Chapter Text
Charlotte took in a deep breath as she took in the flowers around her shop. The spring equinox just passed, which meant that tulips were in season. She took her time with each section, making sure the flowers were arranged to her liking. Charlotte stood up as the bell rang, signaling someone had just walked in.
A brunette dressed in denim pants with a striped long sleeve walked through the door, “Morning, Charlotte!”
Turning, Charlotte smiled at her regular. “Engfa, hey! Good morning. What are we looking for today?”
In Bloom had its fair share of customers that came in often. Greg, a man who came in weekly to buy flowers for lunch dates with his daughter. Violet, a woman who comes monthly to buy flowers when she goes to visit her grandparents.
Engfa, who came one or twice a week for a reason Charlotte hasn’t figured out yet. Almost every time, she asks Charlotte for flowers that symbolize a specific thing. Almost every time, it changes.
Last time, new beginnings.
The time before, compassion.
The time before today, patience.
Engfa is a regular who spends more time in the shop than the others. Listening to Charlotte explain each one, taking in how the color of each flower changes the meaning. Engfa stays long enough for Charlotte to share a story or two about where the symbols come from.
Today, hope.
Charlotte wonders what happened that caused her to need more of it. Charlotte guides Engfa through the shop, leading them to the side. She takes Engfa to the section that houses irises.
Charlotte picks up a small bouquet, “These are pretty nice. They symbolize hope, wisdom, faith, trust, and bravery.” She handed the flowers over to Engfa.
Engfa inhaled, humming in satisfaction. “Is there a story?”
Charlotte met her eyes, silently asking if she had enough time to listen. While Charlotte always received an affirmative answer, she felt the need to ask anyway. Today was no different, the shorter girl nodded her head, silently giving space for the shop owner.
“Iris is a fairly popular symbol in Greek Mythology. Iris was a goddess, and a companion to female souls on their journey to heaven.” Engfa followed Charlotte as she walked to the front of the shop where the tulips were.
Charlotte tended to the arraignment as she continued, “It is said that Greeks still lay purple irises on women’s graves, hoping that the goddess will lead them to their last resting place. In Egypt, they are sometimes used to represent power and victory.”
Engfa was silent, taking in the story. Charlotte sensed a shift, “Are you interested in tulips? Yellow ones symbolize hope too.”
Engfa shook her head, giving a small smile. “No, I think these are fine. I appreciate it, I always enjoy hearing your stories. You’re very passionate.”
Charlotte smiled in return, “Thank you. You’re one of the few who sticks around long enough to hear me share them.” The two women moved to the cash register.
“People are missing out. Your voice is very comforting, I could probably listen to you all day if I didn’t have somewhere to be.” Engfa handed Charlotte her card.
As the two women bid each other goodbye, Engfa waved while pushing the door open. “Bye, Engfa. I’ll see you again sometime.”
“Soon, maybe.” Charlotte said to herself.
—
Charlotte wasn’t sure how much time had passed since she last saw Engfa. Their last conversation being one about flowers that surrounded hope. Whatever the other woman was going through, Charlotte hoped that it turned out well.
It was a routine morning for her. In Bloom isn’t usually open on weekends, but Charlotte had closed the shop during the week to get a leak fixed in her condo. She was expecting a slow day.
The bell rang.
“Welcome to In Bloom! How can I help you tod–” Charlotte stopped as she took in the woman before her.
Engfa was wearing black pants and an oversized black shirt, sporting white shoes. What struck the shop owner was that the other woman had dyed her hair black. Charlotte noted that Engfa’s eyes didn’t seem as bright as before, and her smile. It seemed like the dimples Charlotte had become familiar with were strangers now.
The pair stood in silence before Charlotte recovered, “Hey, Engfa. It’s been a while.”
“Yeah, it has, hasn't it?” Engfa walked around the shop, eyeing various bouquets aimlessly. Bending down, Engfa took a closer look at some camellias.
Charlotte walked towards the shorter woman, “Is there a particular flower you’re looking for today?”
“No, actually. I think I’ve just needed to hear a familiar voice.” Engfa stood up, facing the taller woman. Charlotte realized what the biggest difference was in the woman across from her.
The two women stood sharing a silent conversation.
Where have your dimples gone?
I haven’t had much to smile for lately.
I miss them.
