• I can still hear my mother's voice soft and sweet. It was my mother's favorite flower mostly because it's name and it's periwinkle shades. But the name makes plenty of sense to me. I've never quite forgot the smell of them flowing in the breeze in the back yard or their dew covered petals. I pressed the flower petals to my lips and stole away the sweet smell through my nose.

    "Young Miss," I heard someone approaching and whirled around," my I help you?"

    "Oh, no. Sorry, I just I-" I stumbled over the words that would admit I was trust-passing. "I can see you admire the Forget-Me-Not's, but I must ask why not the Sunflower or the white Carnation? Aren't they equally beautiful?" he said motioning to the big promenade of blue, yellow, and white flowers.

    I looked at him once and retorted," Aren't you better wondering why I'm on your property?" He chuckled," Well, I didn't mention that now did I but I think it's best you tell me. Though if you answered the first question you would have answered why you were here." "What do you mean?" i tilted my head little. Not a word of what he said made any sense, what so ever. "Well you see, I already know you admire the Forget-Me-Not's and that is why you are on my lawn but if you were to tell me why you admired they it would make more sense as to why you were in my garden." I gave him a blank stare considering everything he just said was complete boulder-dash.

    He sighed,"Let me make this simpler. You have seen my garden and found attraction to it. There for it attracted you right into my lawn."

    "Oh... Wait! Do you think I'm simple minded?"

    He bluntly said," Um..... Yes."

    I clinched my teeth be hide my lips and glared at him furiously. Out of no where we hear,"Sebastien. We have to leave for the wedding soon. Are you ready to go?" He looked toward the back-door. It was a glass-sliding door that looked almost completely transparent and was some thing i would probably run into very often. I began to grin at him,"Well Sebastien I should head home sense your girlfriend might divorces you before the wedding." I trotted out of his backyard laughing.

    When I got home I grabbed my book and the dog leash from the corner. As soon as the chains clashed together here came Winston. He flew around the corner of the hall and crashed into the wall. But that didn't stop him so he dart for me. I leaned against the counter he tried to stop just early enough so he slid and rested his head on my knees. His tail wagged back & forth and his ears laid back on his head. He is an ibizan hound dog and boy is he a goofy one. He's a soft grey with a white stripe between his eyes that covered his whole snout.

    Though he's a goof ball he's the most loyal dog I've ever owned. One time I thought I lost him at the park and it turns out he thought I had left he so he walked all the way home while I had a panic attack. I've had Winston a great many of my days and not once has he even nibbled or snapped at me. When I was a young girl my mother had a mastiff big enough for me to ride when we went to the park. But when mom passed away he couldn't stand it and his eleven year old heart gave in. I was only six at the time. Sense I had lost my father only a year earlier to the war I was now an orphan.

    My life got more complicated than ever after I arrived at "Homes for Hope". For the first three months of my stay I had not a single friend and never went outside like the others. Half way into my fourth month I had realized i would never be adopted and never wanted to be. This place was home without a choice or a doubt. That night when I sat at the table for dinner, though i never ate anyway, a timid boy wiggled him self into the chair beside me. He was thin had nightmare black hair that covered slightly over his eyebrows. He had deep brown eyes thats shifted and scanned the six a lined tables. He had to have been the same age as me. I too scanned the table for what ever reason he did.

    I looked back at him and he smiled slightly then returned to his irritated straight face. " You wanna see some thing?" he mumbled quietly. His arms were bundled in his jacket tightly. I thought well it can't get any worst even if he stabs me. I nodded slightly. He pulled a small head from the bundle. There in his arms sat the one thing I loved most, a puppy. In fact it was Winston. I gasped and he shushed me. " My name is Seth," he smiled at me. "I'm Clay," I responded with the only smile I had used sense I arrived.

    I patted Winston's head and told him to sit. Without a bit of thought he plopped himself on the floor. I grabbed his collar and put the metal hook into the loop and snapped it shut. He jumped up and down as we stepped toward the door. "Come on, Darlin'," I called in an odd, sweet mommy voice. I opened the door and he waited for me to step out first. I didn't know why but I always had to walk in front of him. So I trudged out the door slowly, but i guess I was to slow because Winston headbutted me in the thigh. I apologized and stepped a little faster. We lived two blocks from the park where there were the best sitting nooks in the trunks of the trees and were great for climbing.

    We run half the way there and stopped in front of "Filled, Stuffed, and Baked". That was the name of Uncle Henary's bakery. I love pastries oh so much. I fact Joe, Megan, and I work there. Megs is my best friend that I've known forever. I knew her before my mom passed. We went to school together from pre-k. all the way through high-school. I met Joe after I came back from the orphanage when I was eight. Ever sense then I've had all my classes with those geeks.

    I swung open the door and called for Uncle Henry. I trudged over to the counter laughing slightly," ha, ha, Evening Clarisse. Back so soon already; your next shift isn't until morning." "I know. I was just going to the park with Winston to read a bit and so he can get a bit of exercise," I chuckled back. "Just your regular danish?"

