Was I like a puzzle he wanted to crack?

“Why?”

“Cause I would like to take you out on a date.”

“Hmm. _No_.”

“Was it because I didn’t bring flowers?”

“Yes,” I mock. “It _was_ the flowers.”

“Okay.” He smiled. “What kind do you like?”

“Why would I volunteer that information?”

“Because.”

“Fine. Golden bane.”

He walked away.

Jokes on him, _those aren’t real flowers._

I walked home. After my mom died the other day I wanted to be anywhere else, but I had nowhere else to go. So I slept in an old bunk bed that creaked at any movement. It felt too weird using my mom's bed.

The wood started creaking. _Is someone here? _My body jerked up, eyes wide.

_No, I need to go to bed. _

My eyes grew tired from crying, I sat in my bed sobbing.

“Why Mom?” My light cries turned aggressive, I could barely breathe.

The hiccups came and left. I started gasping for air, I felt my heart collapsing.

“It’s okay—“ I forced out, trying to reassure myself.

_ I was not okay. _

Hot and heavy tears poured out.

Finally asleep, I awake to a knock.

“Hello?”

I check the peephole, a brown bag placed on the front porch. Opening the door slightly, I grab the bag.

_ I know_, I would definitely die first if I were in an apocalypse, didn’t even think to check the bag for bombs!

Smelling fresh bacon, I open the bag up.

_“For you, my lady.” _Was printed on the recipe.

Who sent this?

The thought of not eating the food crossed my mind… but my stomach was growling.

I licked my lips and then dug in.

“Yum.”

••••

_So_ luxurious taking the old bus to work. I’m telling you that bus was almost a goner—one of the headlights broke off this time.

_Sigh. _

As soon as I walked in to work, Oliver locked his eyes on me.

“You said these were your favorite flowers,” He smiled, then handed me yellow flowers, paper wrapped neatly around them.

“How did you find_—I mean_—thank you.”

“Did you like your breakfast?” _It was from him? _

“It was delicious.”

“Glad you liked it.” His smile took his eyes with them.

Okay, so he _really_ likes me…

Silence. “You’re not going to ask me out?”

“No, not yet. I will drag this out, do you like chocolate?” He reached in his pocket for a paper and pen.

“You’re dedicated.”

“Well, you are playing hard to get… and I respect that. So I will try my _very best.” _

_ “_Thank you, kind sir,” I said, bowing jokingly.

“Have a good day.”

Huh. These are really pretty flowers.

Could he possibly be worth a try? It did flatter me to have a guy put in extra effort. But I was nowhere near ready.

His golden curls and golden retriever personality—mixed with his professional suit, he looked handsome. But how could I trust him? I didn’t even trust myself. What if I died the next day like my mom did.

Okay moving on, those thoughts are getting dark….