Me too.
Charlotte took a breath as she continued the conversation, “Would you like to hear a story about them? Camellias?”
Engfa sighed in relief, nodding.
“They usually bloom in early spring. They have a symbolic meaning associated with strong love. Depending on the region, it changes.” Charlotte pointed to a chair, silently asking Engfa to sit and stay a while.
Charlotte continued, “They usually grow on evergreen shrubs and are generally easy to maintain. In Asia, they are a symbol of unyielding or strong love. When flowers die, petals usually fall off. But with these, both the sepals and petals fall off. Some see it as a representation of two partners entering their next phase in life together.”
Engfa sat, making no sign to move. Charlotte continued her story, sharing how each color impacts the meaning. As she finished, she could see the other woman’s eyes change.
While the light in Engfa’s eyes hadn’t returned, innocent curiosity sparkled. The owner realized that the other woman was likely not going to buy anything. What she wanted couldn’t be bought. Today, she needed comfort.
So Charlotte moved on to another, and another. From camellias, to roses, to daisies. To almost all the flowers they had in the shop.
At that time, there were no customers that came by.
Charlotte walked around and Engfa nodded, following along. The taller woman doubted that she would retain most of what was shared. Charlotte looked at the clock, noting that it was almost time to close.
Sadness crept up on Charlotte, not wanting to leave the world that she and Engfa had created in the walls of her shop.
Engfa spent that day listening to Charlotte. She spent that day comforted by a storyteller and her muses.
As they bid each other goodbye, Charlotte saw a tiny dimple grace the face of someone she considered a friend.
—
The following week, Charlotte was getting ready to close the shop. Wishing her last customer good luck on their first date. As Charlotte wiped down the counter, the bell rang.
Charlotte spoke as she continued cleaning, “Welcome to In Bloom! I’m sorry, but we’re closed.”
“I know.”
Engfa watched Charlotte’s pink hair move as she lifted her head, “Oh, hey.”
The weather has been warmer lately, Charlotte sported denim jeans and a black mock turtleneck. Today, Engfa wore a dress and a white cropped jacket.
Engfa walked further into the shop, sitting on the chair she became familiar with last week. She looked apprehensive, “I was actually wondering if you’d like to get coffee?”
Charlotte stumbled in her response, “Oh! S– Sure. Do you mind waiting while I clean up? It shouldn’t take long, it makes it easier for me in the morning when I open.”
“I don’t mind. Do you need help, actually?” Engfa chuckled.
Charlotte shook her head as she put her hair in a ponytail, “I’m good. It’s not much, I just hope you don’t get bored.”
“With you? I haven’t found myself even close to it,” Engfa made herself comfortable.
The two women were in a comfortable silence. Charlotte finished wiping down the counter, moving on to mopping the floor. She continued to work, glancing every now and then at the black haired woman who sat using her phone.
To her surprise, Engfa started to sing lightly. Charlotte almost didn’t catch it.
You don’t know, babe.
When you hold me
You kiss me slowly
It's the sweetest thing
Charlotte stopped for a moment. Engfa’s voice was beautiful. She noted the vibrato, the other woman must be a professional of some sort. She couldn’t not be, with a voice like that. She leaned her head on the handle of the mop, taking Engfa in.
And it don't change
If I had it my way
You would know that you are
Charlotte resumed her mopping. Grateful for the background music. She cleaned at a slower pace, willing Engfa to sing the rest of the song.
You’re the coffee that I need in the morning
You're my sunshine in the rain when it's pouring
Won't you give yourself to me?
Give it all, oh
Putting the mop away, Charlotte leaned over the counter. Head in her hands, she watched Engfa get through the chorus. It’s likely Engfa didn’t even notice that she had finished, she was absorbed in the moment, singing with her eyes closed.
I just wanna see
I just wanna see how beautiful you are
You know that I see it, I know you're a star
Where you go, I'll follow, no matter how far
If life is a movie, know you're the best part, ooh
You're the best part, ooh
Best part
Charlotte moved towards the other woman as the singer opened her eyes. Engfa was relaxed, her aura seemed different. Peaceful.
In that moment, Charlotte wished she wasn’t so reserved. How is it that she spent almost an entire day with her and she didn’t know the other woman could sing? She wanted to tell Engfa everything.