    I nodded and walked up to the counter. My trusty sidekick sat outside by the door waiting to proceed on our walk. I loved a nice and warm strawberry danish. He set it on the counter and I set down two dollars and fourth-three cent. "Have I a nice evening and thank you," I said scooping it off the table.

    We soon arrived at the park. A big white sign sat by the sidewalk with a big red bone painted on it. It read "Bark Park". It was after all a dog park. I walked out into the middle of the field. It was so bright green and fresh mowed. I walked to our usual tree. It had the best nooks in it for reading and cast just enough shade so the sun wouldn't hurt my eyes.

    I plopped down in the roots of the tree and cracked open a good book. I eat my danish as I read and when I was done I close my book, stood up, and pulled out a frisbee. Winston jumped up and down like crazy. I angled it and threw. He dashed after the bright red disc as it flew through the air. he jumped, snatched it in his teeth, and run back. I took the frisbee from him and threw it again. Little did I know it was going to hit someone.

    I shouted for Winston before he could trample the guy to retrieve the frisbee. He groaned and I finally realized, it was Sebastien! I raced over and Winston proudly followed. When I saw him I couldn't help but laugh because of the big red line across his forehead.

    "Hello darling. Nice to see you again. I was on my way over since I saw you from the street but now I don't think that was such a smart plan," he laugh and sat up. "I'm so sorry about that. I normally don't hit people though I have done it before," I blushed. "Oh, so it's not just me. I guess that's good." We laughed together as he tried to get up but failed and fell back to the ground. I grabbed his arm and pulled hard which got him off the ground but sadly made him fall on me dragging us both back down. We wouldn't stop laughing.

    I laughed so hard my eyes started to water. He smiled, took a deep breath, and wiped my cheek lightly. Joyous laughter paused for a second as I smiled back. But I soon realized he was arched over me uncomfortably. I playfully pushed him off so he wouldn't take it to harshly," Get off!" He rolled off and laughed. I quickly stood up and dusted myself off. He stood up beside me smiling. "I should really head home," I said not knowing what else to say. "What? No. Please? I don't want you to go. We're having so much fun," he implored. I smiled softly," give me a great reason you want me to stay." He smiled back," your laugh. It's a joyous laugh that makes me exited to here. I brings a smile to my face. It gets me drunk and I can feel it's absence right now. Give me a chance to here it now and again later." My eyes caught his gaze," a very open man."

    "I've nothing to close off." I thought about the other voice I'd heard earlier. It was a woman's voice calling for him, of course to young to be his mother. What if it was his wife? I pondered on it then realized he wouldn't do that to her or that young lady. All though I do trust people to much it normally worked out fine.

    But not a wife just a girlfriend. My stomach ached at the thought. "I really should g-" he grabbed my hand before I could finish my sentence. I didn't want to leave, but who was I to take her place. "Everything will be fine. I promise," he looked at me sincerely," I've no reason to lie either." The feeling bubbled up in me and I just had to give into the big brown eyes. "Okay. Just one thing I have to do first," I said biting my lower lip.

    Next thing I knew I was in the back seat of his car with Winston on my lap. He was such a cow; I just wanted to push him to the floor but I knew he hates cars. Every time Sebastien tried to speak Winston would bark over his voice, so I just told him the directions as we went. When we got home I told him to stay in the car while I managed Winston.

    I opened the door and waited for him to go inside. Once again he wouldn't go in without me, so I stepped in and stepped out when he was inside. He turned around quickly to follow me out, but I held my hand out in front of me so would stop. He sat down in front of me and I kneeled in front of him. He set head on my lap then whimpered quietly. "I'm sorry boy. I don't want to leave you and I promise I'll be back."

    He raised his a bit and lick my cheek. I kissed his cheek as well mumbling," good bye, Darlin." I stood and shut the door lightly behind me.

    "Okay," I said tossing my self into the front seat of his car," where are we going? " He looked at me and smiled," Just one thing you have to tell me before we go." I all around hated the sound of that. I wanted to say, 'Is it the odd reason I feel like getting out of the car?' but instead I replied," And what might that be?"

    "I've gone without knowing you name." My ears perked up a bit," really? I could have sworn I told you. Why don't you guess until you figure it out." He went on and on rambling names and all of them I replied with a no. "Jeniffer," I shook my head as we pulled up to a small little restaurant. He open the door for me and I thanked him politely, then he replied back," Your well come... Amy?" I laughed," nope."

    When we got seated he started asking me random questions like ' What's you favorite food? and 'How many straws could I fit I my mouth at once?' He kept making me laugh, even when the waiter came. I couldn't tell him what I wanted to drink so he just told him water. I cleared my throat and sighed still smiling so big. I could tell it made him joyful to see me so joyful.

    As the waiter came over with his drink he finally turned away from me and scanned to the room. Sebastien quickly stood up from the table when he saw a woman came through the door. "Oh good god," He pushed his chair in and looked at me. He handed the waiter a ten dollar bill," That will be all and keep the change." He nodded and walked away. "Sebastien?," I said standing up as well.

