text: “I need more flowers on the west side” “And there aren’t enough tables” It was a busy day in the manor. People were shouting last minute orders before the wedding, but one dark haired girl in a stunning bridesmaid dress was the loudest. Violet Faye looked around to make sure everything was perfect. “Are these the second batch of flowers I ordered? I asked for Calla Lilies not Easter lilies” She massaged her temple “You need to relax” A familiar voice spoke behind her. Violet turned to the source of the voice as a splash of red stained her cheeks. “I have to make sure everything is in the right place” She stated with stress obvious in her voice. “No, No, there shouldn’t be an end cap. Only six people per table” She scolded a girl from across her “Everything’s perfect” The boy assured her as he scanned the whole scene “Alexander Colt Haynes, you’re just saying that because I’m your best friend” She rolled her eyes at his remark. “That and you’re also the best wedding planner” He showed his famous smirk that made her heart beat faster than its normal pace. Damn! That smile. “Whatever. But what are you doing here? You’re supposed to be preparing for your wedding.” She scolded. “The wedding isn’t till this afternoon. And besides,” he spoke. “What’s wrong with wanting to see you?” At this, her heart was beating so fast that it could get out of her chest any time now, if it was possible. but she kept a straight face. “And you look pretty, by the way.” he added “T-thank you” “Want to take a walk?” She hesitated “I have work to do.” “Come on Vi, we may never have this kind of conversation again when I get married.” The word ‘married’ made her cringe a bit, but she composed herself first before he notices. Violet sighed “Ok, Fine. But remember I still have a lot of work to do” He chuckled. “Okay working girl” .... 10 year old violet was sitting on one of the benches on the park, head low and tears streaming down her cheeks. She was having fun moments ago until when girls from her school where bullying her. “Oh look! Looser violet is playing on the park” “And what is she wearing? Did she get it from a homeless man?” “Ha Ha Ha!” She continued sobbing while staring at the grass beneath her. The girls somehow stopped bullying her but she was still scared and she couldn’t stop crying. A boy of the same age arrived at the park and sat on one of the benches. He never usually goes to the park these days. He could’ve played skateboard or videogames or watch movies with his friends but since he’s taking care of his little sister, he has no choice otherwise. He also cared for her that much. Meters away from where he was sitting, he heard a sobbing. He didn’t want to meddle in other people’s businesses but since he hates the idea of someone sad he couldn’t just sit there the whole afternoon and listen to all the crying. Curious, he stood up and approached her. “Why are you crying?” Violet looked up with eyes swollen. She sniffed and spoke to the boy in front of her. “Nothing. Just leave me alone” She wiped her tears and continued to stare at the ground. He placed both his hand in his jeans front pocket “Were those girls bullying you?” He asked with a serious tone in his voice. Violet seemed surprise of his question, so she looked up to face him again. “H-How d-did you know?” Her sentences were muffled, but somehow he heard it clearly. He shrugged “Instincts. Be right back” Since then the bullies stopped bothering her, though she never had a clue as to what Alex has told them. And from that day on, they had become the best of friends. It just happens somehow that her dad knew his dad and they too were close friends back in the day. .... “So where’s the honeymoon? You still haven’t told me” Violet and Alex are now currently walking along the manor gardens where the wedding ceremony was supposed to be held. “Well I haven’t told anyone really, Grace included” Grace is his soon wife-to-be. Violet never hated Grace. In fact she admired her. She was this female side of Alex. Grace and Alex both have a lot in common and she was almost close to perfect -- somehow violet can’t compete with that. Violet knew that Grace and Alex will be a great couple ever since the day she introduced Grace to him. It was during Violet’s 21st birthday. It was the so-called love at first sight and Violet knew that she was losing Alex from that moment on. Yet she willingly accepted what was to come and never bothered to complain even when she realized that Alex will not be ‘her Alex’ anymore and that she’s secretly hurt. “So? Spill the beans now” She insisted, there was excitement on her voice. “Ok. We have this beach house down at Les Plages. So I’m taking her there” he smiled. “Since when did you have a beach house at Les Plages?” “Well, it just finished last month and I had it built just for the wedding. It’s supposed to be a surprise, but since you’re my best friend, I can’t keep anything from you” Right, Best friend! Violet thought. She pushed her thoughts aside and smiled at him. “You two would really make a good husband and wife” “Umm...yeah! And I have you to thank for that” He ruffled her hair, which made her blush but strands of it fell out of place and got tangled. “Hey! It took an hour to fix my hair, and you just disheveled it like that.” He smacked his arm and they both laughed at her reaction. “Whatever hair style you have on, you always look beautiful” He took strands of hair from her cheek and tucked it behind her ear. Now her heart went crazy, she blushed heavily and she felt her legs wobble and could fall anytime. “Shut up!” She looked away from him, hoping he wouldn’t notice the aura he has been giving her. “Aww. You’re blushing. You look cute” He teased and chuckled. She instinctively