Your voice is beautiful. Your eyes seem brighter. Where were you those past weeks? What changed? Who changed? I never figured out why you were buying those flowers. Thank you for listening to my stories.
Instead, she took her hair out of a ponytail. While gathering her things, Charlotte said, “You ready?”
—
The two women made their way down the street to a coffee shop nearby. By the time Charlotte finished closing, it was well into the afternoon.
The pair walked in relatively comfortable silence, this was the first time either of them had spent time together outside of the shop. Charlotte wondered why Engfa asked her to hang out so suddenly.
As they arrived, Charlotte had ordered first. She was taking out her wallet before the raven-haired woman interrupted her, “I got us. I’m the one who asked you out to begin with.”
The taller woman sported a light blush at the implications of what Engfa had said, “Are you sure?”
Engfa continued to insist, “I really don’t mind.” Turning to the barista, she continued, “Can you also add an iced americano and plain croissant with that?”
They waited at the side for their drinks, making their way outside after getting all their things. Charlotte took a couple sips of her tea, watching the cars on the street while her counterpart took a bite out of her croissant.
It was clear that they were unsure how to start the conversation, but desperately wanted to say something. Engfa wondered why it suddenly became difficult to talk to the other girl, she always felt like she could ask her anything.
She realized that most of their conversations surrounded flowers. She didn’t know anything about the other girl beyond the fact that Charlotte had pink hair, is an amazing storyteller, is extremely kind, has a beautiful smile, and is the owner of In Bloom.
To Charlotte’s surprise, the silence was broken by Engfa’s chuckle.
“This is weird, isn’t it?” The raven-haired woman implored.
Charlotte was quick to reassure her, “No! Not for me at least. I’m just curious, is all. Why the sudden invite for coffee?”
Engfa sat back in her chair, sipping her coffee before responding. “Honestly, I don’t know. I was walking by and I saw you cleaning up, I feel like the invitation came out before I could think about it.”
Charlotte laughed, “Okay, well, I can do a short introduction to break the weird tension we have going on. I feel like I know nothing about you besides the fact that you like buying flowers, and vice versa.”
“Yes, please. It’s so awkward feeling like it’s hard to talk, when I’ve heard you talk for hours before.” Engfa set her head in her hands, giving the pink haired woman her attention.
The recipient felt her heart stutter at the action, talking to Engfa was different when she wasn’t occupied by arranging carnations or violets.
Charlotte mirrored her, “My name is Charlotte Austin, I’m 24. I moved to Seattle when I was 10, I’m originally from Los Angeles. I live by myself, my parents are overseas.”
Engfa nodded along, “How’d you end up owning In Bloom?” She was surprised that the woman had become a business owner at a young age.
“That will have to wait, you go. We can do follow up questions after.” Charlotte grinned, gesturing for the other woman to begin.
“Okay, well, my name is Engfa Waraha. I’m 28, I moved to Seattle a little over 5 years ago. I’m a music producer.” Before Charlotte could ask a follow up question, Engfa continued. “So, seriously, how’d you end up owning In Bloom?”
Charlotte waved her hands animatedly as she started telling the story, “My parents separated when I was in college, and I befriended a nice woman named Miss Van. She’s my neighbor and the original owner of the shop.”
Engfa chewed on her croissant as Charlotte continued, “I got my degree in botany, I would help out at the shop whenever I could. I did a lot of my assignments in the back room, and it was helpful for the things I was learning in class. Plus, the money was good and I never had to pay for food since Miss Van would always feed me. She was traveling a lot, I would end up running the place when she was gone. After I graduated, she ended up passing the shop over to me.”
“Wow, that’s amazing.” Charlotte beamed at the sincerity behind Engfa’s words, “So, music? I didn’t know you could sing.”
Engfa grew shy at her teasing lilt in her voice, “Yeah, I moved here from Thailand after I finished college. My dad was an artist, and I’ve always admired him. I did a bunch of odd jobs basically all my life. I feel like there wasn’t a job I didn’t do. I did a bunch of singing competitions, and it got me in contact with the director of the company I work for now.”
“Have you thought about releasing your own music? Or venturing to the other side of the glass?” Charlotte was intrigued.
Engfa sat with a thoughtful expression, taking a couple minutes before responding, “I have. A part of me wonders what it would be like to release music. I know I have the talent, but singing has always been the thing that doesn’t have a price attached to it. It’s always been for me.”
