Ugly(48)

She’s right, I’m not. Trent really didn’t do anything wrong. I shouldn’t punish him because Audrey is horrible. She’s not his responsibility. “You’re right,” I admit, finally able to see clearly how I reacted.

“Just talk to him, not right now, after your shift finishes.”

“Yeah, okay, I think that’s a good idea.” I stand and smile to her. “Can you see if you can please refer me to the store near campus? Or even see if they have any positions vacant?”

“Sure, I’ll do it and let you know on your last shift.”

“Thank you.” I turn to walk out and go start work.

“Oh, Lily. Some of the girls want to surprise you and take you out on Friday night for your last shift. Maybe it’s a good idea if you let Trent know. He may want to come with you.”

“Thanks, Stacey, I will.”

I leave her office and go down to start my shift. Clinton, one of the shift supervisors, tells me what register I’m on, and I go to start my ten-hour shift.

The first five hours drag on, and I can’t wait until I go on my break so I can get something to eat. I missed out on breakfast this morning because I wanted to get here early to speak with Stacey, and now I’m starving.

As I finish with the last customer, I see a guy in a brown uniform and cap walk in carrying a large bunch of lilies. They look beautiful and I can’t help but think, that possibly they’re for me. But that would be stupid, because if anything I’m to blame for what happened last night, because as Stacey pointed out, I overreacted and caused the problem. So if anything, I should be the one sending Trent flowers and begging him for forgiveness. Stupid really. Why would he send me anything?

“Lily Anderson?” The guy in the brown uniform asks me.

“Yes,” I say, looking at him suspiciously.

“These are for you. Enjoy your day,” he cheerfully tells me, hands me the huge bouquet of flowers, then walks out.

“Wait, what?” I call after him, but he’s already out the door.

“Aren’t they beautiful? Who are they from?” my customer asks.

“I’m not sure.” Maybe they’re from Shayne, and this is her birthday present to me.

“Open the card,” the lady encourages me.

“But your groceries?”

“They’ll still be here in a few moments. I want to see that lovely smile grow even wider when you read the card.” She’s an elderly lady, and I think the fact there’s someone around her who’s happy, makes her happy.

“Thank you, ma’am.” I stop working, only for a moment and open the card.

“My Darling Lily,

Please forgive me for being an idiot. I love you and I don’t want to lose you. I promise I’ll do better because I never want you to leave.

I love you with my entire heart,

Trent x

PS: Happy birthday, baby.”

“Who are they from?” she asks again, as tears well up in my eyes. He’s so sweet, I did something wrong, and he’s sending me flowers.

“They’re from my boyfriend,” I answer her and read the card again before sliding it between the flowers and continuing with her groceries.

“You’re a very lucky girl. Because they really are beautiful.” She smiles at me again.

“Thank you, ma’am.” I finish with her groceries, close down my register for my break and take my flowers toward the staff break room.

“Lily,” I hear from behind me. I turn around and see Trent’s dressed beautifully. He’s wearing a suit, and his hair is nicely done.

“I got your flowers,” I say, as I look down at them. “They’re gorgeous, thank you.”

He walks toward me with such confidence and strength. “I know why I’ve been going crazy. And I’m so sorry, but I’m here to make it right, and it starts right now.” He drops to one knee, in the middle of the candy isle. “Lily Anderson, I love you. I’ve been going crazy since last night. I tried to understand what happened, and it was like a light bulb moment brightened up my whole room when I figured out what was wrong. I’m wrong. I’m wrong because I’m scared of losing the best thing that’s ever happened to me. We don’t have to get married right away, but please say yes to being my wife?” He takes a small black box out of his coat pocket and flips it open.

I can’t help but smile at the tiny diamond ring he’s presenting me. I’m not laughing at the size of the rock, but at the fact that he’s done the best he can with the money he has.

Looking around, people are gathering and the women are all ‘ooohing’ and ‘ahhhing’ and pointing at how Trent’s wearing his heart on his sleeve,