Chapter 9- Memories

“Don’t tell anyone I ‘ave a profession in flowers, Rowan vould kill to know t’is.” The Russian whispered in Alex’s ear, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and send a tingle down her back.

“I wouldn’t be able to tell, even if you pointed out who this Rowan person is.” She replied, now handing Bloo flowers to arrange them in place on the piece, figuring it was best to just have the man help. After all, two hands were better then one.

“You're a life saver, yah know that Mr. Bloo.” Alex sighed, handing Bloo one of the final flowers. He just gave a small smile. “So, why did you come again?”

“I saw yous running around like a mad man.” Bloo grinned. “Please, call me Bloo.” Alex nodded her head, gently biting on her thumb nail; allowing small clicks to occur. “Something teh matter?”

“I didn't expect to be--well--finished so early. I'm just debating whether or not to go pick up Chloe.” She muttered. Another bite of her nail.

Bloo scoffed. “You allow your young daughter walk here all by herself.” He sighed, playing with the flower petals. “Isn't that a bit un-motherly?” Alex rolled her eyes before crossing her arms, gently stomping a heel into the floor.

“She's not human, she can take care of herself.” She retorted. “I never feel safe, but the truck will be here around the time she gets out.” A few deep breaths. The Russian just rolled his eyes and raised his hand up childishly.

“Do yous vish for me to fetch your kid?” He offered, only for Alex's head to quickly look over as she shook her head.

“Oh dear, no. I don't want to trouble you. I—I mean she's such a brat. I don't need her to hurt your self-esteem anymore.” She made her way toward the male and gently touched his wings. “She may barely make fun of these, but your limp. Doesn't it trouble you to walk?”

“No, I've 'ad tis for avhile.” He murmured. “It vill be no problem at all. The kid's good, just a brat.” He teased, earning a small laugh from Alex.

His heart gave a few rounds of pain when he heard the laugh, the one so familiar to his love. To the owner of his heart.

“Thanks Bloo. Chloe will probably be really excited to see you back.”  She grinned before laughing. “I was surprised she liked you so much. She usually despises men.”

“Does she now?” Bloo leaned back against a table, watching his wings carefully so they wouldn't knock down their precious work. “Could it be because of her 'Grandpapa'?”

“Sadly yes. She talked to you about him huh?” The male nodded slightly before Alex growled. “She doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut at times. I'm sorry if she poured everything out on you. I never suspected she ever do it, so I never scolded her.”

“She didn't tell me much.” He murmured. “So, a florist eh? May I ask vhy? Yous don't seem like one.” He asked curious. Alex did not look to be much a florist for how kind she is with everyone. More like a social worker. (Or a kindergarten teacher.)

“It was just something I picked up during my restless days. I guess the easier term would be when I was pregnant.” She smiled softly before hopping on the counter, pulling her skirt down. “I believe I quit my old job during the move, before the accident. So I was poor when I came through.”

“Chloe told me 'bout t'at.” Bloo piped in.

Alex just laughed softly. “She told you about her Father eh? I feel bad for her, just for that reason. Having to go to school each and everyday, hearing other kids talk about their Daddys.” She looked over at Bloo before gasping, covering her mouth. She began to whimper a bit, embarrassed. “I'm sorry, I'm blabbing away like a moron again.” She babbled, covering her entire face with her hands as she blushed furiously. “I never do this. Never ever talk to strangers like this.”

“Vell.” Bloo chuckled before standing in front of her, gently plucking her hands from her face. “Ve technically aren't strangers, are ve?” She gulped before shaking her head, trying to get rid of the pink glow.

“I don't know why, but I can talk to you so easy. It's amazing. I can't even do this with my own father.” She was flustered again. When she finally noticed that they were only a few inches apart, she slid back on her heels, feeling embarrassed once again. “It's a strange feeling. It's almost as if I knew you once before.”

Bloo gave out a small painful chuckle. He still thought that this woman looked like his Allie, her voice, her complexion, the small twinkle in her eyes, even her body figure. Everything about her screamed 'Allie Parker', yet every time she spoke her name, it was the same beginning letters; but different in many ways.

Alex continued to babble. “But I doubt that, because I've never met you before in my life. Not that I can remember.”

She decided to shut her mouth, allowing a long silence to grow between the two. Her eyes darted up toward the clock. Not long before her daughter would be released from class, not long before Bloo would do a great deed for her.

More silence.

Bloo began playing with the flowers again, almost as if he was trying to make sure they were at the size height, right spot while Alex began chewing on her nail again.
She regretted even speaking about how she was so comfortable around him. (Of course not at the moment.)

B-B-Bring! Ring!

A small squeak echoed through the small room as Alex jumped a few inches into the air, almost falling over from her spot. The phone continued to noisily make its appearance as Bloo laughed from Alex's scared reaction.

“Hello. This is Alex Powers of Miss Power’s Garden of Secrets. How may I help you?” She spoke cheerfully and professionally. Small mumbles came from the other end. “That's terrible.”

Bloo's laughter died down as he tried to listen in.

“Is the truck still coming?” More mumbles. “Oh, no, that's fine!” The mumbles got louder. “Yes, they're all finished.---I know, right? Someone came in and was a great help to me.” She looked over at Bloo and smiled. “Ten minutes? That's quite fine. Alright, I'll see you guys then.” A small click as the line went dead, and relief swept across her face. “Yay for early delivery.”  She softly jumped in her seat.

“So, still vant me to pick up Chloe for yous?” He asked again, curious. He did like the kid, and really didn't mind going to see the school once again. Even though he could never really look at the Kindergarten classes.

“Yes please. It's going to take awhile to get everything loaded and all the paper work done.” Alex groaned softly, lifting up a flower and throwing it towards Bloo's general direction. He caught it with ease, without harming it also. Most men would freaking destroy the delicate object. “Give that to Chloe would you? For an apology.”

“Aye.” He lifted up one of his wrists to stare at the time. “I better be going t'en.” He pushed himself off from his previous spot and gently flicked his hands over his shoulder as a small quick wave.

“Thank you Bloo! So much!”

“Tis no problem.” He replied.

Ting-ling.

Alex turned her back and began to rummage over the counter, searching for every material she would need. Pen, pencil, paper, notepad in case she wanted to jot down what Bloo had accomplished.

Ting-ling.

“I'll be with you in a moment!” Alex yelled over her shoulder, still trying to grab a few items. She was too lazy to around the counter, and it was good exercise to stretch out a few muscles in her abdomen and possibly her quads.

A large hand rested on the small of her back, sending chills up her spine.

“Why was that man back here in the shop? I don't like you being near that Blue-Haired man.” Was Julian just wanting a quarrel with his only child?