5. Chapter 5

Chapter five

10th August 2017

A s I pull off my helmet, I catch sight of Laelia approaching, her face lit up with an enormous, radiant smile. My eyes immediately take in her outfit—black skinny jeans that fit her like a glove, a Guns N' Roses t-shirt that stops just above her belly button, and a cropped leather jacket that adds a cool edge. Her black boots complete the look. Damn, she looks incredible, and I can't help but think she'll look even more stunning perched on the back of my bike. My heart races just thinking about it.

I dismount my bike and reach for the spare helmet strapped to the back. Holding it out towards her, I watch her eyes light up with excitement as she takes it, her gaze flickering up to meet mine with an even wider grin.

“Took you long enough, by the way,” she says, her tone playful.

“Says the woman who used to spend three hours perfecting her eyeliner because it never quite matched,” I reply with a smirk. She rolls her eyes, but there's a spark of amusement in them.

“I went through a phase with too much eyeliner. Let’s not revisit that,” she laughs, shaking her head.

“But you looked so pretty with your ‘panda eyes,’” I tease, and she playfully swats my arm.

“I wasn’t the only one experimenting with eyeliner,” she retorts. I recall my own attempts at a rock 'n' roll look with eyeliner on my bottom lids. “You looked like you had two black eyes all the time. I never mentioned it, though.”

She glances at the helmet, her expression softening. “I’ve always wanted to ride on a motorbike.”

I watch as she carefully places the helmet on her head, adjusting it to make sure it fits snugly. Then, with a playful flourish, she starts posing, laughing as she asks, “How do I look?”

“Beautiful,” I reply without hesitation, and her cheeks turn a deep crimson.

I pull my own helmet on and climb back onto the bike. Laelia stands beside me, waiting with a hopeful look in her eyes. I give her a gentle nod, and she places her hands on my shoulders before swinging her leg over the bike and wrapping her arms around my waist.

“How’s that?” she asks, her voice warm and relaxed.

Feeling her warmth against my back, I settle into the embrace with a contented smile. “Perfect,” I say softly, the word capturing the satisfaction of this moment.

With a throaty roar from the engine and a swift flick of my kickstand, I take off, eliciting a delighted squeal from Laelia as she clings to me tighter. The cityscape around us blurs into a whirlwind of colours as we weave through the bustling traffic. Each stop at a traffic light feels like an eternity, and as I put my foot down and wait, the sensation of her arms wrapped around me sends shivers racing up my spine, making my heart pound with exhilaration.

“Where are we headed?” she calls out over the rumble of the engine.

“A place I think you'll really enjoy,” I reply, just as the light turns green and we surge forwards once more.

Moments later, we pull up outside Blooms. I expertly kick the stand down and cut the engine, the satisfying click signalling our arrival. I remove my helmet and glance back as Laelia does the same. She hands me her helmet with a warm smile, and as she shakes out her hair, letting it cascade freely around her face, she looks nothing short of celestial. Under the golden light of the sun, her appearance—tattooed and enchanting—makes her seem like a fallen angel who has found her way back to Earth.

If Heaven has lost an angel, I’m convinced I’ve found her right here.

Laelia’s eyes wander from Blooms to me, a curious brow raised. “A flower shop?” she asks, taking in the quaint charm of the storefront.

“It’s not just any flower shop,” I say, guiding her towards the entrance. “The place is run by a woman named Willa, a client of my mum’s. She’s transformed the back of the shop into a stunning greenhouse that’s drawing quite a bit of attention lately.”

As we step closer, I sense her growing intrigue. “You’re going to love it,” I add with a grin, excited to share this hidden gem with her.

Opening the door, I hold it open for her and watch as she steps inside, her eyes widening with delight. The moment she crosses the threshold, it’s as though we’ve stepped into a whimsical world of colour and fragrance. The shop feels like a portal to Wonderland, with every corner bursting with vibrant hues and a medley of floral scents that envelop us like a warm embrace.

The space is a kaleidoscope of blossoms—roses, lilies, dahlias, ivy, and countless other varieties—each one showcasing an array of colours to suit any occasion or personal taste. It's an enchanting sight, almost overwhelming in its beauty. I see her gazing in awe at the sheer abundance of flowers, her smile reflecting the joy of the experience.

Her attention shifts to the windows, and I follow her gaze to a collection of potted plants lined up neatly, each one eagerly awaiting a new home. I chuckle inwardly, imagining how hopeless I would be if I were responsible for nurturing one of these green companions. Even a cactus, which practically thrives on neglect, would likely wither under my care.

Beside the potted plants, an assortment of charming home decor plaques catches our eye. Each one is adorned with heartwarming messages or whimsical designs, perfect for adding a touch of personality to any space. Nearby, a display of greeting cards for every imaginable occasion beckons with its colourful array.

As we continue to explore, I look up to see the ceiling adorned with a tangle of vines intertwined with fairy lights. The effect is magical, creating the illusion of walking through a flourishing canopy, reminiscent of a serene forest. The entire shop exudes a sense of wonder, making it feel like a sanctuary of natural beauty.

Just as we approach the counter, I feel a gentle hand on my back. I turn to see Willa, a vibrant woman in her forties whose passion for all things floral is evident in her floral-themed nails, outfits, and, of course, her shop. Over the years, she has become not only a valued client of my mum’s but also a cherished friend, almost like family.

Willa's small frame is adorned with flowers woven into her braids, and her face lights up with a warm, welcoming smile as she greets me. “Killian,” she says, her voice filled with genuine warmth.

“Willa,” I reply, returning her smile.

“How’s Poppy?” she inquires, her concern evident.

