23 Unwanted Responsibilities

Flowers for Olivia   32 The Cat is Out of the Bag.

I barely make it to my room, once I get there I slide down against my door. I’m shaking, it’s not just the possibility of my dad being a criminal, but Stefan too... I just can’t take it. My uncle Gus said my brother was murdered so my dad would hand over his business, florists don’t murder their son’s competitors for gain, mobsters do. I cover my ears as if that could prevent me from thinking. I hear a loud noise on the other side of the wall, my mom must have dropped something in her room. Suddenly, I know what I have to do. I stumble up and walk to my mom’s bedroom. I don’t even knock, I just let myself in. She’s sitting on her favorite armchair knitting. She looks at me annoyed as if my presence bothered her.

Flowers for Olivia   31: Open your Eyes

I explain to David the reason I can’t accept his generous offer. He’s disappointed, but he gets it, Miranda’s mom is a stay-home-wife so he can relate to my case. Unfortunately, this means this will be my last week here. Judith, the original assistant, comes back next Monday. The following days have a strange sentiment, I feel nostalgic about leaving my first job, but also excited for what’s coming. On my last day of work, I get a little more emotional than I expected, I even shed a few tears, but I assume pregnancy hormones had something to do with it.

Flowers for Olivia   30 It’s never too late for anything

Monday morning. I go back to the office a different person that left on Friday. I’m a mother-to-be and an engaged woman. It’s funny how much a life can change in just one weekend. I hide the engagement ring in my purse, this past weekend was exhausting and the last thing I want is to answer a bunch of questions from my nosy coworkers. David Gleason calls me to his office, I get instantly on the defensive. Did I forget to do something last Friday? I try to remember if I completed all of my chores before leaving, but last Friday seems like an entirely different life from my present. Ugh, I

Flowers for Olivia   29 The smartest thing you ever did

Luck is on our side. My family has no idea I spent the night out. When I come back home, my parents are so busy saying farewell to our relatives that they barely notice my presence. I stand next to them on our front porch while we hug and kiss an endless line of relatives. Short afternoon the house is empty again. My parents, Stefan and I are the only ones left, and the time to tell them what’s going on arrives. I ask my parents to come to the dining room to talk, but instead of coming right away, they take their time. I wait for them as I nervously bite my nails, Stefan gently grabs my hand to

Flowers for Olivia   28 As long as I am with you

Someone knocks on my door. If it’s uncle Gus I’m going to start shouting until someone calls the police. Luckily, when I open the door, it’s Stefan who is standing under the doorframe. “Hi, doll, am I interrupting?” He asks as he lets himself in. “Are you ok? You look really upset.” I shake my head energetically. “No, not at all.” I don’t w

Flowers for Olivia   27 How naive are you?

I wake up really early. Everyone is still sleeping, the house is as quiet as usual, no surprise there, I heard laughter and clinking glasses until dawn. My relatives really like to party, but I was feeling pretty downhearted after the rudeness everyone showed Stefan last night so, after he left, I went up to my room and stayed there ignoring the good time everyone was having downstairs. I go to the park for a run, exercise is always helpful to clear my mind and get me in a good mood. When I get back home the house is still quiet. I go in, aside from our maid cleaning the mess in the living room, ther

Flowers for Olivia   21 Ready for marriage

I go downstairs earlier than usual. It’s hard to sleep feeling this excited. Stefan loves me and I feel li

Flowers for Olivia   20 The first I love you

Every day for the next couple of weeks I spend every free second I have with Stefan, he picks me up after work e

Flowers for Olivia   19 I will always protect you

Flowers for Olivia   18 A glimpse of the past

The week goes by painfully slow. Every day seems longer than the last. I must admit I’ve learned many new