she’s a lady, and I am just a boy
Orpheus stayed quiet, waiting for a reaction from her he was sure would come in the form of an eye roll or smack in the head. Yet, Belle moved to sit with him on the garden floor, her dress curled beneath her. Orpheus’ breath caught in his chest. Be it out of excitement or pure shock, even he was not sure. However, he found himself, yet again, staring a moment too long.
“You can’t pick flowers if all you’re doing is staring,” Belle’s voice came suddenly, pulling him from his trace-like stare.
“My apologies…” Orpheus felt his face go red and touched a hand to his cheek to calm it. He focused his attention back on the flowers as Belle moved through them diligently and gracefully, pulling a dandelion she happened upon.
As Orpheus listened to her discuss the symbolism behind the flower, his smile spread yet again. She truly was amazing to behold, a woman of her own interests and ideals. He could listen to her talk for hours. Perhaps that is why he continued to visit so regularly, both the challenge of winning her favor and the joy her presence and knowledge brought him.
“I suppose we all need a white dandelion in our lives then, do we not?” Orpheus smiled, plucking one himself, and placing the small flower in his violin case where the rose once sat. A fair trade.
“You know…” Orpheus continued, “Your sister quite misses speaking with you regularly. She talks of you often. You should go to her sometime. I believe she would enjoy your talks of flowers nearly as much as I do.” Orpheus offered.
It was true. In fact, despite both sisters being convinced the other did not desire their company, Orpheus had seen differently. Josephine often talked about how Belle had grown distant, and it broke her heart. It saddened Orpheus, himself, that they both held apart so long over resolvable issues.
“Speak with her.” Orpheus glanced up at Belle briefly as he re-latched his violin case, enclosing the flower inside. Orpheus offered a final, small smile before heading back down the path he came from.
‘Tomorrow,’ he thought, ‘I shall bring an even more beautiful rose’.
mentioned : @Kristi