“My mum’s doing well,” I answer. “She’s currently on a tour of Hawaii with Lloyd.”

Lloyd is my soon-to-be stepdad, and their wedding plans are eagerly anticipated.

“Oh, that’s wonderful! I should send her a message on that social media platform. What’s it called again?” Willa taps her chin thoughtfully, her eyes suddenly brightening. “Oh, Facebook! I’m not the best with social media, but I’m trying to get this place noticed. My employees are even setting up a website for me. Isn’t that exciting?” Her enthusiasm is infectious.

“That sounds fantastic, Willa,” I say, genuinely impressed.

Willa makes her way behind the counter, and Laelia and I follow her. As she takes her place, her ever-present smile greets us once more.

“Let me guess, two tickets for the greenhouse?” she asks, her tone playful.

“Please,” I confirm.

Laelia looks at me with curiosity. “What’s in the greenhouse?” she asks.

Willa glances at me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You haven’t told her yet?” she asks, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“I haven’t,” I admit, turning my attention to Laelia, who appears intrigued.

“I’m sure she’ll love it,” Willa assures, turning back to her till. She then looks at me with a smile. “That’ll be twelve pounds altogether.” She gestures to the card machine, and I tap my card to complete the transaction.

As we finalise our purchase, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment, knowing that this charming place holds so much joy and warmth.

Turning my attention back to Laelia, I see the confusion still etched across her delicate features, a blend of curiosity and uncertainty that only makes her more enchanting. With a soft smile, I extend my hand towards her, an invitation and a promise. She hesitates for a heartbeat, her eyes searching mine for reassurance before she finally reaches out, her fingers intertwining with mine. I feel a rush of warmth as I lead her towards the greenhouse, our hands connected, a silent bond that speaks volumes.

With a few quick steps, we arrive at the doorway, a cascade of chains hanging down like shimmering curtains, flanked by two translucent plastic sheets that flutter gently in the breeze. I push the chains aside with a tender gesture, watching her face light up with anticipation as she steps through the first plastic sheet, her spirit uncoiling like the tendrils of the vines around us. I pause, my heart racing, and turn to her, our eyes locking in an intimate moment.

“You ready for some magic?” I ask, teasing the air between us. Her eyebrows furrow slightly, a look of playful scepticism dancing across her features.

“I’m so confused about what’s happening,” she replies, a light laugh escaping her lips, and I can’t help but chuckle at her bewilderment.

Pushing the last plastic sheet out of the way, we step into the greenhouse, and I’m immediately struck by a treasure trove of butterflies that burst into view, fluttering gracefully around us—Monarchs, Mourning Cloaks, Painted Ladies, Black Swallowtail, Spring Azure, a collection of them, each beautiful in different ways.

Watching as her mouth falls agape, and her eyes widen, I grin, letting her take in her surroundings. She takes a few steps forward and turns, taking in her surroundings. Not only are we consumed by colourful flowers, greenery and cobbled flooring that leads to the other end of the greenhouse, we're consumed by something much more heavenly. Colourful hues on velvet wings.

One butterfly, its wings a stunning shade of ocean blue, flutters closer, and I hold my breath as Laelia extends her hand, inviting the delicate creature to perch on her finger. Her gaze locks onto it, her expression a blend of awe and joy as she watches its wings dance in the light. This moment transports me back to our childhood when she surrounded herself with butterfly-themed stationery, bedding, and clothing. As we grew older, she immersed herself in their world—drawing them, studying them, becoming entranced by their fleeting beauty. I remember how, no matter where we were, if a butterfly graced us with its presence, she would become utterly captivated, oblivious to everything else around her.

She adores them, and that’s why I brought her here. I want this date to be perfect, a moment etched in her heart forever.

As her smile widens, the butterflies swirl around her, and for a fleeting second, it feels like time has stopped. Her gaze shifts back to me, and the look she gives me is profound; it speaks volumes of her gratitude and delight, of the love that blooms between us like the flowers surrounding us.

The butterfly takes flight, disappearing into the vibrant tapestry of the greenhouse, but before I can fully process the moment, she rushes towards me, closing the distance between us with an urgency that takes my breath away. She kisses me, and the world around us fades, leaving just the two of us suspended in a bubble of warmth and tenderness.

Slowly, I raise my hand to cup her face, feeling the silkiness of her skin beneath my fingertips as I return the kiss, her soft, velvety lips melding with mine in a way that feels both familiar and exhilaratingly new. In movies, a kiss often portrays a moment of magic, a fantastical escape from reality, but this—this is real. Every gentle caress and every sweet sigh deepens the connection between us, igniting a flame that flickers in the depths of my soul.

As our lips part, a million loving thoughts rush through my mind, each one a vivid snapshot of our journey together. In every single one, she is there— she’s my past , my present and my G oddamn future .

I can’t bear the thought of letting her slip away again; I refuse to allow that to happen. Never in a million years.

When we finally pull apart, the space between us is charged with electricity, our breaths mingling in the air. I open my eyes to find her beautiful brown eyes reflecting the love that swells within me. As my lips curve into a smile, I see hers mirror mine, a silent understanding passing between us as we gaze into each other’s souls.

“I forgot what it was like to kiss you, Laelia, but let me just say—nothing has or ever will compare to you. You’re one in a million, and I’d be a fool to let you go again,” I confess, my voice filled with sincerity, watching as her eyes shimmer with unshed tears.

“Then kiss me again, Killian, and let’s not waste even a moment,” she whispers, and I lean in, closing the distance once more, feeling the broken pieces of my world come together in her embrace.

In that moment, time ceases to exist. We are wrapped in our own little universe, a sanctuary forged by love, magic, and the fluttering wings of countless butterflies.