covered both her cheeks with her palms “Stop it. You’re making fun of me” “I know how you blush every time someone complements you. You don’t need to hide it, it looks cute. We’ve been friends for a long time Vi -- lifetime even.” She rolled her eyes, but somehow she knew he was right. Alex did know her better - even better than herself. “Hey did you remember our senior Prom?” Violet asked out of the blue, eager to change the subject at hand. She could die of heart attack any minute now. Why does merely his presence have a great effect on her? .... “I-I hate you” She ran to the kitchen and sat on one of the chairs there, her dress sagged up as she cried. The door creaked open. She heard footsteps coming close, though she didn’t bother to look up. “Go away” she sniffed. Last thing she wants right now is someone else’s company. “Violet” she recognized the voice. Tears overflowed on her bloodshot eyes. “Now you can say I deserve this because I never listened to you!” She spoke at the familiar voice but kept her gaze focused on the ground. The next thing she knew, her head was being cradled by warm hands. She looked up “Now why would I say something like that?” A voice so comforting and calm spoke. “Alex I’m sorry, if...if only I...I listened to you!” Now she sobbed heavily as the warm hands find its way on her cold cheeks. She then stared deeply into his brown eyes and just by looking at those, made her relaxed a bit. Maybe all she needed was his comfort. “Just ignore him Vi” Alex spoke as he hugged her protectively. “That guy doesn’t know what he’s missing, he’s not worth crying for.” He reassured her. “But I really thought he loved me, and he just dumped me in front of everyone saying he doesn’t love me because I don’t belong here” She spoke as she wriggle her way out of his warm embrace. He tucked a hair behind her ear as he spoke “Neither he or anyone else is going to ever hurt you anymore. I have to protect you Violet you’re very fragile.” He smiled at her. Violet blushed. “But why?” “I know you’re putting up a façade in front of everyone, acting all strong and tough -- but even the toughest persons can be vulnerable inside” “T-thank you” And finally for the first time since that incident, she smiled which made him grin even more. Alex stood up and extended his hand. “Now c’mon let’s get back there and have fun. Show him what he’s missing.” She took his hand and Alex wiped away her tears. “I will always be here for you, Vi. Remember that” “Me too. Thanks ” “What can’t I do? I’m your best friend after all” he chuckled. Then a tear started to roll on her cheek again. “No, No more crying okay. Come on, we’ll enjoy the night like nothing’s happened” he extended his hand and Violet accepted it willingly. So they danced the night away, forgetting everything that had happened. The flashback ended and now a different kind of aura and tension was beginning to form between them. “In a few hours you’ll be getting married. I still can’t believe it” They both now sat on one of the garden chairs. “What? You never thought I was husband material?” he joked. ‘I’ve always thought about it -- you and me. But that couldn’t happen anymore right?’ she spoke on her mind. Sadness fills her. “I did. But it changed over time.” They both chuckled. After a few minutes of silence Violet started speaking. “I- I have been meaning to tell you something” She forced a smile. “What is it?” ‘What are you doing violet?’ she thought. Noticing she’s been silent for a long time, Alex began to worry and ask “Is everything okay?” This time he faced her. She glanced sideways at him then closed her eyes, bracing herself as to what might happen next. “I love you, Alex” She fidgeted on her purse. He half-smiled “I know. I love you too Vi. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had” ‘Ugh! Best friend, that word again’ She now opened her eyes and faced him “No, not like that. I-I meant I love you...more than that!” His smile then slowly faded. She never felt this way before -- like a big burden she’s carrying for too long had been taken away from her. It felt good and bad, bitter and sweet--letting her feelings out in the open. “What are you saying, Vi?” There’s now a hint of edginess in his voice. She chuckled as she suppressed a tear from falling, last thing she wanted to do right now is, cry. “I have always liked you since the first time we’ve met. You were always there for me and somehow I clumsily let myself fall for you” She stared at the flowers in front of her. “But why? Why are you telling me this now?” “Because--” she looked away as tears rolled down on her cheeks “--Because you have always thought of me as...a best friend, nothing more. And I just want you to know how I feel even if it’s too late” His eyes widened as he was caught off guard. He seemed so surprised that he wanted to punch himself in the face for being insensitive. He never knew until now that all this time, Violet loved him. He felt a little regretful and guilty at the same time because he too loved Violet. It was like he felt a pang of pain and a punch in his gut for never telling her how he really feels for her. All those times, he had been afraid of rejection. Then that time came when Violet introduced him to Grace. Yes, it was the so-called love at first sight, but that time, he also thought that Violet wanted her for him, that she wanted Alex to be happy with someone else. So Alex willingly accepted Grace, sincerely loved her and gave her everything ‘God, she was worth everything’ Alex thought. “F**k!” he clenched his fists tightly making the knuckles go white “Why are you making this so hard for me Vi?” He said with pain obvious in his voice. Violet sniffed and wiped away all her tears “You’re right! I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Forget everything I’ve said, okay? We have a wedding to attend to. I have to go. There’s still a lot of stuff to do” She attempted to stand up but Alex grabbed her wrist and squeezed it gently. She didn’t bother to look at him. “I have loved you too, all this time, Violet” With this her head instinctively swiveled in his direction and tears now poured all over her face but she can clearly see what he said were true. He liked her, too. Yes! He liked her. The feeling wasn’t just one-sided all this time. She could just kiss him right there and run away forever with him, but somehow she felt like she has ruined something. ‘What about Grace?’ She thought. She felt a lump on her throat and she had to swallow a few times before words came out her mouth. “But I have to let you go” She spoke softly but he heard it loud and clear. He let go of his grip. He felt like an explosion just went off in his chest. Though it was painful but Violet was right. It was the right thing to do. He didn’t want Grace hurt too. “I know you and Grace will have a perfect family. I love you Alex, always will. But this is goodbye” And she ran away from him as tears overflowed and ruined her make-up. At the reception... “Sweetie, I’m going to say Hi to the guests okay? Can you get us me some wine please?” Gracie asked Alex. “Sure” He approached the wine area and saw Ben, the butler. “Hey Ben. Have you seen Violet?” “Oh yes. She was eager to leave the party. She got an important call oversees and had to leave immediately. I guess by now she’s on the Plane” “What? Did she say where she was going? Did she leave any message for me or something?” “I’m sorry sir, but none” “Did she say when she’s coming back, at least?” “No” And now he lost her best friend --maybe for forever. His eyes were sad like a boy who had his toy train broken. He searched for Violet in his memories and half-smiled. ‘Good old times’ he thought. Then he looked at Grace, smiling happily while talking to the guests, realizing how he was lucky to have Grace in his life and that he had Violet to thank for that. .... 6 years later... Violet was currently drinking coffee and reading a book while relaxing in Les Café au Laitshe, a coffee shop she just recently discovered, when she saw a young girl bewildered, scared and crying. She seemed lost, so Violet approached her. “Hey there little girl. Are you alone?” “I *sniff* l-I can’t find papa. I want my papa" “You don’t look like you’re from here. Stop crying now. Come on we’ll sit and tell me about your dad okay? So we can look for him” “Okay” The little girl wipes the tears on her eyes. Violet was about to get a paper from her purse when the little girl shouted “papa!” and ran. She gazed to where the little’s girl destination was. She gaped and saw someone she never expected to see again. “Oh! Honey, are you okay?" he wiped the little girl's tears "I'm so sorry papa lost you. It won’t happen again I promise, okay?” he kissed her forehead and gave her a warm embrace. The girl sniffed “It’s okay, besides I met a pretty lady over there” The little girl pointed towards Violet’s direction as the guy stood up. “Vi?” Violet smiled at him. God he missed those smile. “Hey Alex” she spoke as Alex and his daughter approached. “W-w... How long has it been? How are you?” Alex smiled brightly. “Same old. Well actually I just opened a Bridal shop here in Paris” “Really? You’ve always wanted that. It finally came true!” the excitement on his tone was evident. “Yeah! It’s great” She smiled at him in reply. The little girl looked at her dad, then to violet and back to Alex “Hey papa, you two know each other?” the little girl asked in surprise. “Yes Honey, she’s an old friend of mine” “Cool. I’m violet by the way. And you’re really pretty” the little girl extended her hand and grinned in the cutest possible way. Violet crouched and accepted the little girls’ hand. “Oh thank you Violet, that’s so sweet. It just so happened my name too is Violet” she glanced at Alex accusingly with one eyebrow raised. “Yay! That’s really amazing. Hey papa can I get some ice cream?” “Sure, honey. Here buy some and don’t get lost from sight okay?” “Okay” The little girl hummed a song as she skipped towards the ice cream store “So” he cleared his throat as she stood up. “I named her after you” “I’m flattered. Thank you” she smiled at him warmly “So how are things? Where’s Grace? Is there any addition to the family?” She asked just to keep the conversation going and less awkward. “Uhmm...You haven’t heard? Gracie passed away a year now” He half-smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. It’s been a year but he still missed her dearly. She gasped “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-” “I know. Its okay “Alex said with a calm voice and changed the subject. “How about you? Do I hear a Mrs. Coming? Can I meet this lucky guy?” “No, None at the moment” she shook her head and half-smiled “That surprised me. Why?” “Well I’ve been busy lately, with the opening of the shop and everything else” And so the talking went on and reminiscing the good old times. “Could we grab a bite sometime?” Alex asked Violet, hoping she’d say yes. “That’ll be cool!” “You know, I’ve been looking everywhere for you, But I never expected to see you here, in all places” “Really? Well maybe fate brought us together again” he grinned wider, this time “Uhmm...Vi, Can I ask you something?” “What is it?” He cleared his throat “Am I too late to ask you for, you know uhm... maybe for a second chance?” Violet looked deeply into his eyes and saw a hint of hope. She smiled and replied with gleeful eyes. “No, not at all” They both smiled in sync. And so their story begins again....