    Sebastien walked around the table, grabbed me by the hands, and kissed my forehead softly. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. "Sebastien," I heard a more feminine voice. I remembered that voice. It was the woman from his house. I could feel pain wash over me and I was drowning in sorrow. Drowning with Sebastien just standing and watching. He turned to the lady. He couldn't meet her eyes so he just stared at his feet.

    "Elizabeth," he said lifting his head again. Their blue eyes met. Both an outstanding blues almost like the the water in the tropical gulfs. Her hair had barrel curls that were bleach-blonde; her lips were scarlet red and she wore a sleeveless white dress only as high as her knee. She also had a few freckles sprinkled across her cheeks under her eyes. Stunningly beautiful.

    I was frozen when her eyes skimmed past him and stared me in the face. She struck fear through out me. "And who might this be?" she said with a smooth voice like silk. I couldn't breathe and couldn't think. "Does she speak?" she said chuckling. "That's enough," Sebastien said stepping completely in front of me so that she wouldn't see me. His shadow was cast over me and covered me like a blanket from head to toe.

    "I'm just having fun with her. Just like you. . . . . Right?" I could hear the question mark being expressed in the statement. I paused and finally lifted my head a bit," What?" "You didn't know," she said quietly," he's getting married. . . . . To me." I could feel it. Sorrow, pain, hurt, fear, just like when I lose my mom. Tears rolled two at a time down each of my cheeks.

    Sebastien turned around and saw me standing with my head pointed down as I watched tears splash and dampen the carpet. "Please-" he tried to implore but I stopped him. "Don't even try with apologies or explanations, and begging only makes you seem desperate," I said lifting my head and returning his gaze. He reached to stroke a tear from my cheek but I just pushed past trying not to throw up out of fright.

    I rushed out as fast as my legs could take me. Sebastien followed me out and tried to call me back but. . . . . . He had no name to call me by. All he could do was stand there like a fool and let me go. I sobbed all the way home and struggled to find my keys. I fumbled them around trying to find my house key and dropped them in the flower bed.

    It was dark out and I had no way of seeing them in the bushes in front of my apartment. Is growned and throw myself to the ground. I had no idea what to do but to sit there. The whole night cycled through my head and I burst into tears again. Everything had gone wrong from every angle.

    I took a deep breath and letting out a loud holler, I fussed up a commotion between the neighborhood dogs. I guess Winston heard too because he started to wail from inside. I heard a bit of rustling in the bushes. It scared the sadness clean out of me and I was to my feet faster than a jack-rabbit. I darted around only to find a small toad in search for a midnight snack.

    I left out a sigh of relief and told Mr. Frogg he had scared me well. A few crickets chirped and dew was setting on leaves. I felt a bit odd, as if I was being watched. Soon after I began to wonder "why watch me in a time like this?". After all, I had thrown a fit on my porch, was scared by a mere frog, and was now talking to him. I could hear feet scuffing cross the sidewalk and Winston still bawling away. Taking a glance over my shoulder, I frowned and jerked my head back.

    "Sebastien," I said tightening my jaw. "I'm sorry, but I had to see if you were okay?"

    "Oh really? If I gouge out your eyes you wouldn't have to worry any more, now would you?" I said sealing in a scream. "But even if I were a blind man my worries for you would be burned in my mind and I would find you." I stomped my foot and whirled around to look at him. My glare was fearless, but so was he. "And how would you find me?"

    "By name of course. I'de shout it through the streets until I did." I laughed and retorted," And with what name? Lassie? I don't respond to just anything, especially not to the name of an old collie show dog." He didn't respond as I though. Instead of a silly remark he just smiled and said," Of course you wouldn't and I wouldn't just call you by anything either. Why, not just anything would do. I'd call you Beauty and in return you'd call me Beast, for that is all I am to you and you to me."

    I couln'd help but laugh at his stupid, poetic remark. "So is it true?" I said smiling. "Every bit of it," he said smiling back. "I don't think we're talking about the same thing. Let me make this simpler for you. First, your girlfriend said you were only messing with me and now you say all I am to you is beauty. So, is it true that I'm just a face and the only thing of value in me is my looks?" He stopped smiling, "Not at all, but I must ask. . . . . Do you think I'm simple minded?"

    "Um. . . . . Yes," I replied grinning. This was quite exciting, though I wanted to slap he hard than a bus could hit him. I sighed and pulled out my phone. "I'm calling the police," I said flipping open my phone. "Wait before you make any rash decisions I-" he said in a startled manner. "My goodness, calm down. I was only kidding. I just need to find my keys," I replied while bending over and sticking my head between the two bushes outside my door. I shined my phone around the dirt a little until something reflected the light right into my eye. "Ow," I mumbling squinting and picking up my keys. "Aha!" I yelled throwing my hand in the air and snapping my head back up. My hair was tangled with leaves and twigs, but who was I trying to impress anyway.

    (Unfinished.... i have to go get ice-cream.... XD )