His Little Flower (Felix and Flora)



Chapter 98

NOW

The sun shone brightly across the front of the car, making me squint as Felix and I drove towards Tommy's neighborhood. Or I guess, my old neighborhood. I stole a glance at Felix, who was focused on the road.

"Tommy's been asking about you a lot since I told him," I said, breaking the comfortable silence between us. "Everything about you. I told him you have a real estate business, because obviously we can't tell people what you really do..." Felix nodded in response, "I'm excited for you to meet his mom. She's really so nice."

Felix chuckled, a twinkle in his eyes. "I'm looking forward to it, too. I wanna see the people who supported you when...I wasn't there."

As we neared our destination, memories of my conversations with Tommy flooded back. "You know, Tommy always told me that it's not realistic to end up with your childhood crush. He used to say that life doesn't work that way. Like one time, he asked me why I'm not dating anyone, and I told him I have a childhood crush I'm still stuck up on, and he told me that it was futile to be stuck up on that."

Felix glanced at me, a hint of pride in his gaze. "And yet here we are."

I nodded, a soft smile playing on my lips. "Exactly. Tommy used to tell me to find more people to date, to explore different connections. But I guess life had other plans," I paused, "I'm glad life had other plans."

Felix reached over and squeezed my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "Sometimes, things just fall into place when you least expect them to."

I leaned back into the plush leather seat, my gaze drifting towards the city lights in the distance. "It's funny how life works out. Tommy was always the realist, the one with practical advice."

Felix chuckled again, a fondness in his eyes. "It wasn't bad advice," he said, "But I'm happy you didn't take it." He gritted his teeth. "I hate thinking about you with other men."

I giggled, "I mean...I'm young. I have time to explore. There are plenty of hot guys to go around. Really, I was reading an article, and it said its good to date at least five people before settling down."

Felix looked at me briefly, "You're getting punished for that, once we get home."

The thought sent waves of heat through me. I licked my lips, sinking down into my seat.

Felix's hand came to slightly pinch my right nipple. "I guess you like the idea."

"No," I lied, mumbling. But we both knew it was true.

Felix smirked. Right as we pulled in to my old neighborhood, my breath caught in my throat. Memories and memories came rushing back. My Dad. Living in fear. Getting beat up.

When I lived here, I wasn't so traumatized by it. I guess leaving a bad situation behind makes you realize the trauma better.

Felix noticed, and he lightly squeezed my hand, "You alright, baby?"

I gave him a brave smile, "I just hope my father isn't there."

"If he is, I'll see to him."

His words of reassurance helped, and I breathed deeply a few times to steady myself.

We parked the car in front of Tommy's house. The soft glow of the porch light welcomed us as we approached, and before we could even ring the doorbell, it swung open, revealing Tommy's mom. Mary's eager face was a welcome sight.

"Flora!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to envelop me in a tight hug. "I've missed you! And this must be Felix!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement as he turned his attention to Felix.

Before I could say anything, Tommy appeared. He looked Felix up and down. Felix extended his hand, a warm smile on his face. "Tommy, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Tommy shook Felix's hand vigorously, a grin stretching from ear to ear. "Me too! C'mon in, you guys!"

As we stepped inside, the cozy warmth of the house embraced us.

"Flora, darling!" Mary exclaimed, rushing over to hug me again once we were inside the house. "And Felix. Tommy's been rambling about you both since the morning," she smiled sweetly, "I've missed you, dear."

Felix extended his hand, and she took it with a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Anderson."noveldrama

She laughed, a melodious sound that filled the room. "Please, call me Mary. And you, young man, are even more handsome than Tommy described. Flora, you've found yourself a good catch."

I couldn't help but blush, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and delight. "Thank you, Mary. You're right."

As we settled into the cozy living room, Tommy chatted animatedly with Felix, sharing stories about our adventures and cracking jokes that had us all in stitches.

Mary beamed at the scene, her eyes twinkling with maternal pride. "Flora, dear, you've found someone special. It's clear he cares about you a lot."

I exchanged a glance with Felix, a silent understanding passing between us. "Yes, Mary. I'm grateful to have him in

my

life."

His mother had prepared a feast, and as we sat around the dining table, the four of us had easy conversation. I had expected some friction, or at least some awkwardness. I hadn't expected Felix to blend into this different world so seamlessly.

"I see your useless Dad a few times a week," Mary grimaced, "Thought I haven't seen him in a bit. Flora, its good that you left that horrid man."

I smiled sadly. I didn't know what to say to that. "Yeah. Me too. How is he? We... haven't really talked."

"The hell if I know!" She exclaimed, "Drunk somewhere, probably."

Tommy shook his head, "Well...he hasn't been home in a while, Flora."

I nodded. That wasn't surprising. He sometimes disappeared for days on end.

As the night drew to a close, Tommy's mother offered warm hugs and kind words. "Felix, take good care of Flora. You're both welcome here anytime."

Felix nodded with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Mary." He looked at them both, "Thank you for taking care of Flora, while I couldn't."

As we stepped out into the cool night, hand in hand, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of happiness. Mary was inside, but Tommy was walking us to the car.

"She spoke about you, you know?" he said to Felix, his voice firm, "Some childhood love. She waited for you." Felix's face was grim as he listened to him. "You better treat her like a queen."

I know he didn't appreciate being spoken to in that tone. But Felix, sweet Felix, only said one thing, "I will spend my whole life making up to her for the lost time. Don't worry about it."