Charlotte nodded in understanding as Engfa continued, “In the industry, profit is everything. I love singing, and I love myself more than anything the industry could offer me.”
Both women were unaware of the time until a barista had told them it was time for closing. Engfa looked at her watch and was surprised, it was past 8PM. Charlotte checked her phone, she didn’t miss much. She responded to a group chat with her best friends, Heidi and Marima, about plans to grab dinner over the weekend. Engfa did the same, and responded to texts from her friends, Tina and Nesa.
She was taken out of her focus by Engfa’s voice, “Do you have plans for the rest of the night?”
Charlotte shook her head, “No, but I do have to feed my bunny. She gets antsy when she’s home by himself for too long. If I’m out of town, usually one of my friends will hang out and take care of her.”
“You have a bunny? Can I meet her?” Engfa’s lips turned into a pout. Charlotte doubts anyone would believe her, but she’s pretty sure the raven-haired woman just turned into a puppy.
Charlotte rolled her eyes and responded with a tone Engfa was growing fond of, “I guess. Do you really want to?”
“Hell yeah I do, you have a bunny. I have a dog, my sister lives in the same building. Gyo likes to hang out at my sister’s while I’m gone.” The pair gathered their belongings, “Do you live far from here?”
Charlotte shook her head, “Not really. It’s a 5 minute drive away from the shop. I usually walk, I don’t drive unless I plan to be out for a while.”
“I parked by the shop, I can take us back to yours if you don’t mind me coming over.” Engfa’s excitement dissipated to nervousness, she didn’t want to push Charlotte’s boundaries by inviting herself over.
Charlotte grinned, growing endeared by the older woman. “I don’t mind, I am hungry though. Do you mind if we grab dinner on the way?”
The two walked back to In Bloom, shoulders bumping occasionally. Laughter could be heard as the pair walked along the lit sidewalk.
Engfa stopped next to a black Mercedes SUV, “This is my baby.” Engfa opened the passenger door, smiling, “Hop in.”
Charlotte’s jaw almost dropped. She remembered Engfa mentioning that she’s worked enough in the industry to make a living. She didn’t know that it was the luxurious kind, she admired the interior as Engfa started the engine.
Engfa let Charlotte connect her phone to the car’s bluetooth, “As my passenger for this drive, you have to pick the music. What are you in the mood to eat?”
“Anything, really. I’m not picky at all.” Charlotte was surprised to find herself relaxed. In any other situation, she’d be beyond tense. Though, she’ll admit that she was hoping the driver would like her taste in music.
Engfa moved out of her parking spot and made her way to the main street, “What neighborhood do you live in?”
“Fremont. Yourself?” Charlotte had her eyes on the road. She was sneaking looks towards the other woman, admiring how she looked while she drove.
Stopping at a red light, Engfa turned towards her passenger, “Wait, seriously? I live in Ballard.”
Conversation flowed easily between them. They bought takeout from one of Engfa’s favorite Thai restaurants, which wasn’t far from where Charlotte lived. Charlotte paid, despite how much the driver insisted. They got to the pink haired woman’s condo, and Engfa was pleasantly surprised by the layout of the space. There were plants everywhere, of course. Littered around the apartment were pictures of Charlotte with friends and family, shelves were filled with trinkets that the younger woman loved. It felt like Charlotte.
Engfa couldn’t remember the last time she felt this way. How long it had been since she felt the warmth of someone’s soul breathed into a space. She didn’t realize how much she missed walking into a house, and having it feel like home. Charlotte gave her a tour, and told her the story behind the people in the photos.
That night, Engfa walked through the hallways of someone’s heart. She had dinner in the company of someone she called a friend. She laughed, and laughed, and felt light. She met Phalo, and had done her best to get on the bunny’s good side. It was well after midnight by the time she left, taking the younger woman’s yawn as her cue. They exchanged numbers before bidding one another goodbye.
When Engfa got home, she received a text. Thanks for coming over, and listening to my stories once again. I know the drive isn’t long, but I hope it was safe. I hope to see you again, whether it’s in our world filled with flowers or outside of it. Sweet dreams. Engfa saved Charlotte’s number under a plant, one that she’d come to think of every time Charlotte crossed her mind.
Evergreen.