Thanks to @kenjisato for editing. Still looking for a beta reader and as always, I am open to any feedback. Thanks!
As the hands of the clock proceeded to tick uninterrupted, Callisto continued to yearn for her. Memories of her and their time together began to flood his mind, and he questioned if she felt the same way. The way she screamed when she came continued to replay in his mind, driving him mad. If he had known that would have been their last time, he would have made sure to make love to her for hours like he wanted to. His nights and days were filled with mourning a love that always seemed to be slightly out of his reach. A fated love that felt like it was given to him as some type of divine retribution for evil acts he had orchestrated in his mortal life.
When they did see each other in town, there was a longing stare that seemed to interrupt the time that they were in; only broken when Marigold would break with what seemed like a small, regretful smile alluding to her knowledge of his unrequited love.
Marigold was trying her best to forget him, but the universe wanted to remind her of him at every opportunity. When she would lie on the couch, she could smell his cologne that remained on the cushions. When she closed her eyes, she could see his pointed, pearly smile that she loved. Everywhere she went, everywhere she looked, there was a reminder of him that tugged at her heart. She desperately wanted to forget him, but not as much as she wanted to love him with everything she had left to give. The promise to her clan and Cove continued to ground her thoughts and desires. Not everyone had a beautiful love story; maybe, Marigold could only be a spectator of unconditional love in this life.
Cove noticed that Marigold had been distant and distracted for the last few weeks. He figured that she was upset about how adamant he was about her not seeing the vampire. While Cove knew that Marigold was lonely, loneliness had caused her to make poor decisions all those years ago. Their clan was firm in their decision that if she were to endanger them again, then she would have to be killed. Marigold didn't know that piece of information, as it was decided before they devised the plan to save her. And the only reason she was saved was that her mother was the Matriarch, otherwise, she would have surely paid the ultimate price like other sisters before her had.
Marigold was working at the shop by herself, when she heard the bell by the door chime. She looked up to see a young man holding a large pot of ultramarine-colored orchids.
"Is there a Marigold here?" The young man walked to the counter, and placed the vase down as he waited for her to respond.
"That's me." Marigold was awestruck at the beautiful arrangement as she walked towards the vase. The young man tipped his hat toward her, and promptly left the shop. Marigold was confused as to who would send her flowers; internally, she was hoping that Callisto would have sent the romantic gesture. She walked over to look at them. They were so beautiful, each stem perfectly poised, greeting her. The hue of each flower seemed to be slightly different than the one next to it, resembling the ocean. She couldn't believe that someone had sent her such a kind and extravagant gift. There was a small card attached to the side of the pot.
She opened and read, 'Cara Mia. I saw these orchids and was reminded of the vibrant hues of the memories we shared in our moments together. I hope this symbol of sincerity accompanies my heartfelt plea for your forgiveness and another chance. I was supposed to handle you with the care that you needed and deserved; only, I failed to do so. The time apart has made me realize that the connection we have transcends the reality that we are forced to live in. I am truly sorry and I hope these blooms convey the depth of my remorse. I would love to talk with you. Sweetly, Callisto.'
She read the note a few times, before realizing that her breath was stuck in her throat. She closed her eyes and released a deep exhale. "He gave me his phone number." She stared at the numbers on the card, seeming to be confused about what to do with the information.
"You should give him a call, Marigold."
She looked up to see Zora standing over her shoulder, silently reading the note.
"If nothing else, then to say you got the flowers and to thank him. Men who apologize with flowers don't come along too often---I'll watch the shop." This was the small push that she needed toward him. Marigold realized that it would be rude to not call and at least express gratitude.
She walked outside with the card in her hand. The anxiety began to permeate the air around her, as she dialed his number, silently praying to Neptune that he wouldn't answer.
"Hello," his voice was gentle and sweet, just like their last night together.
Heat began to rush to her cheeks, a nervous smile bloomed across her face.
"Hi, it's me...I got the flowers, they are beautiful. Thank you." She held the phone close and felt her breaths getting caught in her throat.
"You're welcome, I'm glad you like them."
There was a sizable silence on the phone between them. Neither one wanted to disconnect the call.
"I truly am sorry, Marigold. I would love the opportunity to start over with you, if that would be okay?"
She was taken aback by his offer but had to admit that she had missed him. She was confused about what this man saw in her that he wanted to continue chasing her. She considered herself to be a traumatized, emotional disaster; who was more trouble than she was worth. Yet here he was, asking her for another chance because he saw past her trauma for the person she was. He seemed to be truly sorrowful and regretful for how they had started.
Callisto noticed her hesitation and decided to push her just a bit to hopefully agree. "You have my word that things will be different," he said confidently.
There was another pause between them before he heard a small voice say. "Okay," before the line disconnected.
A wide grin spread across each of their faces, as if they could see each other. Marigold put her phone away and headed back into the store. Callisto put his phone down and began to work on a date that would show her how serious he was about them.
As Marigold and Zora began to close the shop, she received a text message from Callisto.
'I have planned a romantic evening for us. Wear what you would like. I will be at your house at nine PM.'
She reread the text several times before recognizing that she was beginning to feel excitement for the first time in a long time. Marigold walked Zora to her car before walking the short walk to her house.
Judas peeked out from her bag."You seem chipper?" he attempted to probe.
She kept walking, failing to acknowledge the question, hoping that he would drop it. Judas caught the hint and sank back into the bag. They were finally home, Marigold set the bag on the floor and Judas headed straight to the kitchen for his dinner. She noticed Cove was in the kitchen, preparing his lunch before leaving for work.
"Plans for tonight, my love?" Cove asked, while he packed the rest of his lunch and placed kibble in Judas' bowl.
"No plans set in stone."
