close to me on my bed.
Indeed, simply spending time with your pets can help you feel better.
"Are you all hungry?"
I got up and went downstairs to prepare their food. They all followed me. While they have their own room in my house, they often sleep in my bedroom.
While I was preparing their food, my phone rang. I checked who was calling and saw that it was Daddy. I had already talked to him and cleared everything about Rozzean. I got the answer I wanted from Daddy. He assured me that he remains professional and won't involve the business, even though he's annoyed with Rozzean.
Annoyed.
That brought me some comfort, and it helped ease my mind a bit.
Now that I am finally moving on with the help of the people around me and my fur babies, I can say that I can handle it. I can endure it, even if it's difficult.
"Hello, Daddy?"
"Tangi, honey, do you have plans for today?"
Tinatangi flower shop is still open on Saturdays. I plan to go to my shop to help Alma. The shop is closed every Sunday.
"I'm just planning to visit Tinatangi, Dad. Why, po?"
I lowered the feeding bowls of Daisy and Lily. While talking to my dad, I continued placing food in my babies' containers. I smiled when my fur babies looked at me. Their innocent faces made me smile.
"We have dinner with the Vallejes later, sweetheart."
I raised my eyebrows. Luther hasn't mentioned anything about this to me.
"Oh... what time, Dad?"
I glanced at the clock. It's already seven in the morning. Maybe Aunty Cynthia is inviting us for her birthday tomorrow! It's tomorrow, and Luther is busy organizing the surprise party for their mother in a famous resort in Pampanga.
"6:00 pm, Cynthia invited me and your Mom, of course, including you, to have dinner in their home. Your future mother-in-law wanted to see you and talk to you."
Future mother-in-law...
"Okay, Daddy, I'll also talk to Luther."
There was a sudden silence on the other end of the line. I even checked my phone to see if Dad was still there. The call was still ongoing.
"Daddy?"
"Ah, yes, sweetheart... I noticed that you and Luther are really getting close?"
Luther is a good man, and he was there to help me when I was deeply hurt. Even if I don't say anything, he follows me.
"He's a good man, Daddy, kind and a gentleman."
There was silence again on the other end. After placing the food bowls of my babies, I sat on the sofa and spoke again.
"Okay, Daddy, 6:00 pm. I already know Luther's house, so we don't need to go together. I'll just call you and Mommy when I'm on the way."
"Okay, take care."
After ending the call, I attended to my fur babies again. I gave them food and water. It was still early, and I had time to visit Tinatangi to check on my shop and help Alma.
I went back to my room, took a shower, and got ready. I wore a plain white blouse and gray trousers, opting not to put on makeup. Once ready, I headed to my pets' room.
I opened the door to their play area and prepared food on the side in case they get hungry again.
"Mommy's going to work for now, babies."
I kissed each of them, then headed out. I entered my car, grabbed my cellphone, and saw a message from Luther.
"Dinner at our house later, are you free?"
Before replying, he was already calling. I put on my wireless earphones and answered the call.
"Luther."
"So, are you free? It's Saturday today."
"I am, and it's still 6:00 pm. Dad called, they invited us to dinner at your house with Aunty Cynthia. I can't say no. It's your Mom, and her birthday is tomorrow."
I was driving to my flower shop while talking to Luther. I feel a bit better now. Going out yesterday helped me release some of the resentment I had towards him.
"But be careful later, you might mention something to Mom about the surprise."
I chuckled softly.
"Me? Tell that to yourself. I know how to keep surprises. You might be the one slipping and saying something."
It was a light conversation. I could hear Luther laughing on the other line.
"Where are you now? At home? I'll pick you up later; I'm at the office right now. Just finished some work."
Even on Saturdays, he's still working. He's quite a workaholic.
"I am driving, heading to the flower shop--"
"You are driving and talking to me on the phone? Thaliana..."
There was a hint of a threat in his voice, and I smiled. They really are scared that I'll drive. The last time I had an accident was because I wasn't paying attention due to the pain I felt back then. Now, I'm okay.
"Luther, you are overreacting! I'm fine; I can drive. I'm a good driver."
I heard him sigh.
"But not when you are hurt."
Okay, I had no comeback for what he said.
"Okay, what time are you going to pick me up? Just come to my house, alright? I need to go home to check on my babies."
"At 5, I will call you. Take care and be safe, Thaliana."
"Yes!"
When the call ended, I focused on driving. Luther was one of the best. I found another friend that I can trust, and that's him. Him and Thes are there for me and know the pains I went through because of my love for Rozzean.
I saw how they wanted to make me feel better, but they don't know how. But their support and staying by my side are more than enough.
When I arrived at Tinatangi, I parked my car on the side. I went inside and saw Alma arranging three bouquets of flowers.
"A lot, huh?"
She was surprised to see me.
"Ma'am Tangi! I thought you wouldn't come?"
I put down my bag on the side and grabbed some gloves. I approached Alma and helped her arrange the flowers.
"I don't have anything to do at home, so I came here. But, just half a day, Alma. I have a dinner to attend later."
I was carefully placing the white and red roses, arranging them in a way that looked beautiful.
"Ayiee... dinner with your boyfriend, Ma'am Tangi?" Alma asked.
I paused in placing the white roses. Suddenly, Rozzean crossed my mind. I bit my lip and looked at Alma.
"Dinner with my fiancé's family."
Oh, Thaliana. Just for one day, remove Rozzean from your mind.
"When's the wedding, Ma'am Tangi? Invite us, okay!"
I just played along with Alma's teasing, "Sure, how could I forget you all?"
When the bell on the door of my flower shop rang, both Alma and I turned to see a teenage girl, maybe around fifteen, entering. I approached her and smiled.
"Hello..."
"U-Uhm, hello!" she greeted, bowing slightly.
"Three red roses, please," she requested.
Alma and I exchanged glances. I turned away for a moment to grab three red roses, cut the stems, and arranged them. The young girl handed the payment to Alma.
It was the first time a young person bought from my shop. I couldn't help but feel delighted.
"Here are your three red roses."
I offered them to her, but she didn't take them. The young girl shook her head and smiled.
I wondered and glanced at Alma for a moment.
"Why?" I asked and returned my gaze to the young girl.
Instead of answering, she handed me a card. I took it.
"Someone sent this. Also, for the three red roses. He said I should give the flowers to you so you won't get sad."
Suddenly, Rozzean's image appeared in my mind. I bit my lower lip. Here I am again. Even after the conversation I had with Luther, I find myself hoping again.
"Okay, I'll go now!"
"W-Wait!" I shouted, but she had already left.
As I opened the card she gave me, I froze when I read what was written.
W-What...
I quickly left my flower shop and go out. I scanned the surroundings. No people, no other cars except mine.
I looked at the card again and read what was written.
"I... miss you."